How to Apply Dark Eyeshadow

Co-authored by Luca Buzas

Last Updated: May 13, 2021

Dark eyeshadow requires careful application to ensure that it's not overwhelming or poorly defined. This article explains how to add darker colored eyeshadow in an effective way.

Steps

1
Wash your face, making sure you wipe off any dirt or old makeup. Always start with a newly clean face before putting on makeup.
2
Apply all your makeup except for your eye makeup. This includes foundation, blush, concealer, lipstick, lip gloss, etc. This also includes doing your eyebrows.

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3
Apply a light tinting makeup/eye shadow to your eyelids. This eye shadow color should be neutral, not an exotic color.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.}
4
Apply a little brown eye shadow to your eyes. This serves as a base color for the rest of the shadows.
- Try to go for a medium colored brown. Don't choose a brown color that is too light, or else it doesn't work as good for a base color. On the other hand, don't choose a super dark brown, or else it will show through the rest of your eye shadow.
5
Use a dark brown eye shadow to divide the areas between the eyelid and under the eyebrow. This will make your eyes appear larger and clearer.
6
Apply your favorite dark shadow to the upper eyelids. For example, black, navy blue, or another darkish color. If you decide to use black, don't pack it on too heavy.
7
Redefine the dividing line with the same shade. Split your shade a little to the under the eyebrow. Then brush a little on the lower eyelid.
8
Apply a dark eyeliner.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.} Use black or another dark shade. If you want, you could do a wing.
9
Apply several coats of dark mascara to the eyelashes. Several layers of mascara will produce a more intense look for your eyes, but don't over do it, or your eye lashes will be all clumpy. You can also apply fake eye lashes if you want.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.}
10
Balance both the eyes in the same way. Once the eye shadow is done for both eyes, you are ready for the day!

Expert Q&A
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Question

What kind of brushes do I need to create a dark eyeshadow look?

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
Luca Buzas is makeup artist, wardrobe stylist and creative coordinator based in Los Angeles, California with over 10 years of experience. Luca focuses her work on photo shoots, films, commercials, and web content. She has worked with brands such as Champion, Gillette, Disney, and The North Face and with celebrities such as Magic Johnson, Julia Michaels, and Chris Hemsworth. She has a Bachelors in Wardrobe Styling from Mod'Art International Hungary.

Luca Buzas

Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist

Expert Answer

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It will be helpful to have a fluffy crease brush, a detailing contour brush, and a flat brush.
Question

How should you apply eye makeup if you're over 50?

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
Luca Buzas is makeup artist, wardrobe stylist and creative coordinator based in Los Angeles, California with over 10 years of experience. Luca focuses her work on photo shoots, films, commercials, and web content. She has worked with brands such as Champion, Gillette, Disney, and The North Face and with celebrities such as Magic Johnson, Julia Michaels, and Chris Hemsworth. She has a Bachelors in Wardrobe Styling from Mod'Art International Hungary.

Luca Buzas

Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist

Expert Answer

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I would keep it simple—use mascara and eyeliner and shape your eyebrows enough to bring attention to your eyes. On special occasions, I would use natural-tone eyeshadow, but nothing too heavy.
Question

How can I stop my eyeliner from smudging throughout the day?

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
Luca Buzas is makeup artist, wardrobe stylist and creative coordinator based in Los Angeles, California with over 10 years of experience. Luca focuses her work on photo shoots, films, commercials, and web content. She has worked with brands such as Champion, Gillette, Disney, and The North Face and with celebrities such as Magic Johnson, Julia Michaels, and Chris Hemsworth. She has a Bachelors in Wardrobe Styling from Mod'Art International Hungary.

Luca Buzas

Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist

Expert Answer

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Definitely use a great eyeliner formula. A good eyeliner itself will never budge or smear off your eyes. You need to apply concealer and face powder also—you can layer it to make sure it is set. At the end of the application, you can use oil absorbent sheets as well.