How to Apply Subtle Eyeshadow

Co-authored by Alana Schober

Last Updated: June 21, 2021

Whether you're trying to evade school policies or just enjoy a classy appearance, you've decided to adopt a subtle style. Here's an assortment of tips that will help you get started, plus several specific styles that you can adopt. Most important of all, select a neutral shade of eyeshadow for your first attempts. Subtlety is much harder when you're painting in emerald and amethyst.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Getting Started

1
Pick an eyeshadow shade that is close to your own skin color. If you have pale skin, go for a creamy white or light pink. If you have light brown skin (or a tan), go for a very light gold or brown. If you have dark skin, choose a warm chocolate color.
- For one of the style options described below, you'll need at least four shades. Choose them from the examples above and arrange them from lightest to darkest.
- You can try to branch out to other colors, but you should stick to fairly neutral tones. You might be able to pull off a deep purple, but most purples, blues, and greens are very obvious.
2
Choose your eyeshadow brush. Your choice of tool is almost as important as the makeup itself. An extra-soft eyeshadow brush allows for more subtle blending than a cotton pad or sponge applicator. Start with one of these brushes, depending on which style you like:
- A thick eyeshadow brush blends the makeup in especially well. This is great for a subtle style, especially if you prefer a more rounded look.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alana Schober
  Pout Pro Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 15 June 2021.}
- Try a dense brush for areas where you want the color to be more concentrated.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alana Schober
  Pout Pro Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 15 June 2021.}
- Use an angled brush for more precise effects, such as a cut crease or cat eye effect.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alana Schober
  Pout Pro Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 15 June 2021.}
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3
Apply the base. Moisturize if necessary to start with a clean, fresh surface. Cover your eyelids with eyeshadow primer, concealer, or a foundation that matches your skin tone. This creates an even, natural tone and holds your eyeshadow in place for a longer time.
4
Learn to use the brush. If this is one of the first times you've applied eyeshadow, keep it simple while you learn what the brushes do and where the color looks best on your eyes.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Alana Schober
Pout Pro Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 15 June 2021.} Here's a great way to apply a subtle effect when brushing on eyeshadow. You can even do this across your whole eyelid for an easy, subtle style by itself:
- Hold the eyeshadow brush near the tip. This gives you a lighter touch, making your makeup more subtle.
- Dip the brush in the eyeshadow, then brush it lightly across your eyelid in a sweeping motion.
- Brush the same area three or four times without adding more eyeshadow to the brush. This will blend it into your skin tone.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying Eyeshadow Styles

1
Create a subtle, blended transition. If you have at least four different neutral shades of eyeshadow, arrange them from lightest to darkest. Apply as follows, using a thick brush:
- Apply the lightest shade onto your inner eye, stopping at the crease. Blend the edge until you cannot tell where the transition is.
- Repeat with a slightly darker shade, starting at the outer eyelid, blending at the edge of the previous shade.
- Keep repeating with slightly darker shades, starting further out and blending thoroughly.
- Finish with the darkest shade to form the upper V. Apply this over your lash line as well if you are not using eyeliner.
2
Form a rounded shape. For a slightly more defined style, pick a single shade. Blend it thoroughly over the crease, plus a small amount in your upper V. Use a thick brush in a rounded motion. This should leave you with a visible circle of eyeshadow, but in a subtle shade.
3
Apply smoky eyeshadow. Draw eyeshadow slightly darker than your skin tone along your crease. Using a cotton swab or thick brush, brush this upward almost to your brow bone, thinning it into a smoky effect. This works great to enhance small eyes, without going overboard.
4
Brighten your eyes with a small addition. Dab a small dot of white or light tan eyeshadow on the corner of your eye, near your tear ducts. This makes your eyes look big and bright without the makeup itself standing out. You can add this effect to almost any style.
- Don't try to rub or blend this in. It should be barely noticeable already.
5
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

How many brushes do you need for eyeshadow?

Alana Schober
Pout Pro Makeup Artist
Alana Schober is a Professional Makeup Artist at Pout by Lipsticknick, an inclusive beauty bar in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Alana specializes in hair and makeup. As a Licensed Comselotologist, she has worked for both MAC Cosmetics and Paul Mitchell. Alana's celebrity clientele includes Iggy Azalea, Solange, YG, and ASAP Nast. She has worked on campaigns with Nike, Adidas, Morphe, Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics, and Quay. Alana has also worked on countless music videos and photoshoots and her work has been featured on two billboards in Los Angeles.

Alana Schober

Pout Pro Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

If you're just starting out, invest in a flat, packing brush and a large, fluffy brush. The flat brush helps pack the pigment onto your lid, while a fluffy brush helps diffuse the color into a blended look.
Question

How do you do an easy eyeshadow look?

Alana Schober
Pout Pro Makeup Artist
Alana Schober is a Professional Makeup Artist at Pout by Lipsticknick, an inclusive beauty bar in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Alana specializes in hair and makeup. As a Licensed Comselotologist, she has worked for both MAC Cosmetics and Paul Mitchell. Alana's celebrity clientele includes Iggy Azalea, Solange, YG, and ASAP Nast. She has worked on campaigns with Nike, Adidas, Morphe, Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics, and Quay. Alana has also worked on countless music videos and photoshoots and her work has been featured on two billboards in Los Angeles.

Alana Schober

Pout Pro Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Try using 2 different colors for your look. For instance, you might pack a vibrant blue shadow onto your lid and buff a neutral color onto your crease.
Question

How can I apply sultry eyeshadow?

Community Answer

Try using darker colors. If you are just a beginner, I suggest going to the drugstore and picking out some inexpensive eyeshadow palettes. They are great to play around with until you get the hang of things.

Warnings

Don't overdo the amount of eyeshadow. No style will look subtle if you've caked on thick layers of eyeshadow.

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