STEP 1

Choose an eyeshadow. Sheer eye shadows work best if you are only going to be wearing a wash of color. If you’ll be creating a smokey eye look on top of the wash, then you can use a matte eyeshadow.

One of my favorite colors to wear as a wash of color is MAC “Naked Lunch” eyeshadow, shown on the right. Stila “Kitten” eyeshadow is similar, but more shimmery.

STEP 2

After picking up some eyeshadow with your brush, tap the brush so that any loose shadow falls off (it’s better to do this now than have it fall on your cheeks!). Now start applying the color to your entire lower lid. Swipe the brush along your lower lids two or three times until the eye shadow is even.

The eyeshadow should reach all the way down to your upper lash line.

STEP 3

Without picking up more eyeshadow, use the brush to blend the the color up to your brow bone.

STEP 4

Now that you have the eyeshadow color from your lash line to your brow bone, you’re done with one eye! The color should be concentrated on your lower lid, and then fade as it reaches your brow bone. Repeat these steps for your other eye.

I just wore this wash as my eyeshadow, with some blush and lipstick. You can also line your eyes and/or add mascara to complete your eyeshadow look.

To turn a wash into a more advanced look, add a darker eyeshadow color on the outer V and blend along crease (if you are not familiar with these terms, check out my eye makeup map). This will create depth and dimension to your look.