We all have a signature eye make-up look. It’s likely a signature, as it’s the one we’ve been doing for decades, and it feels safe, comfortable, and within our skill level. And while it may not be created with the Urban Decay Naked palette of the early 2000s when we first learnt said techniques, it likely follows the same formula that has not really evolved much at all in that time. Raise your hands if it’s a smoky eye.
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There is certainly nothing wrong with having a signature, but if you do the same eye make-up for every night out because you like it, that’s one thing. If you’re doing it because it’s all you know, that’s quite another. Those in the latter camp, there is more creativity that you can wield with your existing eyeshadow palettes, or if, in the aforementioned decades in the making, you’ve finally hit pan and you want to mix things up with a new eye make-up tool kit, you’ve come to the right place.
Eyeshadow is one of the most exciting parts of make-up application. It’s the one place where really any colour goes, bringing a pop to an otherwise minimal outfit – whether it’s a cool ice blue offering 90s nostalgia or the surprisingly wearable swipe of green. Bringing sparkle to the eyes too, it may not be a shade for a striking touch, but shimmer that instantly transforms a look from day to night. The same goes for eyeliners, as pigments have become more vibrant and interesting than classic black.
Proving you need not a YouTube channel or a whole lot of experience with an eyeshadow brush, we consulted the experts to share their advice on how to mix up your eye make-up, while remaining in the novice wheelhouse.
Eye Make-up Tips For Beginners From Celebrity Make-up Artists
Priming is essential
The first step in any eye make-up look should begin with a primer. London-based makeup artist Harriot Babin explains, “It prolongs wear, prevents creasing, and allows pigments to perform at their best. A lightweight primer or finely blended concealer smooths texture and neutralises discolouration, creating a smooth base that makes both soft washes and bold, dramatic looks stand out.”
Consider your eye shape
Whether you have round or almond, deep set or close set, hooded or monolid, knowing your eye shape will make it easier to choose the make-up to enhance it. “Ignoring individual eye shape is one of the most common mistakes in eye makeup,” Babin tells us. “Trends are not one size fits all, and applying shadow or liner without considering how much lid space you have or where your crease naturally sits can change the look entirely, often making the eyes appear smaller or heavier rather than more defined.” International celebrity make-up artist Buster Knight agrees, “Learning the shape of your eye helps. How you can make them appear bigger becomes easier once you know the final look you want. For example, if you have round eyes, a winged eyeliner helps to make the eye appear longer and bigger.”
Simplify with chubby eyeshadow sticks
Make-up artist Naima Bremer says that for beginners, “Definitely skip out on the intricate eyeliner techniques and swap them out for a chubby eyeshadow stick. You can use it on the eyelids as well as in your waterline, and it is the easiest eye make-up product to use.” The multitasker, she reveals, speeds up eye make-up application. “You just apply it right on your lash line on the top and bottom. Then grab a fluffy brush (or even your finger) and just blend it out. This will instantly look good on everyone because it just adds some definition to the eye, you don’t have to worry about fallout, and if you just blend it enough, it literally requires no technique. Everyone can do it!”
Soft shades are more forgiving
“Start with softer, lighter colours until you become more comfortable with application,” Knight recommends. Charlotte Tilbury agrees, filling her line with “flattering pretty colours that you’re not going to look like Coco the Clown.” She says it can be as easy as doing a soft smoky eye with “one swipe of glitter in the middle and it will look sophisticated and elegant.”
Trinny London
Eye2Eye Cream Eyeshadow
- Why we love it: Celebrity make-up artist Fiona Stiles leans toward cream shadows for mature clients, and notes that Trinny London’s crease-resistant formulation “stays put.” The Eye2Eye shadows also have a stamp of approval from Aharon, who notes: “These glide effortlessly onto your eyelids and blend easily, meaning there’s no tugging or pulling at your lids and you can easily build intensity.” Available in 25 highly pigmented shades – ranging from the cool rosy “Vision” to the shimmery, plummy “Passion” – the shadows are easy to use. For a light wash of colour, tap a single layer of shadow onto the lids with the ring finger; use another finger to blend it in. For more intensity, add another layer of colour or use a brush to apply a smoky accent hue to the outer corners of the eyes. The versatile shadows can also be used as eyeliners.
- Texture: Cream
- Finish: Subtle shimmer
- Shade range: 25
Creamy pencils are easier to control
Liquid liners have their place in our make-up bags, but they require a lot of practice. For beginners, soft pencil eyeliners are the way to go. Babin explains that this is because “they are forgiving and easy to control.” She continues, “Unlike liquid liners, they allow you to experiment without worrying about mistakes. You can smudge them gently along the lash line for a soft, smoky effect, or sharpen the tip for a more precise, defined line. They’re also versatile to use on the upper lid, lower lash line, or even the waterline to subtly enhance your eyes, all without needing a perfectly steady hand.”
Knight agrees, “I see a lot of people just smudge black around their eyes, which for the right type of person is cool; however, if you want to look more sophisticated and like your makeup is professional, I advise staying close to the lash line and using a soft pencil to blend into the lashes for a foolproof smoky eye.”
Babin recommends the Chanel Le Crayon Kohl Eyeliner “for a luxurious option” and because it “glides effortlessly and delivers rich, lasting pigment”, as well as Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Eye Pencil, which she says, “combines smooth application that lasts all day.” Knight favours pencils from Makeup by Mario and Victoria Beckham as they “make creating a smoky eye super easy.”
Cream shadows look professional
For mature and dry skin, cream shadows are a moisturising alternative to powders – and they’re easier to use, tend to last longer, create minimal fallout and offer intense colour. Better yet, Knight says, “Cream shadows are also really simple to make look professional, and you can even soften the edges with your finger.” He recommends Saechu and Violette Fr, which “make really easy-to-use cream-colored eyeshadows.”
Meet the experts
- Charlotte Tilbury is a legendary make-up artist and founder of her eponymous make-up brand
- Naima Bremer is a make-up artist and global artistry ambassador at Fenty Beauty
- Harriot Babin is a London-based makeup artist for the likes of Zeze Millz and Lucien Laviscount
- Buster Knight is an international celebrity make-up artist with clients including Priyanka Chopra, Millie Bobby Brown and Kate Bosworth