#1: Blending is key

HOW TO BLEND: You use three different colors: The base, usually a very light taupe, a highlighter for the crease and a main color for the lid, but how to get them to look as if they merge into each other like the colors of a rainbow?

(Look out for my video tutorial on blending to be posted soon)

My secret: Start light then go darker. Brush the base color to the entire eye up to the brow bone (base is the lightest color), apply the lid color (the medium color) and THEN apply the highlighter (the darkest color). Also, don’t be too heavy-handed or you’ll have to start over.

Extra tip: Practice makes perfect. Play with your makeup a few days before a big event.

 #2: Choose shadows that make the color of your eyes pop

‘Thrillingly, this season sees Dior, Tom Ford and Lancôme all go big on blue.’

Photograph: Rui Faria for the Guardian

So you still think that blue eyeshadow belongs in the 80’s? Think again… matching the color of your eye with a shadow actually brings the color out (think blue shadow on blue eyes). At the same time, contrasting colors make eyes pop too (think a deep jeweled blue shadow on deep brown eyes or gorgeous golds with blue eyes).

#3: Never apply deep color to your browbone… unless you’re doing a cover shoot for Vogue of course

You don’t want the drama too much shadow brings. Apply shadow up to the browbone but don’t apply shadow ON the bone unless it’s a neutral color.

 #4: Highlighter can make or break your look

When applying dark shadow to the crease of your eye, be careful to blend only on the outside edge. Get to close to the eye and you’ll cause your eyes to look teeny and beady.

#5: Set shadow with a great base

Primers are super hot right now because they help set makeup that stays for hours. I’ve found the secret to keeping shadow in place for hours is a shadow base, or primer. Almost everyone makes them but I swear by Urban Decay’s Primer Potion.

 #6: Shimmer is hot, but shows off wrinkles

Shimmer makes eyes really pop, but it also highlights heavy lids, lines and wrinkles. If you don’t have wrinkled eyelids yet (I do and I don’t care!), try this great look for shimmer: create a “nude” lid, but apply a bit of gold shimmer to the browbone. Gorgeous!

 #7: Smokey is great, but keep it to the lid

Making up a smokey eye? Keep color to the lid and just under the lower lashline. Don’t extend color above the crease.

(I will post a video tutorial next week on How to Do a Smokey Eye)

#8: You should splurge on a good eyeshadow

A great eyeshadow is Dior 5-Colour Shadow Palette it will stay on your eyes all day long, while a cheap, $4 palette will have faded by the time you finish your mid-morning coffee. What’s more, quality department counter eyeshadows typically have richer colors.

 #8: How to pair shadow with red lips

“Thou Shalt Not Play up the Lips AND the Mouth.” If you’re going for dramatic red lips (never out of fashion), cover unsightly blue lines on lids with a concealer or shadow primer and then keep eyeshadow light.

A dot of white shadow or pencil on the inside of the eye near the tear duct will make eyes look brighter. You won’t believe how eye-opening this is.

 #10: Go for color

I love going to Mecca/Mac or Bobby Brown and trying out different shades on my lids just for something different. Taupe and lavender look great on all eye colors. Also experiment and try mixing shades if you bought a color that’s turns out is just not you. Mixing outrageous colors with more subtle colors can often give a beautiful result.

There you have it the secret is out!

Have you got any eyeshadow Tips or Tricks to share that I have missed?