Applying Eyeshawdow Tips and Tricks

“The eyes are the window to the soul” is a phrase that exemplifies the importance the role of your eyes carries. I never really bothered with eye makeup until I hit my thirties, and suddenly realized that I had tired looking eyes, complete with dark circles underneath. I had to start from scratch, since any eye makeup experience I had involved blue eye shadow from my high school years. If you are looking for ways to improve your eyes by applying eye shadow properly, here are some things I have learned over the past few years.

The most important part of applying eye makeup is preparation. Simply learning how to apply eye shadow is not enough. Before you start, make sure that you have applied a good concealer under the eyes to mask any dark circles. Keeping your eyes moisturized at night is important for overall reduction in line appearance - and of course, a good night’s sleep is essential.

WHAT COLOR TO USE

The color of you shadow should make your eyes pop. You can do this by contrast or matching. While the old blue was written out of eye shadow colors for several years, it has become a popular choice again when used correctly. The traditional browns and lilacs are always in style.

Having a light color to use first is the most important part. Use a bright, light color to help emphasize the other shadow. For a general rule to keep in mind, dark eyes look better with grays, blue, purple, or green. Lighter eye colors are better with browns, taupe, and bronze.

The general rule is not hard and fast, however. There is no limit to the colors of eye shadows you can wear. Experiment with different color combinations until you find one that is right for you. Don’t use more than one dark color when applying your eye makeup though.

APPLICATION

Basic eye shadow is not that hard. Once you have these basic steps mastered, then you can start using your eye makeup to create more dramatic effects. The basic steps for application are simple, though.

Start with a good base so that your effort lasts all day. This can be a loose translucent powder or a cream. Once you have a good base, decide whether you are using an eye shadow brush or a sponge applicator. Sweep a lighter color from the brow to the lashes, and then use a medium tone from the lashes to the crease.

In order to contour your eyes, get a small brush and use the darker tone in the crease. Once your shadow is on blend it with a brush - if you use your fingers, it will come right off of your eyes and onto your hands.

USING SHADOW TO ENHANCE EYES

Once you are ready to start practicing your eye shadow application, keep in mind that you can actually create optical illusions. If your eyes are not perfectly set, use your makeup to make them closer to perfect. Whether you have eyes that are too close or far apart, slanted, or have any other challenges to overcome with makeup, applying your makeup right can emphasize the good and diminish the bad. For eyes that are:

* TOO CLOSE TOGETHER - try a lighter color on the inside corner of the eyelid, and then apply a medium/dark color from the center to the outside of the eye.
* TOO FAR APART - use a medium shade on the inner half of the lid. Blend it out toward a lighter color. Then use a small, flat angles brush a line your eye with the same dark color.
* TOO SMALL - Stick to light shades. This works well if you wear glasses too, since they make your eyes look smaller.
* DROOPY EYES - Put the shadow on the outer corner of the eye and go for a Cleopatra trick: extend the shadow up and out.
* TOO DEEP - Put a medium or light color on the lid, with a slightly darker color just ABOVE the crease of the eye. Finish with a light color on the brow.

TRICKS AND RULES TO REMEMBER

1. It’s either eyes or lips. If you go for the classic red lips, minimize your eyes or you will look like a painted lady. If you go for the more dramatic look with your eyes, pick a lighter lip color.

2. While glitter and glam are beautiful on the eyes, if you have started to age a little (and all of us do), keep in mind that the glitter will draw attention to lines and wrinkles around your eyes. It is better to use a matter finish eye shadow if you are working to conceal.

3. Don’t mix cream and powder eye shadows.

4. Using the right tools in good condition will make application much smoother. Throw out brushes when they feel rough.

5. To complete the look, apply a good quality mascara.

6. Applying a drop of concealer near the tear duct inside will make your eyes appear brighter and wider.

Getting the look you want out of your eye makeup takes practice. For every day, I can almost put on my eye makeup without looking - it has become a routine. When going out for those special occasions, though, I like to do the more dramatic look. With a little practice, you will learn how to get whatever look you want out of your eyes, from the smoky, sexy look all the way to a wide-open day look. Once you have it mastered, you can spend less time on your eyes, and more time showing them off.