Eye shadow is a makeup essential and applying it right can make the difference between sex appeal and less than appealing. There are a few hints and tips that can help you apply your eyeshadow properly achieving a very sultry look. Here is everything you need to know to get those bedroom eyes all day long.

What You Need

The tools you use to apply your eyeshadow can make the difference between an okay application and a terrific look. Applying your makeup without the proper tools is a recipe for disaster. Besides the fact that using your fingers to apply foundation and eyeshadow make it hard create an even appearance, it also can introduce your skin to a host of bacterias that can lead to eye infections and blemishes. For eyeshadow application invest in the following tool:

• Makeup Brushes: Purchase a set of natural hair makeup brushes to achieve the perfect look. These will help apply eyeshadow evenly and in the proper place. Look for angled brushes in a variety of sizes from one that can cover your lid with a sweep to a thin one that can be used to apply eyeliner.

• Cotton Swabs: Cotton swabs are one tools you can keep in your makeup bag. They are inexpensive and can be used to apply makeup or to blend makeup. When it comes to your eyes, that are terrific for applying foundation and blending your eyeshadow to achieve a softer or more dramatic look.

• Three Shades of Eyeshadow: When you're buying eyeshadow it's best by eyeshadow sets with three or more colors. These work well because they generally come in complimentary colors that range from light to dark. If you can't find a set you like, purchase at least three colors going from light to dark that work well together. For example, if you chose a brownish color, look for a set or individual pods that come light brown or tan, a medium brown, and a dark brown shade.

Applying Your Eye Shadow

• Prime Your Eyelids: As with most makeup the best place to start is with a good foundation. Apply a foundation that matches your skin tone to your eye lid and the surrounding area. This will serve as a base that will help you apply eyeshadow evenly as well as keep your eyeshadow in place longer.

• Apply Lightest Shade: The lightest eyeshadow shade acts as a highlighter and is applied first. Use one of your medium brushes to lightly apply the eyeshadow to the area below the natural curve of your eyebrow. This will help give your eyes a bright and radiant appearance.

• Apply Medium Shade: Using a brush that will fit within the confines or your eye lid. brush the medium color across your lid. For the best possible application it's important to keep this color within the realm of your eye lid. Be sure to apply it fully to the lid without going beyond the natural boundaries of your eye.

• Apply Darkest Shade: The darkest shade of eyeshadow is used to create a dramatic and sultry look. While you can often skip this one for day time makeup application, it really completes the look. Using a thinner brush apply the dark shade to your eye's natural creases which fall between the curve of your eyebrow and your actual eye lid.

• Soften Your Look: Applying the eyeshadow in the manner above will result in a few hard edges that make it apparent that you are wearing three different shades of eye color. Your ultimate goal is to have a unified look to your makeup with soft color transitions. Use a cotton swab to blend in the lines between colors. Instead of a obvious contrast you should see a gradual change in color.

• Eye Liner: Your look won't be complete until you give it the final touches, one of which is eyeliner. Depending on your choice of eye liner (wet or dry) apply it to the rim of your eyes. Be sure to apply evenly since uneven or spotty application can ruin your whole look. As with the eyeshadow, you will want to use a cotton swab to blend your eyeliner in creating a softer look.

• Mascara: Your final touch to your look is the mascara. Apply your mascara with a sweeping motion to both the top and bottom lashes. Remove any clumps while mascara is still damp.