Eye Makeup Tricks: A Must-Know
Eye makeup, while the most intricate and time-consuming part of makeup application, can be truly transformative. Over time, experimenting with makeup has led me to discover some handy techniques that are great time-savers, particularly for those days when you’re crunched for time but still want to look polished.
Here are a few of my favorite tricks that will not only expedite your makeup routine but also help you channel your inner makeup artist.
Line and Curl
As a fervent believer in the power of curled lashes, I can attest to the significant impact they have on enhancing your overall appearance. This passion for curled lashes paved the way for mastering a two-in-one technique that allows you to line your eyes while curling your lashes. It results in a soft, smudged look, perfect for daytime wear.
All you need is a pair of lash curlers and a soft eye pencil – your regular one will do just fine as long as it glides on easily.
Start by using your eye pencil to draw a line along the edge of your lash curler. Feel free to adjust the thickness of the line to your liking.
Ensure that you’re as close to your lashline as possible, then press the base of the curler against your skin. To ensure the eyeliner is well smudged into your lashline and to aid in curling your lashes, squeeze and release the curler handle multiple times.
And there you have it! You’ve managed to curl and line your lashes simultaneously – it’s as simple as that!
The way your lash curler rests against your eyes is crucial, so if there are any gaps, just use your brush to smudge and fill in the color. I’ve always found success with either the Kevyn Aucoin lash curler or the Shu Uemura lash curler (available at select department stores), as both have the ideal curve to accommodate most eye shapes.
THICKEN YOUR LASHES
If you’re a fan of lush, voluminous lashes but lack the time to apply multiple coats of mascara or fuss with false lashes, then this technique is tailor-made for you! It’s called the powder method, and it enables you to attain lash thickness equivalent to 3-4 coats of mascara with just two applications.
All you need is your regular mascara and loose face powder (ideally mineral powder, as its finely milled texture prevents clumping).
First, curl your lashes (for this example, I’ll maintain the line from the Line and Curl method to demonstrate the full impact). Then, apply a single coat of your mascara.
Next, using a small fluffy brush, gently dust some loose mineral powder over your lashes. Be sure to avoid getting any powder in your eyes.
Follow up with your second coat of mascara and observe as each lash thickens right before your eyes.
Applying the powder when the first coat of mascara is still moist helps it adhere to the lashes and absorb into them. Thus, when you apply the second coat, it amplifies the volume more than if you were to apply it over your natural lashes.
PERFECT LINE, EVERY TIME
using cards, tape or sticky notes
While some of you may already be familiar with this widely-known hack, I couldn’t resist including it because it’s fail-proof. Getting a flawless edge or line (and ensuring both eyes match!) can be challenging unless you’ve mastered the placement of your eyeshadow or liquid liner. However, having a guide to follow can help you achieve a perfect finish in mere minutes.
What you’ll need: Eyeshadow or liquid/gel liner, depending on your preference. Also, a credit or business card, white tape, or a sticky note will do the trick.
With Eyeshadow:
Position the card (or tape or sticky note) from the outer corner of your eye, extending towards the end of your eyebrow. Start by applying your eyeshadow against the edge of the card and then blend the remaining product on your brush towards the center of your eye. This technique not only gives you a flawless line but also creates a gradient smokey effect. If you prefer a softer look, simply use a clean brush to buff the edges until the line softens.
With Liquid or Gel Liner:
Once more, position the card (or tape or sticky note) starting from the outer corner of your eye and extending towards the end of your eyebrow. Apply your choice of liquid or gel liner, beginning from the outer edge of your eye and moving upwards along the edge of the card. You can lengthen the line to your desired length. Then, starting from where you ended the line, draw back towards the upper lash line to complete the look.
If you decide to use tape for this technique, ensure it’s the translucent (cloudy) white variety. Cut a piece and attach it to the back of your hand first, repeatedly sticking and peeling it off a few times to reduce its adhesiveness. The skin around the eyes is extremely delicate, so be cautious not to tug at it when removing the tape.
And there you have it – three simple and quick hacks to enhance your eye makeup application. I’ll keep sharing more makeup tips in the future, so don’t forget to check back regularly 😉
FAQ: Eye Makeup Tutorial
How to Do Eye Makeup Step by Step?
Creating a flawless eye makeup look involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide:
Prep Your Eyes:
- Primer: Apply an eye primer or concealer on your eyelids to create a smooth base and help the eyeshadow last longer and prevent creasing.
Set the Base:
- Base Color: Apply a neutral or skin-toned eyeshadow over your entire lid to set the primer and create a smooth canvas.
Define the Crease:
- Transition Shade: Use a transition shade slightly darker than your skin tone in the crease. This helps in blending other colors more seamlessly. Use a fluffy blending brush to apply and blend the shade back and forth in the crease area.
Apply Lid Color:
- Lid Shade: Choose a main eyeshadow color for your lids. Pat this color onto the lid with a flat shader brush. For better results, build up the intensity by layering the color.
Deepen the Outer Corner:
- Outer V: Apply a darker shade to the outer corner of your eyes (outer V) to add depth and dimension. Use a smaller blending brush and blend it well into the crease and the lid.
Highlight:
- Inner Corner: Apply a light, shimmery shade to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten them.
- Brow Bone: Apply a light shade just below the brow bone to highlight and lift your brows.
Eyeliner:
- Upper Lash Line: Apply eyeliner along your upper lash line. You can use a pencil, gel, or liquid liner depending on your preference. For a more dramatic look, create a winged eyeliner.
- Lower Lash Line: Lightly smudge a shadow or liner along the lower lash line for added definition.
Mascara:
- Curl Lashes: Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler.
- Apply Mascara: Apply mascara to your upper and lower lashes for volume and length. Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes and pull upward.
Finishing Touches:
- Clean Up: If needed, clean up any fallout or smudges with a makeup wipe or a bit of concealer.