9 ways to use 1 eye shadow palette (2024)

Being thrifty and nifty are life skills we work hard to hone but don't forget they can apply oh-so well to your makeup, too. Yep, making the most of what you have will not only see you saving money (and space in your beauty bag) but inventing some cool new looks.

This step-by-step guide to using ONE neutral eye shadow palette – you know, the type we've all got stashed away – teaches you how to use it NINE ways, from contouring cheekbones to reducing eye redness and creating a shimmery nail polish!

We used Lancôme's Hypnose Star Eye Palette in Brun au Naturel and with tips from Shehla Shaikh, their head makeup artist, Cosmo's Online Beauty Editor Bridget created all her entire look using the palette (well, except her foundation and mascara…). Watch and learn then once you've got the techniques you could also try some steps with other shades and products – the multi-usage is endless!

1. To enhance your eyebrows

Pick a shade slightly lighter than your own brows. (You can mix shades to create a more natural finish.) Gently stroke the powder through the brows with the brush applicator.

2. To highlight your eyes

Highlighting where the light catches works to 'push' that area forward, making your eyes look bigger and brighter. Apply the lightest shade 1) under the brows, 2) corner of the eye, 3) along the lash line.

3. To contour your eye socket

This technique will add more definition into the socket. Without applying any eye shadow on the lids, use the natural taupe shade to contour in the socket of the eye, for a natural shadow. TIP: It's easier to keep your eyes open while applying into the socket.

4. As a wet eyeliner

Dampen the brush first and mix with shadow to give it more intensity and make it easier to apply. Make sure to remove any excess product by swatching on the back of your hand first, for a cleaner finish. Apply as you would a gel eyeliner, gently flick up at the end of the corners, to give a subtle lift to the eye. TIP: The thickness of your eyeliner should translate to the size of your eyelid. For example, small eye socket works best with fine eyeliner.

5. As a dry eyeliner

To reduce redness and make your eyes appear brighter, dab the cream shadow into the waterline using the soft applicator brush.

6. To contour cheek (darken)

To enhance the shadow under your cheek bones and give your face more structure, mix the taupe shade with the brown, and use a contour brush to sweep it up to the temples and into the cheek line.

7. To contour cheek (highlight)

To enhance your cheekbones, use the gold and pearl eye shadow and dust it over the cheek bone as a highlighter using a soft brush.

8. As a nude lip colour

Mix up with lipbalm or lipgloss (depending on what texture you want) to create a coloured paste and apply to the lips with your finger.

9. As a nail tint

Scrape off a pinch of gold eye shadow onto a clean surface and mix with a clear or neutral nail varnish to create a nail tint and apply as usual.