7 Tips on Eye Colors and Eye Makeup Application

July 20th, 2010 . 6 Comments »

Here are 7 tips regarding eyes and eye makeup that I learned from a workshop with international makeup artist, Robert Jones:

1. Cool tones vs warm shades: Warm shades make you look younger. Very few women are true ‘cool tones.’

2. Types of Eyeshadows:

a) Frost – Provides much more opaque coverage. Usually comes in light pastel shades that work best on younger skin. Can easily sink into wrinkles so is not recommended for mature skin.

b) Shimmer – Offers great, sheer coverage with a subtle sheen and hint of sparkle. Perfect choice for mature skin as it will not collect in fine lines. Light shimmers work great for highlighting. Dark shimmers are great for adding drama without being too harsh.

c) Matte – the best choice for creating a natural no-makeup look. The best formula for midtone shades because of its natural appearance. Works well for reshaping and defining the eye because of the higher level of color pigment.

3. Eyemakeup Colors: It is not necessary for your eyeshadow to match your clothing. Makeup is an accessory to you – what you need to look your prettiest. If you’d like to include an eye color to match your clothing, layer the desired color on top of the existing warm accent color (unless the accent color is the color of choice).

4. Color of Eyes: To maximize the brilliance of your own eye color, use colors that are on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, blue eyes will appear more intense when a warm, coppery shade is used.

5. Shadows and Liners: They shape eyes and eyelids. They push away what you don’t want to see or be seen too readily and bring forward what you want to see.

6. Eyeliner Application: If you line your bottom lid you MUST line the top eyelid as well otherwise it makes the eyes look tired. Liquid eyeliner is recommended for the top lid only. While not a hard and fast rule, when applied to the bottom lid it could look harsh and unnatural. Suggested application to bottom lid: use a dark eyeshadow and brush or use a pencil then soften with a coat of eyeshadow.

7. Brows: Your eyebrows are the frame for your face. Thicker but softly feathered eyebrows make the face look younger.

If you have a tip relating to eyes and eye makeup that you’d like to share, please leave them in the ‘Comment’ section.