What type of look are you trying for? Do you mean like, when we use black shadow to add depth to other colours, or where the black is the main colour used? If you have any pictures of what you're aiming for, I could probably help you out.
And as for making a mess with the black, try one or both of the following. I always make a mess no matter what colour I'm using, so I use some sort of loose powder beneath my eyes, as you can easily brush it all away when you're finished applying your eye make-up. Secondly, and this is my own, person, really weird tip, but it works quite well; I have an adjustable mirror that I've mounted on the wall higher tham I am when I'm standing. When I go to apply shadows that are messy, I angle it downwards so that I'm pretty much tilting my backwards until it's horizontal. It's sort of uncomfortable, but gravity won't be stealing your eyeshadow! If you don't want to mount a mirror to your wall, you can just get one of those mirrors on a stand (the ones that can angle up and down) and put it on a high shelf.
And as for the 216, I really like using it for adding depth the parts of my eyes, such as the outer V and the crease. You have to be careful with this brush though, if you don't tap off the excess, you'll get more fall-out with this brush than you would with a lot of other brushes. However, the shape is perfect for outer V and crease, and allows you to apply the black more accurately.
So if you have any pictures of what kind of look you're going for, I may be able to help you out a little better.
