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Open Your Eyes to the Basics of Beautiful Eyes

The eyes are believed to be the windows of the soul. If that is so, what are your eyes speaking to others? Learning and practicing basic eye makeup techniques will give your eyes a polished, precise finish that will speak volumes of beauty. Shadowing, defining and shaping are the essentials to complimenting your eyes.

It is essential in all applications of makeup to have a foundation on which you can build the vibrant eyes you so desire. Begin by priming the eye area with a foundation and follow with a light dusting of translucent powder. This will enable the applied eye makeup some staying power.

It is not difficult to create dimension with eye shadow. Using three complimentary tones of eye shadow is ideal, but using only two can create a similar effect. The following steps for applying three tones of eye shadow will help you develop pleasing dimension to your eyes:

• Using a medium firm, soft haired, eye makeup brush sweep the light shade from your upper lid lash line to the brow bone area, just past your eyelid crease.

• Create a visual presence with the medium shade by using the top narrow edge of the same brush by following the natural crease on the upper lid. Be sure to blend it well.

• Using a smaller eye makeup brush with firm bristles sweep the dark shade along the upper lash line. Blend the dark shadow as far as the crease. An optional technique is to apply the dark shadow under the lower lash line to create more depth as well.

As you are applying a contour of colors to your eyes, remember to keep the eye area free of shadow residue and specs. Failure to do so can result in creating unattractive results. To avoid residual dust, try placing a folded flat tissue under the lower lash line when brushing the shadow on.

Women are designed with various shaped eyes. The most common shaped eyes are round, almond and Asian. You want your eyes defined and shaped. Using an eye liner allows you to "open your eyes". Your eye shape is defined by your lash line.

Compliment these common eye shapes using these basic eye liner techniques:

Round

• A result of slightly thicker lines is needed at the outer corners of the eye.

• Line the outer two-thirds of the upper and lower lash lines, to lengthen the eye.

• Angle the line upwards on the upper lash line as it moves towards the corner of the eye.

Almond

• Line entire upper lash line and use with neutral eye shadow.

• An optional method would be to also line the lower lash line and soften with the brush.

Asian

• It is important to completely line the lower lash line.

• Line the upper lash line by starting at the outer third of the lash and extend a straight horizontal line to the corner.

• Fill the gap between the line and lashes with the liner.

• Soften lines with a brush.

• Highlight cent of upper lid and blend out lines on each side.

Further accenting of the eyes comes with the application of quality precision mascara. Each common eye shape requires a specific application technique. Round eyes need the emphasis placed on the outer corner upper lashes. Almond eyes need mascara on the upper lashes, with emphasis on the outer corners. A light coat should be placed on the lower lashes. It is recommended for Asian eyes to use an eyelash curler then mascara both the upper and lower lashes.

When applying mascara at the base of your lashes add a little magic by wiggling the wand slightly to allow the mascara bristles to grip and coat as many lashes as possible, as the wand wiggles up towards the tips. This takes practice to maximize your lash potential. Be strategic in how much mascara you apply. Finish with a brush to separate lashes and remove any clumps. You are one step away from obtaining those stunning, soul speaking eyes.

The finale to maximizing impact and framing your eyes is grooming your brows. Every set of eyebrows are unique. The starting point of your eyebrow is the vertical line from the side of your nostril moving straight up. The finishing point of your brow is a straight line from the side of your nostril, along side the outer corner of your eye up to your brow area.

A few tips to remember when grooming your brows:

• Do not pluck hairs above your eyebrow.

• Pluck in proportion to your face and natural brow shape.

• Groom in a straight line on a slightly upward angle, finishing in a soft arc over the outer third of the eye. All stray hairs under the line should be plucked.

Every woman's windows to her soul shine when enhanced with the basic techniques of shadowing, defining and shaping the eyes. With continued practice, patience and an array of supplies, your eyes are your voice.