You want to learn how to apply eye makeup properly and I'd love to teach you. Whether it's for a wedding or not, good eye makeup application will take the same form and it's not difficult. It just takes practice. I'm going to give you the basics here and add some free eye makeup tips too.
The eyes are the most expressive part of the face and skillfully applied makeup will accentuate them, bringing out their best points and hiding the weakest. The trick is to learn to apply all your eye cosmetics accurately.
Every stroke counts - whether you are aiming for a simple 60 second miracle before you rush out in the morning or layers of colour and luscious lashes for an event such as a wedding.
Like everything else - it's easy when you know how!
But don't worry - I am going to teach you how to apply eye makeup so that you will find it easy too.
Using Eye Shadow
Eye shadow is the main way of contouring your eyes and is the most important part of your eye makeup. It is available in various forms but powder is the easiest to apply. The secret is blend, blend, blend.
The basic rules of how to apply eye makeup are:
- Use neutral tones such as flat brown, grey, grey-green or grey-blue to establish the shape of the eye, working from the inner to the outer corner.
- Use a darker tone to define the shape of the socket with a contour shadow.
- Use a lighter tone on the eyelids and beneath the brows to highlight the eyes.
Eye Shadow Tips
- Prominent eyes can be made less obvious by using dark shadow over the whole lid and lighter tones under the brow.
- Deep-set eyes can be brought forward by using pale shadow over the lid and darker shadow on the brow bone.
- Droopy eyes can be given a lift by applying darker shadow in the socket line, stopping it before the droopy corner. Also brush the eyebrows upward and define their shape well with a brow pencil.
- With close-set eyes, take the emphasis to the outer corners by applying a darker shadow to the outer half and extending it slightly beyone the corner of the eye. Then apply a lighter shadow to the inner half of the eye.
- For wide-set eyes, accentuate the inner corner with a darker shadow to cover the inner half of the eye. Then shade the outer half in a lighter tone and do not extend it past the corner of the eye.
Big beautiful eyes from Benefit is a little kit that gives BIG results.
It's all you need to define, contour and enhance your eyes as it includes a primer, alabaster pink base shadow, cocoa shimmer contour shadow, rich chocolate brown liner shadow, and 2 brushes for easy application.
Eyeliner
Eyeliner is used to accentuate the shape of your eyes by emphasisig the borders of the eyelids and providing a contrast between the dark eyeliner and the white of the eye. It should be applied after eye shadow.
For a subtle effect, use an eye pencil or gel eyeliner in the same colour, but a darker tone, as your shadow. Dot the colour all along your upper lashes and just below the lower ones. Blend or smudge with a sponge or cotton bud to get the desired effect.
Eyebrows
The eyebrows are an important part of how to apply eye makeup and should not be neglected. If yours are in good shape they will balance your features and provide a frame for your eyes.
Use a small brush to brush your brows into shape and get rid of any excess foundation or powder on them.
To define your eyebrows, use a colour to tone with them and an eyebrow pencil with a sharp point. Start at the inner corner of the eyebrow and use short, light, upward strokes as you work towards the middle. Then from the centre of the eyebrow to the outer edge, use the same kind of feathery strokes but tip them downward a little.
Mascara
This is one of the top three beauty products us girls just can't live without! Waterproof mascara is useful for weddings but non-waterproof ones are usually easier to remove so better for everyday use.
BADgal waterproof mascara from Benefit is ideal for weddings. Tears will not budge this waterproof, smudge and smear-proof product.
For thick fluttery lashes, close one eye and brush your favourite volumising mascara wand down from the roots to the tips. Then open your eye wide and brush the top lashes from underneath, again from roots to tips. Then with your eye open, work from roots to tips on the bottom lashes. Repeat for the other eye.
Especially for weddings, keep the look fresh and romantic by curling the upper lashes before applying another layer of mascara.
I will be adding many more ideas about how to apply eye makeup and the latest eye makeup innovations, so keep your beautiful eyes on this site!
If you have a question about eye makeup, ask for advice in the Makeup Forum
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