Eye liner is probably the most intimidating cosmetic item in use by modern women. This is
understandable, but as many women don’t truly understand how (and when) eye liner should be used, it’s important to talk about it and
hopefully remove some of the apprehension associated with this particular cosmetic product.
The purpose of eye liner is to define the boundaries of the eyes. The precise placement can
determine whether the eyes look larger or smaller. It can create drama and balance. However, eye liner isn’t appropriate for all
occasions.
As a general rule, eye liner should only be worn for evening events, when the cosmetic
application is needed to be bolder due to generally dimmer lighting and more dramatic effects are called for esthetically. In those
cases when you truly believe that you need definition of your eyes during the daytime, it is important to use neutral colors and lighter
tones as opposed to the traditional black.
Eye liner tends to come in two varieties: waxy pencil types and liquid types. Pencil types
can be traditional wood-wrapped pencils that must be sharpened or twist-up versions that can be “re-sharpened” with the twist of the
applicator. Liquid eye liner typically comes with its own applicator brush enabling you to create very thin lines or bolder ones as
desired.
The basic use of eye liner follows a few simple rules:
To Define the Eyes
Many women have pale hair and therefore pale brows and lashes. These women find that their
eyes appear bland in the context of their face, specifically after the application of lip and cheek color and eye shadow. For these
women, the use of eye liner is in a fine line along the edges of the top and lower lids in order to frame the eye.
To Balance the Eyes
A common use of eye liner is to balance the look of the eye when the lower lashes are sparse.
In this case, the correct use is to apply a fine line along the edge of the lower lid so that the lower lashes appear thicker and
balance with the lashes along the upper lid.
To Extend the Eyes (widen)
For women whose eyes are closely set, eye liner can be used to help create the illusion that
the eyes are more widely spaced. In these cases, the liner is applied from the center point of the upper and lower lids to the outer
corners of the eyes. This application technique draws focus to the outside of the eyes and helps to make the eyes appear wider.
To Narrow the Eyes
Some women have widely-spaced eyes and eye liner will help you to make the eyes appear closer
together. As you may deduce from the discussion of wide-set eyes, to make the eyes appear closer together simply apply eyeliner to the
top and lower lids from the center to the inner corner.
Beauty Basics
For many women, the eyes are often the first areas where signs of aging begin to appear.
These signs are different for different people. Crows’ Feet and creping of the skin, as well as puffiness and discoloration are common
issues for many women as they get older. Fortunately, there are some simple solutions to help minimize the signs of aging.
Crow’s Feet and Creping of the Skin
The obvious answer is moisturizing. These wrinkles form as the skin ages and fat cells in the
skin break down and the skin begins to look and feel thinner. The application of moisturizer helps to keep the skin plumped and the fine
lines and wrinkles less apparent. Look for formulations that are meant to perform this function. Products with ingredients like
Retinoic Acid, and Alpha-Hydroxy complexes will help to make the skin look smoother and feel firmer. In addition new formulas with
copper have been shown to help improve the elastin in the skin and collagen production.
Puffiness and Discoloration
Another common problem for many folks as they grow older is puffiness and discoloration
around the eyes. This is often brought on by stress and fatigue, and therefore the first line of defense is to make sure you get
plenty of rest and proper nutrition. For immediate relief, however, try cooling compresses and anti-inflammatory preparations which
will help to reduce the swelled tissues and discoloration. As funny as it sounds, the old image of cucumbers over the eyes is a valid
treatment as the cooling effect helps to reduce puffiness. Another “oddball” treatment is the use of hemorrhoid cream on the puffy
tissues of the eye. The reason it works for the treatment of hemorrhoids is that it reduces swelling. This makes it an effective
treatment for the soft tissues surrounding the eyes.
