Season's Greetings!
This is the time of year when we all get a little glam and want to look and feel our best. It is also a time of fun and festive make-up experimentation. This is when we can get away with shimmery shades, and glittery glosses. A time to try that new blush to make our cheeks pop! And there is nothing like a classic 'cat eye' liner with a fabulous faux fringe (Penny's wish). Well here are some
basic tips to keep in mind if you're a novice and plan to try your new
eyeshadow look for the company holiday party:
- size & shape of your eyes
- where colors should go on the eyes
- don't skip the eyeliner
- be sure brows are groomed and filled in if necessary
- complimentary lip color to bring the look together
Know that eyeshadows come in various textures and formulas...shimmer, glitter, sparkle, metallics, satin, and matte...as well as cream, powder, pigments and mineral...etc. Some are harder to work with than others. Be careful with glitter and some shimmer eyeshadows; they often cause 'fall out' which is when the make up spills below the eye. This has to be removed carefully so as to not disturb concealer or foundation. This is common when working with black eyeshadow and other dark pigments to achieve a smokey eye. A tissue can be placed under eye area, to catch pigment dust and remove residual shadow from brushes. Q-tip swabs are also a quick and easy way to pick up excess powder. Some people do their eyes first, clean up, and then put on their foundation and concealer. You can search the Internet for several ways around eyeshadow fall out. Penny just makes a mess and cleans up after herself...not always the best solution. LOL!
For small to medium (sized) eyes you should start with no more than one (1) or two (2) eyeshadow colors; light/med shade, and a darker shade. Keep in mind that the darker the shadow the smaller the eyes will look. One medium shade (shimmer for the holidays) over the whole lid works too. The key is to start with a light application and 'build' the color by adding a little more each time. Don't put on a heavy dose of color at first or it will be harder to blend and tone down.
For larger eyes or people with lots of lid space, your opportunities are endless. You can use 2-3-4 colors on your eyes...it all depends on the look you want. If you want some ideas go to
http://www.youtube.com/ and search for the colors you're curious about (i.e. green eyeshadow; bronze eyeshadow), or for the look you want (i.e. smokey eyes; red lips, etc). There are so many instructional videos you are sure to find one that will work for you. Or leave Penny a Comment on this article and she will be happy to help. ;-)
When choosing colors you don't have to match your clothing exactly, but instead compliment them. This is especially true if you're wearing jewel tone or bright colored clothing. For example, if you're wearing a purple dress, you can wear silver, bronze, or gold shadow; a chocolate or charcoal smokey eye mixed with a plum color works as well. Have fun with it whatever you do (but be sure you don't look like you're about to perform in the Broadway version of the Lion King). LOL! (read full story...)
