How to Use Makeup for the Illusion of Squinty Eyes

Match the foundation and powder to the face to keep the latex from looking out of place.

Creating the illusion of having squinted eyes can be useful for Halloween costumes and film, and it's easy to do. It requires liquid latex, a makeup application that can be found in costume stores or online, but no other specialty makeup. The technique is normally used to make wrinkles, and it adds a "squint" to the side of the eye. This makeup technique requires some patience, as there is some drying time involved.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid latex
• Foam application wedge
• Hair dryer
• Concealer
• Foundation
• Foundation brush
• Eye primer (optional)
• Dark eyeshadow and eyeliner (optional)
• Eyeshadow brush(optional)
• Powder
• Powder blush

Instructions

1. Use your thumb and forefinger to pull the skin directly next to one of your eyes taut. You want the skin to have no wrinkles.

2. Apply a thin layer of liquid latex directly next to the eye with the foam wedge. Allow it to dry, using blasts from the hair dryer if you're in a hurry. Do the same to the other eye. This will create some fine wrinkles next to the eye.

3. Apply concealer under the eyes with another wedge. You may need quite a lot of concealer, as the aim is to hide any darkness of the eye.

4. Apply foundation with your foundation brush under and on top of the eyelids, as well as all over the face and the latex application. You want a full-coverage foundation. Allow the foundation to dry.

5. Apply the eye primer with your finger and allow it to dry for a few seconds. Apply eyeshadow and eyeliner. This step is optional.

6. Apply powder with the powder brush, concentrating on blending the areas around the latex application and making the skin tone as even and matte as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• You can build up layers of latex for thicker wrinkles.

• If you are lightening or darkening the skin tone with the foundation, don't neglect the neck and ears when applying foundation and powder.

• Avoid using shimmery eye shadows, because they open up the eye. You want to keep the eye looking smaller and closed, so use dark matte eye shadows and a minimal amount of mascara.

• Test the latex first. Some people have latex allergies. This technique is not for those who have latex allergies.

References

• Indy Mogul: Build Plans: How to Create Aging Makeup