Striking Eyes: The Best Tried-and-True Eye Makeup Tips

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and many people say that someone's eyes are the first thing they notice about them. You are probably very aware of your eyes - how they look, what brings out their color best, if they are considered large or small. Mine, for instance, are on the small side with blond (invisible) lashes, but they are a brilliant blue color. For years I've been using professional makeup tips derived from magazines, articles and cosmetician friends to make my eyes look larger, my lashes more obvious, and to bring out the beautiful blue that is already there. Did you know that simple makeup tips can impact the look of your eyes more than any other feature? It doesn't take neon shades of eye shadow or eyeliner overkill to do it. Bringing out the best look for your eyes is an art, requiring subtlety and a little skill. But with a few helpful ideas, anyone can apply these eye makeup tips like a pro.

Start With the Concealer

Just like an artist, you want to start with a clear palette when applying eye make-up. If you have dark under-eye circles or discoloration around your eyes, use a concealer which is intended to benefit the under-eye area and look natural, such as Maybelline's Age Rewind Lifting & Brightening concealer. Using your pinky finger, dot the concealer underneath your eyes or on the problem area, starting towards the inside of the eye and moving outward. Hint: I let it set like this for about 30 seconds to make it less "watery", then blend in a circular motion. This prevents it from "smearing" too much and collecting towards the outside of the under-eye area when blending. I also prefer the liquid concealers to the solid "crayon" type. The "crayon" application seems to lend to more clumps of make-up and a more caked on appearance.

Find the Right Eye Shadow for Your Eye Color

Certain eye shadow colors play up certain eye colors, and some are good for anyone. Do you know which ones are which? According to eHow.com, for blue eyes, shades of bronze, brown, deep green or deep purple are best. I personally have found that shades of brown do a lot to make the blue in your eyes really "pop". Brown eyes are great for greens, rich golds and metallic bronzes. If you're lucky enough to be a green-eyed girl, you have one of the rarer and most beautiful eye colors and a greater choice of eye shadow colors to accentuate them. Green eyes can be accentuated by browns, like brown eyes and blue eyes, but they can also be accentuated by coppers, corals, apricots and some pink shades. For more help, Maybelline offers a personalized Color Advisor to help you find the shades that are best for you.

Line Your Eyes Right

Eye liner. It can be used for good, but in the wrong hands, it can also be used for great evil. Have you seen Pete Wentz of the Fallout Boys? I have never smeared eye liner all around my eyes in a thick line. I use a brown shade to avoid overkill, lining the bottom of my eyes and applying it slightly more heavily at the edges and running it very, very slightly past the edge of my eye. Then I do a thin line immediately above my lashes. Then use your finger or a foam applicator to blend. This highlights your eyes and brings the attention to them, regardless of their size. Hint: try applying your eyeliner in a slightly thick line in the crease at the top of your eye, blending any smudges. This will automatically make your eyes look larger.

Your Best Lash Look

Gorgeous, natural looking lashes are probably your most effective tool in accentuating your eyes. Although they look like medieval torture devices, invest in a lash curler. After curling your lashes for 10-15 seconds per eye, immediately apply your mascara to keep the curl. Be sure not to squeeze too tightly when curling your eyelashes. This can result in lashes falling out and a look that is kinky, not curled. When applying mascara, use a volumizing or lengthening formula. Use a tissue to blot the applicator before application. Hold the applicator at the base of your lashes, then very slowly blink. Then, apply further at the very ends of your lashes to make sure they are covered. If you have trouble with clumping, use a lash brush to comb them immediately after application.

White (or Light) Lightning

Sparkly, white, light shadow or light eyeliner are little known secret weapons to help accentuate your eyes. Try applying a lighter shade of whatever you are using to the lower part of your eye lids. Also, try applying a tiny dot of a light shade to the outside corner of your eyes. White eyeliner can also be used on the top line of your lashes to make eyes really stand out. Experiment with this - these lighter options can bring a bright, sparkling look to your eye make-up, which automatically draws attention. If done in a subtle way, the look can be really great.