Eye Makeup Techniques

Everyone has their own method doing things, regardless of how you are taught, you develop your develop your own methods with different nuances that might improve the technique or even create a new one. The same thing goes with applying eye makeup. Throughout the history of women’s makeup, there have been many different techniques that have created some very dramatic and appealing eyes. Some of the most popular techniques for applying eye makeup are shared here to help you develop your own style.

Shading

Shading can be used to change the appearance of the shape of your eyes, so it is first important to learn the shape of your eyes. The typical shapes and characteristics to look for include:

• Oval or classic egg-shaped
• Small and recessed
• Close Together

Once you know the shape of your eyes you can learn shading techniques that can accentuate them or even make them appear altogether different, such as those included below.

If your eyes are egg-shaped you can use colors to bring them out more or to make them appear farther backwards, depending on what you want. You can also make the oval more perfect if they aren’t exactly what you want them to be. You should use a base shade that is medium in color and a darker one in the crease of the eye then a lighter one on the brow bone area. As you are blending the colors you should bring the brush up and out. If you want to make your oval more elongated and defined you can make a slight V shape in the outer corner.

If you have eyes that are small or sunken you can make them appear larger using a pale eyeshadow that is applied from the brow bone all the way to the eyelashes and using a darker color to create the V shape in the outer corner of the eyes. The light color will the eyes pop while the darker outer corner will make then appear wider and more oval shaped.

If you have very large eyes and want them to appear smaller you should use a darker base color on the full eyelid. You should avoid using the V shape in the outer corners as this will simply create a larger eye effect.

Eyes that set to close together can be made to appear further apart using color tricks. Start with a light color on one-third of the eyelids that is closest to the nose. You should then use a darker shade as on the rest of the eye. You can simply reverse this if you have wide set eyes and want to bring them in closer.

Shaping with Eyeliner

If you look back through history at Hollywood stars and runway model’s photographs you will see that eyeliner techniques constantly change. Eyeliner can be subtle and provide definition or it can be exotic and dramatic. Some of the techniques using eyeliner include those here and more.

Eye pencils: Eye pencils can be natural and simply define or they can be dramatic. For a more natural look, the line should be very thin and as close the base of the eyelashes as you can get it on the upper eye. The lower eye should only have a thin line on the outer area, starting about one thirds of the way into the eye. If a more defined look is desired, the pencil can be used to create a thicker line that goes completely around the eye.

Liquid Eyeliner: This type eyeliner is very dramatic. It can be used to create looks such as the cat-eye that comes and goes in popularity. It takes some practice to get the extended portion of the line to be attractive and straight but when done properly this can be an exotic look for parties and nights on the town.

One professional technique for ensuring that eyeliner is applied in a straight line is to use dots and then go back and connect them. You can use an eyeliner pencil to make the dots and your liquid eyeliner to go over them and connect them. This will help you achieve the look you want without having to wash off your eyeliner and start over every time.

White eyeliner is a technique that can be used to create a very glamorous look. You can apply a layer of white eyeliner to the top and bottom of your eyes to make them stand out and then, if you like, you can add a thin layer of your favorite color eyeliner.

You can use the techniques here and tweak them to suit your personal tastes in applying makeup. You will then have new eye makeup techniques that you can share with other people to help them achieve beautiful, attention-getting eyes.

Eye Make Up Tips

The eyes are the windows of the soul and every window looks better when it has window dressings on it. One way that many people choose to dress up their eyes is with eye makeup. It can take many years to become a skilled at applying eye makeup. However, you can benefit from the tips that others have learned from their years of applying eye makeup. Included here are some of those tips divided into various parts of eye makeup and how to make the most of them.

Eye Shadow

• Colors: Perhaps the most important part of eyeshadow application is choosing the right colors. If you are using more than one, and you should, the colors should complement each other and your eyes.
• Never put eyeshadow above your brow bone and use a highlighting color on your brow bone to accentuate and bring out your eyes.
• Choose quality eyeshadow that will last during the day. Cheaper eyeshadow tends to wear off quickly, leaving you with eyes that are half made up.
• Cream eye shadows have a tendency to show creases and wrinkles very easily. If you have lines and wrinkles on or around your eyes you should be wary of using cream eyeshadow. Cream eyeshadow also tends to smudge easily.
• Shimmering or glittery eyeshadow also tend to show wrinkles and lines and should only be used if you are secure in your eyes.
• Eyeshadow primer should be considered a must have. It increases the wear time of eyeshadow.
• Place a folded tissue under the lower lashes of your eye while applying your eyeshadow, this will catch any powder that flakes off your brush and could ultimately land on your skin.

Mascara

• Never pump the mascara wand in and out of the mascara tube, this will cause it to clump and dry out more easily.
• Choose the right mascara, don’t buy cheap mascara if you know you need one that lengthens or thickens.
• If you are going to be outside in the heat or doing water sports, use waterproof mascara or a clear one so that you don’t have raccoon eyes.
• Purchase some colors. Many people are afraid to use colored mascara; however, it can be a great accessory for the eyes at night.
• Use an eyelash curler before you apply mascara or wait until the mascara is dry.
• Heat the eyelash curler with a hair dryer before using but don’t overheat it.
• Turn the eyelash wand vertical to put mascara on your lower lashes to help separate the lashes.

Eyeliner

• Liquid eyeliner is more dramatic than pencil eyeliner and should be used on the upper eyes only.
• Darker eyeliner colors highlight the shape of your eyes.
• Apply your eyeliner to the base of your eyelashes with your eyes looking downward and your head tilted back while looking in the mirror.
• Thick, heavy lines are dated and make you look tired. Use thin lines and smudge them with a cotton swab if necessary.
• You can use the same liner pencil on your eyes and lips if it is eyeliner, which is safe for eyes whereas the lip pencil might not be.

These tips are some of the tips that have been tried and proven to be work to create beautiful, dramatic eyes. However, once you have your eyes created, at the end of the day you need to know the best way to take that makeup off and allow your skin to rest.

Makeup Removal

Eye makeup can be stubborn to remove, especially if you use waterproof mascara. However, if you don’ remove it every night, your skin doesn’t have a chance to breathe and that can cause breakouts.

There are many commercial products on the market for removing makeup. Yet, when it comes to removing eye makeup it can be hard to find the one that works best for you. You don’t want your eye makeup remover to be oily because of the oily residue that it can leave on your skin. Oily eye makeup removers can also cause eye irritation.

There are some wipes on the market that are excellent for removing eye makeup remover and at the same time not leaving oily residue on the skin and eyes.

Some professionals use soap and water followed by a moisturizer. This can be a natural, inexpensive option as long as you use the moisturizer afterwards to avoid the drying effect that soap can have on skin. If you use waterproof mascara, you can use baby oil to remove your eye makeup and follow with soap and water to remove the oil.

As you can see, there are many tips and tricks that are available through the Internet, fashion magazines and many other resources. You don’t have to apply makeup in the same manner that a runway model does in order to be able to use the tips they can offer you.

Be an Artist at Home

Applying eye makeup is can be as simple as putting on some mascara to as detailed as putting on false eyelashes for a very dramatic appearance. As they say, the devil is in the details. Most women want to learn how to make their eyes more attractive and have a little bit of ‘pop’ without being overly glammed up. Some of the essential steps to applying eye makeup are included here and as you learn to bring your eyes out, you will add to your knowledge base.

The Tools and a Clean Palette

Before an artist can create a masterpiece he has to have the right tools and before you can apply your eye makeup you need the right tools. You should always make sure you start with a clean face that has been properly moisturized. If you use foundation, you will want to apply this before starting on your eyes. The other tools you need include, but are not limited to:

• Primer: This will go under your eyeshadow to help keep it looking fresh all day.
• Concealer: If you have dark circles or other imperfections, you might want to use this help hide them.
• Filler: This relatively new product helps to plump up the under eye area and fill in lines.
• Mascara: Choose one that is non-clumping. You should also look at the different types available, such as waterproof, hypoallergenic, thickening and lengthening. You can also get different colors if you like.
• Eyeliner: You should always have a good black on hand in both pencil and liquid form. You can also have different colors if you want to bring out certain colors in your eyes.
• Eyeshadow: The sky is the limit on colors; however, keep in mind that you are accenting your eyes, not painting them. Choose colors that will enhance them. Often, women find several colors they like and stick with those.
• Tweezers: Your eyebrows are part of your eyes and if they get out of shape you can quickly pluck those stray hairs.
• Eyebrow Pencil: Sometimes, as women age, their eyebrows become too thin. An eyebrow pencil can help fill in the gaps.
• Brushes/Applicators: Some people prefer to use sponge applicators for applying eye makeup; however, for a professional look and ease in applying, brushes are recommended. There are many different types of eye makeup brushes including: base brushes, crease brushes, highlight brushes and blending brushes. You can also get an eyebrow comb/brush if you would like.
• Eyelash Curler: This is a tool that will help curl your eyelashes before applying mascara or after, depending on whom you talk to.

Once you have your tools and a clean palette you are ready to get started.

Create Your Masterpiece

The first thing to keep in mind when applying eye makeup, particularly eyeshadow is that a little bit can go a long way. You should always start out light and build on it rather than starting out heavy and having to start over. Also keep in mind that what you wear to the office and what you wear for a night out are usually very different, at night you can go a little more dramatic. Finally, before starting, feel your eye and learn the shape of is so that you know where your mobile eyelid is (the part of the eyelid that moves when your eyes do), feel your brow bone; your eyeshadow should not go above it.

Brush Your Way to Perfect Eyes

Start out with your base brush or a medium sized eye makeup brush if you are just starting out and don’t have a full set. Use this to apply your color choice to your mobile eye. As you apply the eyeshadow work the brush slightly upwards to get color up toward the brow bone but not on it.

Next, apply a second, slightly lighter color, to the brow bone area. This will highlight your eyes and bring them out. If you want to use more colors, you can add them to the crease of your eye or the outer corners.

Once you have applied the colors you want on your eye, you need to use your blending brush to smooth the colors so that they don’t look like crayon marks where you can see the start of one and the end of the other.

You should try to make the second eye look like the first so that they are equal. If your eye shadow is dramatically different on each eye you will look unbalanced and the attention you draw won’t be the attention you really want.

Finish the Look

You are now ready to apply your mascara and eyeliner to complete your look. You should make sure your mascara doesn’t have clumps and brush it on in upwards sweeping motions. Eyeliner should be lighter during the day than at night.

Learning how to apply eye makeup is fun and at the same time helps you look beautiful and ready to face the world with confidence and poise.

No Clowning Around

Little girls grow up anxious and excited about being able to wear makeup. They can’t wait for the day they can put on a little eyeshadow and some lip gloss. It’s practically a rite of passage. However, if they aren’t shown how to apply eyeshadow effectively, they can wind up looking like a clown instead of accentuating their beauty. Learning how to apply eye makeup is not hard, it simply takes time to learn and some makeup education.

Buying Eyeshadow

It might be tempting to go in and buy every color of the rainbow in eyeshadow. However, it is best to learn which colors are flattering and which ones are best left for a night out on the town or other special occasion. Runway models make it look easy to wear some pretty extraordinary colors but they are not the image with which you should gauge your eyeshadow. You want your eyeshadow you make your eyes look brighter and pop a little without going overboard.

When you first start wearing eyeshadow buy a few neutral tones and use those to learn how to apply colors. You will soon enough know how to apply it correctly so that you can use practically any color you want, with the right technique.

You should also buy good quality eyeshadow if you want it to last all day. Some of the cheaper versions tend to be faded away before you even get through your first coffee break. Some of the more expensive brands have a richer palette of colors as well.

You should also avoid glittering, super shimmery eyeshadows unless you are young and completely wrinkle free. The shimmering aspect may make your eyes appear brighter but it also highlights any wrinkles and lines that you may have forming around your eyes. If you simply must use something shiny, use a matte, neutral on your eyelid and a light shimmer on your brow bone.

Primer

Many women don’t learn about eyeshadow primer until later in life, unless they happen to have someone teaching them about makeup that knows all the tips and tricks. Primer is applied before the eyeshadow to help the eyeshadow stay in place longer. This allows you to go to the office and stop for drinks after without having to reapply your makeup.

Makeup Brushes

Invest in a set of quality makeup brushes; you will be glad you did. There are many different eye makeup brushes from an eyeshadow brush with a square head to a blending brush that is softer and tapered. At the very least you should have these two brushes. If you can, you should also have a crease brush for applying color in the creases.

Applying Your Eyeshadow

There was a time when everywhere you looked you saw monochromatic eyes. Women wore one color of eyeshadow and it extended all the way to their eyebrow. In hindsight this look is not at all attractive. You should at least have two colors that complement each other and your eyes.

After applying primer to the eyes, you should start with a base color. This is the color that is going to cover the area of the eyelid that is directly on the eye and slightly above it. Use your eyeshadow brush to sweep the color across the eyelid and approximately halfway up the eye. You can extend to the outer corners if you like in a V shape or you can leave as is.

If you are using three colors to create a more dramatic effect, the next color will be your contour color. It should be applied in the crease of the eye and extend to the outer corner. This should be where the V shape is if you are using this second color, otherwise, the V shape will be from the base color.

Next, if you are using two colors only, apply the lighter color to the brow bone area. Avoid getting eyeshadow in the eyebrow. This color should accent your eyes and make then pop, not be a rainbow of color.

At this point, if you are not going to use a third color, you should take your blending brush and use it to blend the areas where the colors meet so that there are no obvious color lines from one to the other. Blend each area and look closely at your eyes when finished. If you aren’t able to see distinct lines between the colors, you are ready to add some eyeliner and mascara for drop dead eyes.

When you learn how to apply eyeshadow correctly without going overboard you will have fun creating different looks using various colors and even changing up how you apply it, such as creating smokey eyes instead of bright eyes. You will soon find that you can accentuate your beauty without overpowering it and be all that you can be.

How to Apply Mascara

Mascara can be the key component to making your eyes stand out. It doesn’t matter how beautiful your eyeshadow is, if you forget your mascara no one is going to notice your eyes. On the other hand, if you don’t know how to apply mascara, everyone is going to notice the clumps on your eyelashes and probably the raccoon circles under your eyes. Don’t despair, knowing how to apply mascara is simply a matter of practice and some tips from the experts.

Buy the Right Mascara

It might be tempting to save money and buy the cheapest mascara available, until you get home and put it on only to find out that it smears too easily or doesn’t go on well. It is well worth the money to invest in quality mascara. Some things to keep in mind when purchasing mascara:

• Formula: Some mascaras state that are designed to create extra long lashes, others are for sensitive eyes, while others are for thickening the eyelashes. Make sure you read the label and choose one that is right for you.
• Waterproof: Waterproof mascara is good for people who are going to wear it for a long day, who perspire a lot or are going to be in the sun and perspiration is inevitable. It is more difficult to wash off, but then again that is why you buy it. Women with sensitive eyes should avoid waterproof mascara since it contains chemicals to help make it waterproof.
• Colors: Some women like a variety of colors while others simply want the one they wear everyday and others want a colorless mascara to simply lengthen their eyelashes. Colors can be fun, especially at night for going out. Black is the typical color of choice, it adds drama and creates a sexy, fuller look.

Applying Mascara

Now that you have bought your mascara you are ready to apply it. The first time you do may be awkward; however, you will soon find yourself able to put your mascara on just about anywhere there is a mirror.

First, don’t make the mistakes that many women make and pump the brush in and out of the tube. This not only doesn’t get mascara on the brush it pushes more air into the tube which causes the mascara to clump up and dry out faster. Open the tube and pull the wand slightly out of the bottle but not to where you can see the brush. Twirl the brush around a few times and you will have enough mascara for your use on one eye. Repeat for the second eye.

Check the mascara wound to make sure there are no hairs that could have fallen onto it from your head. If you start applying mascara and there is something on the wand, you will get mascara on your face and have to start over.

Next, start applying the mascara to one eye. Start at the root of the upper eyelid. As you bring the brush up the eyelash, slightly zigzagging as you pull it up the eyelash to help keep the individual lashes separate. If you want your eyelashes to sweep to outer corners of the eye, pull the brush that direction as you apply the mascara.

Apply one or two more coats for the perfect look. You need to apply your second and third coats while the first one is still wet or you will get clumps that are unattractive. This means that you put your second and third coats on quickly and before you move to the other eye.

At this point, some women use an eyelash curler to make their eyelashes curl upwards and out. If you are going to use one, you should do so before the eyelashes dry and then apply a final coat of mascara after you curl.

Once you have the upper eyelashes complete on the first eye, repeat the process with the second eye. You will come back to the lower lashes. This will give the upper lashes time to dry so that if you blink while doing your lower lashes you won’t have mascara underneath your eyes.

Lower Lashes

Now that you have completed the upper eyelashes on your second eye, go back to the first eye and apply mascara to the lower lashes. Use less mascara on your lower eyelashes than you do your uppers. You should start at the base of the lower eyelid and very slowly pull the brush down the eyelash. Repeat with the other eye.

Knowing how to apply mascara is a technique that takes time to learn. You will undoubtedly have better days than others. If you notice you have clumpy eyelashes, check your mascara, it may be time to get a new tube or even switch brands. Pay attention to your eyes at the end of the day also, if your mascara has rubbed onto your skin and you look like a raccoon, you might want to try a waterproof one. In time, you will have beautiful eyelashes just like Cleopatra.

Smokey Eye Make Up

The newest look in eye makeup is the smokey eye look, even though it’s not necessarily a new look. The allure of this classic look transforms any woman’s eyes from daytime office to nighttime sophistication.  You don’t have to be a runway model to have dramatically enticing eyes; you simply need to learn how to apply the smokey eye make correctly. Hopefully, the information included here will help you get the sexy, irritable eyes that make every head turn.

Tools of the Trade

An artist can’t a create a beautiful work of art without the right paint and brushes and the same goes for creating beautiful eyes, you have to use the right tools. The following are the basic necessities needed for making smokey eyes; however, keep in mind this does not include your base or foundation, moisturizer and other basics, this is strictly a list of tools needed to make smokey eyes.

Eye Pencil: Black eye pencil or even kohl if you prefer. However, don’t use liquid eyeliner for smokey eyes as it is for much cleaner, crisper lines, not the sultry, smokey look.

Two or three colors of powder eyeshadow: base, contour and highlight in your choice of colors. The base color should be slightly darker than your skin tone, non-metallic but rich and shimmery at the same time. The contour color should be a matte, dark color that is only slightly shimmery and the highlight color should be slightly shimmering or even simply use face powders. The highlight is to enlarge the eyes. You can find smokey eye shadow collections that have three coordinating colors in the beauty section of your favorite store.

Brushes or Sponges: You can use whichever one you prefer, some women like the soft application of the brush while others prefer the deeper application of a sponge.

Mascara: Your mascara should be rich, deep black that lengthens your eyes. There are mascaras on the market today that are designed to create dramatically longer lashes which aid in the smokey eye effect.

Applying the Eye Makeup

The first thing that you should have done before starting your eyes is to moisture, apply your foundation and any other daily products you use such as concealer. Make sure you have powdered your face to get rid of the shine. You should also consider using an eye shadow primer to make your eye makeup stay on longer. Once you have your normal routine completed, you are ready to start.

1. Eyeliner: Use your black or kohl eyeliner pencil to outline your entire eye. You should have a thicker line on the upper eyelid than you do the lower lid.

2. Base Color: Using your small sponge applicator or eyeshadow brush, apply the base color to your eyelid, across the entire part of the eyelid that moves. This area feels like your eyeball. Carry this base color slightly above the crease to about the halfway mark between the base of the eye and your eyebrow.

3. Contour Color: You will need to use a smaller brush or a pointed sponge to apply the contour color. First, use the pointy sponge or applicator to put the contour color all the way around the eyes, following the eyeliner that you applied earlier. If you use eyeshadow brushes, a cotton swab works well for this part.

Slightly close your eye and use your applicator to put the contour color in the crease of the eye.

Define the shape of your eyes using your applicator to apply the contour color to the outer corner of the eye. You should aim for creating a ‘v’ shape with the contour color. Don’t worry about the appearance at this time; you will blend it all together in the next step.

4. Blend: You now need to blend the colors to get a smooth look that doesn’t have extremely unique distinctions. Using slightly larger round applicator or brush blend in the colors on the eyelid, keep in mind that you aren’t trying to create one color, simply soften the demarcation. Next, blend the colors on the bottom eyelid and the corner of the eye.

5.  Contour: This is the application that makes the eyes appear larger and really stand out. If you don’t want to use a contour color, face powder will work as well. Using your applicator, apply the contour color or powder to the area just beneath your eyebrow. Smooth this color down as you apply it and watch your eyes appear to become smokier as this light color draws attention to the darker colors and accents them.

6.  Mascara: Apply your black mascara as you normally would; however, apply an extra coat and sweep the brush toward your outer eye. This adds to the dramatic smokey effect.

You should now have beautiful, smokey eyes with rich color radiance that gradates across the eyes and is darker toward the outer corner. You can create this look using a variety of color trios but you should stay in the darker color family for the best results.

Written by Jane Moore

Eye make up has been used for hundreds of years. Both men and women used it in ancient times as a way to look good, to represent their culture and even as a way of honoring their gods. Today, make up is worn for other reasons, too. Many times, the eyes can be the windows of the soul, the way that an individual sees another. Still, when applying eye make up, it is important to make decisions that help to make the eyes look great. It is easy to overdo it and have a 70′s style of heavy make up. It is also easy not to do enough or to make application mistakes in the process. Learning how to apply eye make up can help anyone to look fantastic.
Concealer To Start

The first step in the process of applying eye make up products is to apply a concealer to clean skin. Be sure you have washed your face and removed any make up that was initially placed on your face. Keep in mind that concealers should not be selected to place a layer of make up on. Rather, they are used to hide skin unevenness or flaws you may have with a light coating. Choose a quality concealer since it will do a lot of the work for you. You can apply it to the area under the eye, especially if there are discolorations and under eye circles there. To apply, simply place three dots of concealer under each eye. Then, start with the inner corner and massage into the skin. Do not rub the product too hard, but rather just pat it dry after it is in place. It should disappear into the skin.
Base Lid Make Up

Many people avoid this step and it could be why you have to reapply make up often. Eye base is placed on the eye lid next. This product will help to keep your eye shadow in place for the longest time possible. It helps to simply hold the make up in place long term. When you do not put this base on first, you may find yourself in trouble with your eye shadow. If you have problems with the eye make up clumping or falling into the crease (or creating a mess in the crease area) this could be why.
Apply Eye Shadow

Applying eye shadow is often a place where individuals make mistakes. One of the best application secrets is to use a three tone color scheme for your eye shadow. When you apply it build from the lids to the eye brow for the best results. So, start with the lighest color that nearly matches the color of your eye lid. Then, apply from the lid to the brow. Use one sweeping motion to apply this base layer. Then, select the next color, the medium color. Place this across just the eye lid. Finally, you can add the final color, the darkest of them, to move across the crease. Then, take the pad of your index finger and blend the colors well. This gives dimension and, if the colors have been selected well enough, it gives you a fantastic look.
Eye Liner Comes Next

The next step in the process is to apply a layer of eye liner to the eyes. Eye liner comes in various forms from pencils to liquid forms. The type of you select is really a personal decision. What is important is choosing an eye liner that you are comfortable using. If you are just applying eye liner for the first time, it may be important to practice a few times. It can take some patience to master this art of application.

Another great way to apply eye liner is to simply use a dark colored eye shadow. Simply take a wet slanted brush and dip it into a darker colored eye shadow. Then, with a steady hand, apply to the eyes along the upper lashes, as close as possible to the lashes. Start with the inner corner and then move in one movement to the outer corner. This creates the best solid eye line of make up. To avoid that prominent line of eye liner on the bottom eye, try this. Use the same brush and color you were using. Start at about the middle of the pupil and draw the line out, towards the end of the eye. Then, use your index finger pad to smudge the bottom line a bit. This gives you a great look within a distinctive, obvious line.
Using High Lighter

Another option for finishing up the look of the eye is eye high lighter. This product is used to brighten up the eyes. You can use a this product on the inside portion of your eyes. Draw a v shape that moves from the inner corner of the eye from the top to the bottom. Blend this in with your fingertips. You want to look at what you have done! Generally, this will cause the eye to really stand out.
Finishing Touches

There are a few more ways to apply eye make up to get the full effect. For example, do not overlook your eye brow. A trimmed eye brow is great, and you can often add to it using some of the same high lighter product you were using for your eyes. Place your concentration on the middle of the brow and outwards. Always blend this product well. Curling your eye lashes and applying mascara is also a final step. Here, you want to use a quality product that does not clump on you. Start with the base of the lashes and in one swoop, cover the lashes with make up.

Keep in mind that quality eye make up products are an important part of applying make up to the eyes. If you have poor quality make up, the look may be alright, but it may not be as fresh and last as long as the more high quality products.