Beauty & the Brush: Shining eyes

If there is one secret of the celebrities we’ve finally got down pat, it’s how to get our eyelids to shine like...

We have all envied and tried to imitate, sometimes with dismal results, the look of our favourite celebrities. But, if there is one secret of the stars we’ve finally got down pat, it’s how to get our eyelids to shine the way theirs do. If you have been struggling to intensify the colour and texture of your shadows, employ our favourite technique known as “foiling.”

Foiling is essentially applying wet shadow to create a vibrant, metallic sheen. As with all makeup, there are varying degrees of intensity to this approach. Be daring and foil your entire lid or add a little kick to your look by simply accentuating your liner. Either way, foiling will also prevent your shadow from smearing on balmy nights.

Begin by choosing a shadow that has a shimmer, pearl or glimmer consistency, as these enhance the glossy appearance. Loose shadows and pigments usually work best, as most pressed shadows will harden and crumble once you dampen them. However, if you want to be a brave soul and experiment with your regular shadows, utilise only one side of the pan for wet application. This way you will be able to use the colour for both wet and dry use in the future.

Next, moisten your brush by spray it with a freshening face mist or dip the bristles in some contact lens eye drops. Try to avoid water as it dries too fast. Remember to squeeze out any excess liquid with a paper towel before dipping into your shadow.

Or, use our favourite technique - swirl your brush onto a baby wipe. There is enough moisture to dampen the tool, but is light enough so it won’t result in a cakey mess. For all methods, you will need to re-dip your brush repeatedly as it begins to dry.

If you are using loose shadows or pigments, tap a little powder into the cap. Pick up the product with your brush and spread it against the surface to ensure even distribution. It should have a slightly creamy consistency that is not lumpy. If you are using a regular eye shadow, avoid wetting the entire pan, as the product will harden and become worthless.

We recommend applying a primer before the shadow. If you don’t have one, use a concealer to even out your skin tone and provide a base for the makeup. After it sets spread the damp powder with your brush as you would any normal shadow. Remember, it is more difficult to blend wet shadows.

Some prefer to work quickly to blend the shadow while it still has some tackiness; others find it easier to wait until it is completely dry before blending. It may also be necessary to apply more pressure than normal as the consistency is no longer as smooth as you are used to but don’t forgo the blending. The increased pigment and consistency means any lines between colours will be more visible.

Polish off your look with an understated blush and a nude gloss. With this look, we encourage you to draw attention simply to your eyes and let the rest of your features speak for themselves.

Maria Saadat is author of the popular desi beauty site Lipstick Masala.

QUESTION TIME

Do you have a question about make-up? Can’t figure out a hairstyle for an upcoming wedding? Do your attempts at smoky eye make-up leave you looking like a raccoon? Have no fear! E-mail your questions and issues to [e-mail] and Maria Saadat will respond to them in an upcoming column.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2010.