Eye shadow palettes have really come a long way in recent years, especially where metallics and shimmers are concerned. These bold hues make it easier than ever to create a stand-out look, but if you've ever been disappointed by how they perform, you're not alone.
In most cases, the formula itself is fine; it just needs a little boost. There are several ways to intensify your shadow, and none of them are particularly difficult. In fact, you probably already have everything you need to create a look that's truly eye-catching and worthy of your effort.
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1. Use primer
Priming your eyelids before applying eye shadow serves multiple purposes. It can mask redness as well as cover any small veins or imperfections that might show through the shadow. Begin by applying a neutral cream with your finger, but check out this video for a special tip for reaching inner corners.
Priming your eyelids before applying eye shadow serves multiple purposes. It can mask redness as well as cover any small veins or imperfections that might show through the shadow. Begin by applying a neutral cream with your finger, but check out this video for a special tip for reaching inner corners.
2. Lay down a creamy base
If you've ever purchased a gorgeous eye shadow color only to be disappointed with the way it looked on, you probably felt cheated. In its natural setting, the eye shadow pan, color always looks pigmented and intense. That's because it's not competing with any undertones. When you apply shadow to your eyelid, your natural skin tone shows through. You need to neutralize that to achieve the "truest to pan" color. Watch this quick video to see the difference a creamy base really makes.
If you've ever purchased a gorgeous eye shadow color only to be disappointed with the way it looked on, you probably felt cheated. In its natural setting, the eye shadow pan, color always looks pigmented and intense. That's because it's not competing with any undertones. When you apply shadow to your eyelid, your natural skin tone shows through. You need to neutralize that to achieve the "truest to pan" color. Watch this quick video to see the difference a creamy base really makes.
3. Try wetting your brush
Don't give up on that beautiful bold shade if it doesn't look bright on your first try. Dip the brush into the shadow of your dreams, and mist it with setting spray to saturate the color. When you apply it to your lid, the shadow will be brighter and truer than if you applied it straight from the pan. Don't believe it? Watch it in action in the video below. Seeing is believing.
Don't give up on that beautiful bold shade if it doesn't look bright on your first try. Dip the brush into the shadow of your dreams, and mist it with setting spray to saturate the color. When you apply it to your lid, the shadow will be brighter and truer than if you applied it straight from the pan. Don't believe it? Watch it in action in the video below. Seeing is believing.
4. Make white liner pull double duty
Some makeup products are worth their weight in gold – especially if they serve more than one purpose. A white liner crayon can make you look more awake when applied carefully to the lower waterline. It also works wonders when it comes to bringing out the best in your favorite colored eye shadow. Although a neutral primer has a subtle effect, a coat of white liner below precious gem-colored shade is true genius. Watch this quick video to see for yourself.
Some makeup products are worth their weight in gold – especially if they serve more than one purpose. A white liner crayon can make you look more awake when applied carefully to the lower waterline. It also works wonders when it comes to bringing out the best in your favorite colored eye shadow. Although a neutral primer has a subtle effect, a coat of white liner below precious gem-colored shade is true genius. Watch this quick video to see for yourself.
5. Intensify with a black base
You've probably never thought of applying black eye liner to your entire lid, but this little known trick offers amazing results. Not only does black neutralize your existing skin tone, but it also gives color more intensity and depth with minimal effort. It's best to use a liner with some give, so use one that doesn't set too quickly. Watch this helpful video. For this technique, the best tools for applying shadow are your fingers.
You've probably never thought of applying black eye liner to your entire lid, but this little known trick offers amazing results. Not only does black neutralize your existing skin tone, but it also gives color more intensity and depth with minimal effort. It's best to use a liner with some give, so use one that doesn't set too quickly. Watch this helpful video. For this technique, the best tools for applying shadow are your fingers.
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