All About Eyes

Welcome to our deep dive into the world of eye makeup! In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know to achieve stunning, high in demand looks. From the essential skin care that lays the perfect foundation to product selection that allows for a long-lasting application, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also delve into the makeup brushes that elevate your application game and discuss a few popular eye makeup looks and how you can achieve them. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s get started!

Perfect Prep

Preparing the eyes for makeup starts with a solid skin care routine that nourishes and protects the delicate skin around them.

Begin by gently cleansing the face to remove any impurities, then follow up with a hydrating eye cream or gel that targets puffiness and fine lines. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides for an added boost of moisture. Skin care is an important step for you to ask your client to complete prior to their booking if you do not include this service in the makeup application process.

After the eye cream has absorbed, apply a lightweight primer specifically designed for the eyes. This not only helps your makeup adhere better but also smooths out any texture, ensuring a flawless application. You can also select a primer that has a lighter pigment than the skin to block out any color. This will allow eyeshadow pigments to appear truer to their actual color. Allow for the primer to set before reaching for eyeshadows or liners.

Selecting Products

When selecting eye makeup including primer that’s both skin-friendly and long-lasting, it’s essential to pay attention to key ingredients. Look for formulas that contain moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help prevent dryness and keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. Additionally, ingredients such as silicone derivatives can enhance the smoothness of application, creating a barrier that helps prevent creasing and enhances adherence.

When searching for high-quality eyeshadow, it is important to look for ingredients that enhance both the performance and application. Pigments such as titanium dioxide and iron oxides ensure vibrant color payoff and opacity, while finely milled talc or mica provide a smooth and blendable texture.

While these are the application benefits of these ingredients, I want to disclose that some of these ingredients have become controversial. I always recommend to do your research to choose what you feel comfortable using for you and your clients. Also keep in mind that you want to avoid eyeshadows with harsh fillers or parabens to ensure a safer experience for your clients. By choosing eye makeup with these beneficial ingredients, you’ll achieve a vibrant look that is long lasting.

Proper Tools

Another important factor in the makeup application process is quality tools. Eyeshadow brushes are essential tools that can elevate your makeup application and transform the eye look. A variety of brush shapes and sizes cater to different techniques, making it easier to achieve everything from a subtle wash of color to a bold, dramatic look.

Flat brushes are ideal for packing on pigment, while fluffy blending brushes seamlessly blend colors for a soft, gradient effect.

Precision brushes, often tapered or angled, allow for detailed work in the crease or along the lash line.

When choosing brushes, opt for high-quality, synthetic bristles that are easy to clean and provide a smooth application. Investing in a good set of eyeshadow brushes not only enhances the performance of your makeup but also ensures a more polished and professional finish. There are a few very popular eye-makeup looks including the smoky eye that are timeless and often requested by clients.

How-To: Smoky Eye

Creating a smoky eye makeup look is all about blending and layering to achieve that sultry, smudged effect.

Start by applying an eye primer to ensure your shadows stay in place and enhance their vibrancy.

Choose a deep, rich eyeshadow shade such as charcoal, dark brown, or deep plum as your base color and apply it to the lid using a flat brush, extending slightly past the crease.

Next, take a fluffy blending brush and soften the edges with a medium-toned shadow, blending it into the crease and up toward the brow bone for a seamless transition.

For added drama, apply a lighter shade to the inner corners and brow bone to brighten the look.

Finish with a thin line of eyeliner along the lash line, smudging it slightly for that characteristic smoky effect, and don’t forget to layer on your favorite mascara for volume.

If you want to achieve a little more drama, add some lashes!

Many makeup looks rise and fall in popularity from year to year; however, a smoky eye seems to stay with us. With practice and patience, you will master it!

How-To: Monochomatic Look

Some of us that grew up in the 90’s may feel as if we are experiencing déjà vu by seeing monochromatic eyeshadow looks. But nope, no déjà vu; monochromatic looks are back in! Creating a monochromatic eyeshadow look is a stylish way to achieve a cohesive and polished appearance using shades from the same color family.

Start by selecting a color that complements your skin tone and eye color—think soft pinks, warm browns, or cool blues.

Begin with a light wash of the lightest shade across your eyelids as a base, using a fluffy brush to blend it seamlessly.

Next, take a medium shade from your chosen palette and apply it to the crease and outer corners for added depth, blending well to avoid harsh lines.

For a pop of intensity, use a darker shade to define the outer V and lower lash line.

Finally, add a touch of shimmer or glitter in a matching tone to the center of the lid for dimension.

Finish the look with mascara and a coordinating eyeliner, and you’ll have a stunning, monochromatic eye.

How-To: Bronzy Glow Eyeshadow

A warm eyeshadow look with a glow is also really popular for multiple occasions including every day. Creating a bronzy glow eyeshadow look is all about warmth and radiance, perfect for adding a sun-kissed vibe to your makeup.

Start by applying an eye primer to ensure your shadows stay vibrant and last all day.

Choose a warm, bronzy eyeshadow palette that includes rich golds, coppers, and deep browns.

Begin by applying a soft, neutral shade as a base all over the lid.

Next, take a medium bronze shade and sweep it across the lid, blending it into the crease for depth.

To enhance the glow, apply a shimmering gold or copper shadow to the center of the lid and the inner corners, using your finger or a flat brush for maximum impact.

For added dimension, use a darker brown shade to define the outer corners and lower lash line.

Finish the look with a few coats of mascara and a touch of highlighter on the brow bone and inner corners to amplify that bronzy glow.

You can also always add a false lash set to add a more dramatic affect.

Be Creative

Achieving stunning eye makeup starts long before the first stroke of eyeliner or swipe of shadow. By prioritizing skin care and selecting the right products, you can create a healthy canvas that enhances the makeup looks and boosts your clients’ confidence. Armed with the knowledge of how to achieve popular eye makeup styles and the best brushes and products to use, you’re now equipped to experiment and find what works for you. Remember, makeup is an art and these are simple guidelines but no official rules. I encourage you all to have fun, be creative, and master your technique that works for you to achieve the makeup looks you and your clients love!