Eyeshadow, Eyeliner and Mascara

You eyes are usually the first part of your face that people notice and the makeup you use around your eyes can make a huge difference. Using the proper techniques you can achieve a multitude of looks for every occasion.

Applying Eyeshadow

Dark and dramatic, light and pearly, frosted and fresh. A wide variety of effects can be achieved with eyeshadow's. However, the general rule is to use four different colored shadows; a neutral toned base, a main color, a darker shade for emphasizing, and a lighter shade for highlighting. It is also important to keep a good range different sized brushes, or sponge tipped applicators, to hand to help you blend the shadows well and prevent harsh lines.

Cover the whole eye area with a specially Formulated eye foundation, working from the top lash line to the eyebrow. Gently rub the foundation into the skin with your fingertip and allow to dry.With a large eyeshadow brush, apply the neutral colored base eyeshadow all over the eye area. working from the eyelashes to the eyebrow and blending out very slightly at the corner.

With a medium brush, apply the main color eyeshadow to the eyelid up to the socket line. Start from the inside corner and work outward, but avoid building up color in the inner corner. Use a small, more pointed eyeshadow brush to run the slightly darker shade of the main color In a thin line along the socket line, working from the inside corner outward.

For a dramatic effect,leave the line along the socket. For a softer look, blend it in well using the large brush, or a cotton swab. Using the small brush. apply the darker color in a line underneath the bottom lashes, starting about halfway along he eye and working to the outer corner. Run the small brush against the back of your hand to remove color. Then use it to apply the lighter, pearlier shade just under the brow area. Be careful not to apply any color to the eyebrows.

Applying Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner is the hardest eye definer to apply. It demands the steadiest hand, but it does give the most effective finish. It can be put on before eyeliner or after eyeshadow, but if you apply it before it is easier to cover up any mistakes that you might make. Always start by blotting the liner brush on a tissue to make sure it is not overloaded.

Holding the skin slightly taut, position the liner brush at the inner corner of your eye, resting on the top lashes. Sweep along the upper lash line to the outer corner, drawing outward. Let dry for I0 seconds and go back over the line again.

For a striking effect, leave the eyeliner as it is. For a softer look, brush over it with a little dark eyeshadow using a small pointed eyeshadow brush, but be careful not to press hard and smudge the eyeliner too much.

It is generally better not to line the lower lashes with liquid eyeliner; this creates a very harsh effect. Either use an eyeshadow or run a kohl pencil, along the inner rim of the eye, taking it right into the inner corner.

Applying Mascara

How many coats you apply and whether or not you use mascara on the bottom lashes really depends on the style of makeup you want to achieve. But if you are applying more than one coat, allow the first to dry before starting the second. Always take mascara into the inner corners of the top lashes, which helps to make eyes look larger.

If you want to apply mascara to the bottom lashes, do so before coating the top lashes. It is very important not to put too much mascara on the bottom lashes, so make sure the wand is not overloaded by wiping off any excess.

Hold a magnifying mirror slightly above your face and position the wand vertically straight in front of you. Stroke down the bottom lashes, working From the inner to the outer comer of the eye. Looking slightly down into the mirror, brush the wand from the root to the end of the uppermost top lasher. Then work from underneath in a diagonal direction and, finally with a straight movement.

If the lashes become stuck together or you can see a clump of mascara, brush through with an eyelash comb or an old mascara wand.