One type of makeup that is used to enhance the eyes is commonly called eyeshadow. While it is frequently used to shade or “shadow” the eyes, it is also used to lighten, brighten, and make eyes appear larger. Many different types of enhancements can be achieved through different uses of color, shading, and blending techniques.
Many popular eyeshadows come in powdered form and contain talc, but there are also cream and liquid shadows. Cream shadows should be used above the crease of the eye and are not recommended for the area below the eye, as they can develop a crepe-like texture, adding years to the appearance of the eyes. Liquid eyeshadow creates a “wet” or shimmering appearance and both cream and liquid shadows work well as a base for powdered eyeshadow.
The traditional way to use eyeshadow is to apply different shades from one corner of the eye to the other, blending from light to dark. Starting with light colors from the inside corner and blending to dark will make eyes appear farther apart and larger. Keep in mind that light colors are used to highlight and accent the shape of the eye, while dark colors are used to shade and gently change the shape.
Eyeshadow can also be used as an eyeliner. Gently sweep eyeshadow on with an angle brush just under the lower lashes or just above the upper lashes, following the lash line closely. Most shadows can be used wet or dry, but when wetting eyeshadow be sure to wet the same area each time, keeping the rest dry. Once eyeshadow has become wet, it will not apply as easily unless you wet it again.
A common mistake when applying eyeshadow is using a color that matches your eyes. Technically, colors that would be opposites on the color wheel are the ideal shades for drawing attention to your eyes. If you have blue eyes, you are probably thinking orange is not going to work for you, but consider the different shades of orangey colors such as peach or soft melon. Green and hazel eyes are complimented by strong, warm colors such as chocolate browns and colors found in sunsets, while people with brown eyes can wear nearly any shade they choose, since their eyes are a neutral color.