If eyes are the windows to the soul, then eye makeup is the window dressing. Your eye makeup will serve as your greatest tool when it comes to your current mood and what you want to project. There are several fool- proof looks you can always turn to, especially when you're crunched for time or need a look that will impress without a lot of experimentation and stress.
Smokey Eye (aka Mafia Queen, aka Sexpot, aka Bond Girl)
To start, select a good eyelid primer that isn't too thick and which is close to your natural skin tone. Primer will help makeup adhere to your skin for a long-lasting look. After application, choose a base shadow. If you want a more brownish, or natural eye, go for a neutral brown or taupe. It's always a good idea to layer several shadows, because this will give your eye depth. You could start with a white shadow all over the lid up to your brow bone, followed by a darker brown along the lower lid. Blend this like there's no tomorrow. You want to be careful that the white shadow isn't too heavy or pale. Some people love to follow with eyeliner, but I find that liner fades when applied to my top eyelid. Whatever works for you. Follow with several swipes of dark, volumizing mascara. I love this look for day time, and I always line my bottom lid with a rich brown. It's not too dramatic for day, but heavy enough that it looks as if you've put in an effort.
A more dramatic look for night time can be achieved with darker shadows. Try dark brown, black, and dark green. Lancome makes excellent shadows and I've found that dark green looks super sexy. You can be a little more messy with this look. Layer, layer, layer! Go heavy on your bottom lid. Beef those lashes up with some great mascara. Again, Lancome makes excellent eye makeup products.
Pinup Eye (aka Cheesecake Chic, Glamour Girl, Betty Grable)
This is a beautiful, classic look and perfect for day time. This is what epitomized "cheesecake" and pinup beauty in the old days.
Start with primer and then cover eye from lower lid to brow bone with white, light taupe, or a subtle pink. Next take a light brown and blend gently from lower lid up to mid. The idea is to make sure this blends smoothly into the lighter shade. Then take some black liquid liner and starting at the inner eye, draw a line out to the end of your lash line, extending further if you prefer. Follow with some black or brown mascara. I like to swipe my lower lashes with mascara as well, making sure to separate each lash. This will open your eyes up and make them pop!
As a side note, you can follow with some bright red lipstick or a subtle coral color.
I love this look. It's classic, easy, and looks good on most people.
And there you have it! Two gorgeous looks, tried and tested by moi, and easily mastered.
* Don't get frustrated. Eye makeup takes time to master, but anybody can learn to get it right. Practice and experiment to get the look you love.
* Never line your inner lid (the area directly under your eyelashes) with liner. This could lead to eye infections and irritation.
* Not all shadows are made alike. There are good and bad ones out there. Good ones will be vibrant, smooth, and adhere to your skin. Bad ones will be dull, thick, and messy. Again, I highly recommend Lancome's eyeshadows.
* There's nothing wrong with using your fingers to apply shadow. Just wash your hands prior. You may find the application is easier and smoother with the pads of your fingers.