Everyone says the eyes are the window to the soul; but can eyes capture the true essence of a person? The eye is one of the most captivating features on the human body. We are constantly making eye contact with those around us. The eyes are alluring, and can captivate one’s attention when enhanced by just the right makeup application that showcases your personality, creativity, style and flair. Numerous cosmetic techniques can be applied to make the eyes sparkle and pop. Whether perfecting the shape of your brow or just applying the correct eye shadow base and color for that enticing look; either way, applying eye makeup is the ultimate expression of mood and personality.
1. Eyebrows
There are different types of eyebrow looks: bushy, thin, thick, sparse, and the ever so exaggerated over arched “surprised” brow. Eyebrows are important because they simply act as a backdrop to your face. The perfectly defined and arched brow seems to be a national craze that plagues the minds of women. With the use of simple products like brow pencil, gel or eye shadow color, use can use these few simple steps to attain a natural yet, nearly perfect shaped brow:
a. Start by making sure your brows are waxed, tweezed or razored to your liking. I think you get a cleaner look by waxing. Whichever method you choose remember not to overdo it, because you want the brow to appear natural when done.
b. Before filling in your brows, brush the hairs of your eyebrows. You should brush the hair of your brow in the direction that they naturally grow. This will allow the hair to properly lie down.
c. Take your eyebrow pencil, gel or eye shadow and apply it to your brow using very light and gentle strokes. If you are applying a gel or eye shadow color, it is best that you use an angled eyeliner brush.
d. When filling in eyebrows it is best that you do not use the color black. Black is too harsh on the brows and it makes for an unnatural look. Try to soften it up a bit by using various shades of brown.
e. Once you have filled in your brows, you are virtually done. You can also use a concealer that is about two shades lighter than your skin tone to place around the brow. This will help to cover any mistakes that you might have made while filling in your eyebrows. In addition, this tip will help your brows to pop .Once the concealer is placed around the brow, it is now time to take your favorite facial blending brush and blend out the concealer into the rest of your makeup.
It is crucial that you follow the natural shape of your eyebrow as a guide when filling in the brows. Yes, I know that it is tempting to create an overly dramatic shape that is not natural, but ladies I promise that you will thank me later. Embrace your brow shape; a natural looking brow is the best way to go!
2. Eye shadow base
Try applying eye shadow base before putting on your eye shadow. Eye shadow base helps to set eye shadow, and really enhances the vibrance of your eye shadow color. There are different eye shadow bases sold in stores. It is important that you experiment with them and find out which one works best for you. Once you apply your eye shadow base, you will wonder why you never used it!
3. Eye shadow
Now for the fun part, eye shadow application is one of the most creative ways to show self-expression. Many people wear eye shadow colors and shades that reflect their mood or an occasion. The eye shadow application technique is completely up to the person that is rocking their favorite eye shadow color. However, it is important that you know the basics of when to wear certain shadows. For daytime looks, it is common for women to wear neutral earth tones like brown, taupe or cream. Remember to ensure your choice of color is appropriate for the workplace…less is more. For a nighttime look, it is common for women to wear more risqué and darker hues like plum, navy or black. A night out on the town with the girls can make a woman feel sexy. She might want to spice up her look and add a little something extra to her makeup routine. It is important to wear what makes you feel happy, alive and comfortable.
–Iman Hamilton is a native of New Orleans, a university student, model and makeup artist. She is a self-taught entrepreneur with innate talent and a bright future. Photo credit: Beverli Alford
