How to Use Eye Shadow as Eyeliner: Tips and Makeup Tutorial

Both eyeliner and eye shadow are makeup products you can use to highlight the natural appearance of your eye shape and color. While eyeliner is makeup used to outline the rim of the eyes, eye shadow is a type of pigmented powder used to add depth and color to the eyelid area.

Eyeliners come in different consistencies, including liquid eyeliner, gel eyeliner, and pencil eyeliners. Although brown and black eyeliner shades are the most common, you can also find brightly colored eyeliners. You can also create a vibrant and striking eye makeup look by using eye shadow as an eyeliner to trace the outline of your eyes.

Using eye shadow as eyeliner allows you to experiment with color and texture in your eye makeup looks.

1. 1. Add dimension and color to a cat-eye look: When you use eye shadow as eyeliner, you can add glam to a traditional cat-eye or winged eyeliner look by adding a pop of color with a brightly pigmented shimmer eye shadow.
2. 2. Add texture to a smoky eye look: Makeup artists suggest using eye shadow as eyeliner to create a smoky eye look. Blending different shades of eye shadow into a thick line across your eye allows you to create a more dramatic look than with liquid liner or pencil liner alone.
   
3. 3. Line your eyes with more shades: Eye shadow palettes come in all shades of the rainbow, providing more options when creating a colored eyeliner look. You can also blend different powder eye shadows to create an ombré effect.

Try this makeup tutorial to apply an eye shadow as an eyeliner.

1. 1. Apply primer. Prep your eye area with a makeup primer, gently dabbing the product into your skin. Primer acts as a base, creating a smooth foundation for your makeup. Applying primer before adding eye products also helps your makeup last throughout the day without smudging.
2. 2. Add concealer. After priming your eye area, add a small amount of concealer under your eyes to even your skin tone and cover any dark circles. Using concealer also helps brighten the eye area and makes the eye shadow stand out.
3. 3. Use an angled brush. Unlike a regular eye makeup brush, an angled eyeliner brush has a thin set of bristles positioned on a slant. The slant allows you to apply eye shadow in precise lines, making it easier to create an eyeliner look with eye shadow.
4. 4. Dip the brush in water. Before adding eye shadow to your makeup brush, dip the tip of the brush in water to dampen the bristles. Avoid soaking the brush in water; instead, let the water graze the top of the bristles, so the brush is slightly moist. The water helps the eye shadow pigments stick to the brush as you apply it to your eyelids.
5. 5. Select an eye shadow color. You have plenty of options when it comes to an eye shadow color. If you want a natural look that mimics traditional eyeliner, select darker eye shadow shades, such as brown, black, or gray. You can also play with color by selecting a bright, glitter eye shadow to draw attention to your eyes. If you have brown or green eyes, opt for a gold eye shadow shade to enhance the natural warm tones in your irises. For blue eyes, select a silver or white shimmer eye shadow to draw out the cool tones in your eye color.
6. 6. Use a mixing medium (optional). Shimmer and glitter eye shadows flake off the eye area more quickly than matte eye shadow palettes. However, a mixing medium—a beauty product designed to help bind makeup—can help the sparkles stick to your eyelids throughout the day. Dampen your makeup brush in the mixing medium before dipping it into your eye shadow palette. The ingredients in the mixing medium help gently bind the glitter to your eye area.
7. 7. Start from the inner corner out. When applying eye shadow as eyeliner, angle the upper tip of your makeup brush along your lash line. Starting from the inner corner of your eye, gently swipe the brush along your upper lash line. Repeat this process two to three times until the eye shadow reaches your desired consistency and color. You can also apply eye shadow along the lower lash line to highlight and extend the look of your eyes. Instead of starting right at the inner corner of your eye, place your brush just outside the inner corner. Draw a line along your waterline until you reach the outer corner of your eye.
8. 8. Allow the eye shadow to dry. Since eye shadow is typically powder, it needs a few minutes to draw and set. After applying the eye shadow, keep your eye closed for about one minute to allow the eye shadow to dry and prevent it from smudging.
9. 9. Set with a spray. Finish the look by applying mascara to your eyelashes and spritzing setting spray around your eyes. The spray locks in your makeup and creates a dewy, glowy finish. Apply a translucent setting powder to your eye area for a matte finish.

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