Makeup 101: Eyeshadow Diagram for Makeup Newbies

I love experimenting with eyeshadow! Since I post so many eye makeup tutorials, I created this eyeshadow diagram to demonstrate the proper placement areas and terms. I'll link to this whenever I post a tutorial, so hopefully that will make it easier for beginners following along!

Eyeshadow Diagram

Here's my handy eyeshadow diagram to help you out next time you're applying eyeshadow. I've listed the descriptions of each down below.

Eyeshadow Basics & Definitions

Inner Corner: I typically add highlights in this area. It brightens and refreshes the eyes, or makes them “pop”.

Lower Waterline: This is the inside flat part of your lower eye–between your actual eyeball and the base of where your lower lashes grow out. In the photo above, I lined the waterline with a dark color, but I'll often line it with white to make my eyes look wider.

Upper Waterline (not pictured): The same area as the lower waterline, but on the upper lid.

Lower Lashline: Area just below where the lower lashes grow out. This is a fun place to add a bit of color.

Outer V: This is the outer corner of the eye. Add darker colors here to get more of a cat eye or almond shaped look to the eye.

Crease: This is where the eyelid naturally folds when the eye is open. Whichever shade of shadow I have on my upper lid I'll usually add here, too — but in a darker tone to add definition.

Above Crease: The area slightly above the crease is where I blend the crease color into the highlight. Blending is always key when applying eyeshadow!

Brow Bone/Highlight: Add lighter colors here to highlight the brow structure.

Lid: The lid is for the main color you're trying to show off. You can get kind of funky with colors here!

Upper Lashline: This is where eyeliner goes.

I hope my eyeshadow diagram helps the next time you're applying eyeshadow!

If you're a beginner to the world of makeup, I suggest reading my suggestions about the best inexpensive eyeshadow palettes before you make your first purchase.

You can see more of my makeup tutorials under the beauty tab here on the blog or on my YouTube channel. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments!

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