If you love bold pigments and glistening finishes in your eye makeup, learning how to apply liquid eye shadow correctly is a game changer. Compared to traditional powder eye shadows, liquid options can give you a more controlled application process and full coverage in a single layer. Not to mention the product’s range: You can use the same technique to achieve a foiled metallic look, a bright pop of color, or a dewy shimmer.
That said, liquid eye shadows can also be a little less forgiving to work with, especially for beginners. From choosing a flattering shade to setting up your look for crease-proof wear, there’s some room for error. But with the right prep and proper technique, you can easily create a flawless liquid look primed to last all night.
Steve Kassajikian, Head of Global Artistry for Urban Decay, walks us through his best tips for how to apply liquid eyeshadow.
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How should you choose a shade of liquid eye shadow?
Liquid eye shadows tend to be highly pigmented, making them the perfect opportunity to experiment with bold colors and glitter formulas. But if you’re looking for a shade that will flatter your skin tone, there are a few safe options. Here are Kassajikian’s pro recommendations.
Fair skin tones: Cool-toned shades like silver, soft pinks, mauves, or icy blues.
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Medium skin tones: Burgundy, violet, champagne, or rose-toned shades—but you can also wear a mix of warm or cool tones.
Deep skin tones: Warm-toned shades like copper, gold, terracotta, or olive green.
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How to apply liquid eye shadow, step by step
Before applying any makeup, start by cleansing and moisturizing your skin. For liquid eye shadow, Kassajikian recommends applying an eye-makeup-specific primer, like the Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion. “Once it dries, lightly dust translucent powder on eyelids to remove excess oil and to have a matte base for the liquid eye shadow to cling to,” he says.
“After the eyelids are prepped, begin application by removing excess product from the applicator on the rim of the tube, and then place the product on the eyelid,” Kassajikian says. You’ll get the best results from blending the product before it begins to dry, so try working on one eyelid at a time.
Kassajikian recommends using a fluffy brush “to blend the product outward in circular motions for a seamless blend.” If you’re after a bolder look, intensify the shade with a second coat (rather than applying more product on your first).
Depending on the look you’re after, Kassajikian says that there are two methods to set a liquid eye shadow: “Lightly press a translucent powder on top [of your lids] to set, or apply a shade-matched powder eye shadow on top of your liquid eye shadow.”
If you’re hoping to maintain a wet look, you might opt for a spritz of hydrating setting spray over a powder. Just make sure not to skip out on prep, and keep your layers thin to minimize creasing.
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What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying liquid eye shadow?
“With liquid products, less is more,” Briceno says. Thin, well-blended layers are key, even when you want to pile on the pigment. Set each one to prevent creasing.
Briceno says that “not working with the product quickly and letting it dry before being able to fully blend it” is one of the most common liquid eye shadow errors he sees. Make sure your brush is at the ready when you dot on your shade of choice.
Unless you’re going for a graphic look, the key to nailing liquid eye shadow is creating soft, diffused edges. “Use something fluffy and not dense,” Briceno suggests, working in small, circular motions.
