How To || The Secret to the Doe Eyed Look

For many women, the most common "first" in makeup, if not lipstick, is eyeliner. Why shouldn't it be eyeliner? It is quick, easy, and can effortlessly change one's eye shape from drab to fab in under a minute!

I've noticed, however, that some people tend to either overuse their eyeliner, or apply it in a way that is not very appropriate for their natural eye shape. This results in a look that may actually detract from the desired result. Another mistake is using a stark eyeliner (thick and very black) and not taking care to groom the lashes. What results is a very fake-looking block of ink on the lid and thin, wispy lashes that do nothing to open up the eyes.

So how does one effectively channel the large doe eyes without relying so much on eyeliner? The secret is simple: less is more.

The first step is to highlight the eyelids. Using a sheer but luminous highlighter on the inner corners and on the center of the lid will help to bring out the natural contour of the eyes without relying too much on eyeshadows. A little eyeshadow in a bone or champagne shade can aldo do wonders when applied discreetly just right under the eyebrows. Using a beige (not white) liner, carefully line the inner rim of lower lid to create the illusion of bigger, rounder eyes.

Now, for the eyeliner - It doesn't matter which formula you prefer, whether it be gel, liquid or pencil. The key here is to just follow the natural contour of your lash line and not try to change it too much. A casual flick of a cat eye should be enough to visually lift the eyes. Why does this work better than a thick and dramatic line? Without complicated eyeshadows, the eye is pretty much framed by the lashline and the lashes. If you draw on too thick a line, it appears too unnatural and actually takes away from the intended look. If, however, you stick to the natural lashline and apply thinly and very close to the lash roots, you are left with the most natural looking definition without it being over-the-top.

To finish off the doe eyes, curl lashes very thoroughly at the root/base. This might be difficult for some beginners but a good trick is to lift one's eyebrows while curling. It might feel odd, but it does allow you to get right to the root of each lash.

The piece de resistance, of course, is mascara. One mistake I keep seeing everywhere is wearing thick and obvious eyeliner without curling or applying mascara. PLEASE DON'T. It just looks lazy, sloppy and unfinished. For long looking and defined lashes, apply the mascara first to the tips of the outermost lashes, before applying several coats on all lashes from the root to the tip. Don't forget to apply mascara on your lower lashes too!

There you have it! Gorgeous, flirty, come-hither doe eyes that will turn heads wherever you look :)

Enjoy! I-ann

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