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 Eye make-up started out more as a protection for the eyes than a
fashion statement. Extracts from natural herbs and oils were used to protect the eyes from
various diseases and the harmful effects of the sun. In some tribal societies, in Africa,
men wore elaborate eye make-up to attract a lady's attention and lure a life partner,
during social gatherings. Nowadays, eye make-up has become an important fashion accessory.
No look is complete without the eyes being accentuated.
First you start with a concealor to camouflage the dark
circles or any pigmentation around the eyes. Then you define you eyebrows with a eyebrow
pencil. This also helps you to define the total area available for the eye make-up. A
suitable eye shadow colour must be chosen, this should be done not only according to the
colour of the costume but also taking the skin colour into consideration. At times wearing
eye shadow which matches the  dress colour can backfire as the colour may not
blend with the skin or clash with the complexion. The eye shadow should be applied
completely above the eyes. The brush should be used to apply the eye shadow over the
eyelids and then it should be blended to the remaining areas with the fingers. This makes
sure that the eye shadow does not look just as if it has been brushed on the skin. The
colours best suited for the Indian skin are brown and to add a festive look - gold, copper
or bronze can be blended in, while applying. Those who like to experiment can also try out
different shades of blues, greens with silver tones but only if you are confident of
carrying them.
 After applying the eye shadow, the eyes are lined with the eye liner. It should
be applied very carefully because in case of any mistake, you have to start all over
again. Sometime back, thick lines were in fashion but now thin lines are back. Some people
however, like their line a bit thick in the end or in the middle. This depends on the
shape of the eyes and their suitability. Thick lines try to make the eyes look smoky and
darker while thin lines gives a more natural and elegant appearance. Eye pencils of
different colours are now available which can also be used. They give a softer effect than
eye liners and are available in all the colours of the rainbow.
The routine is completed by the application of mascara. It
makes your eyelashes appear thicker, darker and more beautiful. To avoid the mascara
congealing on the lashes in clumps you have to shake the bottle well before use. It should
be applied from the root of the eye lashes to the very tip, on both the top and bottom eye
lashes.
You should also know the proper way of removing eye makeup
as it can irritate when it gets into the eyes. Eye make-up removers of various brands are
available in the market. You can also use vaseline and cotton pads to remove the make-up.
Malini S
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