For Your Eyes Only


All dressed up for a fun evening out - designer Tomaz provides a cool wardrobe, while 'Impressions' works on hair and makeup, emphasising the eyes in particular. Taking some professional hints, You! shares some essential makeup 'dos and don'ts'

It is said that ever since Queen Nefertiti first lined her eyes with black coal, women have been using makeup to emphasise the beauty of their eyes. All eyes have their own unique beauty. When makeup is applied to look natural it will bring out the eye's true colour and enhance the eye's beauty.
If you are looking for tips for a dramatic eye makeup for an evening out, you can start out by learning basic eye makeup application. A subtle application of eyeliner, shadows and mascara works together to create magic.

Eye shadow
Eye shadow is meant to highlight and define the eyes. Eye shadow is used to create depth to bring out the beauty of the eyes. A dark colour used on the lid will make the eye appear smaller, while a lighter colour will make it appear larger. That is what eye shadow is about - creating illusions. Before applying eye makeup, it's always a good idea to use a concealer to hide dark circles and wrinkles around the eyes. Choose a shade of concealer that's slightly lighter than your natural skin tone. Don't use too much and blend it in well.

Apply the eye shadow colour in several thin layers, blend well. Put the sheer colour on the center of your lid with a sponge applicator or pencil.
Next, brush up and out toward your brow, then nose. Use an eye brush if possible. Apply a deeper shade of colour to the crease of your lid. To highlight eyes, add a lighter shade of the same colour of eye makeup to your brow bone.

The basic idea when choosing eye shadows is to choose colours that complement each other: light (for highlighting), medium (for the lower half of your lid) and dark (as liner). If you like cream eye shadows, but find that they crease too easily, prime your eyelid with a light, neutral powder eye shadow, then apply the cream eye shadow. If you have very light skin avoid dark shades. Be careful with shimmer - they will bring attention to imperfections and wrinkles.

Eye liner
Eyeliners are meant to define the eyes. Eyeliner is the magic wand for creating the illusion of bigger, more expressive eyes. There are several options when it comes to lining your eyes, and it's all about picking what you're most comfortable with. Eyeliner...the best is liquid but if your hand is just a little too shaky and you end up with a mess...try lining with a pencil and then lining over it with cake liner...much easier to handle! If you prefer working with an eye pencil, look for a creamy formula that won't tug at your skin. For a smokier look softer line, use an eyeliner brush with eyeshadow; make sure to lightly tap the brush to get rid of excess product before application.

A soft, smoky look will open your eyes more than a thin, hard line. Stick to dark, neutral colors with a hint of black for lining, as bright shades will only make them seem smaller.

Keep the eyeliner natural. Pencils are available in many colours (for the best look stick to black or brown) and can be sharpened for a fine line.

Mascara
Mascara frames your eyes and can make your face come alive. Mascara is a great way to give sparse eyelashes added oomph. Mascara softly accentuates the eye while thickening and darkening the lashes; it is the finishing touch for eyes. There are several different types to choose from, thickening, and waterproof to smudge proof. Waterproof will need a special remover and smudge proof will wash off easily. It is not a good idea to wear waterproof mascara for extended periods of time since it has a tendency to dry the lashes.

Select a shade of mascara that complements your colouring. Dark shades on pale eyes with brown lashes will darken them and will look harsh. Stay away from blues and other colours since they will ruin your look.

Before applying mascara, blot the wand on a tissue. This way you'll avoid glopping excess mascara on your lashes. To apply mascara look straight into your mirror with your chin slightly lifted so you can see your lashes. Insert the wand only once and twist, don't pump. Pumping can break the brush bristles and distribute the mascara unevenly and will dry out the mascara faster. Start by rolling the wand from root to tip in an upward motion.

Reinsert the brush and apply again. If your eyelashes are thick and long they may clunk together. If this happens let them dry and then separate them with the corner of an eyebrow brush. Use black mascara for everyday wear. If you're especially fair or want a natural, un-made-up look try brown mascara. If you're feeling daring, try coloured mascara in navy or plum; it's an easy no-commitment way to play with colour.

Makeup experts tells us the 6 most common eye makeup mistakes

Cat eyes:
Black liquid liner that extends upward -- well beyond the outside corner of the eye - is harsh and looks dated. Brown shadow liner drawn a tiny bit past the eye is softer.

Kaleidoscope eyes:
Bright, shocking mismatched colours don't belong on the eyelid - unless you're dressing as a clown for Halloween! Choose muted colours in the same family and blend them well.

Blush as shadow:
Sweeping your blush color across your lids sounds like a useful time-saver (lots of makeup artists make this suggestion). I find that the rosy colouration of most blushes is wrong for the eye area and can cause eyes to appear red or pink. Instead, do the same one-colour technique with shadow shades like toast or pale pink.

Unfinished liner:
Lining only the outside half of the eye has a minimizing effect. You can choose to do only the top lid, but be sure to apply colour all the way from the inside corner of the eye, continuing along the entire lash line to the outermost corner.

Shadow matching:
It's almost never a good idea to match your eye shadow colour to your eye colour - especially if you have blue or green eyes. Blue eyes look amazing with navy liner but disappear with blue shadow. In general, neutral colours that contrast with eye color work better.

Mascara clumps:
It was the look in the 1960s, but it doesn't work today. The best way to achieve thick lashes is to do several thin coats of mascara. If you experience clumping, wipe the excess mascara from your brush with a tissuv.