Be Pulchritudinous: Holiday Eyeshadow How-to

As many of my close friends already know, I love the process of applying makeup to myself and others! Creative excitement seems to burst from within me when I am able to experiment with colors and practice blending on the facial canvas. This is because, when you are an artist at heart, almost everything turns into an opportunity for creating something beautiful.

Today, I am excited to share with you a step-by-step eyeshadow tutorial featuring how to get a dramatic eye for the holiday season. This recipe is especially good for a night out -- if you are going on a date or maybe to a Christmas party!

Some tips before starting:
// Don't be afraid to mix more than one color on your brush at a time.
// Blend. Blend. Blend.
// Look at a color palette for ideas on complimentary hues.
// Play with it and have fun!

Supplies You Will Need:
// A few different brushes
// Black Mascara
// Black Eyeliner
// Eyeshadow of various colors (I used Urban Decay's eyeshadows)
// Powder brush
// I recommend using a primer such as Urban Decay's Shadow Primer Potion.

Step 1: Start by applying a primer to your entire eyelid area. (See above for recommendation) Apply base color to entire eyelid. To match what I did, use a color mixture similar to Sidecar & Smog.

Step 2: Apply lighter color underneath eyebrow along the brow bone as well as the inside corner of your eye. To match what I did, use a color mixture similar to Uzi & Midnight Cowboy Rides Again.

Step 3: Starting from the corner of your eye, use a darker complimentary shade to accent your lash line. Making a v-shape, blend color until desired. To match what I did, use a color similar to Goddess.

Step 4: Just along the lash line, brush on a slightly darker shade than before. To match what I did, use a color mixture similar to Goddess & Perversion.

Step 5: Now, along the bottom lash line, apply the same darker color from the outer corner to the middle of your eye. To match what I did, use a color mixture similar to Goddess & Perversion.

Step 6: Along the other half of your bottom lashes, apply a lighter shade of color. Using a powder brush, lightly brush upwards over the entire eye area to blend completely and remove any extra shadow. To match what I did, use a color similar to Maui Wowie.

Step 7: Apply a black eye liner from the inner corner of your eye all the way to the outside triangle. If you like, you can make a cat-eye by adding a "swoosh" to the end of your line as pictured here.

Step 8: Add some black mascara and black eye liner to the inside bottom corners of your eye, and "wahlah!" you're ready for a holiday work party or a fancy date!