How to Apply Gel Eyeshadow

Applying Basic Gel Eyeshadow

Cleanse and prime your face. Before applying any makeup, always make sure you're starting with a clean face. Wash your face with cleanser. Once it is dry, apply concealer or primer around your eyes. Make sure your eyelid is completely dry before you apply your eyeshadow. Also, use a water-resistant primer underneath your gel shadow.

Choose an eyeshadow color. If you already have a color in mind, go ahead and use it! If you're struggling to decide which gel eyeshadow to use, take your eye color and occasion into mind. Light, neutral tones work well for blue eyes. Green eyes do well with muted tones, like purple and brown. Hazel eyes may pop with lighter, shimmery shades. Use bolder colors or smoky effects with brown eyes. Consider the occasion as well. You might wear bold, colorful shades for a party or neutral, muted tones for work. For a basic application, start with 1 color. For more complex looks, choose multiple, complementary colors.

Dab your eyeshadow onto either your finger or brush. Your finger works especially well for gel eyeshadow, because the heat from your finger helps the eyeshadow blend perfectly. You can also use a small, flat-edged or rounded firm brush with synthetic bristles to apply your eyeshadow. To start, only apply a light, even layer of eyeshadow on your application tool. You can always go back and use more! Gel eyeshadow typically comes in a circular pod, and it may come with a small, angled brush. Makeup brushes help you build up layers of eyeshadow a bit more easily than using your finger.

Apply a small amount of shadow on your eyelid. Rub your finger or brush over your eyelid to apply, starting from the outside corner of your eye. Put on a light, even layer to start. If you want, expand the eyeshadow out to your crease and browbone. Using your finger can create a sheer, subtle look with your eyeshadow.

Gradually reapply layers to build up the pigment of your eyeshadow. Reapply light layers of your gel eyeshadow until you are satisfied with the amount of color or sparkle. These layers will help build color and dimension. Less is more with gel eyeshadow. If you use too much product, it will curdle and crease.

Getting Creative

Add translucent powder or powder eyeshadow for a fresh look all day long. Try dabbing powder onto your eyelid once you've applied your gel eyeshadow. The addition of powder will help prevent your eyeshadow from creasing, and it will keep your makeup color looking fresh all day long. Avoid applying powder eyeshadow before you apply the gel eyeshadow. This tends to look messy.

Try using multiple different eyeshadow colors for a more unique look. Pair different shades or hues to create interesting, unique eyeshadow looks. Try many shades of the same color, or experiment with two bright colors. You can use bright aqua or sky blue, medium blue, and a navy blue to create unique looks with a blue palate. For bold looks, experiment with contrasting colors. Try yellow and purple hues, though be careful to not blend too much! Contrasting colors will look muted if over blended.

Apply your lightest color to inner corner or middle for highlights. Use a light hue like white or cream, or go with your shiny or sparkly shade. Use your finger or brush and apply your highlighting shadow to the center of your eyelids, the inner corner of your eyes, or under the eyebrow. This will add brightness and dimension to your eyes.

Apply eyeliner and mascara to finish your look. After your eyeshadow is applied and blended to your liking, you can use eyeliner or mascara to complete your look. This isn’t necessary, but these products are quick finishing touches to complete your makeup look.

Creating a Smokey Eye

Find 3 colors for your smokey eye. In total, you will use 3 shades of eyeshadow. Use 1 light shade, such as white or pale brown, and 1 dark shade, such as black or dark brown. Additionally, you need 1 medium shade that is between the light and the dark. This could be a neutral color or a bright tone.

Apply your highlighter to the inside corners of your eye. Select your lightest shade, and use a brush or your finger to apply the eyeshadow. Apply your shadow to the inside corner of your eyelid and directly under your brow bone.

Put your middle shade on the inside center of your eyelid. Choose a neutral shade or a bright color, and apply it to the center of your eyelid with a brush or your finger. Blend this hue into the highlighter as you apply your eyeshadow. You can stop at the natural crease of your eyelid.

Add your darkest shade to the outside corner of your eye. Choose a dark shade, like grey or dark brown, and apply this to the outer corner of your eye. Using a brush or your finger, follow the natural shape of your eyelid, and apply your darkest shade to create contrast.

Blend together all 3 hues to create a smokey eye. This works best with a fluffy, small makeup brush, though your finger can still blend the shades. Blend your dark shade into your medium shade, and then make sure your medium shade is blended into your highlighter. Apply another layer of highlighter shadow to your inner corner of your eye, if you need it. This will help with blending, and the extra highlighter will make your eyes pop.