Powder eye-shadow kits often include three shades: a darker shade, a medium shade and a highlighter. Before applying eye shadow, use an eye liner on the outer three-quarters of the upper and lower lash lines. First, apply the darkest shade of eye shadow to the outer half of the eyelids, sweeping it halfway to the brow. Next, apply the medium shade to the rest of the eye. Then apply the highlighter directly underneath the brow bone on the outer half of the eyes. Smudge with a cosmetic brush or foam eye-shadow applicator. So you don't get eye-shadow powder on your mascara, save it to the last step.