The ultimate eye guide

The eyes are usually the first thing you notice when you first meet someone. With some changes to your makeup routine, you can enhance your overall look and bring out subtle details to really make your eyes pop, whether they’re blue or hazel or brown.

How do you achieve this?

First, we need to look at color theory.

A color wheel can help you determine which colors will look best with your skin tone, hair color, and eye color. The colors that will help make your eyes pop most are the complementary colors, the ones opposite your eye color on the wheel.

If you have blue eyes, you can brighten them with warm tones and oranges, soften them with rose golds and soft pinks, and enhance them with golds and coppers. Purples and mauves will flatter green eyes, as will any eyeshadows with red undertones.

Purples and lavenders work really well with brown eyes, too. Different shades of blue can make the brown stand out, and warm shades and golds will make them shine.

For those with hazel eyes, any earthy tones like greens and emeralds will enhance the color. Reds and burgundies are great complementary colors, and light browns and mauves are nice for a softer look as well.

Shades and Shadow

Once you know which shades will look best with your eye color, we can discuss practical application.

Eyeshadows are a really good tool for enhancing your eyes. Bolder colors will do the job well, if you’re comfortable with them. If you prefer softer shades, you can look for more neutral-toned shadows that have the undertone of the color you want to apply. For example, if you don’t want to wear red eyeshadow, you can find a neutral-toned eyeshadow that has a red undertone for a similar effect.

The way you apply your eyeshadow will also make a difference. When applying eyeshadow, to open up your eye, make sure to keep the darker colors closer to the outside of your eye and the lighter shades and shimmers at the inner part of the eyes.

Illusions and Lines

Eyeliners are also great for enhancing eyes. Some people like to use an eyeliner the shade of their complementary color to achieve this. You can also do this in your waterline (the inner rims of your eyes) using a waterproof pencil eyeliner. A white or nude eyeliner can make your eyes appear bigger and more awake. It creates the illusion that the whites of your eyes are bigger and it makes your overall eye appear larger.

If you want to make the color of your eyes more apparent, you can use a black or dark brown eyeliner and tightline  your waterline. The contrast of the dark color against the color of your eye will make the color stand out.

Clamp and Curl

My favorite way to enhance my eyes is by curling my eyelashes. Make sure you’re curling them properly. First, clamp down your lash curler at the base of your lash line, press a few times, then go up slightly higher on your lashes and clamp a few times again. Finally, repeat at the tips of your lashes. This will help open up your eyes. Then apply your favorite mascara on top, but also on bottom. Applying mascara on bottom will give a subtle but effective look. Try it on just one side and you will see how much of a difference it makes!

All Highlighted

Another great way to give that little pop is to apply a highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. It will automatically draw people’s attention to your eyes because, just like its name, it’ll highlight that area.

Falsies

False lashes are definitely not for everyone, but if it’s something that you’re comfortable applying, it’s a great way to add that extra oomph to any look. The best false lashes are the ones that are subtle but still bold enough to achieve that professional makeup effect. Half lashes are applied only to the ends of your lashes, and they’ll open up your eyes and give you that cat eye effect.

Shine Away

A good thing to remember is that there are really no rules when it comes to makeup. These are all just suggestions to help you step up your makeup game. Do what makes you feel most comfortable and confident and that’s what will really make you shine!

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 938)