Thread: Feedback on this eye makeup please

I decided to try a new eye makeup strategy today after being inspired by a Utube video. Here's the link to the video in case you'd like to see it:



I decided not to try the gold, but when with a blue/teal instead. Can I get some feedback? I'm hoping you'll be able to see the facebook album. I set the privacy to public so you should be able to.

In the photos where I'm wearing the costume, I have just a tiny bit of blush and lipstick on. No foundation or anything else besides the eye makeup. I would obviously do more with the rest of my face for performance. In the photos of just the head shots, I'm only wearing eye makeup. My hair isn't done at all. It's just piled up in a clip behind me. For the costume shots, I clipped a quick ponytail on for effect.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=c52041643b

Is this for stage or for a closer audience?

Good question Nazarah. I was thinking for stage and a scaled back version for up close.

Loved the way you did the make up. I have been wanting to do the same, but I am too chicken to do it, I hate failure

Nice work! I would maybe use a lighter color under your brow to give more highlight - it's a bit grey looking which casts quite dark shadows into the corner of your eye. Perhaps instead of building up from the inside of the eye, build up AND out to make it an angled look. Does that make sense? Hope so :)

Hi!

Looks very nice but I would use white kajal for the inner lower lid (hope that makes sense) to make your eyes look bigger and I also would use at least one lighter colour for your eyes as your make-up is quite dark and especially in some restaurants with dimmed lightening, the audience has difficulties to see your eyes. Same for stages: Audience from far will only see two very dark spots where your eyes should be. Maybe, you could try it with more gold or silver/silvery-white colours.

Hope, I could help you.

Love, Sahira.

Nice!

I would probably use a lighter or more vibrant teal to really add contrast. Also extend the liner and the colour out further and make the shadow a bit straighter similar to the youtube vid (if that makes sense). It would make it more visible. For ease i may even be tempted to use some tape (i like using narrow micropore surgical tape) and place that along where you want the eyeshadow line to be and fill in underneath. Gives a clean finish, great if you are in a rush and you can then go quite heavy without fear.

For lining underneath there is also a subtle thickning and straightening of the eyeliner towards the outer edge which i would also incorporate more as it helps elongate the eye and add to that Egyptian eye effect.

Hope that helps!

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. They are very helpful. I'm going to keep practicing and refining this look and will incorporate the suggestions as I practice. I've never really considered myself all that great at doing makeup. I don't know why I think I should be if I never practice it. If I put half as much effort into my performance makeup practice as I do my dance practice, I could be a professional makeup artist.

I will say one thing, the right tools make all the difference. I always used to buy the more inexpensive makeup you find at the drugstore. In the past few years, I've been slowly making investments in better quality stuff. I almost never wear makeup excpet when I perform. For me I found the better quality stuff was more forgiving in its application than the cheap stuff. If I'll invest in a high quality costume to wear, why cheap out on the makeup?

Disclaimer,my opinions come from personal taste(+experience as a mua)

There are not any kind of "right/wrong"rules in makeup,only how to create optic effects by tricking the observers eye with shaping by light/shadow before even considering color choice(the reason why the most important product to use is called eye shadow and not eye color)
Makeup should be fun and eclectic.-love to mix traditional 60´s methods with south korean and japanese trends right now!

Your link shows a very "Bahrain"-y look,and I would rather have the strongest/deepest concentration on upper/outer lids instead of under eye area,plus use lighter inliner.
You have large,expressive eyes and the dark inliner is "closing"too much.
Also,the lower lining would look more refined by either softening it up with a pencil brush,or using shadows/more blendable products to the edges(also "sets" securely)

Suggestions:
Elongate brows by filling in with a lighter color to the arch,then a darker from middle/arching;concentrate on upper line of brows the whole way.
Inner parts softed and diffused,lift the area after arch by going slightly above natural brow line.

2.You would look fantastic in cut crease designs!
Neutral/leaning towards warm colors combos would flatter your complexion more,plus can be made more dramatic by adding brighter jewel tones to pop.
(Cooler charcoal/silver and browns with too much reds are not your "bests")

My favorite brushes for these looks that I favor over my MAC´s and other more expensive brand brushes are a set called Essence of Beauty Crease Duo.5.99$ on CVS

Searched YT quickly to visualize my suggestions:
Neutral/closer to audience examples:(Observe how brows need to be adapted to make the eye enlargening effect balanced)


This super glam OTT design could adapted for stage(much further away from audience,of course) by switching from purples to golden bronze/teal,aubergine/lime or pink/golden champagne etc combined with a basic darkest neutral brown and matte black and using doubled up lashes instead of "drag queen" heavy sloped ones;Ardell - Ardell Double Up Lash #201

Emma, thank you so much for the detailed response/suggestions. I'm going to have a look at those videos when I have a moment.

I never normally use any inliner, let alone black and agree that it's too dark and closing for me. I was trying something new. I think I'm going to try the white liner for the waterline (for stage) and try some different colored shadows and eyeliners. I also want to work on a less dramatic softer version for more intimate performances like haflas/bellygrams/restaurants.

I was always so hopeless with make up but now Youtube is my friend.

I like the look, but agree with the other posters that the dark grey is maybe not the most flattering colour.

Sometimes I find I need to try lots of different colours to find one that will work for me. Sometimes the colour in the video makes me look I was punched or had no sleep for days even though it looks great on the model.


The tape trick that someone suggested works really well. I use it all the time.

I would also keep the darkness out of the inner corners of your eyes and place the darkest shade in V shape on your outer corner, blending it up a little higher.


Here's my favourite eye look at the moment- it shows how to do the tape thing and get the v shape I was talking about. I don't always bother with the double wing eye liner, sometimes I just do a single line.

I agree with what the other ladies have said. The black on the lower lid is too harsh.
You need some lighter or brighter color in mix.

I love the dudette in tutorials accent :-)

Originally Posted by shahla

Emma, thank you so much for the detailed response/suggestions. I'm going to have a look at those videos when I have a moment.

I really hope they will come out to be useful for bringing out your personality and taste.
Makeup can be such a powerful tool to make a stronger contact!

With an emphasized and darkened socket line and highlighter(or bright)shade on lid/inner corner you will not only keep your natural large eyes;the nuances of introvert<->extrovert emotives in dance becomes clearer for the audience;they´ll see where you are looking and you can "direct"their eyes with your gaze:-)

As I said,this is my taste and not some kind of "absolute rules":-)

Now I'm wishing for a personal consult with emma-bessa!

I had *forgotten* about the cut-crease technique - I don't perform very much any more so I seldom need to do the makeup - and am so glad to be reminded, as it is perfect for my eyes. It's in many ways a modified version of what I used to do when I was young and wore extremely OTT eyemakeup daily, and it works so well because it makes the same "corrections" but in a more age-appropriate, less Siouxsie way.

I have also revisited more serious blending, which makes an incredible amount of difference to eyemakeup. Seriously, if it looks a bit off, blend. It works.

Originally Posted by tigerb

Now I'm wishing for a personal consult with emma-bessa!

Awww,thank you SO much,very happy if my "swenglish rambles" can be helpful for anyone!

I stopped working with makeup(plus nails+hair)when I got carpal tunnel syndrome
Miss it SO much-in what other profession do you get such variety?
No workday like the other..everyone happy to see you..you get to set your own times..play all day with beauty products..colleagues are often funny&nerdy people etc

Having a "squirrel"-y personality,hyper focusing at what interests me I could probably never work a 9-5 without messing up big time...present schedule of working from home to get up dancing+bhuzzing during the breaks suits me perfectly(don´t tell my bosses)

I've found out (the "trial-and-error" way!) with my own eyes, too, that a narrower line on the bottom drags my eye down less. I can go as thick as I want on the top (and can still get a good "plenty of eyeliner look"), but with a thinner line on the bottom, I look less like I'm tired and ill while still having some definition (my first hint on this probably should've been back in college when I started really wearing eye makeup and for a while I had a prof who was often asking if I was okay, because I looked so tired. LOL.). (this is for everyday and up-close, though; not sure how it translates to stage. In my case, though, probably would still apply as I tend to get shadows under my eyes, especially from my glasses.)

Went cruising for cut crease info on youtube and found this look, very neutral and adorable!

Ok, tigerb and I will both be hopping on a plane for trip for personal consults with emma-bessa.

So, here's some more pics. This eyemakeup is done using the video Emma referred to with the Cut Crease Eye Look Using Neutral Colors. I realized after I took the photos that I hadn't done my brows. Oops! Anyway, the rest of the makeup is one. I used a white pencil on my waterline. I think a waterproof liquid or gel liner might be better than the pencil. This is what I'm wearing on my face for a restaurant gig tonight. Some of the dancing will be outdoors and some inside, so it's a bit of a lighting challenge.

shahla's Album: Makeup Experiments

That looks lovely! Well done. Much better than in the first post.
Hope, you have a great evening with your performances!

Love, Sahira.

See what I mean?
You have *enormous*eye that I would give my pinkie to have!*green with envy*
(myself=very small,deep set eyes that needs a lot of "makeup magic"to stand out)

@Bijoux:Just as you say,the format of YouTube has revolutionized the makeup world(as well as the dance communities)

We can learn so much from those who are passionate and willing to share with the world...one of my favorite channels is a young nepalese girl who transforms herself into characters ranging from Johnny Depp to Mona Lisa(...extra points for her having a tiny pet owl!)

Her "glamour"makeup transformation into Angelina Joile,Haifa Wehbe etc are fab and easy to follow:

Thank you emma-bessa. Your advice as well as the others here have been most helpful I hope others reading this thread are getting something out of it as well.

My next experiment is going to be a more dramatic stage look trying the Exotic Arabic Makeup with Smokey Eyes video referenced on this thread by Bijoux.

I like the newest one you posted too emma. That did look easy to follow.

While I´m "on the case"and have a long lunchMy best nr. 1 tip:

Never use an applicator that´s larger than the area you are planning to cover.
Saying this out loud makes many pros (and passionate amateurs) shrug and say"Yeah,everyone knows this,so what?"But think again-the makeup designs will not be defined or detailed with too large tools...like writing a note on a "Post-it"patch with a jumbo sized pen.

Eyeliner:I´ve seen many women struggling with their eyeliner and saying "Can´t get that thin,sharp effect that you do,´cause I´m not a pro".Look at a swatch comparison of one of my favorite liners(for personal use)tip with a drugstore bought one(Revlon ColorStay):Shabby Non-Chic: Kiss Me Heroine Eyeliner,A Holy Grail Different,huh?

Blusher:When I put blusher on myself for everyday use,I love this brush(and there´s many cheaper dupes)It´s suitable for blusher,sculpting and highlighting.
Using a stronger and brighter color(Nars "Mata Hari") in the center area of the cheek with the smallest one and a softer shade(Benefit´s Thrrrob or Rimmel´s "Pink Rose")around it with the bigger brush gives a seamless "glowing from within"appearance easy and fast.
Laura Geller Makeup Official Site | Brushes & Applicators | Double Ended Face & Blush Brush

Eyeshadow:My theory of the reasons for the wide spread trend of putting on eye shadows first and using tape is that most "YouTube-gurus"loves to show off a full case of brand brushes..a comparison of this trend that most belly dancers will understand is:
Having a dance closet full of 1000$ Bella´s does not automatically make you a better dancer

So be aware that using soft brushes for "packing"(cover an area with opaque color)will result in spilling all over the place.
The solution is to put the makeup snobbery aside for a minute and use a good sponge applicator to gently "pat on" instead.It gives the same effect but with less waste of makeup and less spilling.(a light layer of non-drying loose powder will catch fallout so it can be sweeped off easy)

Also often see women frustrated with eye shadow designs,just because most of the drugstore brushes are too big.
Test your own:If the brush is almost big enough to cover half the lid when pressed against it-how on earth can anyone succeed in detailed and precise work like filling in crease,outer "V"parts,putting highlighter under brows etc?


Anyway I don´t mean to bash anyone preferring to do the eyes first pr say that it´s "wrong":
This technique can be used for a dancer doing her own makeup fast and easy:-)

Until...*dun-DUN*
You´re in a hurry to turn your day makeup into a stage worthy(or evening)face!

If you can´t learn how to avoid spilling,you´ll have to remove everything and start all over again from the base.
An easy solution to this problem is replacing your dark/bright shadows with gel liners in can or pencil form for the smokey/bright effects the stage needs,using powdered shadows only on edges to blend(or just forgo them completely and carefully blend)



*drops the mike,runs off the stage*

I will often make a glycerine and water mixing medium. If I need the color more bold or bright. I do use the "pack" method, but have learned how to not waste. If you are just starting out, the foam sponge is FAR better! Also, the use of an eyeshadow primer helps a LOT! I use Urban Decay primer potion. When I started doing stage makeup (for plays and such, LONG before I started dance), I took a small tutorial from a local "beauty school", and then watched a TON of youtube videos and just played with it. Keep practicing, and you will eventually get anything.

...

Originally Posted by IntoTheSky

Keep practicing, and you will eventually get anything.

YES.

It´s lunchtime here again,so here´s another 4 tips:

1.Lining eyes become much easier when one sits down to have a table to support elbow+ rest the drawing hand on your cheek.

2.Dedicate a few minutes every night to practicing a look you are interested in before cleansing face in the evening.

3.When shopping for stage makeup I encourage visiting a pro supply store rather than a snobby counter. Here´s (US based) online store that has some great brands like Graftobian,Ben Nye,Kryolan and my favorite concealer:Joe Blasco Neutralizers and Tattoo Cover
Joe Blasco´s red neutralizers are absolutely fantastic for making any red disappear(have yet to find something better after using it for over 20 years!)

4.Don´t let sales people push you to buy anything.

My 2cents worth:

1) try on fake lashes... Go for those that are more dramatic.

2) try wearing coloured contact lenses

Have fun!

Originally Posted by emma-bessa

Eyeshadow:My theory of the reasons for the wide spread trend of putting on eye shadows first and using tape is that most "YouTube-gurus"loves to show off a full case of brand brushes..a comparison of this trend that most belly dancers will understand is:
Having a dance closet full of 1000$ Bella´s does not automatically make you a better dancer

it has long made me chuckle to watch young girls with high end make up and 100's of $$$$ worth of brushes still living in messy pizza box ridden college dorms or in their mom's house...

and it has always made me want to start my own youtube channgel called "budget beauty" or "
beauty on a budget"

The most expensive make up I own was some MAC mascara and liquid eyeliner given to me as a gift- otherwise I shop uber thrifty for sales (buy one get one free or ULTA'S 2$ a shade etc etc) and make do with OTC drug store brands- and I always do fine with them. It seems like people MUST have it because it's the in thing. Yes- some of them are noticeably better- but I don't think they are hundreds of dollars better for what I need on a daily basis and for a dance basis. I feel that technique get's me further than spending more money on more product.

Exactly!

Firstly makeup artist that are actually working does seldom have time to film,edit and post clips,and secondly they will most likely have a mixed work tool kit with their favorites unrelated to any sale tactics.

Most of those working behind a counter only have knowledge of day looks,and will in most cases not suggest anything from a brand that they do not earn a % of your $ from.

OT:
************************************************** ***********************To make an uninformed choice in makeup purchases/hiring of a mu artist are in most cases not dangerous(only if one has extremely severe allergys,thus may risk an anaphylactic shock) it´s your wallet that are threatened.

The shady sides of the nail biz is more worrying to me,as many are lacking in education,using unhygienic practises(hepatite,bacterial infections etc from instruments and pedi chairs) and destroys their clients natural nails by thinning or even causing "rings of fire"w. electric files.
************************************************** ***********************

Basha:I would def. welcome and subscribe to a blog or YouTube channel that focuses on techniques(rather than endless reviews of products,that were not even paid for by the reviewer)