Eyeshadow

Choosing the Right Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow is a cosmetic that is commonly used to highlight the wearer’s eyes in order to make them more attractive. It adds dimension and depth to the eyes and draws attention to them by complimenting the color of the eyes.

Eyeshadow is available in many different types, colors and textures. From powder eyeshadow that is applied with an eyeshadow brush to cream eyeshadow that is applied with a swab, there are various effects that one can get from using eyeshadow.  Eyeshadows are applied typically with a brush, finger or a sponge, and usually blended into the skin or another shade of color. Typically, a primer or base is first applied to help keep the eyeshadow in place, but it is also often applied directly to the eyelid. The base is blended gently into the area above the eye and a darker color is usually started at the lashes and blended upward into the base toward the crease of the eye or the eyebrow.

Because the distance from eyelashes to eyebrows is considerably greater in women then in men, adding a pale color to the eyelid makes the area appear larger which also makes it look more feminine.

Eyeshadow shades run the gamut from bold to pale, metallic to matte, and nearly every color and shade in between. It can be used to make a bold statement with glittering greens and peacock blues, or to enhance the natural coloration around the eye subtly with pale pinks and browns. Eyeshadow can be used to either add gloss or minimize shine.

There are many cosmetics manufacturers who make specialty eyeshadow and many women are likely to find a brand that they like that offers the colors and styles that they prefer and to use that brand exclusively. Some women favor Jane eyeshadow and others swear by Elizabeth Arden eyeshadow. There are women who will wear nothing but Maybelline, and others who are Cover Girl aficionados. Some brands of eyeshadow seem to compliment fair skin better while others look best on darker skin tones. Almay makes their Bright Eyes eyeshadow in a couple of different styles to best compliment skin tones of different shades. L’Oreal and Max Factor are popular brands that are commonly carried by department stores everywhere.

Eyeshadow that is eco-friendly and the environmentally conscious brands are becoming more common as people are starting to be more aware of the impact that is made on the universe by the products that they commonly use. Ecco Bella is one manufacturer that makes eyeshadow, which are all natural. Sorme, a French brand of cosmetics offers six shades of eyeshadow made without any talc, paraben or chemical dyes. NVEY has a remarkable two dozen shades of eyeshadow made with softest corn silk, coconut and palm oils and chamomile, jojoba and Vitamin E.

Whether a woman prefers creams or powders, pale shades or dark, all natural or chemically created eyeshadow, there are many brands that offer what any particular person is seeking. Made to enhance the beauty of the eyes, eyeshadow in any of the thousands of available shades are a great addition to any woman’s cosmetic arsenal.

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Eyeshadow Options

With so many eyeshadow options to choose from, finding the right brand for your skin can be intimidating.  Most drugstores now carry selections of eyeshadow from at least 10 different manufacturers, while department and make-up specialty stores carry many times that number.  For those who are considering switching brands, or are buying their first make-up kit, one of the best ways to try new types of eyeshadow is to visit a department store that will provide a make-up consultation.  However, these consultations are only available in certain regions and may come with a hefty price tag if you are pressured into buying every product that is used.  If you live in an area where the selection is limited, many online stores provide full lines of even hard to find brands at a discount.

Elizabeth Arden has been a leader in high quality, long lasting make-up for decades.  This high quality and good taste ensures that even the most discerning customers will love the Elizabeth Arden eyeshadow line.  These eyeshadow cosmetics are available in a number of color palettes and have long been favored by those who are looking for a classic work or evening appropriate style. Though not often found in drug stores, this brand is a staple at the cosmetic counters of department stores across the country and is priced at around $20-$30.

If you are looking for different eyeshadow ideas, Jane eyeshadow is a great choice for anything from muted pastels to smoky grays.   Compacts are sold in single color varieties as well as combinations that are designed to highlight the natural color of the wearer’s eyes.  In addition to the traditional pressed powder options, Jane offers a line of liquid eyeshadow that will give anyone a younger, dewy look.  If you are hoping to change your make-up look, online guides can help anyone with application and color selection.  Depending on the retailer, Jane cosmetics range in price from around $12-$30.

Though initially confined to the online, niche market, mineral eyeshadow has caught on with a wider audience.  One of the best selling points for mineral cosmetics is that they are 100% natural.  This means that even those with sensitive skin need not worry about allergic reactions in most cases.  There are a few popular brands that specialize in mineral cosmetics, selling primarily loose power eyeshadow.  To smooth application, consider investing in an eyeshadow brush to be used with your mineral powder.  This will ensure that it is applied correctly and evenly, and help to cover any fine lines around the eyes.  There is a wide range in the cost and colors available in mineral shadows.

The last brand that will be discussed is Benefit eyeshadow.  Benefit has become a favorite of make-up artists and the home user both for its beautiful color selection as well as its creaseless application.  Those who wear Benefit will find that this shadow lasts all day, without settling into creases in the eyelids, which makes you look tired and ages your eyes.  Available in creams and powders with a matte finish, Benefit cosmetics are sold at the leading make-up stores as well as online.

No matter what your budget, the number of eyeshadow brands available online and in stores guarantees that you can find the right one for your look.

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Eyeshadow

GoldenFor many women, getting into mom’s eye shadow is their first chance to apply make-up—sometimes to laughable results! Without knowledge of how to select proper eyeshadow shades or how to wield an eye shadow brush, many little girls are attracted to mom’s most vibrant violet eye shadow, which they then apply from lash line to eyebrow! It can seem like young girls are born knowing that eye shadow is a great way to bring attention to one’s eyes. However, it is important to learn how to use eye shadow correctly so you are getting the right kind of attention!

The first step in learning how to apply eye shadow is to take an honest look at your eye color. Your eye color plays a big role in the eye shadow shades you select. Brown eyed women have a range of options available to them, as any color will bring out their beautiful eye color. Blue-eyed women will find that rich, warm shades of brown and peach will do the most to bring attention to their eyes. Women with green or hazel eyes should experiment with golden browns, taupes, soft peaches, and shades of violet and purple. If you are one of those rare women with grey eyes, give charcoal, brown or purple a try. Along with your eye color, your skin tone will also influence which shades and tones you choose. Finding the right shade is easier than ever today as many brands are now marketing eye shadows based on the buyer’s eye color.

Along with choosing the best colors and shades to highlight your eyes, you must also choose between powder, mineral and cream eye shadows. Probably the most easily accessible form of eye shadow is powder. Powder can provide a finished, matte look but women with dry skin should be careful. Powder eyeshadow can also look floury on dry skin. Mineral eye shadow is a powder that comes in a loose form. Today, mineral make up also refers to make up that is 100% natural and made of pure minerals. Mineral eye shadow is excellent for anyone looking for an eco-friendly eye shadow. Mineral eye shadow gives a softer, more see-through coverage than powder or cream shadows. Cream eye shadow provides a more natural feeling coverage but also provides a more satiny finish than powder or mineral eye shadows. For the best of both worlds, you can also try a cream to powder eye shadow that will give you the smooth application of a cream with the matte finish of a powder.

The proper applicator can also make a big difference in the finished look. Powder and mineral eye shadows are typically applied with an eye shadow brush, while creams are best applied with a sponge. Again, many brands will supply the applicator as part of the eye shadow set.

Whatever shades or types of eye shadow you choose, you should have no trouble finding the perfect eye shadow to give you the standout eyes you have always desired. So, pretend you are a little girl getting into your mom’s makeup and try out some of today’s great new options!

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