I love when I find a simple, easy trick that makes a huge difference. To be fair this isn’t really like some magic trick that I found, it’s a very common eyeshadow blending technique, but I feel like it gets overlooked a lot. I always see tutorials where people USE a transition color, but don’t explain it. In fact I’m guilty of it myself, both in video tutorials and I even skipped over it in my post on blending tips! What’s wrong with me? Get it together, Quinn!
So basically, this is the simplest thing ever, but it will make it much easier for you to get a smooth and even blend. Observe . . .
So let’s say you already laid down a base color that is around the same shade as your skin, as I mentioned in my first blending tips post, now it will be much easier to blend out your crease color right? Totally, but to make it even easier, and to add depth and dimension to the look (not to mention warm it up if your crease color is a little too ashen and neutral) adding in a transition color is an awesome idea.
Check out the little diagram I made above.
I like to start with the base color all over my lid, including under the bottom lash line.
Then I like to place my transition color in a smaller area on the outer corner and slightly above the crease with a fluffy blending brush.
Next I apply and blend out my crease color as usual.
This tiny extra step makes it so much easier to get an even blended gradient.
How do you choose a transition color? I think a good rule of thumb is to choose a color that is lighter than your crease color but darker than your skin, and on the warm side. If you have a hard time knowing what colors are warm and cool you can check out my color theory post and get your learn on.
Here are the colors I used for this look:
Sorry these palettes are so messy, they are both very well loved!
So as you can see I used Taupe from the Lorac Pro Palette as my crease color and Flesh From my Sleek Mattes V2 Palette. You can definitely get more creative with this, especially if you’re doing it with a more colorful look. The best way to find out what colors work on your skin and/or your current eye look is by experimenting. Sometimes color combinations will surprise you and be unexpectedly awesome. If you don’t feel like experimenting though- when in doubt, go for a warm neutral thats slightly darker than your skin.
So give this little extra eyeshadow blending tip a try if you haven’t before. I swear it makes everything so much easier!













13 Comments
Very helpful information. Thank you.
I’m so glad it was helpful! Thanks for reading 🙂
[…] time I touched on this subject I spoke of transition shades. Today I’m talking brushes, but if you are really having trouble with blending then read […]
[…] Blending Tip: Transition Colors […]
[…] color will be great, apply on the crease and inner part of the crease and blend it well. Use your transition color to blend […]
Thank you so much, I’ve been really confused about where to put the crease colour and where to place the transition colour. I’ve been searching online forever.You cleared it up for me in a simple picture.
Oh man that’s so so good to hear! Thanks for your comment Jade that made my day, I’m glad it helped
Thank you so much for the great information. I have been wearing makeup for many years. But never put it on correctly, never knew to wear a base coat or even heard of transition colors. Your article helped me tremendously. I feel that with a little more practice and by reading more of your great articles, soon I’ll putting on my eyeshadow like a pro.
Yaaaaaay that’s awesome I’m so glad it’s helpful!
Omg!! Thank you thank you thank you!!
You’re so welcome, Mallory! Glad you found it helpful!
Very helpful and first diagram showing where the eye shadows should go.Thanks for being helpful.
You’re welcome! I try ❤️