How to Use an Eyeshadow Quad

Co-authored by Yuka Arora

Last Updated: October 22, 2021 References

Brands like CoverGirl, Charlotte Tilbury, and Avon sell eyeshadow quads with four different shades in one compact palette, but how exactly are you supposed to use them? If you're new to the world of eyeshadow quads or you've just never really known how to use the ones sitting in your makeup drawer, don't worry, we've got you! Check out our tips below to learn how to apply quad eyeshadow for both gorgeous daytime and nighttime looks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Laying Down the Basic Foundations

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Make sure the quad has at least two colors you like. Before applying a quad to your face, make sure you'll like the look. In general, quads work best if they have at least two out of three colors you like. If one color is less than appealing, remember quads blend together and you're just getting a sense of the general scheme.^{[1]
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- One thing that can help choose colors is playing to your skin tone. If you're darker skinned, for example, colors like bronzes and dark yellows look great. Many eyeshadow quads come in varying shades of brown and yellow.^{[2]
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  Research source} For a more dramatic look, jewel tones like purples also look great if you're darker skinned.^{[3]
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2
Line your inner lids with eyeliner. As quads require a lot of precision to apply, you don't want to smudge them by messing with your lower lids after the application. If you regularly apply eyeliner to the waterline and upper lower lid, do so before applying your quad colors.^{[4]
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- You can use either a brown or black eyeliner for a conventional look. If you're doing bold colors, however, you may want to choose a matching eyeliner in that color scheme.
- If you're darker skinned, conventional black or brown eye shadows may not show up as well. Pitch black eyeliner is generally a great choice.^{[5]
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3
Apply a primer.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 30 August 2018.} Wash your hand and use your finger to dab an eyeshadow primer on your lids. Gently use your fingertips to rub the primer across your eyelids and brow bone.^{[7]
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- Eye shadow primer really helps eye shadow stay on, which is particularly important when working with a quad.
- As you'll be adding eyeshadow over your primer, any peach or white primary generally works for everyone regardless of skin tone.^{[8]
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4
Highlight with your lightest color. Regardless of the look you're going for, you always start by highlighting with the lightest color on your quad. Dip a fluffy brush into the lightest color and use short, stroking motions to apply the color just under your eyebrow. Then, work the shadow into the inner corners of your eyes to make an v-shape.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Doing a Daytime Look

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Add the lightest color along your upper lash line. Expand from where you highlighted with your lightest color. Use a tipped brush to draw a line of that color along your upper lash line, applying the makeup in quick, stroking motions. Run the line from one corner of your las line to the other.^{[10]
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2
Blend the medium color out along your crease. Sticking with the medium color, switch to a larger, fluffier brush. Use this to make swiping motions along your crease, tracing the full arch of your crease with the medium color.^{[11]
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3
Apply a "v" shape to your outer lid using the darkest color. Take an angled brush and apply your darkest color to the tip. Draw a v-shape on the outer corner of your eye by making a small line along the upper and lower lash line. The line should stop before the midpoint of your eyelid.^{[12]
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4
Blend out the colors. Grab a large, clean blending brush. Gently swipe this brush across your eyelid to lightly blend the colors together.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 30 August 2018.} Blend until there are no harsh lines, but stop before the contrast between colors is completely eliminated. You want to make sure you're left with a smooth gradient of colors on your lid.^{[14]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Doing a Nighttime Look

1
Add your lightest shade across your eye.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 30 August 2018.} With a darker look, your lighter shade mostly tones down other colors and will not be easily visible when you complete the look. Apply the light shade across your eye to start, as if you were using that as your only eyeshadow.^{[16]
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2
Blend out your eyeliner with your darkest shade. Use an angled eyeliner brush to line your upper and lower lid with your darkest shade. This will cause a blending effect with the eyeliner you applied earlier, leaving your eyes boldly outlined.^{[17]
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3
Blend out the dark shade using your medium shade. Apply your medium shade to a smaller fluffy brush. Start at your lash line, just above the darker outline, and apply the medium shade from your lash line to your crease. The medium shade should cover most of the lighter shade you applied earlier.^{[18]
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4
Blend out the colors. Use a large, clean fluffy brush to blend your colors together. Blend until there are no obvious lines, but stop before the colors blend together completely. You still want a clear distinction between colors on your eyelid.^{[19]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I apply eyeshadow as a beginner?

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Yuka Arora is a self-taught makeup artist who specializes in abstract eye art. She has been experimenting with makeup art for over 5 years, and has amassed over 5.6K Instagram followers in just 5 months. Her colorful and abstract looks have been noticed by Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Kat Von D Beauty, Sephora Collection, among others.

Yuka Arora

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Start by applying a base layer of primer first so your makeup lasts throughout the day. Then use a brush or sponge to put on your eyeshadow.