Not Prepping With Primer
Eye shadow primer isn’t merely a suggestion — it’s a must, especially if you have hooded or oily eye lids upon which makeup seems to disappear or slide off come noon. Prepping your skin before you apply makeup is so important.
“One mistake is not using good skincare,” says Makeup Artist Mandie Brice. “An eye cream (or eye balm at night) keeps the skin around the eyes moisturized and plump, which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Another mistake is not using primer on eyelids. Primer can help eye shadows blend better and last longer, and can stop the makeup from settling into creases in the skin, which would exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Choosing The Wrong Colors For Your Skin Tone
That bright peacock blue or dark gray may look gorgeous on a celebrity or model, but pay close attention to their skin tone and your own before assuming any old color will work on you. Choosing the wrong colors for your skin tone is a common error that can make you look washed out, warns Celebrity Makeup Artist Andrew Velazquez.
“This mistake can be easily corrected by choosing eye shadow colors that complement your skin tone,” Velasquez says. “For example, if you have cooler skin tones (pink, purple, olive) then neutral warms such as rose gold, coppers, and mahogany browns would be ideal. For warmer skin tones (golden, red, orange) neutral cools such as taupe, espresso, and khaki colors would work well.”
Using Shades That Are Too Dark
While you are considering eye shadow colors for your skin tone, also keep brightness levels in mind. Going too dark in an effort to give yourself a more dramatic look can backfire, according to Velazquez, especially if you aren’t considering your eye shape. On certain eyes, too-dark colors can make the eyes appear smaller.
“This mistake can be easily corrected by selecting the right shades and knowing your eye shape,” Velazquez says. “You can determine this by measuring one of your eyes, then seeing if you can fit another eye in between both of your eyes. The most common eye shapes I have come across are; almond (pretty balanced can wear any shape of shadow), close set (lighter shades inside, darker on outer corners), wide set (darker shades inner corner, lighter shades outer), deep set (lighter on brow bone and inner corner, darker on lash line), hooded (keeping the darker shades closer to lash line and pulled outer lower crease).”
Applying Too Much Eye Shadow
There’s truth to the saying that there can be too much of a good thing; in this case, too much eye shadow product can make your eyes appear heavy and tired.
“This mistake can be easily corrected by first using an eyeshadow primer such as paint pot by MAC, Tattoo primer by KVD, or eye potion by Urban Decay,” Velazquez says. “Use a light hand when applying. I suggest a flat brush (#242 #252 MAC ) for your primers and base colors. When using a primer, there is no need to use as much of the eye shadow because the primer will absorb the pigment and look vibrant.”
Making Harsh Lines & Using Too Much Glitter
Though this isn’t exactly an eye shadow tip, it’s one worth keeping in mind: using a harsh line in eyeliner can make eyes appear older, because what would be a "straight" or smooth line will appear bumpy because of the texture, Brice says. “Instead, using a shadow to line the eyes, or smudging eyeliner would create sort of a blurring effect and minimize the appearance of wrinkles,” she suggests.
Finally, using product that is too dry or that has shimmer/glitter can age the eye area, because the glitter or metallic particles can settle into the skin and enhance wrinkles, according to Brice. If you want a bit of a glow, using just a touch of shimmer on the middle of the lid can create a light-enhancing effect, as can a spot of highlighter in the inner corners of the eye. Just keep glittery and shimmer to a minimum. “A matte formula, or even a cream-based formula will sit better on the skin,” Brice notes.