Eye Makeup Art

Makeup as Art

Just as an artist has his blank canvas and his color palette, so too do millions of women all over the world. To say that we are all artists in our own way is really not an overstatement, particularly given the immense interest in cosmetics today. One color collection is introduced almost as soon as the previous one sells out, and each is rife with possibilities: some hues are new and beg to be the subjects of immediate experimentation, others more familiar colors that become instant classics.

Consider the wall full of colors in any cosmetics department in the world. While the selections may have once been relegated to mere basics, today the various eye shadows, blushes, mascaras, lipsticks, lip glosses, highlighters and even foundations are available in a seemingly insurmountable collection of shades. Of course, this only serves to inspire anyone with artistic tendencies, but even those who couldn't wield a paintbrush to save their lives have developed Picasso-like habits in front of the mirror. Makeup is, indeed, an incomparable art form.

A New Approach to Eye Makeup

Though all types of makeup offer creative opportunities, eye makeup is really the only one that is truly rich in possibilities. After all, you can't create lipstick designs or use too many shades of blush at once without coming off as insensible. Yet eye shadow, mascara and eyeliner can all be used to create true works of art. The eyes can easily serve as the focal point for a dramatic look; play them up and keep everything else toned down to really draw the attention to your handiwork.

What handiwork is that, exactly? It's all about being intuitive. Recognize the unique shape of your eyes (just as you would, say, while shopping for the right swimsuit for your body type) and choose colors that play up your most tantalizing optical feature. For example, deep set eyes benefit from light colors that lend them a larger appearance, while the opposite is true for large eyes.

Once you've chosen the right colors and have all the tools necessary to create your "artwork," you're ready to get started with your creative venture. The key here is to be fearless. Approach it with an open mind and you'll discover hundreds (really!) of looks that may run the gamut from wildly over-the-top to simply winsome. Which will work best for you? You won't know unless you try!

A Few Eye Makeup Art Techniques

We could pen a veritable encyclopedia of eye makeup art ideas, but one of the most indulgent parts of working with makeup is being the sole creator of your work. Taking chances will get you everywhere. Still, a few techniques will definitely help the uninitiated, timid or simply curious get started on the right foot.

Dramatic Looks

Nearly naked lips, just flushed cheekbones and dark, red carpet-worthy eyes are a recipe for dramatic decadence. Achieve it by dusting a light color all over the brow bone. Next, apply a cream shadow base to the entire lid. Then blend an eye shadow in a similar shade all over the lid. Choose a dark shadow – one that's a stark contrast to your base shade – and apply it deftly to the inner crease. Be liberal with the color! There's no room for timidity with this look.

Follow up with a shade somewhere in between the two (for example, if your base is cream and your dark shade is rich chocolate, think golden peach or shimmery copper) and use it over the entire crease for added definition. Employing the dark shade you used earlier, wet a liner brush and run it over the upper lash line. Do the same on the bottom lash line, but blend it with your middle shade for a less harsh effect. Finish the entire look with several generous coats of black mascara.

If that's not enough drama for you, consider revving up the look with rhinestone- or glitter-embellished false eyelashes. Other colors that work well in dramatic, artistic looks include red, pink, navy blue and eggplant. Remember, though, that you'll always require at least one or two lighter shades for definition.

Classic Looks

In artistic terms, even the term "classic" can take on a different meaning. If you're married to one particular look but want to shake things up just a little bit, try this. Highlight your brow bone with a light shade (any cream or taupe that you regularly use works well). Use a complementary cream base over the entire lid. Select a shade at least two or three steps darker than your base (if it's taupe, consider a stony-bronze hue) and apply it to the inner and outer corners of the lid. Blend a slightly lighter hue into the center of these two shades.

If your intention is truly to go the simple route, then this may be the only color you need. For more oomph, though, add a smudge of dark liner to the lower lash line and two coats of mascara to complete the look.

Other Ideas

If you want to get really creative, include your eyebrows in the styling process. Shape them with brow gel, fill them into the shape you desire if they're sparse or brush them upward for a look that is truly, well, brow-raising! And if you're looking to pump up your look for summer, opt for loads of color in unexpected shades of pink and purple.

Familiarize yourself with artist Shu Uemura's amazing false eyelashes – some are made of feathers, others are bold in bright shades like blue. Look to Uemura's incredibly artistic work for inspiration. Finally, don't miss out on makeup artist Linda Mason's brilliant book about the art of beautifying the eyes, Eye Candy.