by Carol Belanger

Created on: October 06, 2010   Last Updated: October 08, 2010

Most girls learning to apply makeup fail to take the whole picture into account.  For instance, understanding the shape of your eyes is essential.  Each eye shape has certain makeup application tips and techniques to bring out the full beauty of the eyes.   Furthermore, understanding your skin tone and skin type is essential when selecting a foundation, blush and lipstick. For example an oily complexion should consider powder blushes and oil free foundations.  Finally, understanding that proper shaping and coloring of the eyebrows is part of the overall look.  The eyebrows frame the eyes and do so much to enhance your eyes and face when properly shaped. 

The next to thing to consider when applying your makeup is the event you are going to attend. For instance a night on the town may call for smoky eyes with a little shimmer.  Daytime wear should be natural but still enhances your complexion and eyes.  Additionally bright red lipstick and brightly colored eyes does not mix, the focal point should either by your lips or your eyes.

Eye makeup techniques 

Smoky eyes – perfecting smoky eyes is just a matter of practice.  To begin, apply a light shade of foundation or concealer on the upper lid, under the brow and under the eye. This gives you a nice canvas to create your smoky eyes.  Next line the eyelid with eye pencil or liquid eyeliner staying close to the lashes.  Now soften the line with a q-tip and then apply a dark eye shadow directly over the line and smudge.  Continue with the dark shadow going up into the crease of the eye and outward, however do not go into the inner corners of the eye.   Lastly apply a lighter color on the instead of the upper lids and the rest of the eye area (under the brow) and blend.  For the bottom of the eye apply a thin line under the lashes, staying as close to the lashes as possible and smudge.  Apply heavy coats of mascara to both the upper and lower lashes.  Smoky eyes are versatile.  Colors can range from dark browns to forest greens and dark plums.  Additionally you can add a little shimmer if desired.

Natural (minimalist) – this look hit the runway this year to capture the natural beauty of women.  The minimalist look strives for a flawless complexion, with the help of concealers and foundation, nude lips that match your skin tone and light soft colors for eye makeup.  Consider nude shadows for

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