Eyeshadow can intimidate a lot of makeup beginners. Take a look on Instagram and you'll see intricate cut creases, gradients, color layers, and glitter. But it doesn't have to be complicated. If you're going for more of a natural, day-to-day eye look, you can start simple with a few neutral shadows subtly applied. Sounds easier said than done, of course, but that's what YouTube is for. We scoured the best natural eye makeup tutorials out there—and found the exact products used—so you can finally master the art of daytime eyeshadow, ahead.
Jessica Clements is a favorite on YouTube for the way she pulls off effortless-looking makeup. In this video, she masterfully demonstrates using a light hand with eyeshadow for slight definition without looking like she's wearing too much shadow.
Best tip: Instead of a liner, which could be harsh, use an angled brush and smudge matte black eyeshadow close to the lash line for a softer finish.
Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette
Urban Decay Eyeshadow
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Eyeko Online Only Black Magic Mascara Drama & Curl
Teni Panosian proves you don't have to stick to brown and blacks as neutrals, opting instead for a deep plum to achieve her daytime smoky eye. She gets really detailed about shadow placement, blending, and what types of brushes to use in this tutorial, so even an amateur can easily follow along.
Best tip: When you're blending, always make sure to use tiny circular motions (as opposed to a windshield-wiper-like motion) to make all the shadows seamlessly work together.
Signature Eyeshadow Aphrodite
Hourglass 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner
Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara
Bdellium Tools Professional Makeup Brush Studio Line - Shading Blender 773
Nyma Tang made her mark on YouTube with her popular series testing out the darkest shades of foundation from different beauty brands. She always offers helpful tips for those with a deeper complexion, and this super detailed eyeshadow tutorial is no exception.
Best tip: Prime the eyes with a concealer lighter than your skin tone (and make sure to set it with translucent powder). It makes shadows appear more pigmented and creates an even canvas to mix shades.
Morphe 35O Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette
L'Oreal Paris L'Oreal® Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 171 Blackest Black .08oz
L'Oréal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara
Desi Perkins' interpretation of a more natural eye involves romantic shades of rose and blush. She blends with just a couple of colors and shows you exactly how to use concealer to "clean up" the lid area so you can make shadows look more perfected.
Best tip: When applying eyeshadow to your crease, tilt your head back and look down into the mirror so you have the full surface area of your eye socket.
Give It To Me Straight
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Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal BIG Shot Mascara Baddest Black - 0.33oz
Lilly Lashes 3D Mink MakeupBySamuel | False Eyelashes | Dramatic Look and Feel | Invisible Band | Reusable | Non-Magnetic | 100% Handmade & Cruelty-Free
For a soft, everyday eyeshadow look, turn to Jenn Im, the master of low-key glam. Here, she uses affordable drugstore products to get the look.
Best tip: When applying darker eyeshadow on your outer corners, use a small brush to "poke" the color into place and blend afterward, so you get a diffused finish and don't mess up as easily.
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette
Wet n Wild MegaSlim Skinny Mascara Black - 0.21 fl oz
SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Blending Brush #27
Ardell Demi Wispies Natural Multipack
