Tuesday, 11 September 2012

EYE SHADOW TIPS

Ahhhh, eyeshadow. I'm a beauty editor and yet it took me years to figure out how to apply eyeshadow that:

1. Wasn't crooked (hello, mismatched eyes!).
2. Wasn't too dark or blotchily blended (yes, I know "blotchily" is not a word).
3. Didn't extend to the wrong, wrong, wrong upper reaches of my eyelids.

After years of seeing makeup artists in action and learning numerous eyeshadow tips and tricks, here are 10 favorite eyeshadow tips I wish someone had told me long time ago: 

Secret #1: Blending is key

Ok, well I sorta knew this, but I wasn't sure HOW TO BLEND. You use three different colors: The base, usually a very light taupe, a highlighter for the crease and a main color for the lid, but how to get them to look as if they merge into each other like the colors of a rainbow? My secret: Start light then go darker. Brush the base color to the entire eye up to the brow bone (base is the lightest color), apply the lid color (the medium color) and THEN apply the highlighter (the darkest color). Also, don't be too heavy-handed or you'll have to start over.
Extra tip: Practice makes perfect. Play with your makeup a few days before a big event.

Secret #2: Choose shadows that make the color of your eyes pop

Gone are the days when beauty experts advised against blue shadow. Matching the color of your eye with a shadow actually brings the color out (think blue shadow on blue eyes). At the same time, contrasting colors make eyes pop too (think a deep jeweled blue shadow on deep brown eyes or gorgeous golds with blue eyes).

Secret #3: Never apply deep color to your browbone -- unless you're doing a cover shoot for Vogue

You don't want the drama too much shadow brings. Apply shadow up to the browbone but don't apply shadow ON the bone unless it's a neutral color.

Secret #4: Highlighter can make or break your look

When applying dark shadow to the crease of your eye, be careful to blend only on the outside edge. Get to close to the eye and you'll cause your eyes to look teeny and beady.

Secret #5: Set shadow with a great base

Primers are super hot right now because they help set makeup that stays for hours. I've found the secret to keeping shadow in place for hours is a shadow base, or primer.

Secret #6: Shimmer is hot, but shows off wrinkles

Shimmer makes eyes really pop, but it also highlights heavy lids, lines and wrinkles. If you don't have wrinkled eyelids yet try this great look for shimmer: create a "nude" lid, but apply a bit of gold shimmer to the browbone. Gorgeous!

Secret #7: Smokey is great, but keep it to the lid

Making up a smokey eye? Keep color to the lid and just under the lower lashline. Don't extend color above the crease.

Secret #8: You should splurge on a good eyeshadow

A great eyeshadow like the Sleek pallets, would do the trick.

Secret #9: Make eyes brighter with white

A dot of white shadow or pencil on the inside of the eye near the tear duct will make eyes look brighter. You won't believe how eye-opening this is. It works so great, I use this trick even when doing my makeup for work.

Secret #10: Go for color


Consider mixing shades if you bought a color that's just too bold for you. Mixing an electric blue with taupe can turn out the most perfect color.


2 comments:

  1. haaaaaaa! this seems like jamb exam oooo but i'll try it days before the big event like you suggested.


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  2. While applying make-up to blue eyes, it is very important to first wipe-off all old make-up. Once done the eyes would be similar to a blank canvas. This would help in enhancing the beauty of the contrast colors because if the ‘blank canvas’ is not created, the new color may gel with the old color giving a totally different output than what is expected. Once ready, it is important to apply a primer to the eyelids in order to prepare the eyes for the contrast color. If not for blue eyes, a black primer can be used which usually goes down well with almost all skin tones. Since blue eyes are special, it is very important to choose the right color while applying a make-up. If a primer is not readily available at hand, a concealer might also be used to create the desired foundation. The benefit or reason for using a primer or a concealer is that it helps the make-up to remain longer periods of time without fading away or fading out.
    eye shadow tips

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