HOW TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR EYES THIS SPRING

They’re the windows to your soul... and making them stand out is simpler than you think. Here’s everything you need to know to highlight your eyes this season.

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Listen to a love song, and you’ll almost certainly hear poetic verses about somebody’s eyes. The world of beauty shares this soft spot for the so-called soul’s windows, as you’ll see in every make-up aisle. There’s an endless array of eyeliners, mascaras, shadows and serums, all claiming to give you eyes that’ll turn heads wherever you go. With so many options, how do you pick the products that are perfect for your peepers? We’ve gathered tips for all kinds of eyes and searched the beauty shelves for all the products you may need.

KNOW YOUR TYPE
You know when you follow that YouTube tutorial step-by- step, using exactly the right products and techniques, but your eyes don’t look anything like the ones at the end of the video? Well, that might be because your teacher’s techniques aren’t suited to your eye shape. The first step to nailing your eye make-up is to identify your eye shape. These are the most common options, along with the techniques that suit them best:

Round
If you can easily see the crease at the top of your eyelid and there’s white above or below your iris, you likely have round eyes. To embrace this shape, opt for a light neutral shade on the eyelid, darken the crease and apply more mascara on the top lashes. When the occasion calls for a shimmer, apply it above the iris, in the centre of your eyelid.

Almond
Do the outer corners of your eyes turn slightly upward? Can you see the crease on your eyelid? Does the iris touch the top and bottom of your eyelid? You most likely have almond eyes. This shape loves lashes – if yours are short or sparse, apply eyeliner at the top and bottom to bring the shape out even more. Or consider fuller false lashes and don’t shy away from playful effects like smudging, winged eyeliner and a smoky eyeshadow.

Upturned
The characteristics of this eye shape are straightforward: your outer corners tilt upwards. The trick to making this shape pop is to keep the brows well defined and groomed, then go for a winged eyeliner. Smudge it into the lashes for a full effect and finish off your eye shadow with a dab of shimmer at the inner corners.

Downturned
The opposite of upturned eyes, this shape simply has outer corners that tilt downwards. Curl your top lashes upwards using a lengthening mascara or a lash curler for the most complimentary look, as it makes eyes appear bigger. When applying eyeshadow, a darker shade works best – and use a small, dense brush to work it in.

Monolid
This shape has a smooth lid with no visible crease line. Creating dimension will help add some depth to monolids – do this by applying a primer first, then go in with a reflective, shimmery eyeshadow. Eye gloss (or you can use Vaseline, 8-Hour Cream or lip gloss) is a treat that holds better on monolids than other eye shapes, so rely on the shine for standout eyes.

Hooded
Do you have a deep crease? This is a sign of a hooded eye... but you’ll know for sure if your eyelid space is limited or seemingly non-existent. The skin below your brow will likely touch your lash line, making your eyes seem smaller. To create the illusion of bigger eyes, it’s best to avoid heavy liners and dark shadows. Apply a liquid shimmer eyeshadow on the lid and a highlighter to the brow bone for a (literally!) eye-opening look.

TUNE INTO YOUR TONE
The colour of your eyes affects your choice of shadows and liners. Brown eyes work best with golden tones, warm browns, deep purples or a pop of bright green or blue. If your irises are green or hazel, go for plum colours, burgundy, violet and rose, while blue eyes pop with warm tones like orange, peach, champagne and baby pink, as well as lavender and any shade of blue.

Also consider your skin tone when picking products for your eyes. Here’s a quick guide to get you started: champagne and bronze tones work well on fair skin; shimmery golds complement olive skin; greens or blues work on darker skin tones; rose-gold works well on very dark skin tones.

Beauty experts are as sure of skin tone/make-up shades that don’t work as they are about those that do. Reds and pinks don’t favour fair skin. For medium skin tones, be wary of brown tones similar to your natural skin tone. Also, stark opposites are a no-go for darker skins, so avoid greys.

SHOP
Shop the Jet Colours range at selected Jet stores, from R44.95

EYES LOVE TLC
The state of your brows and lashes will also affect the overall impact of your eyes. Before going wild with make-up techniques, groom your brows by using whichever hair-removal technique you prefer – or leave it to the pros if you’re prone to over-plucking! 

A thin layer of virgin coconut oil applied to your brows and lashes is a step in the right direction if you’re hoping for fuller, longer and shinier strands. There are also some good serums and oils available that add nutrients to brows and lashes. 

Eye hygiene is important, too. Be sure to thoroughly clean your eye area – lashes, brows, waterline (the rim of your lower eyelid) and lids – with a gentle make-up remover before you go to bed at night. Cleaning your make-up brushes and tools is also non-negotiable; trash any expired products to prevent bacteria build-up and possible eye infections.

EMBRACE AGEING EYES
The stage of life you’re in also plays a role in how your make-up looks. If fi ne lines and crow’s feet have started calling your face home, there are ways to work around them with techniques and age-specific products (step away from the powders and say hello to cream-based products).

It’s worth noting that as we age and our skin loses elasticity, any eye shape may then start to appear hooded. Test out make-up techniques for this eye shape if you notice saggier eyelids – you might just be surprised at the results.

The right skincare routine can make all the difference in maintaining or achieving a more youthful appearance. Apply an eyecare cream or serum for a healthy dose of hydration. Look for products that contain vitamin C, retinol, peptides and the all-round hero: hyaluronic acid. And – need we even mention this? – apply a good SPF every single day. Don’t wait until you spot your first wrinkle; start today.

By: Shani Tsai
Text courtesy of Balanced Life Magazine
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images, Supplied