by Erin Blubaugh

Created on: April 19, 2009   Last Updated: July 27, 2010

Forget the slicing expense of plastic surgery: a quick jaunt down to the local drug store will give you the lift without the risk, cost, or pain of an eye lift. All it takes is a little practice to get down a few simple steps.

Moisturize

A decent eye cream will reduce fine lines, wrinkles and any dryness that would otherwise thwart your makeup application. Paying top dollar isn't really necessary. In fact, some make-up artists recommend using your usual facial

moisturizer to keep eyes at their best.  With a light touch, dab on your moisturizer from the outer corner of your eye toward your hairline.  Use it regularly, both before applying your makeup and at night after cleansing.

Conceal

Up too late last night?  Concerned about dark circles?  Reduce puffiness and shadowing with a concealer that is about one level lighter than your skin tone or foundation. Then simply dab it on the darkest spots below the eyes. Be careful, though: if you apply it to cover the entire below-the-eye area, you'll only increase the puffiness. Only apply it to the darker lines or circles, using your fingers, a sponge or a concealer brush to blend it in. To really get the bang for your buck, you can also use concealer on your eyelids to keep eye shadow in place.

Line and Whisk

To add definition to eyes, make them pop with a thin line of eye shadow applied to the upper lid.  A liquid liner is one of the best ways to provide that eye-enhancing contrast that will magically make eyes appear larger.  But watch out!  If you apply liner to the lower lid of small or almond-shaped eyes, you risk boxing them in and making them look even smaller.  Instead, allow your mascara and shadow to do the grunt work.

Once your liner is in place, whip out that mascara wand and get ready for the real drama.  Add your feminine touch by slightly jiggling the wand at the base of your eyelashes and then pull out to coat the rest of the lash.  Apply a few coats, but be wary of tarantula eye.  If you overdo it, just use a metal eyelash comb to separate and remove clumps.  For sparse lashes lusting fullness, try applying a thin layer of powder to lashes before using mascara. 

Highlight

Now get ready for a dramatic lift!  First, choose a light color, such as white or a very pale cream. If you are questing a dramatic look, you would want your lightest or brightest shadow now.  In general, even though mature eyes should forego glimmery shadows to prevent looking crepey, this is the one place anyone can let the sparkles fly. 

Apply the shadow to your lower lid, beginning at the edge of the eye (nearest the nose) and continuing about half way out until you are just under the arch of the brow.  Once you finish, apply this same color to the area right beneath the brow bone.  By highlighting directly beneath your arch all the way to the edge of the eyebrow, you have created an optical illusion that will make your eyes suddenly lift. 

When done, apply your normal base color to the entire eye lid, avoiding the places where you've just placed the highlights.  Add your darkest color to the crease and voila, your eyes are now the focal point of your look!

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