As we all know, eyeshadows are meant to highlight and define the eyes. Eyeshadows are used to create depth to bring out the beauty of the eyes. A dark color used on the lid will make the eye appear smaller, while a lighter color will make it appear larger. That is what eyeshadow is about, creating illusions.
(I will be honest, I think I personally have at least 4 of her books in my collection) 😀
These are the basic techniques for the following eye shapes:
Small eyes: Don’t use too much shadow or liner – it will make your eyes look smaller. Apply a light color on eyelids, use a darker color in the crease, and use a highlighter under the brow.
Large eyes: Wear a darker shadow on the lid and extend it to the crease. Use a flat color under the brow to highlight.
Deep-set eyes: Use light colors on the eyelid and under the brow. Use a medium color in the crease. Emphasize the outer corners with shadow.
Wide-set eyes: Use darker colors on the inner corners of the eye.
Hooded eyes: Apply light colors on the lid. Use darker colors from the center of the eyelid to the outer corners and blend.
Round eyes: Make round eyes longer by using color all around and extending toward the outer corners.
Asian eyes: Apply highlighter under the brow. Use light shadow on the inner half of the lid and a darker color on the outer half.
All things to think about:
1. Light colors cause the eyes to open, dark colors will cause the eyes to recede.
2. If you have very light skin, avoid dark shades.
3. Over 40? Be careful with shimmer – they will bring attention to imperfections and wrinkles.
4. The eye area is the first to show age, don’t tug on the skin when applying eye cream or removing your makeup at night.
5. Be sure to remove your makeup at nighttime, don’t feel you have time? Always have a box of makeup removers by your bed. A couple of wipes can remove your makeup.
Eyeliners:
Eyeliners are meant to define the eyes, so they should do just that, not be the focal point of your makeup. As you may know, Eyeliners come in various forms: liquid, pencil, gel, etc. Keep the eyeliner natural. Pencils are available in many colors (for the best look, stick to black or brown) and can be sharpened for a fine line. For a smudged effect, use a sponge tip eyeshadow applicator or an eyeshadow brush. When your pencils are too soft, refrigerate them. When they are too hard, soften them by holding them between your fingers. Pencils are one of the hardest to work with, that is why most users these days go with liquid types, or creating an eyeliner using an eyeshadow instead.
To line the eye, start on the lower lid, just beneath the lashes. When you are finished, always smudge the line with your sponge. Stay as close to the lash line as possible. On the upper lid, draw a line from the inner corner to the outer corner, thickening the line toward the outer corner. After the age of 40 keep the line in between the lashes.
Mascara and the creation of beautiful lashes:
Mascara frames your eyes and can make your face come alive. Your mascara softly accentuates the eye while thickening and darkening the lashes; it is the finishing touch for eyes. There are several types to choose from, thickening, and waterproof to smudge-proof. Waterproof will need a special remover, and smudge proof will wash off easily. It is not a good idea to wear waterproof mascara for extended periods of time, since it has a tendency to dry the lashes. Removing waterproof mascara can be tough, and now these days there are mascara removers meant just for waterproof mascaras. There are 1000s of different types of mascaras these days. If you find a brand that works for you, and it’s easy to remove? Stick with it, just watch out for those types of mascara that are just part of a trend, and not really meant to stay around that long.
Select a shade of mascara that complements your coloring. Dark shades on pale eyes with brown lashes will darken them and will look harsh. Stay away from blues and other colors since they will ruin your look. They say someone with fair skin shouldn’t wear black mascara, but if you are wearing mascara to really help length and showcase your eyeshadows? Personally, someone with fair skin, I have never found a black brown mascara that I liked. I am really picky about mascaras overall, so why try to wear a color that you feel just isn’t the right look for you? Now, if you are going for mascara that comes in colors besides black or brown? Then yes, mascaras in fun colors are really meant for those who are young, not for ladies with mature skin.
Lashes that are hard to curl may need the help of an eyelash curler. Curl your lashes before you apply mascara – hold for ten to twenty seconds. Walk it up and off your lashes. As I have gotten older, (I’m 61), I am yet to find a fair price mascara that say’s it will curl my lashes.
To apply mascara, look straight into your mirror with your chin slightly lifted, so you can see your lashes. Insert the wand only once and twist, don’t pump. All that does is add more air to your macara. Pumping can break the brush bristles and distribute the mascara unevenly and will dry out the mascara faster. Start by rolling the wand from root to tip in an upward motion. Reinsert the brush and apply again. If your eyelashes are thick and long, they may clunk together. If this happens, let them dry and then separate them with the corner of an eyebrow brush.
Eyeshadows and mascara are meant to bring out the beauty everyone has. Try not to wear too much, and have fun!
