The now world famous "gradient makeup" technique is a perfect option for a night out with friends or an important event. If done correctly, it allows you to create a tone-on-tone look, which makes the look sensual and allows you to leave the rest of the makeup minimal. To use this technique on the eyes, obtaining an effect similar to that of the "smokey eye", you must select eye shadows with scaled tones, going from the lightest to the darkest shades of a single color. You will have to apply the eyeshadows following a few rules and complete the look with a thin line of black eyeliner and a lot of mascara.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Eyeshadows
Step 1. Use black, gray or brown eyeshadow as a base
The first two are also the most popular choice for creating the "smoky eyes" look. and you want to create a fairly traditional make-up and suitable for a simple evening with friends, you can opt for black or gray. Both are a great option even if you intend to wear a very colorful dress and want your makeup to be dark and neutral.
Brown is also often used for the "smoky eyes" look. If you want to create a gradient eye makeup that catches the eye, but isn't as flashy as black, brown can be the right choice
Step 2. You can also opt for a more vibrant and colorful base color
For example, nothing prevents you from choosing a blue, pink, green or purple eyeshadow. It could be a fun way to spice up your look.
- Pastel tones, such as peach, green and pink, are ideal for highlighting brown eyes.
- The different shades of purple go well with brown, hazel and green eyes.
- Blue tones look great on those with green or blue eyes.
Step 3. Choose three shades of the same color:
one light, one intermediate and one dark. To create a gradient make-up, you need to have three eyeshadows, that is, three different shades of the same color. They will be applied next to each other to create a chromatic scale on the eyelids.
- For example, if you chose black as your base color, you will also need two more eyeshadows: one light gray and one dark gray. If you have chosen purple, you need to find three different shades: a light, a dark and an intermediate, which allow you to create a gradual shade.
- The simplest thing is to choose a palette made up of different shades (usually 3 or 4) of the same color. Of course, by opting for single eyeshadows you will have a much wider range of colors to choose from.
- You can use either powder or cream eyeshadows, the choice is yours.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Eyeshadow
Step 1. Start with a clean face
Maybe you thought you were going to create the base first, but it's best to start with eye makeup to avoid getting dirty and having to reapply foundation or concealer. It is also best to make sure that the eyeshadows are not excessively dusty otherwise you will risk staining the rest of the face.
- If the skin of the eyelids tends to become oily and shiny, it is important to first apply an eye primer using a clean brush. The function of the primer is to make the eyeshadow adhere better to the skin and to make it last longer.
- Stand in front of the mirror in a well-lit room and place the three eyeshadows so they are easy to reach. You may also need paper towels and cotton swabs to get rid of any color smudges, so it's best to have them on hand.
Step 2. Get two eyeshadow brushes
They must both be clean, it is a fundamental condition for creating gradient eye makeup correctly. You will need the first one to apply the three eyeshadows, one after the other. The second will be used to blend the colors immediately afterwards.
- Use a pen brush: it is characterized by short bristles and a rounded tip.
- One more option is to use a blending brush. There are different types, the ideal is to choose one with soft bristles, but rather dense and compact to prevent them from bending too easily or fanning out, otherwise you will not be able to control the color well.
Step 3. Apply the lighter shade first
Use the eyeshadow brush to spread the color on the first part of the eyelid (the one that goes from the lashline to the natural crease of the eye). Start at the corner closest to the nose and continue to about 1/3 of the eyelid.
Apply only a little product at a time. In general, it is best not to use an excessive amount of eyeshadow with the brush to obtain a more precise result
Step 4. Apply the medium shade to the center of the eyelid
Tap the second eyeshadow next to the lighter one, again from the lash line to the natural crease of the eye. Try to apply it as close to each other as possible to make them seem united. This way your gaze will appear more sensual.
Mentally divide the mobile eyelid into three parts and make the mid-tone eyeshadow occupy the central part
Step 5. Complete the color scale with the darker shade of eyeshadow
You need to apply it right next to the intermediate shade, inside the triangle formed by the lash line, the natural crease of the eyelid and the outer corner of the eye. Make the darker color adhere to the previous one and gently blend where the two shades meet to avoid gaps or a sharp dividing line between the two colors.
If you want your makeup to be even more flashy, you can slightly lengthen the stroke beyond the end of the eye. In this case it is better to use a small, compact and not too soft blending brush, especially if you want to create a tail upwards for a "cat-eye" effect
Step 6. Use a clean blending brush to harmonize the colors
After applying the three eyeshadows, it's time to blend them lightly where they meet. Try to make small circular motions along the parting lines. The goal is to reduce the gap and make sure that no one color prevails over the other. One last tip: when blending, remember to always start with the lighter colors and apply light pressure.
- In summary, try to make circular, circumscribed and delicate movements, without pressing too much, using a classic clean blending brush.
- If you find that you have blended the color beyond the eyelid or in an exaggerated way, try to correct the mistake with a cotton swab dipped in make-up remover. If the damage is excessive, the only thing you can do is wash your face and start over.
Part 3 of 3: Complete the Makeup with Eyeliner and Mascara
Step 1. Apply eyeliner
Gradient eye makeup won't be complete until you've outlined your lashline with eyeliner. The colors will appear darker and more pronounced and your gaze more sensual. Try to draw the eyeliner line as close as possible to the lashes. Start from the inner corner of the eye and slowly move towards the outer corner to avoid making mistakes. If you want, you can also apply it under the eye, along the lower lash line. In both cases, you can use liquid eyeliner, a pen or a long-lasting black pencil.
You can also make up the lower inner rim using a waterproof black pencil. Your gaze will be even more magnetic
Step 2. Blend the eyeliner or pencil with a brush
At this point it is best to use a thin pointed or angled bristle brush; in both cases it is important that it is clean. Go over the line of eyeliner to blend it slightly, making it less marked. Also in this case you can get a good result by making circular, circumscribed and delicate movements.
- Remember that if you have used liquid eyeliner you need to blend it before it dries.
- Do not try to blend the pencil inside the eye, otherwise you will make it water and risk ruining the makeup.
Step 3. Apply mascara
Mascara is also an essential element to create a gradient eye make-up. Its purpose is to make lashes appear darker and more voluminous. You can first curl them using an eyelash curler, unless they are naturally curved upward. When finished, coat them with a thick layer of mascara.
- Apply mascara to your lower lashes as well.
- If you want to do more than one pass, wait until the previous one is dry to prevent unsightly lumps from forming.
Step 4. Finish by lighting up all the makeup
At this point you can apply a very light eyeshadow under the browbone and in the inner corner of the eye to give more depth to the look and define the eyelid.
- When you're done, wipe your cheeks and lashes with a tissue to remove any eye shadow residue that may have lodged in those areas.
- At this point you can make up the rest of your face, for example by applying foundation, blush and bronzer.
