Setting Your Eye Makeup

Smeared and smudgy eyes are a cool, edgy look...unless it wasn't intentional. A common complaint I from hear women is trying to deal with fading, flaking, runny looking makeup that won't stay put. Here are some tips to give your eyes some well-deserved attention for the right reasons: Start with clean skin! Residual makeup left over from the night before is not only dangerous for the health of your eyes, it also makes applying fresh coats of eye products difficult and can cake together. Use an eye primer. Just as you use foundation for the rest of your skin, your eyelids NEED a primer. It provides a surface for powders and shadows to adhere to. Primers also enhance and intensify shadow colors, meaning you use less shadow and get better color. DO NOT use foundation on your eyelids-the coverage is too wet and your shadows will come off-FAST! Brushes are best. Yes, some eyeshadows come with those sweet little sponge applicators and they are great in a jam, but ditch them fast. They are breeding grounds for bacteria and they actually cause you to burn through your shadows much faster. Instead, opt for natural hair brushes (good quality, cruelty-free brushes are available in higher-end department stores, ULTA or Sephora). Washing them weekly with a mild soap, such as Dove, can extend the life and performance of your brushes, not to mention stopping bacteria growth in its tracks. Don't forget powder! Once you have your desired look, be sure to set it with a light dusting of face powder to help hold it all in place. Using a large powder brush, dust a very small amount over the entire eye area once. Lastly, add a coating of mascara and feel confident that your eye makeup will last as long as you want it to!