Eyeshadow Application Tips for Instagram-Worthy Eyes

Straight from Kevyn Aucoin’s director of artistry.

Allie Hogan
Allie Hogan
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Published: Sep 21, 2022

Eyeshadow Application Tips for Instagram-Worthy Eyes — Getty Images

Kevyn Aucoin was one of the original masters of contouring. The celebrity makeup artist’s legacy lives on with his widely beloved makeup brand of the same name. The brand recently launched Contour Eyeshadow Palettes ($36) to help easily extend the contouring to your eyes. Nick Lujan, director of artistry & education at Kevyn Aucoin, says the palettes “are your on the go, easy to use, must have shades for any time of year. The three matte shades are perfect for basing and creating depth to the eye area. The three light reflective shades are the best shades to add extra dimension to the eye area, or as a playful pop of color.” As a celebrity makeup artist and educator Lujan has a handful of helpful eyeshadow tips to help you achieve your best eye look yet.

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Decide where to place shimmer based on your eyes

Many of us have been blindly applying shimmer across our eyelids for years, but Lujan says that’s ill-advised. The ideal placement of shimmer all depends on your eyes. “For close-set eyes, place shimmer under the arch of the brow (brow bone) and on the inner corner of the eyes. This will help to open up the distance between the eyes,” says Lujan. “For wide-set eyes, place shimmer under the brow arch and on the center of the mobile lid. Keep the inner corner of the eye a matte medium or matte deep shade to close the distance between the eyes.”

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Always start with a matte

Lujan says that eyeshadow with a matte finish should always be your starting point. “Matte absorbs light and is perfect as a base and for sculpting hooded lids,” explains Lujan. Only add shimmer to the areas you want to reflect light and stand out, he advises.

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Load your brush with product

“For the best application of all powder products, always load your brush by working the product into the bristles on the back of your hand before applying,” advises Lujan. Lujan explains that this helps the work be more precise with less clean-up. While many people tap or flick the brush to get rid of excess product Lujan warns that this “can lead to fallout or a patchy application.”

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Use eyeshadow as eyeliner

We love a two-in-one product. Lujan says you can use this eyeshadow palette as a liner by using a lightly damp precision brush to pick up the shade and apply it.

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Use eyeshadow as an eyebrow filler

The only thing we love more than a two-in-one product is a three-in-one product. According to Lujan, some of the medium and deep matte shades in the palettes can also be used as a simple eyebrow fill color.

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Prep the eye area

Start with a fresh canvas. Lujan recommends prepping the eye area. First, apply a primer, like Sensual Skin Primer ($44), then layer on concealer and or foundation, followed by a veil of Loose Setting Powder ($42).

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Nail the “color wash” look

In just two steps, you can nail the popular color wash look. “Apply the lightest matte shade as a base to the eye area. Next, apply one of the light reflective shades on the eyelids, from the lash line to the crease,” advises Lujan.