Photo: Fernando Milani
If your eyelids aren't as taut as they used to be, blame sun damage, pollution, and years of squinting. All contribute to the collagen breakdown that makes the delicate skin of the eyelid become more lax.
To make the problem disappear…
Brow Pencil(like Wet 'n Wild Color Icon Brow & Eye Liner, $1; drugstores): Defined brows go a long way toward lifting the eyes; look for a pencil with a dry texture (too creamy and it will smudge).
Eyeshadow Stick(like Buxom Armed & Gorgeous Waterproof Smoky Eye Set, $29 for set of three double-ended wands; Sephora.com): A creamy formula is easy to blend up and out at the outer corner of the eyelids.
Pearly Shadow (like Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour, $22; LauraMercier.com): Silvery tones work well on pale skin; a peach or gold sheen is best for medium to dark complexions.
1. To make lids appear more lifted, create a defined brow arch that peaks above the outer edge of your iris when looking straight ahead.
2. With a creamy dark brown eyeshadow stick, draw a triangle at the outer corner of the lids. Blend it upward so the color fades into the crease.
3. Line only the inner rim of your lower lashline with brown pencil to define your eyes without drawing attention downward (which can make eyes appear droopy).
4. For a pop of color, blend purple eyeshadow over your lids.
5. Dab a pearly powder shadow on the inner corner of your eyes to brighten the shadows cast by heavy lids.
6. Curl your lashes, which helps the eyes look more open. Apply two coats of black mascara (or, like our model, false lashes) to enhance the wide-eyed effect.
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The Tool Kit
Brow Pencil(like Wet 'n Wild Color Icon Brow & Eye Liner, $1; drugstores): Defined brows go a long way toward lifting the eyes; look for a pencil with a dry texture (too creamy and it will smudge).
Eyeshadow Stick(like Buxom Armed & Gorgeous Waterproof Smoky Eye Set, $29 for set of three double-ended wands; Sephora.com): A creamy formula is easy to blend up and out at the outer corner of the eyelids.
Pearly Shadow (like Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour, $22; LauraMercier.com): Silvery tones work well on pale skin; a peach or gold sheen is best for medium to dark complexions.
Directions
1. To make lids appear more lifted, create a defined brow arch that peaks above the outer edge of your iris when looking straight ahead.
2. With a creamy dark brown eyeshadow stick, draw a triangle at the outer corner of the lids. Blend it upward so the color fades into the crease.
3. Line only the inner rim of your lower lashline with brown pencil to define your eyes without drawing attention downward (which can make eyes appear droopy).
4. For a pop of color, blend purple eyeshadow over your lids.
5. Dab a pearly powder shadow on the inner corner of your eyes to brighten the shadows cast by heavy lids.
6. Curl your lashes, which helps the eyes look more open. Apply two coats of black mascara (or, like our model, false lashes) to enhance the wide-eyed effect.
More Beauty Advice
From the December 2011 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
