If you love bold pigments and glistening finishes in your eye makeup, learning how to apply liquid eye shadow correctly is a game changer. Compared to traditional powder eye shadows, liquid options can give you a more controlled application process and full coverage in a single layer. Not to mention the product’s range: You can use the same technique to achieve a foiled metallic look, a bright pop of color, or a dewy shimmer.
That said, liquid eye shadows can also be a little less forgiving to work with, especially for beginners. From choosing a flattering shade to setting up your look for crease-proof wear, there’s some room for error. But with the right prep and proper technique, you can easily create a flawless liquid look primed to last all night.
Steve Kassajikian, Head of Global Artistry for Urban Decay, walks us through his best tips for how to apply liquid eyeshadow.
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How should you choose a shade of liquid eye shadow?
Liquid eye shadows tend to be highly pigmented, making them the perfect opportunity to experiment with bold colors and glitter formulas. But if you’re looking for a shade that will flatter your skin tone, there are a few safe options. Here are Kassajikian’s pro recommendations.
Fair skin tones: Cool-toned shades like silver, soft pinks, mauves, or icy blues.
Medium skin tones: Burgundy, violet, champagne, or rose-toned shades—but you can also wear a mix of warm or cool tones.
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Deep skin tones: Warm-toned shades like copper, gold, terracotta, or olive green.
How to apply liquid eye shadow, step by step
Step 1: Prep.
Before applying any makeup, start by cleansing and moisturizing your skin. For liquid eye shadow, Kassajikian recommends applying an eye-makeup-specific primer, like the Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion. “Once it dries, lightly dust translucent powder on eyelids to remove excess oil and to have a matte base for the liquid eye shadow to cling to,” he says.
Step 2: Dot product onto your eyelid.
“After the eyelids are prepped, begin application by removing excess product from the applicator on the rim of the tube, and then place the product on the eyelid,” Kassajikian says. You’ll get the best results from blending the product before it begins to dry, so try working on one eyelid at a time.