Eye Makeup Styles

Choosing Your Eye Look

Choosing the makeup look you want for your eyes depends on several factors, including your eye shape, your eye color and skin tone, your personality, and the occasion. While the possible styles and looks you can create are virtually limitless, there are several broad groupings of general eye-enhancing cosmetic styles that might make it easier to decide on and create the look you want.

Types of Eye Makeup Styles

The following styles and eye makeup tips are discussed in general terms, and these can be very different looks depending on the individual. For example, a natural eye for a woman with fair skin and light hair might mean a beige eye shadow and a coat of brown mascara, while a darker-hued individual might achieve a natural look with a stroke of black eyeliner on the upper lid and black mascara. Have fun experimenting with different styles and colors to find a look you love!

Natural Eye Makeup

Natural Looking Eye Makeup

Natural eye makeup is typically characterized by neutral colors that mimics the natural beauty of the eye. The goal is to enhance the eyes without looking 'made up' or making it obvious you are wearing eye makeup. Use eye shadow that is in the same color family as your skin tone, and use eyeliner the same shade or only a shade or two darker than your eyelashes. Use mascara that is close in color to your natural lashes, or opt for a clear mascara. A natural look is great for everyday wear, home, and office settings.

Dramatic Eye Makeup

Dramatic eye makeup designs are the perfect evening look , for special occasions, or simply when you really want to draw attention to your eyes. Looks in dramatic eye cosmetics range from dark, smoky eye makeup to glitter fantasy styles. When creating a dramatic eye makeup style:

• Go bolder with liner than you normally would, and don't be afraid to extend the line a bit beyond the eyes.
• If you normally only wear liner on the top lid, try lining under the lower lash line or smudging eye shadow under the lower lashes for a softer look.
• Curl lashes and apply several coats of mascara (combing in between each application to avoid clumps) or try false eyelashes.
• Experiment with bright colors or those different from your everyday makeup routine.
• Experiment with various eye makeup finishes, such as metallic liner or shimmer shadow.
• If you go extremely bold with your eyes, use more subdued and nude tones on cheeks and lips for the best effect.

Emo/Scene Eye Makeup

The eyes are typically the focus of scene or emo makeup looks. The style is very dark. Styles include combinations of the following:

• Gray or black shadow applied to the entire eyelid
• Black shadow blended up towards the browbone
• Black liner applied to the inner eye
• Deep colored or lack liner applied along the corner of the eye and along the lower lash line
• Black liner may also be applied to the top lid
• Dark Mascara

Vintage and Retro Looks

Vintage Glamour Eyes

Many gorgeous eye makeup looks from the past have come into vogue once again. Popular styles include:

• 1920's Eye: Line both top and bottom of eye lids with thick, black liner. Cover the entire eyelid with a shadow in dark gray, green or turquoise.

• 1930's Eye: The deep-set eye look was in, so use dark shadow along the crease of the upper eyelid for this effect. Top with blue, green, or violet shade, medium black liner, and mascara or false eyelashes.

• 1950's and 60's Eyes: Use liquid liner in a thick, bold line across the top lid and two coats of mascara for a simple 50's eye style. Another popular style was the cat eye makeup look with winged liner and a blue, grey, or turquoise shadow.

• 1970's: Darker eyes were, out and lighter eye makeup or bare natural eyes were in. Try light pastel shadows, pale blue, or silvery liner and light mascara for this style.

• 1980s: Lots of blue eye shadow and colored mascara were staples of the 80's. Goth and punk styles with heavy, exaggerated makeup on the eyes also became popular during this era.

• 1990s and beyond: The looks of the nineties reflected a focus on the individual that extended to makeup. The overdone looks of the 80's gave way to more subdued looks. Today, both natural and dramatic eyes are popular.

Whatever eye makeup styles you chose, wear a look you love and wear it with confidence! Don't e afraid to try a new or different look - you may just find the perfect signature style to show off your eyes.