Thursday, February 14, 2008

Eye Makeup

Eye Makeup

Depending on the shape and spacing of your eyes the following is a variety of eye makeup ideas to help transform your face Whether you want to improve your eyes appearance or play up their beauty the following advice will provide you some steps to guide you through some eye makeup concepts

Learn some new eye makeup ideas If you are looking for basic eye makeup application guidelines visit our articles Eye Makeup or Eye Makeup Tips

Most eye makeup assortments offer three basic shades or colors

Highlighter the lightest shade designed to bring out the areas it is applied to
Mid Shade this shade should be closest to your natural skin color It is the most subtle of the colors but the most important
Contour the darkest shade causes the area to recede
Eye Makeup Ideas for Common Problems

Hooded Eyes

Stunning eyes look great With a hooded eye the lids look partly closed So to open up the eye you can use makeup to minimize the eyelid
Start by drawing more attention to your eyebrows Ensure they are properly shaped and use them to entice interest upwards from the eyelid
Cover the skin from the brow bone to the upper lash line with the highlight color
Next apply the mid shade to most of the surface of the eyelid
With the contour shade brush on the outer half of the lid and up towards the brow
Follow with a fine line of contour under the lower lashes
This eye type really benefits from having eye makeup either shadow or eyeliner under the lower lashes
When using eyeliner also extend the line from the outer upper lashes slightly past the edge of the eye

Droopy Eyes

As eyes age they inevitably begin to droop Although you cant reverse the process you can try the following eye makeup ideas to camouflage the problem

Place highlighter on the area immediately under your eyebrow and completely cover the eyelid
Apply the mid shade to the crease up towards the brow line
Use the contour color on the outside corner of the upper lashes and brush up towards the crease slightly
Also apply the contour shade along the entire lash line under the eye
Other Ideas
Our article Eye Makeup Tips covers some other standard methods for transforming wide and close set eyes prominent eyes and techniques to help your eyes look big and bold Check it out if you need more information on these types of eye makeup ideas

Special Eye Makeup Tricks

Want to update your look or have a special evening out The following eye makeup ideas will give you some inspiration

Shimmer eye shadows add drama

Curling your lashes before applying mascara instantly opens your eyes Not only giving them a larger appearance but also younger
Set your eyebrows in place with a little hair gel and an old toothbrush
Soften the harsh line of liquid liner with a dark eye shadow applied directly over the line and smudge it slightly
If you get real fancy with your eye makeup dont overdo your lips Pick one or the other to be particularly colorful with otherwise you will tend to look overdone
Utilize white eye shadow to brighten and enlarge the eyes appearance Simply apply it lightly around the outside of the eye close to the lashes
False eyelashes quickly spice up your look for a special occasion
General Rules about Eye Makeup
Always keep your eye pencils sharp ideally sharpen them before each use
When short on time simply apply the mid shade to your eyelid to give your eyes some pop
The first spot where you place your pencil or makeup brush will get the most color
Utilize concealer and powder over the entire eye area under and over to ensure a higher quality longerlife appearance to your eye makeup

Mascara

Why do people wear mascara? Mascara can open up your eyes like nothing else Paired with an eyelash curlerWOW You can make the whites of your eyes look whiter after an allnighter You can get a sultry dramatic look or you can have a flirty playful appearance The trick is in finding the appropriate formula for the look you desire and the lashes you have

The first step no matter which formula you choose is curling Always always curl your lashes You can get a less Costly plastic Maybelline lash curler They work a little better than the metal ones and who can beat $5 Start first by curling and then move on to the product

If you have a primer start at your inner corner and work from underneath your lashes Look up or straight ahead while you do it Putting primer on the tops of your lashes is optional The next step is the actual mascara If you didnt use primer first put the product on the tops of your lashes while tilting your head back and looking down If you used primer you could weigh your lashes down by putting the mascara on the tops If primer was involved just tilt your head down look up into the mirror and put the mascara on from the inner corner to the outer corner wiggling the wand horizontally as you go Finish with a second coat if desired and go over the lashes on the outside corners once more Holding the wand vertically stroke the product lightly onto your bottom lashes

Volumizing thickening formulas give you a seductive look if paired with a smoky eye Some formulas look more natural and completely suitable for daily wear if you pair them with neutral makeup Generally the products that come with a primer on one end and the mascara on the other look better for going out at night Thickening products in a regular tube generally look almost as dramatic as their primed counterparts but are more presentable for day Good dualended combinations include Maybelline XXL and Loreal Double Extend Great volumizing products with no primer include Loreal Voluminous Maybelline Lash Stylist Maybelline Volum Express MAC Zoomlash and Rimmel Volume Express

Hint To make your lashes look even thicker dot black eyeliner between your top lashes and smudge Its a trick for making false lashes look more natural but it also works for your own set when you want a falselash look
Its time to flirt Long lashes give you an innocent sex appeal perfect for a first date Lengthening formulas are also great for girls who already have thick lashes but just want a little extra oomph Thickening formulas often clump on eyes with alreadydramatic lashes Suggested lengthening products include Loreal Lash Out Cover Girl Lash Exact Max Factor Stretch Separate and Clinique Long Pretty Lashes. Most people associate colored mascara with big hair tights and Madonna Trendy vibrant colors arent the only ones out there though They certainly have their placeteens makeup stashes for example Those of us sincerely into the art of makeup often have them too sometimes they complement eye makeup like no other What people often fail to realize is there are more muted colors like navy blackened amethyst deep emerald green and burgundy Those are the ones you use to brighten your own eye color If youre a little makeup shy and want eye makeup specifically geared toward your blue green brown hazel or green eyes go to any drugstore and look at the Almay Intense IColor line If you prefer to explore and experiment discover navy blue for blue eyes burgundy for blue or green eyes or deep amethyst and emerald for green brown and hazel eyes Some to try Maybelline Great Lash in Royal Blue Yves Saint Laurent Luxurious in Burgundy and Almay Intense iColor. A mascara that does it alllengthen thicken separate curl and coloris often the holy grail of a girls makeup treasure trove Its the key to dramatic lashes smoky looks and just feeling like one hot mama The magic formula will do for your eyes what a little red dress does for your bodyPOW Suggested AllinOne Products include Christian Dior Diorshow Yves Saint Laurent Faux Cils Lancome Hypnose

The biggest factor in choosing a mascara is skin tone but eye color and hair color sometimes factor in If youre a fairskinned lighteyed blonde black might be harsh for you to wear everyday Try brown or blackbrown instead for a softer look Fairskinned lighteyed brunettes can go either wayblack brownblack or brown depending on their mood the rest of their eye makeup and what makes them feel most comfortable Fairskinned redheads look fabulous in auburn Check out Max Factors 2000 Calorie for the perfect shade Medium skin tones regardless of hair and eye color can often go for a soft black shade Darker eyes may gravitate towards blackest black and lighter ones look to blackestbrown shades Dark skin tones look best in black they really make eyes pop against your deep skin tones If youre into vibrant colors just play around with different pallettes Usually when colored formulas look good or bad it has more to do with the rest of the makeup than your own personal coloring

MakeupA few good eye makeup tips can help you create sensational eyes


Captivating Eyes

Your eye makeup can really define your look Use it sparingly to create modest yet beautiful eyes for the work day and apply it heavier for dramatic sexy eyes that are perfect for an evening out on the town

Whether youre preparing for day or night its a good idea to begin by applying an eye shadow primer base to your lids to help your eye makeup look fresh longer

Tips for Applying Eye Shadow

The skillful use of eye shadow can certainly compliment the natural beauty of your eyes accentuating your iris color and overall eye shape The following eye makeup tips can also help enhance Mother Natures original handy work or if you feel the need for a change

Creating Wide Set Eyes

To accentuate wide set eyes or to give the illusion of more distance between close set eyes try following these eye makeup tips

Apply a light to medium shade of eye shadow to your entire lid area
Then using a darker complimentary color apply this shade to the outer third of your main lid area extending slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye
Use your finger tip to blend the darker color and soften the edges
Add pencil liner slightly widening the line at the outer edges of the eyes
Brush mascara onto the tips of the lashes near the inner corners and on the full length of the lashes near the outer edges

Creating Closer Eyes

If you feel your eyes are set a bit too wide apart you can give them the illusion of being closer

Use a light to medium shade of eye shadow on your main lid area
Apply a slightly darker but complimentary shade of shadow just in the inner corner of your lids and then draw it out in a fine line along your lid crease just to the outer corners of your eyes and blend slightly The darker shade adds a bit of depth and tends to draw focus creating the illusion that your eyes are closer than they actually are
Add liner and mascara if you wish

Creating Big Bold Eyes

To really make your eyes pop try these eye makeup tips

Apply a light shade of shadow just below your brow line for a highlight effect
Apply a medium shade of shadow to your main lid
Apply a line of darker shadow along the crease of your lid to the outer edge then soften and blend it with your fingertip
Apply eye liner along the length of your upper lid just above your lash line Then repeat just beneath the lash line on your lower lid meeting the upper line at the outer corners of your eyes If you use a liner pencil you may want to use your finger to gently smudge the liner for a smokier look
Softening Prominent Eyes
If you feel your eyes are too prominent you can darken the lids to create the illusion of deeper set eyes

Apply a medium shade of shadow to the lids and skip highlighting the brow line
Use a darker shade of shadow or pencil liner to draw a line along the lash line of your top lids then apply mascara to your lashes

Eye Liner

Liquid liner is applied with a very fine tip brush and requires a very steady hand to create a smooth line Here are two eye makeup tips to help your liner look its best

Provide support for your elbow while you are drawing your lines This will help keep your hand steadier resulting in a better line that doesnt wobble unevenly
You can also apply a thin line of a similar shade of eye shadow along your lash lines and then glide a thin line of liquid liner over the top of it This can help define your eyes while at the same time provide a little camouflage in case your lines arent perfect
Pencil Liner
This type of liner is generally easier to apply and you can use different techniques to vary the look

For very defined lines sharpen your eye liner pencil before you apply
For softer lines use your fingers to gently smudge the lines after application
Tips for Applying Mascara
The most important part of applying mascara is selecting a high quality brand in the first place Youll spend a little more but its worth it for mascara that doesnt clump flake or run when wet

For the most natural look brush mascara on just the outer tips of your lashes This still helps to define and deepen your lashes but it will barely look like youre wearing it
For a full bold look brush mascara on the entire length of your lashes and use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes away from your eyes The dramatic effect is especially great for evening looks
Cleansing Tips
Soap and water is a bit too harsh for cleansing your delicate eye area To remove your eye makeup use a cotton ball and an eye makeup cleanser that is specially formulated to dissolve shadows liner and mascara Use repeated gentle strokes rather than scrubbing your makeup away or you may damage your skin and lashes

With your eyes as one of the most powerful features exploit the way eyeliner accentuates these windows to your soul By highlighting your eyes you can downplay other less attractive facial characteristics

Skillful eyeliner application takes ample time in front of the mirror with practice and patience Start with your upper eyelid first While jutting your chin out look down with your eyes Gently pull the lid taut and with a steady elbow placed on the counter for balance draw an even line as close the lashes as possible For the under eye area reverse your chin and tuck it as close to your neck as possible Then look the eyes up and place a lighter line along the outer edge of the eye rim as close to the lashes as possible Some may also desire to line the inner rims of the eyes Open your mouth when applying your liner to keep your eyes from blinking

Whether you choose to line the top only or both the top and bottom of your eyes is purely a personal choice The more area you cover with your eyeliner the more dramatic the look Try a couple different patterns to determine the right level of eye makeup for your individual tastes Whatever you end up deciding dont attempt to try and change the shape of your eyes Use makeup as a means of enhancing your qualities and not to transform them as it usually only ends up only looking phony

Extend the top line a little past the corner of the eye for a Cleopatra effect
When lining the top and bottom of your eye make sure the lines do not meet at the corners This has a tendency to make eyes look smaller
Eyeliner colors brown and black are an ideal base color For additional drama add brighter colors with eye shadow instead
When selecting eyeliner find one that glides smoothly but with still a firm control
Avoid too much liner as it will easily look contrived
Smudge your eyeliner slightly with your finger tip for a smokey look

Pencil Eyeliner

The eyes have it The pencil is the most common type of eyeliner as it is the easiest to apply The look it creates is less precise but more natural The pencil should ideally be sharpened prior to each use and warmed gently in your hand For the most troublefree application use little strokes of the pencil instead of one continuous line If the look you create is a little too harsh pencil liner can easily be softened with the sponge tip of an eye shadow brush Eyeliner pencils last for as long as three years before there is a risk of contamination or infection simply sharpen often

Liquid

One of the most difficult types of makeup to apply is liquid eyeliner For many it is worth the extra effort as liquid produces a more precise intense line The best way to learn to generate a perfect line is to practice first on the back of your hand and then move to rehearse on your eyes For the simplest application start at the center of the top eyelid and create half of your line to the outside corner of the eye With the excess on the liner brush complete the line by restarting at the inner corner and move toward the center connecting the lines To prevent smudges select a liquid version that is waterproof Avoid eye infections and replace your liquid liner every three to six months

Eyebrow Grooming

MakeupThe information in fashion magazines can be vague and or misleading when it comes to your eyebrows The pencil theory of eyebrow shaping is easily misinterpreted in so many ways Keeping the brows as full as possible with minimal shaping will add a beautiful frame to the face helping achieve the best possible look Usually there is no mistake when you go with what you were born with Removing too much of the brow creates odd shapes and will actually take away natural beauty It can also make a person look less attractive or angry when they really arent

As a professional makeup artist I break the eyebrows down into parts The larger part near the middle is called the comma From the beginning of the brow near the nose to the arch should be as long as possible The distance should be longer than the distance from the arch to the end of the brow creating a natural arch If both parts are equal in length the brows will look round and the shape will get lost Also the comma needs to be thicker and taper towards the arch If the comma is too thin the eyebrow will also look round When the middle hairs are removed near the nose the arch gets lost

A common mistake is to dig for the arch in the comma area The arch should be approximately at the outer edge of the iris If you tweeze or wax the middle hairs out over and over chances are they will not grow back These hairs are fine and are suppose to be feathery and less dense

Where to Start the Brow

The biggest mistake that most young girls women and unfortunately most estheticians make is thinking that the brow is supposed to start where the eye begins That is incorrect The eyebrow needs to start farther into the middle on either side of the nose then the brows will frame the face They need to work together along with the eyes not separately The face and the features all need to be balanced Taking a persons features into consideration is very important A person who has big eyes full lips and dark full hair cannot get away with thin brows Even blondes in my opinion can only wear smaller brows if the length is still there

Middle Hairs

A lot of my clients explain they dont like those middle hairs because they stand up straight or point towards the other brow Thats what they are supposed to do When they are shaped correctly those middle hairs are so pretty and sexy so less makeup is required It gives a beautiful young fresh look… always

Sweet and beautifulTake a look at my two young actresses pictured here When they first came to me they had very small eyebrows They both had removed the middle hairs and dug into the coma area Their brows looked round and even though both girls are very beautiful their brows did not compliment their face The maintenance was constant After a couple of months of letting their brow hair grow back I was able to reshape them and give each of them a much prettier look Then I did a natural makeup presentation for their headshots Within weeks each girl has already been noticed in the film industry and one has already worked on a movie

Parents play a huge role by taking their teenage daughters for regular visits to have their brows shaped and cleaned up usually once a month Without consistency teenagers will resort to removing too much hair because they lose patience They are under a lot of peer pressure and want to look great all of the time

Tweezing and Waxing

When you tweeze a hair you should tweeze it in the direction that it grows otherwise it can grow back facing up down or out With waxing estheticians pull the hair strip in the opposite direction that it grows to damage the hair follicle so that the hair wont grow back The esthetician has to then be very careful to wax only the hairs they dont want to grow back I have had to repair many many bad eyebrow jobs I pull hairs out that are facing the wrong direction into the direction that I want them to grow back and retrain them again

Remember when you try to do your brows by yourself you do not have perspective You can only view one brow at a time Plus eyebrows grow in horizontal rows So if you tweeze 24 hairs vertically going up instead of out you will create big holes Then you end up removing more brows to try and balance both of them To avoid this dilemma never do one brow at a time Go carefully back and forth between them instead

Mens Eyebrows

Regarding mens brows finally guys are listening to their wives and girlfriends and are grooming their eyebrows Unfortunately the latest tragedy is estheticians are giving men feminine looking brows with arches instead of leaving their brows full and manly
Waterproof Mascara
MakeupWomen the world over rely on waterproof mascara to achieve lengthy voluminous lashes that will stand up to a few tears survive tumultuous weather and even handle a dip in the pool

Any woman whos shed a tear or two is familiar with runny mascara As the tears fall so too does the makeup Suddenly her cheeks are not only drenched theyre striped Needless to say waterproof mascara is a heavensent product for women everywhere regardless of whether or not shes prone to a few tears every now and then Here are just a few more reasons why this popular cosmetic product is relied on

You are an athlete Athletes especially swimmers benefit greatly from waterproof formulas because they are not watersoluble Runners prefer to use this type of mascara because it is sweatproof
You live in an extrahumid climate If this is the case mascara that holds up to the rigors of heat and humidity is a must
Youre going sailing or spending time near the water and under the sun for an extended period of time Even though your regular mascara may seem sufficient a waterproof version will ensure a streakfree experience
Youre getting married or attending a wedding Whatever the occasion youre bound to shed a couple of tears Keep your makeup fresh even if your eyes do get a little watery
You have straight eye lashes If youre looking to achieve and hold a curl look no further than a waterproof version of mascara to keep it in place
You suffer from allergies If you tear frequently due to seasonal allergies or frequent colds youll benefit from a mascara that wont budge
You wear contact lenses While some lenswearers dont have a preference and may actually find it irritating others favor waterproof makeup because it minimizes the likelihood of flakes entering the eye
Virtually all cosmetic manufacturers offer their own version of waterproof mascara Hows a woman to decide which to use As with any other beauty product the final choice is usually made after testing several brands and formulas

It is also important to keep in mind that waterproof formulas can be difficult to remove thus requiring more work to actually eliminate all traces of it This is usually only achieved with vigorous rubbing of the lashes an unfortunate but necessary evil associated with most waterproof cosmetics The following are some characteristics to look for in waterproof mascara

Ophthalmologisttested
Protectivewax blend
Quickdrying
Resinfree especially important for those with sensitive eyes
Hypoallergenic
Popular Types
From cult classics to new favorites certain waterproof formulas are more trusted than others Here are a few that top the list

Maybelline Great Lash
Recognized by beauty editors fashion magazines makeup artists and women all over the world Maybelline Great Lash is thought to be the bestselling mascara in the world Smudgeproof hypoallergenic safe for contact lens users and easily removed with Maybellines Moisturizing Mascara Remover Great Lash is a drugstore beauty gem

Max Factor 2000 Calorie
Another popular drugstore find is the Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara The waterproof version is renowned for sealing in the natural moisture of the eyelashes As it lengthens it also fortifies the lashes and keeps them protected from harsh daily elements Max Factor claims that its product builds lashes up to 200%

Lancome Definicils
This prestigious cosmetic company a division of LOreal Paris is famous for its diverse collection of mascaras Among them is Definicils a lengthening separating lashdefining tool that is as effective in the waterproof formula as the regular version

Estee Lauder Illusionist
Those seeking an intense curl for their lashes will revel in the Illusionist Waterproof Maximum Curling Mascara The waterproof formula is not only smudgeproof it also holds a curl unlike anything else

Imju Fiberwig
New to the shelves and already causing quite a stir Japanese export Imju Fiberwig Mascara is a triple threat it creates a look similar to false eyelashes is completely smudgeproof and removes easily with warm water When possible look for mascaras that claim the same an easytoremove formula will pose less risk to your lashes

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