How to Do Eye Makeup

The right eye makeup can pick up your most striking features and make any look pop. Once you learn how to do a few simple eye makeup techniques, like the latest smokey eye makeup look, you’ll be equipped with several versatile looks for any occasion. Learning how to do eye makeup starts with playing around with powders, pencils, and mascaras, but eventually you’ll find the different looks that go with your style and personality. Our goal is to teach you the basics in the guide below, so you can branch out and create your own signature look. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

Start every eye look with clean, moisturized skin and concealer to create an even-toned base.
Use a range of eyeshadow brushes, like flat, crease, and angled, to control pigment and define your look.
Apply shadow in layers: lightest shade to highlight, mid-tones on the lid, and deeper tones in the crease for dimension.
Tailor your technique to your eye shape, especially for hooded eyes, where placement and lift are key.
For a complete look, finish with liner, mascara, and defined brows—and always remove makeup gently to protect the delicate eye area.

Things you’ll need before applying eye makeup

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of eye makeup, let’s make sure you have all the right tools of the trade. Here’s what you’ll need to become an eye makeup pro:

A collection of eyeshadow brushes (flat, tapered, and angled)
An eyeshadow palette or 3 to 4 colors of your choice. Make sure you have a range of pale to deep colors. Clarins 4-Color Eyeshadow Palette is a good starter choice.
Eyeliner or liner pencil
Mascara
Primer or concealer
Cleansing and moisturizing basics

Step 1. Prepare your skin

Always apply makeup to skin that has been cleansed, toned, and moisturized. (This is why we emphasized the importance of your cleaning and moisturizing basics in the list above.)

Next, apply your concealer around the eye area. This allows you to apply your eye makeup to even-colored skin around the eyes.

Dot a good quality under-eye makeup concealer over the areas of the eyes that have a blue or purple tinge. Begin at the inner corner where the skin is typically darker. Apply a small amount of product at a time – it’s easier to add as you go along than try to clean off excess product. Be careful not to pull at the delicate skin around the eyes.

Step 2. Apply your eyeshadow

Your choice of foundation and mascara may be limited. However, when it comes to your eyeshadow palette, the only limit is your imagination. This makes eyeshadow the most exciting part of your makeup kit. More than ever, the latest eye makeup ideas are about self-expression.

Eye types

First, let’s talk eye types. Not all eyes are the same. Some people have what’s known as a hooded eye. This eye type is characterized by extra skin that folds over the eye crease, making your lids appear smaller. When you apply your eye makeup, you’re going to want to create a lifted effect. One of the best ways to achieve this is to use primer over the natural creases of your eyes, then apply very thin eyeliner in an upward direction.

With hooded eyes, you’re looking more for subtle structure, not heavy contrast. Applying your shadow a little higher than the natural eye crease gives the illusion of more lid space. As a finishing touch, add glimmer or shine to your eye corners, an area that’s often shadowed with hooded eyes.

Finally, you’ll want to curl your lashes to complete your lifted look. Stick to matte eyeshadow shades, keep your shimmer or satin shades either center-lid or in the corners, and you’ll have no problem creating a look that turns heads.

Brush basics

To pull off non-traditional techniques, like the ones necessary to accentuate hooded eyes, your knowledge of brushes will need to be on point. Here’s a rundown of brush basics to ensure you’re using the right tool for the job:

Flat shader brush: Perfect for applying eyeshadow to the eyelid, this brush has dense, flat bristles and should be a staple of any makeup kit. Its design allows for maximum pigment pickup and laying down a solid color. Use it when you want a bold, dramatic look or a simple pop of color by applying eyeshadow with a patting motion.
Crease brush: This brush’s tapered bristles are designed to fit the eye’s crease naturally. You can spot these brushes by their slightly pointed or dome-shaped tip. Use this brush when you want to add depth to your eye makeup look.
Fluffy blending brush: These brushes are sometimes referred to as dome brushes, because they typically have soft, dome-shaped bristles. Its design is meant to seamlessly blend eyeshadow, the key to any great eye makeup look. Use this brush to soften harsh lines or create a smooth color transition.
Angled brush: The pointed bristles of this brush are designed to create distinct shapes and sharp lines. Angled brushes work great for adding another layer of depth and drama to the “V” of your eye. It’s a great tool for lining your eyes with eyeshadow, creating a softer look than you’d get from liquid liner or a pencil.
Dome brush: Use a dome brush to add color to your eye crease without spreading the product too far. The brush’s design will help give you a more defined look around the crease area and allow for more precise eyeshadow blending.
Pencil brush: This is your go-to detail brush. The small, precise design is ideal for applying precise eyeshadow or eyeliner along your lash line, adding definition to the inner corner or “V” area of your eyes.
Fan brush: Typically used for highlighter, this brush’s fan shape is perfect for providing a light dusting of glitter or pigment across your lids. You can also use it to clean up any eye makeup fallout without smudging your foundation or concealer.
Fluffy shadow brush: Sometimes called a large shadow brush, this brush is designed to quickly apply a base color to your entire eyelid. Its design offers some versatility, allowing you to use a dusting of shimmer or blend out your overall look with the same brush.

Eyeshadow application 101

For a knockout eyeshadow application every time, begin at the lids and work toward your brow in a rainbow formation. Start with the second lightest color in your eye makeup palette that almost matches your lids. Cover the entire lid all the way to your brow bone.

Next, apply the medium color to your lid only. Now sweep the darkest shadow into the crease of the eye and carefully bring it out of the crease and around the outer corner of the eye. You can either continue the color under the eye for a softer effect or use eyeliner for a more dramatic eye makeup look. Finally, use the lightest color in your makeup palette to highlight the inner corners of the eye and the highest point of your brow arch.

The next level: blending

Now that you’ve applied your eyeshadow, your work is not done! Now, you will learn how to blend eyeshadow like an expert. Reach for your makeup brushes and use a clean, dry eyeshadow brush to blend the lines between your four colors. Even if you aim for dramatic eye makeup, never fail to blend and blend, then blend some more. If you find that after blending, you’d prefer more color on the eyes, build up the intensity by applying additional shadow, and then blending again until you have your desired look.

Eyeshadow tips for brown eyes

The key to the best makeup for brown eyes is enhancing their natural warmth and depth. Use neutral tones like hazel or amber to give yourself flexibility when it comes to your look possibilities.

With brown eyes, you want to avoid any eyeshadow shades in the dark gray or black family. You’ll also want to eliminate the shimmer and let those natural beauties do the talking.

Overall, brown eyes are very versatile. In addition to neutral tones, you’ll be able to pull off cooler looks like blue and purple, or even gold eyeshadow, without a problem.

Eyeshadow tips for blue eyes

Cooler or fairer skin tones typically accompany blue eyes. The best makeup for blue eyes is a look that warms up your skin’s natural tones. Orange is a good go-to color palette to provide that extra warmth. You can use anything ranging from coral and copper, all the way to bronze.

For a softer, everyday look, consider exploring more neutral tones, such as taupe or nude eyeshadow. Nighttime is where you can let your oranges shine. But, if you have a cooler skin tone, make sure you stick to lighter oranges, like peachy-pink or coral. If your skin is more of a medium tone, you can venture into bronzes and coppers. Avoid anything on the gray or silver spectrum, as they can wash out the stunning effect of those brilliant blues.

Eyeshadow tips for green eyes

Since they’re so rare, leveraging the best makeup for green eyes becomes even more important. It’s important to note that green eyes cover a broad spectrum, from hazel to dark green. Some people even have blue-green eyes, which are mostly green with some blue flecks.

Ultimately, the best eyeshadow color palette for green eyes is brown. Those with lighter green or blue-green eyes will want to stick with warmer browns like taupe. As your green eyes get darker, you can begin to play with cooler brown or nude tones.

Think soft peachy browns for daytime and branch out into reds and purples for a more dramatic nighttime look. Once you get the hang of the basics, start experimenting and making changes to make it your own. Explore bolder purple metallic eyeshadow or try mixing neutrals and deeper browns to accentuate those elegant emeralds.

Pro tips and finishing touches to elevate your look

When choosing eyeshadow for day or night, consider both the occasion and the ambient light. During the day, you’ll be at work, grabbing supplies at the store, or taking the kids to soccer practice. The last thing you want is to look as if you never made it home the night before!

Broad daylight is also less forgiving of any eye makeup blunders, so go for a natural eye makeup look. The best way to do eyeshadow for daywear is to use one basic light eyeshadow that complements your skin tone. Opt for a gentle peach pink if you’re very fair, or a light beige or taupe for medium to darker skin tones.

For special occasions or nighttime wear, choose a three- or four-toned makeup palette.

Step 3. Apply your eyeliner

Now, you’ll learn how to apply eyeliner. You’ll start by steadying your hand by leaning your elbow on a solid surface. Stay as close to your lash line as possible, and trace a line around the eyes with a sharpened pencil. Start at the outer corners for a more natural eye makeup effect and blend with the tip of a shadow applicator or a cotton swab.

For hooded eyes, use your eyeliner to enhance the lifted look. When applying your eyeliner, finish with an upward flick at the outer corners of your eyes. This technique, along with curled lashes and brightening your eye corners with glitter or shine, all work together to make the most of your natural features.

If you prefer a liquid liner, applying liquid eyeliner will follow the same method as using a pencil. You will need to practice until you get that line just right. Clarins Graphik Ink Liner Liquid Eyeliner Pen has an easy-to-use felt tip that follows the curves of your eyes, making it possible to create any type of line with precision, from thin to thick. Your liquid eyeliner is long-wear, transfer-proof, and an intense, luminous black.

Your next step is eyebrow makeup. If you have thick, well-defined brows, simply shape and use a brow gel to keep them in place throughout the day. For thinner brows, fill in with a brow pencil using small, feathery strokes, and then blend with a brow brush for a seamless finish.

Step 4. Apply your mascara

Finally, let’s talk about mascara. When you’re applying mascara, never pump the wand in and out of the mascara container. Doing this introduces air that can dry out the mascara. Begin at the base of your upper lashes and move the wand in a zigzag motion from side to side, working towards the lash tips.

The last step in learning how to apply eyeshadow and practicing how to apply eyeliner is investing in a quality eye makeup remover. Soak a cotton ball with the gentle, alcohol-free eye makeup remover product and press gently over the eye for 10 seconds. Smooth the cotton downward, move up gently lifting lashes, fold the pad, and swipe across. Always use enough eye makeup remover to easily remove all traces of makeup. Never press down hard on the eyes or drag the skin in the delicate eye area.

Make the most of your mascara with these tips

If you plan to apply several coats to your lower lashes or simply don’t have a steady hand, place a tissue under your lower lashes before applying mascara to catch any smudges. Whether you’re aiming for a natural eye makeup look or a dramatic effect, always finish your eye makeup application with mascara. Clarins Supra Volume Mascara is a double volume effect mascara that creates an intense, full, fanned-out lash look in one quick coat for day wear. The gentle formula of this best mascara is enriched with Cassie Wax and Panthenol to visibly thicken and smooth your lashes.

If it’s drama you’re after, Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D takes lashes to bold new dimensions: visibly lengthening, curling, defining, and volumizing for a captivating, wide-eyed look. The unique formula combines intense carbon-black mineral pigments with filmogenic Rose Wax for long-wearing color and hold. Clarins’ exclusive Lash Boosting Complex helps to protect lashes and promote visibly thicker, longer-looking lashes.

For more information about how to remove makeup, watch Clarins’ eye makeup tutorial and you’ll master the art in no time at all!

Play with your look

The best part about eye makeup is that there’s no one-size-fits-all plan. What flatters your eye shape, complements your coloring, and feels true to your style might be totally different from someone else, and that’s what makes eye makeup so special.

Going through the process of finding your look should be playful, personal, and never too serious. Try out different eyeshadow hues, experiment with liner styles, and don’t be afraid to switch things up until something just clicks.

Of course, a little prep goes a long way. Start with targeted hydration from our eye care collection to visibly brighten and care for the delicate skin around your eyes. Taking this extra step to revitalize and heal creates the perfect canvas for a flawless eye makeup look every time.

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Frequently asked questions

What kind of eye makeup should an older woman wear?

Light-reflecting textures and a touch of definition work beautifully to enhance mature eyes without overwhelming them. Creamy formulas tend to glide on more easily and won’t settle into fine lines, while a gentle swipe of mascara can instantly open up the eyes and bring a fresh, lifted look.

What's the easiest way to line your eyes as a beginner?

Start with a pencil liner. It’s the most forgiving, allowing you to smudge or soften mistakes as you go. Try pressing the pencil gently along the lash line in short dashes rather than one long stroke. It’s less pressure, more control, and creates that defined-but-not-too-perfect effect.

What are the top eye shadow looks?

Timeless always wins. A soft smoky eye or a classic neutral wash all rank high for everyday wear. But for a modern twist, try monochromatic shadow in unexpected shades (like plum or olive) to make a subtle statement without going full drama.

What color eyeshadow makes your eyes pop?

It’s all about contrast. Green eyes sparkle next to warm bronze or soft purples, while brown eyes pair well with deep plums and golds. Blue eyes, in turn, look extra bright with copper or peach tones. If you’re not sure where to start, earthy neutrals suit everyone, and you can dial them up or down with ease.

Can I make old eyes look younger without makeup?

Absolutely. Hydrated skin always looks more refreshed, so an eye cream with visible smoothing and brightening benefits can do wonders. A cool compress and a few extra hours of sleep also go a long way toward giving tired eyes a refresh.