How To Apply Eye Makeup

A simple application of eye make-up can rev up your eyes in an instant. Depending on the look you are going for, eye make-up can give you a look of natural beauty or that of a Hollywood star. It does not take a make-up expert to get great-looking eyes. The list of suggestions below will help you apply eye makeup to achieve whatever look you prefer.

1. Invest in a few good eye shadow brushes. The ones I find that are best to work with are angled or blunt-ended soft brushes. A small tipped brush makes eyeliner application a breeze. It is never a good idea to use your finger to apply eye shadow; this will make for an uneven, sloppy application. Another good tool to have is an eyelash curler. Some companies sell them for twenty bucks. I personally have no complaints with one I bought at the dollar store. Another tool you need is an eyelash/eyebrow brush.
2. Choose colors that highlight your eye color, not overwhelm it. Just because you have blue eyes does not mean you need to wear blue eye shadow. In my opinion, the best eye shadow you can buy is a kit of anywhere from two to five colors. It is also a good idea to buy the kits that have three colors that go from light to medium to dark. If you do not know what colors to start with, I suggest a variety of light, medium, and dark brown and a shade or two of pink. These colors will look good on anybody because they are more on the natural side. For mascara and eyeliner colors, the motto is "the darker you are, the darker the color you need." For fair blondes, a soft brown looks good. For olive skin and dark hair or African-Americans, black will work great for you.
   
3. The first thing you need to do before applying eye shadow is to prime the lids. This can be done easily by applying foundation or loose powder to the lid. After you have primed the lid, you will need a light color, medium color, and dark color all in the same hue. The light color will be your highlighter. Apply this under the eyebrow and along your eyebrow's natural curve. So apply the light color from where your eyebrow begins (unless you have a unibrow) to where your eyebrow ends or tails off. This will open up and brighten the eye. The next color you will use is the medium color. Brush this shade on your lid, not going too far outside the eye area. The last color to use is your dark color. Apply this color in the crease of your eye. This gives the eye a hint of drama.
4. Now lightly blend the eye shadow so that there are no harsh lines. You do not want it to look like you have just placed three different colors on your eyes. You want it to flow.
5. Curl the lashes. I do not suggest curling them every day, just days you want to look extra special. Curling your eyelashes too frequently can damage your eyelashes. Your eyelashes are delicate and can break off easily if there is pressure applied too often. Sweep mascara in an upward, slanted motion. While still damp, brush out any clumps. Let dry, and apply another layer, if so desired.
6. There are two types of eyeliner, wet and dry. Wet eyeliners tend to give a darker, more dramatic look. Dry eyeliners are softer and better for creating a smoky look. If you bought eyeliner that is a pencil or stick, draw around the rim of the eyes in a straight line. Soften the harsh line by running a Q-tip along the line. If you did not purchase a pencil or stick eyeliner, use your small, pointed brush to apply the eyeliner around the rims of your eyes. Brown or black eye shadow can be easily used as an eyeliner. You can dip your brush in petroleum jelly or water for a more dramatic color.
7. It might take a couple of tries to achieve your perfect look. If you need more help, you can visit any make-up counter in the mall for some free advice.