Eye Colors

Eye color is decided by the variable amount of pigment and distributed throughout the eye's iris. Blue eyes have little pigmentation whilst brown and black eyes have a lot. Varying amounts and distribution of pigmentand not its color produce hazel, grey or green eyes.

The eye shadow you choose should flatter and enhance your own eye color, Although there are no hard and fast rules, and it is best to find out by experimenting with colors, weaker eye colors such as blues, greys and hazels look prettiest with soft, pastel shades, as strong colors tend to overshadow the eyes. Similarly, bright blue, green or brown eyes can take a more definite color, but it is very much a personal choice. Whatever color you decide on, it should be well blended in so that there are no harsh lines. Aim for a natural look. Invest in some brushes that will help you shape the shadows correctly or use the sponge tipped applicators that are available, It is far more economical than using your fingeryou'll find that half the shadow is still left on your finger, rather than your eyelid.

There is a large choice of eyeshadows. Creams are oil or wax based and aren't much use for greasy eyelids, as the color just collects in creases, but they are very good for dry or crepey lids. Stick eye makeup is a much firmer form of cream and looks a bit like lipstick. It can sometimes dry out rather quickly, though. Gels are very good for greasy skins and' give a longlasting stained effect, that is subtle and translucent. Liquid eyeshadows are very long lasting, although sometimes difficult to get an even flow of color, without the end result looking patchy. Powders are probably the easiest shadows to use and control although they are not always long lasting. Often available in pearly or matt textures, many of these powder shadows can also be applied with a wet brush. This normally results in a deeper color effect and ensures longer staying qualities.

Eye shadow is generally applied all over the lid, with the color deepening in the socket line and fading out to a very pale color below the brow line, though it is quite natural to use several colors and textures together. A powder shadow is often used all over the eyelid blending into a toning, paler gloss on the browbone. This helps to highlight the eye.

Eye liners outline the eye and are particularly attractive when used in a deeper, toning color to match the eye shadow. Keep the line immediately above the roots of the eye lashes and draw it very thinly. If you use a liquid liner, soften the effect with a soft leaded pencil liner. Make sure that the lead is soft enough by testing it on the back of your hand. If it doesn't mark easily, don't use it, as it will only drag the skin.