The eyes are the windows to the soul, and it’s even more true when it comes to applying eye makeup. With the online evolution of makeup, from YouTube makeup artists to Instagram influencers with the perfect cat eye, the world of cosmetics has never been more intimidating. You don’t have to be a makeup junkie to achieve the perfect look, you just need a guiding hand and to know a few of the basics.

From the right brushes to avoiding creases and racoon eyes, we’re here to help with a few tips:

1. Brushes

Using the wrong brush on your eyes can ruin your the look you’re trying to achieve. Every brush in your makeup bag serves a purpose. Some makeup companies help by writing the brush’s intended use on it, but others are trickier to figure out. Big and fluffy eyeshadow brushes are used to spread one color all over the eye or for blending colors. Small and firm brushes are used to add color in one specific place and can be used to smudge eyeshadow or eyeliner. These brushes are usually used to put color in your crease or outer corner to add detail. Trying to use a big eyeshadow brush for definition and detail will have your eyeshadow all over the place. Using a small brush to add color all over your eye will take longer than it needs to. Even after you get the color all over your eye, it can appear patchy and faded. Using the right brushes for the right job will give you that seamless blend you want.

2. Prime

You have to prep your face and eyes for makeup just like you would your food. Instead of cleaning and seasoning, you use a primer. A lot of people can’t figure out why their makeup doesn’t come out as smooth as they want or why it doesn’t last. The answer is they probably don’t use a primer. Primer is what will keep everything smooth, seamless, and lasting all day. Eyeshadow primer should be applied before you apply your eyeshadow. Eyeshadow primer will keep your eyeshadow from transferring or smearing all day. It will make the dullest eyeshadows look vibrant and pigmented, allowing you to use less product.

3. Types of eyeshadow

There are three types of eyeshadows and they include cream, pressed powder, and loose powder. All of these types are eyeshadow are great to use, but which one you use depends on the look you want. Cream eyeshadows are best for achieving simple looks. Since it’s a cream, it can be harder to blend and not very buildable, but it’s perfect for an everyday makeup look. Pressed powder eyeshadows are versatile and can be used for any type of look. An eyeshadow palette with a variety of pressed powders will have you prepared for any occasion. Loose powders are the most pigmented and are best used for fully glamorous and glitter eyeshadow looks.

These tips will prevent you from making the most common mistakes. With these tips, you can walk out the door feeling like you got your makeup done professionally. Your makeup is meant to boost your confidence, not make you look like a clown. Along with knowing what mistakes to avoid, these tips are used by professional makeup artists. If it works for them, it will work for you. You have the tools you need, all you have to do is use them.