Define Your Eyes - Eye Makeup Tips and Tricks
Eyes can exercise a special power of seduction by casting an
enchanting gaze in another's direction. A wink can signal a special
understanding or remind another of an inside joke or amusing memory.
Eyes also key into flirtation a great deal.
Cartoons and old movies always show the femme fatales batting their long, dark eyelashes in an attempt to attract the men.
No matter what your motives, playing up the looks of your eyes
will bring a natural definition to your facial features while
accentuating perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic on your
visage. The main makeup components you may want to consider when
dressing up your pretty peepers are mascara, eye shadow and possibly
eyeliner, though sometimes pressed powder or a light foundation will
work wonders for circles under the eyes.
Eye Shadow
Depending on the hues you wish to use, you can get
a little colorful and creative with the wide selection of products for
eyelids on the market. No longer do you have to sift through dozens of
shades of eye shadow powder looking for the perfect blend…now you can
accessorize your eyes with a beautiful array of powders, creams and
glittery dustings. Traditional eye shadow powders are very easy to use
with small applicator brushes and foam pads. For a dimensional look,
blend two colors of powder or one color of powder atop a cream shadow
base. With cream-based eye shadows, less really is more. The cream
shadows generally come in small squeeze tubes that really enhance the
look of your eyes with a light application across the lid, reaching up
to your brows if you wish. Not sure about colors? Go with something
neutral the first couple of times until you get the hang of it. Apply a
light dusting of bronze, tan or other shimmery transparent color for a
gentle hint of color.
Mascara
When selecting mascara, many factors come into play,
with each brand's newest addition to the line claiming bigger and
better benefits. From thickening to lengthening to blackest black,
waterproof and curling, each mascara product has a special offering of
its own. Considering your own lashes, choose one that best suits your
needs. If you wish to avoid that scary-looking metal eyelash curler
that appears more like an ancient torture devise, opt for a product
that contains a curling formula. Choose the color you want to wear -
black, brown or even navy blue. With so many options available, you can
add a couple types of mascara to your collection and change your look
as often as you like! Generally, applying two coats of mascara will
give enough definition to lashes to really make a difference. Allow the
first coat to dry before applying the second in an effort to prevent
clumping. If some of the mascara accidentally brushes onto your eyelids
or underneath, simply use a q-tip to remove it. This may necessitate
touching up your eye shadow a bit.
Eyeliner
To really define your eyes, apply a thin line of
eyeliner in black or brown, khaki, plum or navy. To properly apply the
eyeliner pencil or liquid liner, gently pull the corner of your eye
outward, forming a straight line along your lashes. Starting at the
inside corner and working toward the outside, delicately trace a line
with the pencil angled toward your lashes. Be careful how much
eyeliner you apply, as a little really does go a long way. For a
dramatic look, thicker and darker is very acceptable. For a subtle
definition, stick with a lighter application.
* * * * Feel free to experiment with a bunch of different
products until you find the ones that suit you best. Also, check into
the makeup counters at local department stores. They have a wide array
of makeup you can test before you buy so that you know what you are
getting for the money. For lower budgets, drug stores sometimes offer a
return policy if a customer is dissatisfied with her purchase. Doing a
home makeover can be fun as well as a form of much-needed stress
relief. For best results, invite some girlfriends over and make a night
of it!
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