the belle lumiere

The gorgeous and super helpful Katerina Psathas from Adore Beauty was kind enough to take the time to write a lengthy guest blog for The Belle Lumiere about all of the different shades of eyeshadow options for different eye colours, and eyeshadow basics. All products listed are available for purchase from Adore Beauty. This is Part 1 – Primers & Eyeshadow Basics.

So many colours, so many looks! Shimmer, glitter matte aargh, eye shadow can be confusing! As a makeup artist I am constantly asked, what eye shadow should I wear? So forget all the things you have previously been told, blue eyes should wear blue eye shadow etc. and embrace Katerina’s Complete Eye Shadow Bible. First and foremost, it’s important to clarify, that there are no hard or fast rules regarding colour. There are some combinations I thought would never work, but then in reality have looked amazing. However, if you really want to make your eyes stand out, there are particular products, colours and techniques you can use that will help you achieve this.

GETTING STARTED…..

Eye Primer/Base

Why? The eye lid is super duper oily, thus a lot of us find our eye shadow creases throughout the day, or even comes right off, and what a waste of all that glorious effort. A good quality eye primer is not only going to ensure that your shadow stays intact all day, but it will also bring out the true colour of your eye shadow. (Ever bought a seemingly brilliant coloured eye shadow only to get home, apply it and find it looks a little bleh? Yep, so have I.) I have listed a couple of little troopers that I have worked with and personally use myself. My honest opinion, I wouldn’t bother taking more than 30 seconds applying eye shadow if I haven’t got a base on.

Katerina’s choice of eye primers;

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray Eye Primer $45 Why? It’s also a primer for your concealer, to prevent it from falling into fine lines around the eye and creating lines and that “cakey” look.

Laura Mercier Eye Basics $42 Why? It’s oil-free, water-resistant and incredibly light, which is important when dealing with the eye area. It looks so natural, if you apply it to one eye, your other eye looks odd! Comes in a great range of colors to target specific discoloration concerns around the eye area.

Types of Eye Shadow:

Matte – Suitable for all ages, great for creating depth and smoky looks. Careful you don’t go looking all dull and Melrose Place with too much matte shadow on the eye. Can be a bit tricky to blend, especially darker colours.

Satin – Suitable for all ages, nice natural sheen compared to a matte shadow and generally easer to blend.

Pearl – Suitable for all ages, beautiful opaque finish but not glittery/shimmery.

Shimmer – Suitable for all ages, can be used with a matte to spice things up a bit. Shimmer not to be confused with glitter. Shimmer is much more refined, sheer and complimenting even on a mature skin. If you’re not too confident, use matte shadow colours with one shimmer.

Glitter – Has visible pieces of glitter throughout product. Can be super glamorous when used in moderation, mature skins, beware!

Cream – Beautiful texture, super easy to blend and create great looks quickly. Can be applied with the finger. Most will crease and definitely will require a good quality eye primer underneath. Gives that glossy, polished look.

Loose Shimmer – Gorgeous colour ranges, a wide range of effects can be achieved with loose shimmers. Bear in mind you must wear a primer underneath or most of the colour will fall off throughout wear.

- Katerina

This is part one of a 5 part guest blog from Katerina. Stay tuned! (next post: Blue Eyes)