MUAs Finally Settle the Debate: Here’s the Exact Right Order to Apply Your Eye Makeup
Main Image – Lucas Ottone/Stocksy
If you found my recent article, “The correct order you should be applying your makeup” useful, you’ll probably understand how it feels to get confused over which products go where in your routine.
In fact, as a makeup and skincare beauty consultant, it’s one of the things my clients ask me about the most, particularly when it comes to eye makeup. “When should I apply my eyeliner?” And, “Should I apply my eyeshadow before or after mascara?” are both commonly asked questions.
Here, I set a few things straight when it comes to the order your eye makeup goes in, using both my experience as a beauty editor and consultant. It’s important to know that there’s (almost) no right or wrong, but my technique will help your whole routine run smoothly and, hopefully, without any messy disasters.
The right order
Eyeshadow primer
This is the product that is going to keep your whole eye makeup look in place as well as enhance the pigment of your eyeshadow, so it needs to go on first. Apply it all over your eyelids, then wait 30 seconds before applying your next product.
I recommend Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer (£16.80/$28) as it’s great for preventing eyeshadow creases and feels hydrating on the skin. You can read my full review of this product here!
Image – Urban Decay
Base colour eyeshadow
If you’re someone who likes to create an eye makeup ‘look’ using a few different shades, this is where your base colour comes in. If you prefer a simpler look, consisting of just one eyeshadow, do this step then skip to step number 5.
Whether it’s your main or base eyeshadow colour, wash it all over your eyelids, the same as you did with your eyeshadow primer, and blend it in properly at the edges.
Crease colour
Next up should be the slightly darker colour you apply in the creases of your eyelids to create a 3-dimensional look. Sweep it in using a fluffy eyeshadow brush in a windscreen wiper motion, taking care not to go too far up towards your eyebrows. Doing this now will help this shade to almost ‘ombre’ with your base shade.
Pop of colour
Now you can dab your main eyeshadow colour, or a shimmer, in the centre of your eyelids to accentuate your eyes and make them ‘pop’. I find this easier to do using my finger, just make sure it’s a neat ‘dab’ and blend it nicely at the edges so the looks all tie in together.
Image – Liliya Rodnikova/Stocksy
Smudged eyeshadow
You can then either use the same colour as step 4, or take a slightly darker colour of eyeshadow and use a smudging brush to neatly smudge it underneath your bottom lashes, and/or winged out at the top corners of your eyes.
Eyeliner
Whether you use a pencil liner, a liquid or a gel, now is the time to use it. This is because your eyeshadow is out of the way and it won’t conceal your eyeliner. If you apply it along your bottom waterline, smudge it a little with your finger going towards your bottom lash roots. This is so that the smudged shade underneath your lashes isn’t separated from your waterline liner, and the overall look is tied in neatly together.
Mascara
It’s best to save your mascara until last so that your newly elongated, thicker lashes don’t get in the way of applying your eyeshadow or liner. Also, applying something like eyeliner along your top lash line having already applied your mascara can cause your newly lacquered lashes to lose their shape.
Image – Sanneberg/Adobe
The takeaway
Remember, there is mostly no right or wrong here! But this system gives you that extra assurance that things are done in the neatest, most effective order so that your handy work doesn’t go to waste and you can get the best out of your products.
There are a few non-negotiables though – your eyeshadow primer always goes first, whatever look you’re going for. And your mascara should always go last so that your freshly decorated lashes aren’t disturbed when applying other products.
Get Glowing!
