Eye Makeup

Eye makeup, though, is the part of painting your face hardest to get right if you're not used to it. Here's how to learn to do it with ease.

Eye Makeup – The Basics

Whether you're making up for a special event or just trying to improve on what's already there, there are three basic components in the eye makeup arsenal for you to get to grips with:

• Mascara

Use it to lengthen, curl, darken, separate – in fact, just about anything that can be done to eyelashes, mascara will do. There are hundreds of different brands on the market, all of which promise to do different things for your lashes, some more successfully than others. Finding a good mascara is well worth the time and effort. If your lashes are pale, short or just not curly enough for your liking, you'll be amazed at the difference a lick of mascara can make.

• Shadow

Eye shadow comes in every shade imaginable, and a whole bunch of different textures, from liquid to glitter. While it's not an essential part of your daily "face", it can help add definition to the eyes, draw out your eye color, or even change your look completely.

• Eyeliner

Like eye shadow, eyeliner adds definition to the eye, acting as a "frame" for the rest of your eye makeup. Wear it on the bottom lid to make your eyes stand out, or sweep along the top for a vampish, Briget Bardot look. You can also use it to darken and define your eyebrows, too. Eyeliner comes in pencil or liquid form, and there are even some brands manufacturing it in the form of a felt-tip pen!

In addition to these, you may also want to use some added extras such as under-eye concealer, false lashes or even eye "jewelry" in the shape of little crystals or other bits of bling that can be placed around the eye for a special night out. The three items highlighted above, however, are your basic eye makeup must-haves, and these are the three things you'll use most often when making up your face.

Eye Makeup – Tools Of The Trade

The right tools can help you look great.

Now for the tricky bit. Mascara and eyeliner can be applied without any additional tools, but if you're going to be using eye shadow too, you'll need to purchase a good set of brushes. Mac's selection is hard to beat in terms of choice and quality, and they also sell a special brush-cleaner, to make sure your brushes stay in good shape.

Eye Shadow Tips

For a very dramatic look, choose three shades of eye shadow. A base color, which will go on the eyelid, a slightly darker color to go in the eye socket to help define the eye, and a light color which you'll sweep upwards from socket to eyebrow.

Use a medium-sized brush to apply your main colour, a smaller, angled brush to add the darker color to your eye socket and the largest brush for your browline. Be careful to blend all three colors together where they meet. Harsh lines are not an ideal look!

If you're choosing eye makeup for a special event, select one with a bit of sparkle in it. It will widen your eyes and catch the lights. Just don't go overboard!

Mascara Tips

When choosing your mascara, stick to the color closest to your natural lashes. So, brunettes will go for black or dark brown, while redheads and blondes may prefer a lighter brown. Mascara also comes in blue, but use this only as a fashion statement, not for everyday!

For a more dramatic look, use an eyelash curler on your lashes before applying mascara. It'll make them look longer and curlier than you would have believed possible! Another great tip if you're using metal eyelash curlers is to blast them with your hairdryer for a few seconds before using them. The heat will make them curl quicker!

If your lashes are thin and you'd like to make them thicker, close your eyes and dust them lightly with loose power before applying your mascara. It will make your lashes look thicker, and make your mascara last for longer.

Eyeliner Tips

Choose your eyeliner wisely. Whilst some women swear by the khol pencil, which is the most popular type of liner, others find liquid liner easier to use. Experiment with both until you find the one that's right for you.

When applying your liner, rest your elbows on a table, or other surface. It'll stop any sudden movements which will make your eyeliner wobbly!

Where to Buy

• Sephora
• Mac Cosmetics
• Bobbi Brown
• Stila
• Benefit