Ulta Beauty offers an extensive selection of eye makeup products, and sometimes it can be hard to decide what’s best to create the look you want. So we’ve created this guide on 5 top picks from Ulta Beauty that will give you the perfect look whether you’re headed to work or heading out on the town with friends.
1) Eye Shadow
An eye shadow palette can be a great place to start when building your makeup arsenal. You’ll have everything you need in one little package: matte and shimmer shades, creams, bronzers, and illuminators. Plus, it’s easier to experiment with colors if you don’t have to buy each shade individually. Just make sure that your shadows are cruelty-free! One can find eyeshadows at Ulta in various forms like pressed powder, glitter, cream, and pencil. The best way to use these is by using them wet or dry, depending on the intensity of color you are seeking. Wetting them will give you more intense color payoff, while applying them dry will help you create a more natural look. If you’re looking for something less conventional, you can create an ombre effect with two contrasting shades or use highlighter instead of concealer on your brow bone.
2) Mascara
In order to get that sultry, perfect eye look, you need a few key things. Primer is a must for long-lasting makeup and mascara is essential to open up eyes and add volume. Want proof? Go watch any television show or movie where someone gets glammed up for a special event: The first thing they do is apply mascara to their lashes. And for good reason! Mascara opens up your eyes, making them appear larger and more awake. It also adds volume to your lashes so you can go without eyeliner (or at least less of it. You might need to replace your mascara if it’s not thickening and lengthening like it should. If you try different types, you will eventually find one that is the best for you. All mascaras come with advantages such as lengthening, volumizing, curling, long-lasting, natural-looking, and waterproof.
3) Eyeliner
If you’re looking for a good eyeliner that can make your eyes pop, go for a pencil or felt-tip type. Try one in navy blue or black to get that wide-eyed look many of us are going for. If liquid liners are more your style, there are plenty of brands that offer great options. No matter what type of liner you choose, keep in mind: that less is more! It’s easy to overdo it on both ends when trying to perfect an eye look, so remember: One swipe and smudge will do—when it comes to liner, quality matters over quantity! For example, Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeliner Pencils come in a variety of colors, glide on smoothly and last all day long without budging. The same goes for Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils; they glide on smoothly without skipping and stay put until you decide to take them off. For those who prefer liquid liners (and really want them to last), try Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Push Up Liner ($24). The wand is skinny enough to fit into any lash line and allows you to create precision lines every time; plus, once applied, they won’t budge until you remove them yourself. When applying any kind of liner (whether pencil or liquid), don’t forget your waterline!
4) Eye Primer and Base
Prep your lids before putting on eye shadow. The primer keeps shadows in place and prevents creasing. A primer that’s specially designed for your eye area makes it easy to get your eyeshadow perfectly pigmented, lasts all day, and stays crease-free. When using primer, be sure to let it set first – don’t apply too soon or try to blend it out before it’s fully dry because you won’t get a smooth finish! If you’re looking for an easy way to create more definition in your eye shape without going overboard on color, pick up an eye base (also called an eyelid primer). It’s a light-colored eyeshadow that can be applied all over your lid before applying eyeshadow. Using a lighter shade as a base helps make any color you put on top pop, whether it’s shimmery or matte. Plus, since most bases are sheer enough that they aren’t much darker than your natural skin tone, they also help prevent colors from looking muddy if you use them under neutral shades like taupe and brown. For best results when using either type of product, tap off excess powder before application so there isn’t too much build-up on your brush or sponge applicator. This will help keep things neat and prevent fallout onto other areas of your face.
5) Eyelashes
