A 5-Step Guide to Making Your Eyes Pop

As seen in our new Looks Book feature in the January issue, we tried out some easy eye makeup tips and tricks courtesy of Denise Cardwell, makeup artist at Blades Salon & Spa. It's a new year, so why not try a new look? Make your eyes pop with some of these simple techniques.

First, make sure you’re using the right brushes. Cardwell suggests using sable brushes. These are made from horsehair, which is porous and grabs onto pigment easily. Find a shade that compliments your skin tone and eye color. Use the correct brush to dust your lid with your chosen shade.

Next, you’ll want to highlight your brow bone. For this, use a matte shadow in either a flesh or white color. This will define the arches of your brows and the separation between your lids and your brows.

Take the same highlighter shade and put it on the inner corner of the eyes. “Putting the [lighter] color on the inner eye expands the size of the eye, creating the illusion of larger eyes,” says Cardwell.

To finish off, Cardwell used two different liners to create a more natural look. She chose to use a L’Oreal liner in a deep blue for the top lash line and a charcoal-colored Estee Lauder crayon for the bottom lash line. Using a crayon for beneath the eyes creates a softer line, she says. Try slightly smudging the crayon in order to blend. Liquid liner is best for the top lash line since the liner is more precise. Follow along closely to your lash line to make your lashes look fuller and your liner look more natural. Tip: Avoid lining the corners of your eyes, which can make your eyes appear much smaller.

Lastly, apply a mascara to show off your lashes, opening the eye. Cardwell suggests either Maybelline Great Lash or 3D Fiber Lash mascara.

We want to see your new look too, so be sure to send us your Looks Book photos of your eyes to either our Facebook page or tweeting at us @TodaysWomanNow!