Hi again all you gorgeous ladies! I'm the newb who's been asking all those questions! Anyway, I have a rainbow of colors on the way and would love some advice on what to do when they get here.

I have some pretty strong bone structure which can make me look somewhat hard. And my eyes disappear - they are quite deepset and I know this will be an issue when applying shadows (which I REALLY want to do so I can copy some of your fab FOTD pics).

I'm so so excited, but so overwhelmed as well! Below are a face picture and one tilted to the side so you can see how my eyes are just barely there. I'm wearing AL 2N foundation, verve blush, pout and a small bit of e/s here (bone frost and lilac I think, hazelnut to line - from the brown eye kit). And excuse the brows, I really need a wax!

I also think that maybe I need to stop wearing black - which is funny because it was always such a good color on me. Darn aging process!!!





Hope I did this right - and thanks for any help you can give me!!!

Hi! There are several of us with deep-set eyes, if you browse the FOTD forum you'll probably find several ideas

Here are a few tips I've picked up ...

For everyday looks, light and shimmery colors on the lid can really bring out your eyes. Remember that light or shimmery colors bring attention to an area and draw it forward, while dark colors can make an area recede or look shadowy. So put light colors on the parts you want to draw attention to Similarly, to make your bone structure look less prominent, you can use a matte mid-tone color such as Latte on the brow bone to make it recede a bit.

If you want to actually see your eyeshadow when your eyes are open, it's ok to bring your crease color up above your actual crease! When I bring the crease color up higher, I like it to be super-blended so it's not harsh at all -- I usually use a "regular" brush to apply the crease color in the actual crease, then use the Ultra Cute Fiber Optic brush to blend a sheer bit of crease color up above my crease. There's different techniques, of course, but this is just what I do

Winging your eyeshadow or eyeliner out to the side can also make your eye makeup more visible, and if done right can enhance or change the apparent shape of your eye!

I've also found that using a dark eyeliner all across my lower lid tends to close up my eyes. However, using nothing on the lower lid makes my eyes lack definition. So for a quick everyday look, I usually use a darker eyeliner (a gel liner since they're easy to apply) on the upper lid and only the outer 1/3 of the lower lid. For a more involved look, I'll use a mid-tone shimmery eyeshadow all the way across the lower lid (sometimes with a darker liner on the outer 1/3), or maybe a lighter eyeliner like Penny gel liner all across the lower lid.

Here is a more dramatic look I did recently that shows some of these techniques (higher crease color and subtle wing with the crease color) -- although in real life this was a lot of black and was a bit more harsh than my most flattering look

Fraudulent Celebrations

Here's another look with a similar technique and lighter colors:

Burning Adobe

Bridget has deep-set and hooded eyes, and here is an awesome tutorial she posted, which includes her technique of using Latte:

Basic Creasework for Hooded Eyes

(For that matter, I guess I have a bit of hooding going on too -- judging by the other women in my family, I'm sure it will just get worse as I get older! lol)

Just don't be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you!

Thanks! I love the examples you provided. YOu know what's so funny - I know my eyes are deep set, but I can never see it on another person!! So I really appreciate the links and I will def use that tutorial as soon as my colors come! I do know what you are saying about the liner. I'm pretty sure that I'm done with the black, but as you can see from today's pics - I do need something. I have some greys and browns on the way. I ordered the marcasite gel liner too.

I guess I don't need to highlight my brow arch. I see in that second photograph how it really makes it stick out! Yikes!

I'm still confused though - should I do above the crease rather than put any color in the crease? I apologize, I really didn't grow up "girly" and makeup just stumps me. I wouldn't know what looked good or didn't look good on my own face.

Luckily, my fiance is in the fashion world and will give honest opinions - at least I think they're honest.

If you don't mind, I'll sure post when all my eye colors arrive to see what I should and should not do. So scary!!

You are GORGEOUS! Oh my goodness, look at those cheekbones, and that Julia Roberts-esque smile! Fantastic!

If you were sitting in my chair and posed no conditions whatsoever on what we could or couldn't do, I'd ask you to consider a *slightly thinner brow with a *slightly* more lifted arch and tail. I don't mean tweeze them into nonexistance, or make them ovelry angular or anything at all like that - just subtle, as in the removal of maybe just one or two rows of hairs at the inner portion, lifting the arch over the outer edge of your iris, and tapering the tail just a smidge. However, I do know that brows are SO individual, and I do love your brows just as the are - very beautiful, full, strong and envy inspiring. Generally the first thing a woman can do to change the appearance of her eyes (and whole face) is to do her brows differently (this works for the good and for the not so good). Here are two examples of what I mean regarding basic shape:





Anyway, just some food for thought on that topic.

For application and liner, I'd try some of the following:

Brow highlighter - use this ina very very thin line or tiny dot only under the high point of your arch and in an ultra fine line riht under the inner third or your eyebrow. You've got a beautiful lift and curve an open space under the outer portion of your brow - no need to highlight there. I'd probably not highlight your whole brow bne with a shimmery or light shade, as it is beautifully prominent as is - instead, I'd play with matte or satin finish in fleshy light to medium tones - like Fawn, Peach, Wheat, and so on. I think Fawn would be especially pretty on you.

Your lid is lovely and has a nice amount of space and prominence. I'd go medium depth on the lid - any color family at all, although plums would be especially pretty on you, I think. Rose, auburn, soft cocoa, medium pewter, or a mossy green would also be gorgeous. I'd carry the color up to your brow bone - the socket line, as it were, and slightly extend it toward your temple in an upward tilted sideways V shape or wedge - with a rounded point, though rather than an angular one.

I'd also accent your outer eye with a deeper/brighter tone, goig over that wedge shape you created and carrying the color under the lower lashes in a wider but smudgy and transparent wash.

For lining, I'd lve to see you use chocolate brown (Chocolate Mousse gel liner i lovely - deep and rich, smoky grey, violet, plum, emerald - all those amazing deeps and jewel tones. Your liner will show beautifully when your eyes are open, too - I'd keep the line on the thinner side and smoke it or smudge it out, thickening and moving upward at the outer corner to really emphasize the upward tilt your eyes have naturally.

On your bottom lashes, you'll already have he deepshadow under the outer third or half, so I'd just add a soft wash of your lid color under the rest of your lower lashes, blending it all so it creates sort of a halo around your eyes. I'd also use a pale shimmer right in the inner corner, tracing that entire tear duct area top and bottom - a tiny sideways V with the point near your nose.

Have you tried Gala color creme for your lips? It would be amazing on you, I think!

I think that the biggest challenge with your eyes has to do with the amount of space between your socket gone and brow. compared to the distance from lashline to socket line, the socket to brow is much narrower - so finding a way to sort of lift that space is really key. The angles, curves and planes of your eyes and face are absolutely gorgeous!

hth -
-b.

Gosh, I'm learning so much here!

NYTC - you are *lovely* and I definitely agree that you have that Julia Roberts thing going on

Thank you, Bridget!! You guys really have a way of supporting each other and lifting them up!!

I'm going to take your advice ASAP. I did order a bit of brown and plum/purple shades (a little pink too, just to try since I've always been scared of it). I'm sure I've got a version of nearly every color on the way actually!

I have always had issues with the brows so I appreciate your comment. I will go a bit thinner this time and see how it goes.

One thing I notice is that when I look at your picture, I see your eyes - they pop right out at me - very very beautiful! When I see my picture, first thing I see is my nose and forehead LOL - not exactly what we're going for, are we?

Now, here's where I expose how new I really am to this whole thing. When you say browbone - you mean that bone above the crease, correct? On the inner corner of my eye, the brow starts right at that bone - but at the end I have some space. So, I should no longer highlight the outer brow, correct? And I should use some sort of brow pencil to make them look neater? Sorry, I really need someone to hold my hand and say this is what you do I guess. LOL (any cheap flights to Montana out there?)

I really love the tutorial you posted that girl-geek linked to. I have to go purchase some brushes and it was so super helpful to see the photo of what you are using.

OK, this is a bit long. Thank you soooo much again!!! I will take this advice and give it a try - I'm expecting my order any day so I'll have to grab some brushes and get going!!

I truly appreciate all the advice. This is actually pretty scary! I'm doing this to look and feel better but I'm afraid I'll end up looking ridiculous!!

Thanks Brianna!!! Did you get your samples yet? I'm so happy that these boards are here - such a life saver!!

I'm LOL about the Julia Roberts thing - I haven't heard that in years (not to mention, I've got an extra 10 lbs on these days ) haha

No, I'm still waiting on my samples! twitches I swear I'm going to give my mailman a nervous breakdown hanging around the door laughs

Well, extra few pounds or no you're still a lookalike

And the advice here is fantastic, isn't it? I keep reading and having that lightbulb moment when I realise what I've been doing wrong!

haha - he's gonna think you're hot for him - like mine must!

The advice is a godsend, really. There is nobody in my "real life" that I could ask these questions to. I used to go to the makeup counter, let them do their thing and just buy the blush and lipstick they used because the rest was so confusing to me.

I'm so glad to have found it. Can't wait to hear (and hopefully, see) what you do with those samples!

NYTC, you are so beautiful! Your facial structure is absolutely gorgeous. I'm having some major cheekbone and jawline envy here (my jawline is kind of non-existent, lol). I am definitely getting a Julia Roberts vibe from you too.

Anyway, I second Bridget's recommendation for a deep dark plummy liner on you. Black Cherry gel liner (although it's on the burgundy side) might work. Also check out Drama Red or Violet for something with a darker black base. The Drama Queen liners are also great if you're looking for something more high-impact and sparkly (definitely would recommend using the sealant with the Queens, though). They make your eyes pop!

I could see Oyster (from the Carolina Summer matte collection) looking lovely under your brows. If you try a sample and find it too light for you, it also makes a great all-over lid base or can be mixed in with other eyeshadow colors to lighten them.

Have fun with your samples! Definitely post more pics if you feel comfortable-- it's great to see ladies experimenting with all kinds of different colors and techniques. Good luck!

Hi Ella! Thank you. I have to tell you, your avitar always catches my eye as I've been browsing the boards (well, more like stalking and stealing all that great info out there)!

Anyway, I guess none of us are ever truly happy with what we have. I think my jaw is too strong and masculine almost. LOL We have too little, we want more. We have too much, we want less. Women!! And honey, I just checked out your blog - you are a hottie, absolutely gorgeous - I see no jaw deficit there.

I will be taking your advice and picking up that black cherry liner. I'm also going to take Bridget's advice about the Gala lip - pout is just not enough in my opinion (maybe if I tan a tad in the summer it will pop more).

I do believe Oyster is on the way in one of my orders.

I have a pretty decent size sample order to do tonight too. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions - I can't tell you how much of a relief it is to have some guidance - even though it's costing me a fortune!

The grass is always greener I never noticed your jaw when I first saw this post; after all this talk I went back and looked and yeah ... I don't think it's masculine at all! I have a much more square jaw than that -- I actually have a pretty classic square face shape (which can look masculine with less-than-flattering hairstyles and makeup, it took me a while before I felt comfortable with my face shape!), but I think your jawline is perfectly in proportion with the rest of your face!

Thanks girl_geek - perhaps that's why I'm gravitating a bit towards your FOTD posts!

I agree about knowing what makes your face look too "hard" in terms of hair/makeup, etc. I have to thank my wonderful fiance for fixing up my old Jersey girl, big hair, hair spray head - he's a hair dresser. My old hair was not helping the situation. LOL

OK, so I'm still soaking up all this great info, BUT - my huge order just came (please note, fiance picked many of these colors - apparently he has some "fantasies" ).

moon, sprite pink, ballet, watermelon, bronze, angel wing, suede, coco bean, sand, swank, gleam, ebony, colette, fiona, tansy, whiteriot, charcoal, jolie, rockbottom, baby, lisette, darcelle, calendula, edie, bare necessity (full), marcasite (full) and quintessential blush.

Whew!! Where the heck do I start here??!! And there is more coming.

Hello!

You are really cute!
Our eyes seem to have a similar shape and deepset-ness, and both of our brows are pretty straight (although you have more socket to brow space in the outer half of your eye). Anyway, you should check out some of my FOTDs and challenge posts for ideas since our eyes are so similar. I would definitely consider doing some of the brow work Bridget suggested. You are lucky enough to have full enough brows that you can actually shape them! Actually, I'd go and get them waxed professionally at least the first time if you do decide to shape them since shaping brows is pretty hard to do. Then you can follow what the beautician did when you pluck at home (just plucking out hairs as the ones that were waxed off grow back). Just make sure to tell the person waxing your brows that you want a natural look, without too much of a arch, and you still want your brows to be full.

My typical ways to deal with my eye shape are
1. shade the crease and then blend the crease upward a bit
2. do a wedge shape when I line my upper lids, with the smaller part being at the inner corner of my eye, and the larger part at the outer corner of my eye
3. If I line my lower lid, I usually start at the outer half of my pupil, and create another wedge that starts thin at the pupil and gets wider as I get to the outer edge of my eye, and then taper it off to a point again to meet with the upper lid liner. I usually keep the lower lid liner softer than the upper lid
Here is a pic of that lining: (may not work for a bit, photobucket is not working right now, so I hope these are the right pics! P.S. this was for the "vampire" challenge so the makeup is dramatic. Also, I brought my lower line inwards a bit further than I would advice you to do)




Nina323 and Naomi Lael do a great wedge shape and wing, so you should look at their pics too. (Plus they are pros at blending. )
Lining is the most difficult part of makeup in my opinion, so don't get discouraged!
4. Keeping my brows groomed and off my browbone
5. Lengthening and curling mascara

Good luck, and have fun! Post some FOTDs!

horsegirl - those are such beautiful pictures, thank you! It's funny because I've checked out many of your FOTD threads and thought that you and I had some similar facial characteristics (hopefully that statement doesn't offend you - perhaps it was the eyes or our coloring, who knows). I think I've checked out nearly every FOTD thread through last year and beyond! I have such a boring job so I basically surf the web for 5 hours a day.

I'm going to try some of this out tonight. It's so much to take in. I think I'll have to have my laptop with me!! And yes, lining has always been difficult for me as well.

Great makeup choices! Your fiance is good!

No, that doesn't offend me, you are gorgeous! What is your ethnicity if you don't mind saying? You look mediterranean or eastern european. Haha, boring job, that's what got me started on this site

quote:

Originally posted by horselover:
No, that doesn't offend me, you are gorgeous! What is your ethnicity if you don't mind saying? You look mediterranean or eastern european. Haha, boring job, that's what got me started on this site

Hopefully you are at a new job now!! I was afraid people were going to be like - wow, this girl is ALWAYS on here and knows us all - wierd.

Nothing ever really offends me - at least not in the past 35 years nothing has.

I'm just your typical white girl. LOL - my father's side is Italian (but born here), my mother's was Irish (born here too).

Your eye color is just amazing!

Bridget is always dead on with her advice - she'll never steer you wrong. Give it a try and don't feel silly, remember that makeup, like everything else in life, is a learning experience. None of us are born pros, we all learn as we go. So play away and you'll be more confident with each day.

Thanks Cin!! I've appreciated the advice I've gotten from you to some of my other posts as well - along with everybody elses. And you've got a GREAT look by the way - just LOVE it!

I'm going to play and see where it takes me. Friday I'm off from work so that may be a good day to start - although I really want to do something tomorrow.