What goes on first eye shadow or eyeliner? (2024)

When it comes to eye makeup application, one of the most common questions is: should eye shadow or eyeliner go on first? The order in which you apply your eye products can make a big difference in the final look. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the pros and cons of applying eye shadow before eyeliner and vice versa. We will also provide tips and techniques for getting the best results no matter which order you choose. Let’s take a closer look at how to determine the ideal eye makeup application order for your desired look.

The Case for Applying Eye Shadow First

There are a few key benefits to putting on your eye shadow before applying eyeliner:

• It allows you to layer and blend shadow easier. When eye shadow is applied first, you can build up color intensity and seamlessly blend out harsh lines. If eyeliner is already in place, shadow can appear uneven.
• It enables soft smoky effects. Smudging and smoking out liner is more effortless when eye shadow is a base. The powder adheres well to the pencil or liquid liner.
• It prevents smudging eyeliner. Apply powder shadow first helps set the eyelid and prevents eyeliner from transferring and smudging onto the upper eye area.
• It gives control over the shape. With eye shadow on first, you can map out the exact eye shape you want and use liner to trace it. It’s easier than trying to apply shadow over liner.

Here is a quick overview of how to do your eye makeup with shadow first:

1. Apply eye primer from lashline to browbone.
2. Use neutral base shades all over the eyelid and browbone.
3. Pack on main shade all over the lid up to the crease.
4. Blend out any harsh edges with a transition shade in the crease.
5. Darken outer corner and/or add accent shades as desired.
6. Line upper and lower lashlines with pencil, gel, or liquid liner.
7. Finish with mascara.

Using this technique will allow you to achieve soft, blended eye looks. It works well for natural daytime makeup or bold smoky eyes at night. The key is blending eye shadow seamlessly before tracing the shape of your eyes with crisp liner.

The Case for Applying Eyeliner First

On the other side of the debate, applying eyeliner before eye shadow can also be advantageous:

• It saves time. You can quickly line eyes first and then apply shadow after. This speeds up application.
• It maximizes consistency. Pencil or liquid liner is easier to apply before any powders or creams are on the lid. The line will turn out more precise.
• It allows control over shape. Like using shadow first, lining eyes initially also lets you map the shape. The liner creates defined edges.
• It prevents fallout issues. With liner on already, you don’t have to worry about eye shadow fallout landing on freshly applied liner and ruining the look.

Here are the basic steps for applying your eye makeup with liner first:

1. Prime eyelids.
2. Line upper lashline with pencil, gel or liquid liner. Wing it out if desired.
3. Line lower lashline if wanted.
4. Pat neutral base shade all over lid up to browbone and blend edges.
5. Pack on main lid shade, leaving space along liner line if doing a cut crease.
6. Blend crease area with transition shade.
7. Finish with mascara.

This technique is great for achieving graphic liner looks. The color and shape are locked in place before any shadow is applied. Use liner first when you want defined, statement eyes.

Tips for Applying Eye Shadow and Liner in the Ideal Order

Now that you know the pros and cons of each application order, here are some tips for getting perfect results:

• Match application order to eye look. Use shadow first for soft, blended looks. Use liner first for graphic, precise looks.
• Use waterproof liner if applying first. This prevents smudging when shadow is packed on top.
• Outline liner with matching shadow to set it. This helps prevent transferring and fading throughout wear.
• Use powder shadow with pencil liner. Powder shadow adheres best to pencil liner. Cream or liquid shadow can make liner bleed.
• Go light with layering products. When layering liner over shadow, use powder formulas. When layering shadow over liner, use a light hand.
• Blend properly. Always blend eye shadow seamlessly to avoid harsh lines, no matter which product you put on first.

Paying attention to formulas and textures and taking the time to blend will give you flawless eye makeup application. Don’t be afraid to experiment with both techniques to find your preference!

Common Eye Shadow and Eyeliner Application Mistakes

While the order of applying eye shadow and eyeliner is personal preference, there are some mistakes to avoid with either technique:

• Failing to prime eyes first. Skipping eye primer will likely lead to creasing and fading.
• Applying products too heavily. It’s easy to go overboard building up shadow and liner intensity.
• Not blending shadow seamlessly. Harsh lines around edges look unnatural.
• Layering cream/liquid products. This can cause eyeliner to bleed and get messy.
• Smudging liner before shadow sets. Give liner a minute to dry before applying powder shadow.
• Neglecting to set liner with shadow. This helps liner last without transferring or smudging off.

Being cognizant of avoiding these common pitfalls will help you master the art of eye makeup application.

How to Determine the Best Order for Your Eye Shape

Along with your desired look, your specific eye shape should factor into choosing the ideal application order. Here are some tips based on eye shape:

As shown in the table, eye shapes with less visible lid space tend to look better with liner applied first. This helps maximize the appearance of the lid. Conversely, shadow first works well for eyes that are already prominent in shape and size.

Recommended Eye Shadow and Eyeliner Combos

Besides application order, choosing complementary formulas and textures is key. Here are some recommended eye shadow and eyeliner pairings for striking looks:

Powder shadows work well with soft pencil liner that can be easily blended. Creamier cream and liquid shadows pair best with smooth gel or liquid liners. Shimmer shadows make liquid liner pop while mattes complement the smudgy effect of kohl liner.

Sample Eye Makeup Application Routines

To summarize how to put it all together based on your goals, here are sample application routines for different eye makeup looks:

Everyday Neutral Eyes

1. Apply neutral matte shadows from lashline to browbone.
2. Line upper lashline with brown pencil liner.
3. Soften liner edge with matching shadow.
4. Curl lashes, apply mascara.

Bold Smokey Eye

1. Prime lids.
2. Pack shimmer shadow over lid up to crease.
3. Blend edges with matte transition shade.
4. Darken outer corners with dark shadow or liner.
5. Line upper and lower lashlines with gel liner.
6. Smooth edges with thin brush.
7. Finish with mascara.

Colorful Cut Crease

1. Prime eyes.
2. Line upper lashline with liquid liner, winged out.
3. Pat bright shadow over lid, leaving space along liner line.
4. Blend crease area with transition shade.
5. Highlight browbone.
6. Apply lower lashline liner and mascara.

These examples demonstrate how eye shadow and eyeliner order ties in with the overall technique. Keep them in mind as you practice to get comfortable with application.

Conclusion

When it comes to eye makeup, there’s no universally correct order for applying shadow and liner. Choosing to put shadow or liner on first depends on the look you want to achieve as well as your own personal preference. Creating soft, blended effects tends to work best with shadow first. But applying liner first enables sharp graphic lines. Take your eye shape and natural features into account as well. Plan out the steps carefully and use textures that work together. With some trial and error, you’ll discover your own ideal routine for flawless eye makeup application every time!