Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Eye Makeup: Applying Eyeshadows for a Night Out

The best way to apply eye shadow by yourself to successfully create a night out, daring make up look is
dependent on two things: the specific style you want to achieve, and some basic, fundamental knowledge of eye shadows in general.

1. Primer
Regardless of any look you're going for, always start with an eye shadow primer (a.k.a. eye shadow base), as it will make all the difference. Though your average concealer with a sticky consistency can work for this,
investing some money into Urban Decay's Primer Potion or Too Faced's Shadow Insurance will greatly improve not only how long your shadow will last, but the potency and brightness of the colors, and will also prevent the shadows from creasing throughout the night of partying or dancing. Once you have applied a swipe of primer across your eye (extending towards the brow bone and a little under your eye), you can begin working with the eye shadows.

2. Highlighting
Start by applying a light, shimmery white (or creamy, matte) shade right under your brows and around your tear-duct to highlight said areas and bring in more light, thereby giving the appearance of more open eyes.
Because you are going for a "night out" look, it's fine to apply a little more than usual.

3. Light colors
Just because you'll be using mainly dark colors for your look doesn't mean you should only use them! By
applying your eye shadows from lightest to darkest, you will get cleaner colors and more control over how you want your look to be. Extend a light, neutral color that is matte across all of your eyelid as this will help you blend other eye shadows with one another more easily. Focus the color especially around your tear duct and in the inner 2/3 of your eye, as this is where light will hit, thereby allowing you to have more hollow looking eyes.

4. Medium Tones
Don't jump right into the dark colors! Creating depth will add sophistication to your look and allow to build and add colors as you go, so you can do small fixes if you mess up. Apply a color of medium darkness (plum, smokey grey, copper or dark gold, dark brown, etc), either matte or shimmery, to your creases (i.e., where the hollows of your eyes are) in a gentle, horizontal sweeping motion. When you get to this step, you will appreciate the first layer you applied of a neutral, light eye shadow all over your eyelid, as it facilitates the blending process. The medium tone that you apply will help your dark eye shadow look more smokey and diffused.

5. Dark Colors
The darkest color you will use won't necessarily have to be of the same tone as the color you just applied! If
you applied a plum color, going with a dark emerald green will make your make up stand out. Play around and see what you like, as a night-out look doesn't have rely on black eye shadow. Remember, however, that the way in which you apply dark shades will determine the shape and size of your eyes. Liking your eyes with your dark eye shadow will create the appearance of a thicker lash-line, and is more appropriate for night-out looks. Also apply darker shadows in dabs in the outer creases of your eyes (or in the general crease, if you prefer to add depth) and then use a fluffed brush to blend the color in a circular motion. It is best to use a brush that you have not used yet, to prevent colors from mixing If you choose to be a little more artsy with your look, take your dark shadow and do two things: apply it in the crease of your eye, and then sweep the color down at the edge, making a c-shape from the crease toward the outer corners. However, keep in mind that closing off the outer edges of your eyes with dark eye shadows will make your eyes look smaller. As a final step of your eye shadow applying, take the dark color and sweep it close to your lower lash line to emphasize and intensify.
As an extra step, you can also choose to apply glitter in your inner tear duct to give your looks that glam pop
you may be going for.
When followed up with mascara and a set of false lashes, your night look will be fierce and complete.

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