Hello and thanks for stopping by! It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged, mostly because I’m never sure what to write about! I’ve wanted to blog about makeup tips for a long time but have never gotten around to it, and didn’t know where to start. I posted a poll on Instagram to find out what everyone struggles with most, and I got so many great replies! Some of which were liquid eyeliner, spot coverage, and false lashes. I feel your struggles. And I plan on doing more posts, so I will be touching on all of these great topics! However, this poll leaned toward blending, so that’s what we’ll be talking about today!
I’m really excited to talk about this because I LOVE blending and the techniques you use make a big difference on the final look. In fact, before we dive in I feel compelled to share a story. One morning, my sister was getting ready for work and she was grumpy. I asked what was wrong and she said she didn’t like her eyeshadow. So without adding anything else, I just blended it all in a little more and her mood completely changed. It was so funny! #BlendingMatters
Let’s get to it!
Blending can have a number of meanings, but we’re going to be specific and focus on eyeshadow. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- When you apply your foundation, apply in over your eye area as well. Some people prefer not to do this, but I think it makes a great base for a smooth ending result
- Make sure you are using a good eyeshadow primer following your foundation. My favorite is Urban Decay Primer Potion- which now comes in different colors and finishes! To apply, swipe over your eye area and use your ring finger to spread it evenly by gently patting
- This is just preference, but once it’s time to apply shadow, I always start with the crease. For best result, choose any color darker than your skin tone (browns will never let you down and are flattering for almost everyone!) I take a medium sized, fluffy eyeshadow brush and do windshield wiper back and forth motions directly in the crease. Once I have taken the brush back and forth several times, I continue the same motion but bring it up a little higher, but not too high. Just about right between your crease and your brow bone. This technique blends the product upward to create a soft finish instead of a harsh contrast in the crease, while still keeping most of the shadow and color directly in the crease.
- Next, for the lid, choose a color lighter than the one on your crease, and use a flat eyeshadow brush to pat it on. Having a lighter color on your lid will create the illusion of your eyes being larger, making them pop, while the darker color in your crease adds depth and definition.
- This step will seem like just a finishing touch, but it really brings it all together! Take a large, fluffy eyeshadow brush and choose a matte, skin-toned shade and apply to the brow bone (right below your eyebrow). Do the same back-and-forth motions as before, however this time we’re going to start at the very top and work our way slightly downward, just enough to touch the bit of crease color that you brought upward in step 1. Basically, this is where they meet in the middle and blend everything seamlessly.
Remember that everything takes practice and the brushes you use matter! Very cheap brushes may be easier to get but you will struggle with them while trying to blend, and you might even see bristles fall out of the brush often. Look for quality brushes with very soft, dense bristles. Investing in decent brushes will save you a lot of blending time, and honestly, do a lot of the work for you!
If you’re looking for a great palette, I cannot recommend Anastasia Beverly Hills enough. Their shadows blend like a DREAM and are wonderfully pigmented! I started with the Modern Renaissance palette, and I now have the Soft Glam palette, which is my new favorite and is PERFECT for everyday natural looks. Also, the brush that comes inside is dual ended. The black side is perfect for blending the crease, and the tan side is great for the lid. Here is the link if you’re interested: http://www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com/soft-glam-palette/ABH01-18174.html
I hope you enjoyed! If any of these tips help you, let me know! It will make my day 🙂
