If you never mastered how to apply eyeshadow from the 2010s when the complex cut crease was headlining, you're in luck. The trending eyeshadow aesthetics have evolved since then and simplicity is reigning in its place. It doesn't mean that we're over the smoky eye (never), but sheer washes of colour over lids are an art form we can get behind.
Getting it right can be tricky, but there are small tweaks and techniques the pros rely on when crafting a beautiful eye look, so we spoke to some of the world's leading makeup artists to ask them how to apply eyeshadow like we mean business.
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How should we prep our eyes?
If you want your eyeshadow to sit smoothly and grip all day, you'll want to prep your lid first. “The first thing I always do before any eye makeup is clean the area properly,” notes top Aussie makeup artist, and queen of cool-girl eyeshadow looks, Tanielle Jai. “Applying eyeshadow straight over skincare can cause it to shift and move throughout the day, so I like to prep with micellar water to make sure the lid is clean and completely dry,” she says. "From there, I’ll go in with a waterproof, gel-set pencil, my Stayliner is perfect for this, or a cream eye base like Danessa Myricks Colorfix or Giorgio Armani’s Eye Tints. These formulas set on their own, so they act as a base that locks everything in place once you build your eyeshadow over the top," says Tanielle. Top celebrity makeup artist, Leah Darcy (whose clients include Hailey Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter) agrees. “I prefer to prep eyes using a cream shadow as a base. Danessa Myricks Colorfix is my favourite,” she explains.
Will different techniques create different finishes?
The way you apply and shape your eyeshadow can transform the way your eyes look. “There are so many techniques and they can completely change the shape of your eye," explains Tanielle. “Eyeshadow can either enhance your natural eye shape or transform it entirely,” she notes. "And it’s not just shadow and liner, even how you apply your mascara plays a part. For example, if you smoke out your eyeliner on the outer corner and avoid the middle of the eye, you’ll create a more almond, cat-eye shape. If you want the eye to appear more rounded, don’t wing it out as much, keep a consistent thickness along the lid and focus on building a bit more in the centre, and apply mascara to both the top and bottom lashes focusing on the centre of the eye. If you want more of an almond shape instead, focus your mascara on the outer corner lashes rather than the centre,” Tanielle says.
What is your favourite way to apply eyeshadow?
The theme coming from our favourite makeup artists? Don't overcomplicate (or over-apply) your eyeshadow. “I love applying a cream or stick as a base and blending a matching powder on top to make it last,” says Leah. I think light washes of colour or bronzer on the eyes is big right now," she adds.
“I like to keep it simple,” confirms Tanielle. “I’ll prep my eyes using cream bronzer and use a brown pencil to smudge out the outer lash line to create a wing. Then to elongate the eyes, sweep your favourite powder bronzer through the crease and add highlight to the inner corner. This look will forever be a go-to because it’s simple and effective,” she adds.
You don't need to load up on jumbo eyeshadow palettes either. “You don’t always have to reach for eyeshadow, any of your powders will do the job. If you’re struggling to decide on a look, go monochromatic, matching your lips, cheeks and eyes. It’s always going to look gorgeous and effortless,” Tanielle says.
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The 2026 way to apply eyeshadow
I followed the advice of the pros and experimented using the Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick as a base for my eyeshadow on one eye and a cream bronzer the other. The former gave more grip and longevity and would be good for an evening look, while the cream bronzer gave a more sheer, blendable finish that looks effortless for every day.
Then, I followed up by applying a proper eyeshadow from Makeup By Mario's Master Mattes Palette over the Ilia base, and a powder bronzer over the Rhode base. Makeup By Mario's shadows are much more pigmented, so they're perfect for smoky eyes and for intermediate level and up. Plus the shades work really cohesively together if you wanted a layered smoky eye. I found they blended even more beautifully when I made the end of my brush slightly damp with a setting mist. The bronzer felt more sheer, making it foolproof if you don't have time to blend. You can swipe it on with a finger (although I followed up with a brush to take some under my eyes, too).
Overall, the effect of both was a really, subtle, sheer, wearable eyeshadow that enhanced my eyes while still feeling really natural and effortless.
How to cheat a cut crease?
A cut crease uses eyeshadow to sharply define the socket line using a darker eyeshadow shade in the crease, and a lighter eyeshadow underneath. Its purpose is to bring attention and definition to eyes. The very severe contrasting cut creases that were popular in the 2010s have evolved into a softer more gently blended rendition these days. Top celebrity makeup artist, Mary Phillips, whose clients include Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lopez, shared her secret to a super subtle cut crease, using a tiny bit of blendable liner through the crease before blending it out to a very sheer veil over lids.
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Meanwhile, for a more dramatic cut crease, digital creator, Inga Voloshchakevych, shared her secret to a more statement eye look, using a liner to create the outline of a winged eyeshadow shape, before blending it out and softening it with a deep eyeshadow shade. She then added a highlight to the centre of the lid for a modern take on the cut crease.
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How to do a smoky eye in 2026?
As for smoky eyes, we still love a smoked out, almond-shaped eyeshadow, but a sheer finish, where you can still see the lid beneath, will give a more effortless finish. To bring the drama, you can still line the bottom lashes, but softer shades of brown and greige, blended out are taking the place of lots of heavy black liner. However, black liner still has its place – used sparingly it can offer up delicate definition close to the lash line.
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How to apply eyeshadow to hooded eyes?
As for applying eyeshadow to hooded eyes, “I have hooded eyes, and eyeshadow – and really making it show up on the lid – has always been a challenge,” professional makeup artist Kirin Bhatty, told Glamour in our dedicated hooded eyeshadow guide. We have all the tailored advice you could need there, but top line? “With hooded eyes, I’ll cheat the crease by going slightly higher so the colour still shows when eyes are open,” says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno.
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Pro makeup artists share their best tips.
How to choose your eyeshadow?
Now that you have the technique down, there's the question of which eyeshadow to choose. We deep-dive into how to pick the best shade for your eye colour and how each finish (matte, shimmer, suede) will play to a different mood in our guide to choosing eyeshadow, but according to Rasa Gardiner, Senior Director of Global Education at Makeup By Mario one of the most common mistakes when it comes to eyeshadow is “to choose shades that are too literal or overly saturated, because they can dull your eyes.” She advises choosing a different shade from your eye colour to enhance rather than compete.
3 tips to up your eyeshadow game, from a top makeup artist.
What's the benefit of using a stick eyeshadow vs a powder one?
One theme we noticed when talking to top makeup artists, is that they'll never be without a stick or cream eyeshadow (though powder eyeshadow still very much has its place). “Stick shadows are easier to blend and melt into the skin. They’re especially helpful when you’re short on time and need something quick. They’re also a great multi use product, sometimes I use a stick shadow to contour as well,” explains Leah.
“For the everyday girl, I actually prefer cream and stick eyeshadows. They’re quicker, easier to apply, and blend seamlessly, making them perfect for busy mornings when no one has time to worry about technique and a patchy eyeshadow. They’re almost foolproof and give you a polished pro look in seconds,” agrees top makeup artist, Micol Melani, whose clients include Hailee Steinfeld and Madelyn Cline.
“Stick eyeshadows generally have a higher concentration of pigment and they set down, so they’re quick and easy to use. I find a stick is great as an eyeliner, as an eyeshadow base, or on its own if I want a simple look. Powder eyeshadow can be a little trickier because you’re layering and constantly blending, but the most iconic looks come from powders because the layering possibilities are endless. Plus you get so many different textures and dimensions that powder offers that a stick just can’t match,” notes Tanielle.
As for which creams or sticks to add to your collection, “some of my favourites are the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Sticks, Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks, and Danessa Myricks Colorfix Multi-Use Pigment,” says Micol. “Chanel Stylo Yeux is something I keep in my kit. It's a great easy way to add dimension or highlight to the eye. It has great staying power but is also blendable. I’ve also become a big fan of the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Cream Shadow Sticks, they can be worn alone or as a base,” recommends top celebrity makeup artist, Diane Buzzetta, whose clients include Kendall Jenner Kaia Gerber and Camila Morrone.
The best eyeshadows to try…
We've rounded up some of our favourite makeup-artist approved eyeshadows below.
