Fashion Forward Friday: How to accentuate your eyes!

Have you ever wondered how to accentuate your eyes? Sometimes we can all use a little boost in the beauty department but overly done eyes can be a turn off.  The key is to create a neutral, natural looking smoky eye. 

The first step in creating this look is to prep your eyelids: Start with a base or primer, this can be done by applying a tacky eye shadow or you can apply your concealer.  Concealer works best, especially in the winter when your eyelids tend to be a little dryer than usual.   I like Urban Decays “Eye shadow Primer Potion” For 9$ you can get a travel size online: http://www.urbandecay.com/eyeshadow-primer-potion-travel-size/248,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=1_503

Step two is to choose a dark pencil.  If you are trying to enhance your eyes you should use dark eyeliner. Choose colors like navy, charcoal, brown, or black which will contrast against the whites of your eye and your eye color.  Be sure to use pencil because it is easier to manipulate, liquids and gels can chip and flake but pencils tend to stay put and create a smoother application.  I like clinique’s quickliner for eyes.  It comes in 14 different shades.  http://www.clinique.com/product/1597/4770/Makeup/Eyeliners/Quickliner-For-Eyes/index.tmpl

Step three is to perfect your eye liner.  One way is to dot your lids with eye liner and then go back and connect the dots, following with a small eyeliner brush to soften the line. Maybelline makes a great brush for a decent price: http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Brushes-and-Accessories/Brushes/Expert-Tools-Angled-Definer-Brush.aspx

Step four is to layer your makeup for longer wear. For the crease color, use a lighter shade than the one used along the lashes. Starting under the brow bone, extend the line to the outer corners to create a v shape. It’s an old trick that opens up the eyes. Next, retrace your steps with gel liner and powder shadow in similar taupe hues using a dome-shaped brush (“layering your makeup makes it last all day and through the night”). I love Urban Decay’s “naked Palate” eye shadow. http://www.sephora.com/naked-palette-P267200

Step five is to add some shimmer.  A neutral smoky eye is all about playing with dark and light. Having darker tones surround a lighter one gives shape and definition—the light on the eye makes it pop. Try a shade like L’Oreal’s 24HR Infallible Eyeshadow in glistening garnet.http://www.lorealparisusa.com/_us/_en/default.aspx#/?page=top{userdata//d+d//|diagnostic|main:pdp//objectid+Cos21l_16//{pdp_tab:pdp_overview//objectid+Cos21l_16//}|media:_blank|nav|overlay:_blank}

Step six is to wear liner under your lower lashes. Wearing pencil under the eye, helps to make the eye look more finished, use the same liner you used on top—underneath lashes, softening the line with a cotton swab. Because the inner corners of eyes tend to get wet, only place eye liner along the outermost portion of the waterline.

Step seven Don't Forget to Curl. Curled eyelashes make everyone’s eyes look bigger, Make sure to fully cup the lashes in the curler—pinch close to the roots so that you're not just bending hairs at the ends. You can find a curler at your local drug store, no need to spend a lot of money on it.  Try this one for only 5.24$ http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Sally-Hansen-Sexy-Curls-Precision-Eyelash-Curler?skuId=826562

Step eight is to apply mascara. Mascara also brings out your eyes. Instead of the using the whole wand,  just use the tip, separating lashes as you go. This way, you won’t apply too much mascara at once and your lashes won’t get stuck together.  I love Maybelline’s great lash mascara: http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Mascara/Great-Lash-Lots-of-Lashes-Washable.aspx

Step nine is to Mind the (Eyeliner) Gap. When you are faking a thicker lash line, don’t dispel the illusion. To fill in gaps, use a small, stiff brush to apply gel eyeliner in hard-to-reach places.

Step ten is to use light concealer. Brighten your eye area by using a sheer, translucent concealer or highlighter around your eye. I like to use is Hard Candy’s concealer palate.  http://www.hardcandy.com/products.php?cat=5#106

Step eleven is to Whiten the Inner Corners of your eyes. To have a truly eye-opening experience, employ white eyeliner too. Adding white to the inner corner of the eye makes you look less tired.

Step twelve is to Provide Arch Support. I like when brows bring attention to the eye area in a soft way that’s not too manicured and cosmetic-looking, Natural brows are more innocent. Over-tweezed arches make you appear older. To have your brows looking their best, brush them up with clear brow mascara.  I like Maybelline’s great lash clear mascara. http://www.drugstore.com/maybelline-great-lash-clear-mascara-for-lash-and-brow/qxp149112

Step thirteen is Finishing Your Look. Complement your smoldering smoky eyes with a touch of bronzer under the cheekbones for definition, and creamy pink blush on the apples of the cheeks to make your eyes look lighter. Add rosy lipstick and gloss to your pout and you’re ready to go!  My favorite blush/bronzer is Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush & Bronzer.http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2260003