Trending Now: Layering Shades from an Eyeshadow Palette

Eyeshadow palettes offer up endless combinations of looks, and they can really make you feel like a beauty pro. But if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to creating the look you want, this guide is here to help.

Eyeshadow palettes are an amazing makeup invention. Having those endless eyeshadow looks right at your fingertips can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you have trouble figuring out what shade goes where. Mariam Rahman (@rahmanbeauty) breaks down terminology and, step by step, explains exactly what colour and finish make the most sense for every part of your eyelid, so you’ll never stare at a palette and wonder how to apply eyeshadow again.

Steps for your base colour:

Step 1: Start by blending a transition colour into the crease of your eyelid using a gentle, circular motion from the outside in. Something warm and neutral like #8 in the L’Oréal Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette is a great choice, because transition colours tend to be medium-toned and matte.

Step 2: Trace your lower lash line with the same shade, but use a smaller eyeshadow brush this time.

Steps for adding shimmer:

Step 1: This part of the eyeshadow look calls for a shade with a little shimmer that complements your transition shade, like #10 in the L’Oréal Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 2: Apply that shimmery shadow from your upper lash line right up to the crease of your eyelid.

Steps for shaping:

Step 1: You’ll need a slightly different brush for this step. A pointed shadow brush is the best choice because it’s more precise.

Step 2: Look for a darker matte shade, like #9 in the L’Oréal Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette, and use it to deepen the colour in the crease of your eyelid.

Step 3: Bring that dark shade from the crease down to your lower lash line in a triangular shape to accentuate your eye shape.

Steps to finish the look:

Step 1: Grab that pointed eyeshadow brush again. This time, you’ll use it to apply a lighter colour with a bit of shimmer, like #3 in the L’Oréal Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 2: Apply that lighter shimmery shade to the inner corner of your eye, and then use a larger blending brush to softly blend the whole look together.

Step 3: To finish off the look, add a swipe of L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara to define your upper and lower lashes.

Now that you better understand what shades from your eyeshadow palette go where, the possibilities are endless. You can use this guide as a base to create bolder eye looks by choosing an even deeper shade for your crease or by adding a swipe of liquid liner along your upper lash line. You can also amp up the shimmer and dust your brow bone with a highlighting shadow or even add a glittery eyeliner. No matter what look you go with, understanding the basics will give you the foundation to nail your eyeshadow looks every single time.