How to create a dramatic eyeshadow look | Now to Love

It’s time to have fun and try a new make-up look with some of the gorgeous new eyeshadow shades that are on beauty counters right now. Here’s how.

Brush up your skills

Stick to a single tone of eyeshadow, using it in a sheer wash across the whole lid and pairing with a light application of darker liner close to the upper lashes. Complete the look with bold mascara and groomed brows.
Use a bold cobalt or purple shade as an eyeliner or play it safe with dark purple or navy blue – these are softer and more flattering than heavy black. Also, navy makes the whites of the eyes appear brighter.
Add a pop of bright lavender or blue to the inner corner of the eyes only.
Elongate and lift the eye by using a darker shade on the outer third of the lid, taking it diagonally up towards the crease, past the outer corner.
Gold/copper shadow works well with both blue and purple – try tracing it along the lower lashline as a contrast.
Blend a pale colour into the lid and along the lower lashline. Then put a stronger pigment along the top and bottom outer lashlines using a small brush. A little white pencil on the inner rim of the eyes will make this look more vibrant.
Blend a taupe shade over the lid. Apply a pencil close to the upper lashline and using an angle brush, smudge upwards and soften the line.

From the left: Almay Shadow Softies in Lilac and Sea Foam $12.95 each. Maybelline NY Master Kajal Eyeliner in Lapis Blue $19.99.

Need to know:

Purple is a shade that suits pretty much everyone because it’s neither too cool nor too warm. It looks especially good with green, brown or hazel eyes. The dustier lilacs and pinky-purples work well with blue or grey eyes. Purple is also perfect for putting a twist on the classic smoky eye
Blues are trickier to wear. Opt for warmer tones if you have brown eyes and cool ones if your eyes are blue/greyFrom the top: Collection Work The Colour Eyeshadow Pencil in Navy Blue $12.59. Australis Cream Eyeshadow Duo in Caramale Crush $13.50. L’OrÉal Paris Color Riche Eye Color Pencil in Ocean Blue $19.99.
In general, avoid glittery formulations. A satin or soft shimmery finish is going to be more flattering, particularly on lids that are showing signs of ageing
Always apply powder shadow with a brush. Dust off any excess on the back of your hand, then put on lids using a pressing and rolling motion to help prevent any falling onto the cheeks
Use a small angled brush when lining close to the lashes with a powder shadow. Wet the brush first for a more intense effect.