Buying new eyeshadow–or a whole new eyeshadow palette–is always super exciting. But if the thought of actually going in and applying that eyeshadow seems more daunting than delightful, don't worry. We've got you covered, so you can show off those beautiful eyeshadow pigments and build the eyeshadow look you want.

So whether you're looking to build a natural eye look without complication or want to keep your smoky eye from going up in flames, we've broken down all the tools and steps you'll need to master basic eyeshadow application.

Once you've got it down, you can tweak these steps to recreate your favorite makeup looks—and invent your own. Read on to learn how to apply eyeshadow like a pro, including tips from makeup artist Tai Young, and our picks for the best products to getting a no-hassle eyeshadow look.

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Before You Begin: Choose Your Brushes

While you can apply just about any type of makeup with your fingertips, the best way to flawlessly blend colors and define your features is with specialized makeup brushes. And when it comes to creating your eyeshadow look, you'll want to invest in a few different eyeshadow brushes.

To get you started, here are four brushes you can use to build your beginner eyeshadow application kit:

A wide-domed fluffy brush, like this VASANTI COSMETICS Professional Contour Eyeshadow Brush, for covering your entire lid with swatches of color 

A smaller tapered blending brush for cutting your crease (where your eyelid meets your eye socket), like this RUBY Eyeshadow Blending Brush, and an extra (or two) to keep clean for blending 

An angled blending brush, like this SLMISSGLAM W20 Angled Eye Brush, for getting into and blending any hard-to-reach areas (like the outer corner or inner corner of your eye) 

An stiffer-bristled angled eyeliner brush, like this MODA® BRUSH MODA Neon Angle Shader, to define and emphasize your lash line

Of course, if you only want to invest in one eyeshadow brush for now, we recommend a multi-purpose eyeshadow brush like the AISLING ORGANIC COSMETICS Pro Tool: Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush. It has an oval-shaped brush on one side for packing on pigment, and longer bristles on the other for smooth blending, so you can build a variety of different eye looks without having to switch between brushes.

Step 1. Prime Your Eyes

Do you need an eye primer? Well, it depends on your final look. “Primer aids in eyeshadow color opacity and staying power,” explains Young, who adds, “If you're going for a light wash of the color, it's not necessary.” In essence, eye primer helps your eyeshadow last longer by preventing it from sliding off your eyelids when faced with heat or moisture, the same way face primer works to keep your foundation in place. As a general rule, the more eye makeup you’re using, the more you’ll need to apply primer.

Eyeshadow primer is especially great if you have oily eyelids, or find eyeshadow creases on your lids throughout the day. And some eye primers, like the ELIZABETH MOTT Thank Me Later Eye Primer, not only control oil, but have added ingredients (like pearl powder in this case) to brighten and intensify your eyeshadow.

To apply, squirt a small amount of eyeshadow primer onto your ring finger (your ring finger is the best for applying eye makeup, because it has the lightest touch and won't irritate your skin). Gently sweep the primer across your entire eyelid, up to your brow bone (right under your eyebrow), around the inner corner of your eye (where your tear duct is), and even along your lower lash line for stay-all-day wear.

Step 2. Build Your Base

Time to add your color. Most eyeshadow looks can easily be created with four shades: a neutral shade for your lid, a medium shade for your crease, a dark shade for your outer corner, and a light shade to highlight your inner corner and brow bone.

No matter the makeup look you're going for, your first layer of eyeshadow will most likely always be a neutral shade swept all the way across your eyelid with a wide brush. You can choose a color close to your skin tone for natural looks, a lighter shimmer for sparkly styles, or go darker for smoky eyes.

Not sure which eyeshadow to reach for? An eyeshadow palette like THEBALM COSMETICS NUDE Dude Eyeshadow Palette offers an array of neutrals that flatter every skin tone. If you have fair or light skin, try one of the pinkier shades, like Fit or Feisty from the palette. Medium and darker skin tones look great in gold or beige shades, like Flawless or Faithful.

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