One of the most challenging parts of the makeup process is perfecting eye shadow. Because of Instagram and the plethora of YouTube beauty vloggers, there are thousands of tutorials.
Every eye is different and every artist has a different way of combining colors. Smoky, cut crease, halo eye… the list goes on and on.
One should go back to basics. The eye shadow look doesn’t have to be very complicated. It doesn’t even need to involve a lot of colors. One can rely on one great palette to take you through different moods.
Recently, I discovered Pat McGrath Labs’ Mothership Eye Shadow Palette. It contains 10 classic shades anyone can work with and build on. The quality is undeniable and true to the mastery of the celebrity makeup artist.
I start with a neutral color as the base of my eye shadow. Setting the base with shadow also keeps whatever cream primer has been used. This gives the eye shadow a canvas to hold on to.
Putting a matte shade in the crease is also basic. This immediately makes it look blended and as natural as possible. I then build to sparkly shades. I choose something that’s in the gold to copper range. It looks good on anyone. It is also quite forgiving especially if what’s laid is a base that’s within the brown shades.
One can line under the eyes with the same shade one has used on the lid. But one can also use another color. It may serve as the pop to the look.
Brushes should be clean. Quick cleaners can be used for the same brush. Fluffy brushes are preferable as they disperse and blend the product.
For eyeliner, one can go simple or with just a simple wing. These days I use the Pat McGrath Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner. The felt-tip pen design is easy to work with plus the formula of the liner itself is waterproof. When in the tropics, it doesn’t hurt to go waterproof with everything you use.
Afterward, lashes must be curled and readied for mascara. Since I have short lashes, I like to use a booster. One that I always have is the Cils Booster XL Vitamin-Infused Mascara Primer from Lancome. It maximizes the effects of any mascara plus nourishes the lashes with vitamin E.
My favorite mascara at the moment is the CliniqueFIT Workout 24-Hour Mascara. Designed to outlast gym sessions, it’s the type of mascara that won’t budge.
For a visual guide to this look, go to my website, riarecommends.com.