By Gabrielle Hodes
When I first started to dabble with makeup, I created a smokey eye on the first try. Just kidding, but how cool would that be? Let’s face it, when you’re first getting into the makeup world, it can be overwhelming and challenging sometimes. If you’re someone that’s attempted a Pinterest look and the ending product looked like the picture, color me impressed! If you’re someone like me that has attempted the look and ended up looking like you had a black eye, then keep reading!
My first high end eye shadow product was the Naked 3 pallet. Even though the colors are muted and natural, I had no idea where to start, so I turned to YouTube for some inspiration and guidance. There was a lot going on in those videos, but over the past three years, I’ve mastered the look. I don’t even know what to call it, but with this concept, I just use three to four colors, and I do the same thing every time, but it still looks different! For this example, I’ll be referencing the colors in the Naked 3, but feel free to use which ever palette your big heart desires!
I always start with a white or light muted shade - 'Strange' on the Naked 3 palette. Most likely this will be one of the lightest shades in your palette of choice. I apply this all over the lid and build it up to the desired opacity. I usually do three layers. Next, I just move down the line to the next darkest shade, 'Limit'. I apply this from the outer crease and blend it about two-thirds of the way in. I find it’s easiest to keep my eyes open and just follow the crease, kind of like I’m painting a rainbow. Again, build that up to your desired opacity. You should be able to see your crease getting slightly darker with every shade. The next one up is 'Nooner.' Start your brush at the outer crease, and this time, make the same blending motion as before, but stop about half way across the crease. That’s all!
What’s great about this technique is that the concept is usable across most palettes! Do you want to make it more dramatic? Add a darker shade in the crease after the third or use your boldest colors! If you want more of a pop, go back over your lid with the starting shade to make it stand out more! All you have to do is start with the lightest and then make your way to the darker shades. To finish the look, use your favorite mascara and or eyeliner, or don’t! It’s up to you!
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Photo Credit
Gabrielle Hodes (@gabbyh_98)