How to Apply Simple Eyeliner & Eye Shadow
When it comes to eye makeup, less is often more. Sometimes makeup is creative or glamorous, but one of makeup's most important purposes is to subtly enhance and showcase your natural beauty. Whether you are heading off to a busy day at the office, running errands during the weekend or getting lunch with a few friends, applying simple eyeliner and eye shadow gives you a polished, pretty look without taking too much effort or time. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Apply primer. Primer simplifies your routine by making your makeup last longer, meaning you don't have to constantly reapply. Gently blend a drop of the primer into your eyelid, covering the entire lid. For more coverage, blend the primer into the crease and outer corners of each eye.
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Coat a brush with eye shadow. If your shadow comes in pressed powder or cream form, rub the brush against the shadow until the brush has a light layer of color. For loose powder shadow, dip the brush and tap off excess powder.
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Blend eye shadow into your eyelid. Using your brush, carefully cover the entire lid. Start at the lash line, extending up toward the natural crease of your eye. Focus on keeping the shadow between the inner and outer corners of your eyelids, without extending much past either corner.
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Contour your crease. For a very simple look, one color is suitable. To add a little extra definition, use a shadow that is one or two shades darker than your original coat. Use a small brush to apply the darker shadow to your eye's natural crease. Use your fingertip to gently blend the line, smudging it lightly for a more natural look.
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Apply eyeliner to your upper lid. If you are using a gel liner with a brush, lightly coat the brush with color; pencil or liquid liners are ready to use. Place the tip of your eyeliner against the inner corner of your eye. Keeping your hand steady, draw a line along the top edge of your eyelid, staying as close to the lash line as possible. Follow the natural curve of your eye.
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Line the lower eyelid. For extra definition, place the tip of the eyeliner against the lower inner corner of your eyelid. Draw a steady line across the lash line to the opposite corner of your eye. This line should be slightly finer than the top line.
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Tips & Warnings
For a simple look, avoid dark, glittery or very bright colors. Instead choose neutrals, such as taupe, beige, gold, gray or medium brown. Generally, your eyeliner should be slightly darker than your eye shadow to subtly define your eye shape.
Brushes offer a more even coverage, but if you do not have a brush, use a cotton swab or your clean, dry fingertip.
No matter how simple, eye makeup takes practice. Don't feel frustrated if you make mistakes at first. Keep makeup remover on hand to erase any smudges, and don't try to apply your makeup immediately before leaving the house. Give yourself around 15 or 20 minutes to practice.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
