Whether you’re a makeup expert or a novice just getting your grips with the stuff, we could all use a few handy tips for perfect eye makeup application. Below is the ultimate list of tips, tricks, and technique for nailing any eye makeup look you choose to take on.
Holding your brush closer to the bristles will make your look too harsh, and holding it too close to the end will make it harder for you to control where you’re placing the shadow. Right in the middle is the best place to to hold it.
The white eyeshadow base will make colours like pink, green, and orange more vibrant when applied over top.
As a general rule, if you want to make your eyes appear larger and more almond-shaped, you should apply darker colours to the outer corner of your eye and work backwards; applying lighter shades to the inner third of your eye, finishing with a highlighter next to your tear duct.
This is just as important for pulling together your look. Use whatever shade you used on your crease for this area.
Invest in a good eyelash curler and your lashes will look amazing no matter what mascara you’re using. My favourite is the Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler.
Sometime softer looks are nicer, and this look can be gently smudged to add some subtle sexiness.
Fake 8 hours of sleep with a good flesh-coloured kohl along your lower lash line.
Avoid coating your inner lashes and concentrate product towards the outer lashes, hooking them and lifting them outwards.
There are loads of handy tutorials online that show you how easy it is to do winged eyeliner using a stencil; but our favourites are probably Sellotape and a business card, both of which will give you that sharp, straight edge. Wings on fleek every time!
Why you ask? Because it makes a lovely, subtle no-makeup eyeliner effect that works because the remains of the kohl will still be lingering at the base of your lashes.
Use it on your lashes and your brows.
Never fear! NYX has you sorted with their waterproof topcoat that you can apply over your usual mascara to keep it in place come rain or uh, more rain.
If it feels too firm, warming it up using a lighter or match will help soften it.
You’ll risk looking like your brows were drawn on with a Sharpie if you go in too heavy-handed with them. Better to take your time and go over the area with a light hand.
Draw a slanted hashtag onto the outer portion of your eye with the eye pencil or brush you’re using, and then blend it out. This works by dispersing the right amount of product onto the right area of your lid.
This is an easy mistake to make, and could be why your looks aren’t coming out quite right. Your brush should fit comfortably into the crease, but be fluffy enough to buff in shadows.
They won’t adhere and last all day without a heavy-duty primer. Try Urban Decay’s Primer Potion for serious staying power.
If your eyeshadow feels dry or chalky, it won’t blend well or last properly on your eyelid. Invest in brands like Morphe or Colourpop to ensure all that blending isn’t for nothing.
What works for you might not work for someone else; so play around until you figure out what works for you.
And while we’re at it, make sure your brow highlight isn’t over the top. It should be just enough to define your brow arch and the underside of your brow.
Warm bronzy shades compliment blue eyes best, while green-eyed gals should look for purpley, lilac tones. For those with brown eyes, earthy greens will make your eyes pop the most.
They make all the difference.
By far the easiest way to apply them.
‘Packing’ on base colours can also cause a lot of fall-out, so be sure to firmly pat the brush onto your lid rather than brushing it on.
It can make your eyes appear smaller, so if it’s not for you then don’t worry! Focus on making your top lashes all the more volumised and defined.
Foundation will give your eyes a little bit of a base, but concealer will polish up the look and disguise under-eye bags. Try a concealer with peach or salmon tones to really camouflage your late nights.
Brown or black kohl applied along the upperlash line and gently blended out with your finger or a cotton bud instantly makes your lashes look fuller and your eyes look complete with minimal effort.
This will ensure they don’t crumble when you sharpen them up.
Cream eyeshadows promise a polished, ‘I-spent-ages-blending-this’ look with just one swipe on your eyelid. Just apply, blend and go!
Feel like adding bright green eyeliner? Why not? Yellow glitter? Sure! Makeup is meant to be about having fun and expressing yourself, so make sure you experiment and be creative with it.
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