Tired and confused of tons of products options to get that perfect look? Maybe it’s time to rethink things. You don’t actually need eyeshadow to make your eyes pop. With the right cheek palette, you can go all-in on a monochrome vibe that’s clean, minimal, and enhancing for any occasion!
Let’s be real: we’re all about simplicity and effortless chic lately. Multi-use products save time, space, and energy, while still delivering impact. In this tutorial, we’ll be using a single cheek palette to create a high-impact eye look with no eyeshadow at all. Plus, that monochrome finish ties everything together for a fresh glow—whether it’s day or night.
A Bright Monochrome Look
Instead of reaching for an eyeshadow palette, we’re going bold with colour directly from our cheek palette. Grab your favourite, we’re using Smashbox Halo Sculpt + Glow Face Palette to create a pop-of-colour eye look that’s quick and easy.
Start by patting the vibrant colour 'Let's Jam' onto your eyelids to form a rough semicircle shape. Don’t worry about being overly precise—this isn’t about perfection. The main idea is to add depth on your mobile eyelids (the area between the eyelid crease and top lash line). This will mirror and compliment the hues on your cheeks. Follow with using light, circular motions around the edges of the semicircle to seamlessly blur it out with a double-ended brush.
If you're finding the edges tricky to blend grab a big fluffy blending brush for the softest, most effortless blend.
The most important tip to blending is always use minimal pressure on the brush to achieve the smoothest blend possible.
Pro Tip: Use Double-Ended Brushes
One of the easiest ways to master this technique is by using a double-ended brush. You’ll want something that has a soft, fluffy brush on one side and a denser, shorter bristle brush on the other. Double-ended brushes keeps your routine simple!
Once you’ve softened the edges with the fluffy side, dip into the bronzer or contour shade—to add depth. Starting from the outer corner of the eye, pat the product in a slight wiggle motion inward toward the center of the lid. Layering this with your blush shade adds dimension without overpowering your look.
Go easy here. Lightly layer product where needed and an even pressure with the brush gives natural definition.
Connecting The Lower Lash Line
The secret to a well-rounded look is mirroring the lower lash line to the top eyelid. Using that same bronzy contour shade, lightly smudge it across the outer corner of the lower lash line. Then, blend it into the direction of the inner corner. Repeat this same step with the blush shade 'Let's Jam'. This brings the whole look together, making your eyes the focal point.
A patting, overlapping motion helps the colours fuse naturally along the lashes without harsh lines. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives your look that finished, polished appeal.
Quick Definition with a Pencil Liner
To make your lashes look fuller and your eyes more defined, use a pencil eyeliner for tight-lining. Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is perfect for this. Hold your eyelid up, and run the pencil along the root of your top lashes.
Don’t stop there—overlap the pencil just above your lash line, then immediately blend it using your finger tips. Tap and blend it out with your middle or ring finger for a smudgy, yet controlled, soft line.
The result? A subtle, natural definition that draws attention to your eyes without feeling heavy.
What’s Next?
This no-eyeshadow eye makeup is a small touch with a major impact. You’re pulling colours from your cheek palette into your eye look for a seamless finish. The best part? It works for almost any setting: brunch, a meeting, attending a wedding or even a night out.
Ready to simplify your makeup routine and still look effortlessly put-together? Experiment with a cheek palette and create monochrome magic without clutter to your makeup bag!
Want Personalised help?
Book a one-on-one Makeup Lesson with Sarai. We'll create an easy step-by-step guide for you to recreate any look from your location, help you de-clutter your makeup bag, and select the right makeup products to suit you!
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