How to Create a Halo Eye with One Pop Color

Place your pop color on the center of the lid and blend darker shades around the outer and inner corners to create a halo effect.

1. Prime and set the base. Apply eyeshadow primer to clean lids and set with a neutral shade close to your skin tone. This prevents muddying and gives your pop color something to grip.
2. Map your halo placement. Look straight ahead in a mirror and mark where your pop color will sit — typically the center third of your mobile lid. This is your halo center.
3. Apply the pop color. Pat your bright or metallic shade onto the center of your lid using a flat shader brush. Build intensity with patting motions rather than sweeping to maintain vibrancy.
4. Create the frame. Use a deeper shade in your outer V and inner corner, blending toward the center color but stopping before you muddy it. The contrast creates the halo illusion.
5. Blend the transitions. With a clean fluffy brush, soften only the edges where your dark and bright shades meet. Keep the center of your pop color sharp and defined.
6. Highlight the contrast. Apply a light shade on your brow bone and inner corner highlight to emphasize the dimensional effect. The light points make your pop color appear to glow.