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What Are the Best Tips for Eye Makeup Application?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Eye makeup application usually begins with choosing the right colors and preparing the skin. Eye shadow trios can make eye makeup application simple, since each eye shadow color should be applied to a different area. White eye makeup and eye liner can make eyes brighter and more noticeable. An eyelash curler and mascara can have the same effect.

Choosing the right eye makeup color for eye makeup application can be difficult for many women. Generally speaking, neutral colors, like brown and gray, will look good on nearly everyone. Women who want to make their eye color stand out, however, can choose eye makeup that contrasts their natural eye color. Green-eyed women can use a purple eye shadow, for instance.

A woman wearing basic eye makeup.
A woman wearing basic eye makeup.

A woman should also keep her skin undertones in mind before eye makeup application. Most people have either cool or warm undertones, and these can be determined by looking at an area of skin where veins are visible. If the veins appear blue, then a person has cool undertones, but if the veins appear green, she has warm undertones. Typically, women with cool undertones look best in makeup in a cool hue, while women with warm undertones look best in makeup in a warm hue.

A woman applying mascara to her eyelashes.
A woman applying mascara to her eyelashes.

Many experts believe proper skin preparation is one of the most important aspects of eye makeup application, and some even liken it to preparing a canvas. The face should be washed with a gentle facial cleanser and patted dry. Concealer can be used to cover any blemishes, and foundation and powder should also be applied before applying eye makeup. This creates a smooth, blemish-free surface.

A woman with smoky eyes has blush applied to her cheeks.
A woman with smoky eyes has blush applied to her cheeks.

An eye shadow trio comes with three complementary eye shadow colors, and each of these colors is supposed to be applied to a different section of the eye. The lightest color should be swept onto the lid, from the eye lid to the brow bone, which is just under the eye brow. The middle color should be applied to the eye lid only, from the lash line to the crease. The darkest color should be applied last, and it can be smudged into the crease to create depth. To create a more natural look, the eye shadows should be blended slightly after application.

Daytime eyeshadow looks tend to be neutral and light.
Daytime eyeshadow looks tend to be neutral and light.

A small dot of white eye shadow or a white eye liner pencil can be applied to the inner corner of the eye, right next to the tear duct. This helps make the whites of the eyes appear brighter. A dull eye liner pencil can also be used to emphasize the lash line. Many experts agree the line should begin at the center of the pupil and extend slightly past the outside edge of the eye. Eye liner should be smudged for a softer look.

Eyeliner is commonly used to highlight the eyes.
Eyeliner is commonly used to highlight the eyes.

An eye lash curler can be used to curl the eye lashes before applying mascara. Two coats of mascara can then be swept onto the lashes from the roots to the tips. Wiggling or rotating the mascara wand can help ensure an even application of the product. A eye lash comb can be used to remove any clumps from the eye lashes.

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    • A woman wearing basic eye makeup.
      A woman wearing basic eye makeup.
    • A woman applying mascara to her eyelashes.
      By: haveseen
      A woman applying mascara to her eyelashes.
    • A woman with smoky eyes has blush applied to her cheeks.
      By: Viktor Pravdica
      A woman with smoky eyes has blush applied to her cheeks.
    • Daytime eyeshadow looks tend to be neutral and light.
      By: studiovespa
      Daytime eyeshadow looks tend to be neutral and light.
    • Eyeliner is commonly used to highlight the eyes.
      By: cedrov
      Eyeliner is commonly used to highlight the eyes.
    • An eyebrow pencil can be used to help enhance an eyebrow arch with creative shading.
      By: Serhiy Kobyakov
      An eyebrow pencil can be used to help enhance an eyebrow arch with creative shading.
    • Choosing the right color eye shadow is important.
      By: Africa Studio
      Choosing the right color eye shadow is important.
    • Permanent eyeliner application may be an option for individuals who struggle with applying the makeup.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Permanent eyeliner application may be an option for individuals who struggle with applying the makeup.