Makeup Tip: Beautiful Eyes

Eyes have been called the windows of the soul because of how much they communicate. Eyes give your face energy and individuality. They do not have to be a certain size or shape to be considered pretty - all eyes have their own unique beauty. When makeup is applied to look natural it will bring out the eye's true color and enhance the eye's beauty. When you feel good about your makeup you will be more confident and will have one less thing to worry about.

A subtle application of eyeliner, shadows and mascara work together to create magic and make your eyes look their best.

Eye Shadow

Eye shadow is meant to highlight and define the eyes. Eye shadow is 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 eye shadow is about creating illusions. These are the basic techniques for the following eye shapes:

Small eyes: Don't use too much shadow or liner - it will make you eyes look smaller. Apply a light color on eyelid, use a darker color in the crease and use a highlighter under the brow.

Large eyes: Wear 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.

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. 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.

Eyeliners:

Eyeliners are meant to define the eyes so they should do just that, not be the focal point of your makeup. Eyeliners come in various colors and forms liquid, pencil 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 shadow applicator or an eye shadow brush. When your pencils are too soft refrigerate them. When they are too hard soften them by holding them between your fingers.

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 form 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. Mascara softly accentuates the eye while thickening and darkening the lashes; it is the finishing touch for eyes. There are several different 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

By Sheila Dicks

Makeup Tips For Brown Eyes

There are no "set-in-stone" makeup tips for brown eyes but there are some very useful general guidelines. A simple set of suggestions is often all you need to feel comfortable enough to experiment and really begin playing up your brown eyes.
Keep in mind that variety is the spice of life, and if you really like a color there is no reason why you shouldn't try it. You may be surprised how good it looks on you. Experimenting is one of the most enjoyable parts of using makeup. These tips are merely guidelines to help you when you're standing in front of 300 colors and have no idea where to start. Just because a certain color isn't mentioned does not automatically exclude it from the list.
Choosing An Eyeshadow
The most popular question is "what eyeshadow can I wear with my eye color?"
General makeup tips for brown eyes always include browns, beige, and neutral tans. Grays and charcoals look good with this eye color, as do violet and lavender. If there is any green at all in your brown eyes the purple spectrum colors will bring it out.
Khaki and olive green are a great color combination. Browns with green highlights or copper highlights are always a fun option. Try copper and even gold. If your eyes have a tinge of green choose green eyeshadows as well.
Maybe you've heard you should never wear an eyeshadow the same color as your eyes. That isn't true at all. You'll quickly find that brown shadow looks very complimentary on brown eyes. Sometimes it's a matter of finding the "right" shade, though. While most brown eyeshadows are pretty safe, avoid those with reddish undertones. That slight bit of red can leave your eyes looking puffy and swollen.
Black is out; don't use it as an eyeshadow.
The main idea is try, try, and try again. Keep at it until you find a color you like. You'll know when it's right- trust your instincts.
Colors To Avoid
There are very few "blacklisted" eyeshadow colors. However, in some cases it's good to have general colors to avoid.
Pinks and mauve, for the same reason as red-based browns, can cause eyes to look swollen or puffy. It isn't true for all women or for all pinks, either. However, if you'd rather play it safe and not risk it, avoid pinks and mauve.
It may be because women with brown eyes tend to have more yellow skin tones, making them warm complexioned, and pinks and mauve are definitely cool colors. The clash is unmistakeable when it is there. The blue undertone in pinks can react with the yellow skin tone and produce a washed out, or garish, effect.
Now, this is not a tip specifically for brown eyes, but you may want to avoid blue eyeshadow also. There's the misconception that blue eyeshadow is "out", but the case more tends to be how it is worn. Play it safe and skip this color.
Silver is not a good color for brown eyes. They tend to cause a "washed out" look. Like blue eyeshadow, leave silver for blue eyes.
Eyeliner Colors
While not everyone that wears eyeshadow wears eyeliner, it's always good to have a few tips in your back pocket. The list is simple and straight forward.
Brown eyes always look good with dark brown and black eyeliner. Apply with a light hand, though. A thick, black line can give the appearance of raccoon eyes; that's a big no-no. Not only is it passe, but it is unflattering to the eye as well.
Maybe you have small eyes and are worried eyeliner will only make them look smaller. Never fear! You too can wear liner. Line the first third of your eyelid (from the inside corner) with white or ivory and the rest with dark brown.
Navy, forest green, violet, and copper are also great eyeliner choices. Play around with the different colors and pick the ones you like best.
Eye makeup should be fun. It can be a great way to express yourself. It can boost your self esteem when you've highlighted your eyes the right way. Practice and try something new and you'll be surprised how much fun it can be to play up brown eyes.

By Lynn Starner