Look to the eyes....

   I have found, throughout my years as a makeup artist, that most women find applying eye makeup to be the biggest challenge in their beauty routine. Whether it is what colours to choose, or how to apply shadow and liner - it is often just a few basic tips that will get you started and give you more confidence in your application technique.
  The eye looks that were prominent at this years Fall 2011 Fashion shows in New York featured graphic shapes and neutral tones.  Taupes, greys, and blacks were the colours of choice featured on both the eyes and in many of the designers creations worn by the models. The wonderful thing about these makeup looks is that they are quite wearable in the real world, and with some guidance, easy to apply.

1)  To adapt these trends, start with a satin finish cream coloured shadow (or one slightly lighter than your natural skin tone).  MAC Orb or Phloof are great options and both have a touch of shimmer to brighten the eyes. Taking a medium shadow brush (or your finger - which works as well) dust the shadow from your lash line to just under your brow.  This will create a base for the shadow and liner to come....

2)   To give dimension back to the eye, choose a taupe shadow (matte to metallic  - all were present on the runway)  and starting at the lash line, blend the shadow up to your crease - just below the brow bone - and up and out at the outer corner.  The trend featured a crisp line but softening it slightly with a brush or q-tip creates a more wearable look, especially for daytime.  If you want to experiment with the stronger lines, make sure you practice a bit to create the symmetry needed for this type of look.  Some product options are MAC shadow in Sketch or Style Snob, or the mid-tone shade from Aveda's shadow trio in Gobi Sands.

3)   To finish off the look line the upper and lower lash lines with a brown or black liner pencil and softly smudge with your finger, brush, or a q-tip.  An alternative?  Line the upper lash line with a pencil, and shade the lower lid  with the taupe shadow.  Its a softer look, and you don't have to worry about the those pesky little smudges under your eyes. My favorite eye liner of the moment?  Styli Style Automatic liner pencils - waterproof, smudgeproof, and just about the longest wearing liner I have found. In Canada I have only found them at Rexall/Pharmaplus, but they are well worth the search.  And they have some great shades to compliment the look you have created.
Don't forget to finish with a couple of coats of your favorite mascara - with an extra coat on the outer third of the lashes for a flirty finish...if you like.

   These application techniques can be used with any light and mid-tone shadows you have at home.  So take some time to experiment with your eye makeup....and don't forget to practice...the more you practice the easier it gets!

NEXT UP:  We finish the look with a choice of lip colours....and a shapely cheek.