Decide whether you want to emphasize your lips or your eyes more. Unless you're doing stage makeup, you don't want lips and eyes that are both heavy and dark in color. If you decide to emphasize your lips, choose neutral/shimmery eye shadow and fill in the natural contours of your eyes. Otherwise, choose whatever color you would like to play up your eyes.

Apply an eye shadow primer, preferably one with acrylic in it, which will prevent your eye shadow from creasing along your lids as the day goes on. The other benefits of primer include providing a smooth application of for your shadow and keeping your eyelids from getting oily.

Choose a shimmery color to start with and apply it to the center of your lid. Dip your brush into the shadow, then tap the handle lightly with your finger so that the excess powder falls off and doesn't fall onto your cheekbones. Dust over the center of your eyelid.

Next use a matte color for the outer edges of your lid so that the shimmer in the center pops. Dip your brush and shake off excess. Brush into the corner of your eyes. Swirl in small circles, blending into the center and using your fingers if needed.