How to Apply Eyeshadow Like a Pro

Knowing how to apply eyeshadow like a pro comes down to technique, texture, and the right tools, more than the number of shades in your palette. Patrick's approach is all about blendable layers that build soft, polished dimension. Follow these steps to learn how to apply eyeshadow for everything from an everyday wash of color to a defined evening look.

1. Prep Your Lids for Smooth Blending

A well-prepped lid helps eyeshadow apply evenly and stay vibrant and crease-free throughout the day.

Even out the lid. Tap a thin layer of Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer across the lid to neutralize discoloration and create a smooth canvas. Blend it out completely so there is no buildup in the crease.

Or start with a creamy base. For more depth from the very first step, glide a Major Sculpt Shape & Shade Anywhere Artistry Stick across the lid and blend it out with the built-in brush. The slim stick is made for shaping the eyes, and the creamy formula doubles as a base for powder eyeshadow. Taupe shades like Structure (Light Taupe) and Silhouette (Warm/Neutral Taupe) make an easy everyday base.

2. Choose the Right Eyeshadow Palette

Patrick's Major Dimension Essential Artistry Edit Eyeshadow Palette is designed for effortless, versatile looks. Each palette has six essential matte shades that are highly pigmented, buttery, and buildable, with hyaluronic acid and nourishing squalane in the formula for a soft, smooth application. Choose the edit that fits you best:

• Light, Medium, and Deep feature neutral mattes curated by skin tone.
• Cool Taupe includes the coolest tones in the collection, ranging from cool beige to brown.
• Warm Rose is soft and sultry, with shades of mauve and burgundy.

Because every shade in a palette is designed to work together, you can go from a soft daytime wash to a smokier evening look without guessing which colors pair well.

3. Use the Right Brush for Each Step

The right brush makes blending easier and keeps your edges soft. The Dual Ended Eye Shadow Brush gives you two tools in one:

• The large domed end applies powder eyeshadow all over the lid with no harsh lines, so use it for transition shades and smooth blending.
• The small domed end applies crème and powder formulas with precise control and high-impact payoff. It reaches small areas like the inner corners and along the lash line.

4. Build Your Eyeshadow in Layers

A professional-looking eye comes from strategic placement and blending between each layer.

Transition shade: With the large end of your brush, sweep a medium-toned matte shade into the crease using windshield-wiper motions. This softens the edges of everything you add next.

Depth and dimension: Press a deeper matte shade onto the outer corner of the eye and blend it into the crease to add depth. Build slowly, since it's easier to add color than to take it away.

Lid color: Use the small end of the brush or your fingertip to apply a lighter shade to the center of the lid for brightness.

Highlight: Apply the lightest matte shade under the brow bone and dab a little in the inner corner to open up the eyes.

5. Add Shimmer for Dimension

For sparkle and dimension, layer a Major Dimension Eye Illusion Eyeshadow Duo over your mattes. Each compact includes two complementary shimmer shades that you can layer together or wear separately, and the buildable formula goes from sheer sparkle to full glam.

• Shades to try: In Your Dreams (Diamond Sparkles), When The Sun Sets (Peach Sparkles), Talk To My Team (Rose Gold Sparkles With Duo Chrome Pearl), and Do You Know Who I Am (Copper Sparkles).
• How to apply: Use your fingertip or the small end of the Dual Ended Eye Shadow Brush to press the shimmer onto the center of the lid or the inner corners. Pressing, instead of sweeping, gives you the most light-catching payoff.

6. Finish with Definition

Complete your eyeshadow look with liner and mascara to define the eyes.

Eyeliner: Apply a gel or pencil liner along the upper lash line. For a softer look, smudge it with the small end of your eyeshadow brush and a little of your deepest matte shade.

Mascara: Coat the upper and lower lashes to add volume and length.

Ready to take your technique further? Try Patrick's guide to creating a smokey eye look.

Like any skill, applying eyeshadow gets easier with practice. Experiment with different shade combinations and placements to find what works best for your eye shape and personal style. Start with a Major Dimension Essential Artistry Edit Eyeshadow Palette and the Dual Ended Eye Shadow Brush, and build your look one blendable layer at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct order to apply eyeshadow?

Start by prepping the lid, then sweep a medium-toned transition shade into the crease. Add a deeper shade to the outer corner and blend it into the crease, apply a lighter shade to the center of the lid, and highlight the brow bone and inner corner. Finish with shimmer, liner, and mascara.

Can I use concealer as an eyeshadow base?

Yes. A thin layer of concealer neutralizes discoloration on the lid and creates a smooth canvas for shadow. Blend it out completely so nothing builds up in the crease. For a base that also adds depth, a Major Sculpt Shape & Shade Anywhere Artistry Stick doubles as a base for powder eyeshadow.

What brush do I need to apply eyeshadow?

One dual-ended brush covers most looks. The large domed end of the Dual Ended Eye Shadow Brush applies powder all over the lid with no harsh lines, and the small domed end applies crème and powder formulas with precise control along the lash line and in the inner corners.

How do I keep my eyeshadow from looking patchy?

Build color in thin layers instead of applying one heavy layer. Use a transition shade in the crease first so the deeper shades have something to blend into, and use the large end of your brush to soften every edge before you add the next shade.

Should matte or shimmer eyeshadow go on first?

Apply mattes first to build shape and depth, then press shimmer on top. A Major Dimension Eye Illusion Eyeshadow Duo works best pressed onto the center of the lid or the inner corners with a fingertip or the small end of your brush.

Which eyeshadow palette should I choose for my skin tone?

The Major Dimension Essential Artistry Edit Eyeshadow Palette comes in Light, Medium, and Deep, with neutral mattes curated by skin tone. If you prefer a specific tone, Cool Taupe ranges from cool beige to brown, and Warm Rose features mauve and burgundy shades.