7 Essential Steps to Applying Eye Makeup
Eye makeup can be a tricky thing to figure out. Not only are there so many options when it comes to eye makeup (different shades of mascara, different colors for eyeliner, loads of varying shades of eye shadow) but applying eye makeup correctly can be even more confounding!With these steps below, you’ll be applying eye makeup like a seasoned pro:
1. Always start with a clean slate. This means cleansing, toning and moisturizing your face.
2. Next, take concealer and apply it over your eye area. Using a yellow-based concealer tends to work best as it will better conceal any imperfections and under eye circles.
TIP: To properly conceal under eye circles, start by applying three dots of the concealer under each eye. Then, with your ring finger, gently pat and blend the concealer onto your skin until it is no longer visible.3. Consider using an “eye base” to keep your eye shadow in place. Eye base is like an eye makeup primer – it will make your eye shadow last longer, and it will prevent your eye shadow from “creasing” in the crease of your eye lid.
4. Then it’s time to apply the eye shadow. You can choose any number of different eye shadow shades to apply to your eye area, though choosing a two or three-toned shadow to cover your eye lid to your brow usually looks best. If you have a three-toned eye shadow kit, begin with sweeping the medium shade over your eye lid. Then, take the darkest shade and apply it to the crease of your eye. Follow up by applying the lightest shade above the brow bone and to the inner corner of the eye. Remember to blend the colors well to make it look the most natural.
5. Once you have applied the eye shadow, follow it up with eye liner. If you are going for a more natural look, choose a brown or gray shade of eye liner. For those with brown eyes or anyone going for a more dramatic look, choose a black eye liner. Remember to blend the eye liner in as well.
TIP: For a truly dramatic look, go for a stark liquid liner!6. Highlighting your eyes will help bring light and brightness to them. With a highlighting shade (such as a gold, shimmery champagne or pink color) draw a v-shape from the inner corner of your eye, arching up to the brow and back down again. Blend it in well.
7. Last comes the mascara to truly finish up the look. If you have eyelashes that tend to not curl naturally, or if you really want to glam up your look, grab an eye lash curler! Place the curler right at the base of your eye lashes and squeeze it closed for a few seconds. Once you have done this with both eyes, take your mascara and sweep it upwards from the base of your lashes to the tips, being sure to wiggle it back and forth.
TIP: Going for a more dramatic effect? Apply at least two layers of mascara. Applying the mascara to the bottom lashes can also give you a more striking appearance.