Eye make-up is the most popular type of cosmetic, and for good reason. Just the simplest touch of mascara can open up your eyes, while a splash of colour can  transform  them  instantly. Whatever your eye shape and colour, you can ensure that they always look beautiful.

Eyebrow Know-How

Many women overlook their eyebrows, or sometimes even worse, over pluck them. When it comes to eye make-up, the eyebrows make an important impression. They can provide a balanced look to your face so it's well worth making the effort to get them looking right.

Natural brows

For perfectly groomed brows in an instant, try combing through them with a brush to flick away any powder or foundation. Comb the hairs upwards and outwards. This will also help give you a wide-eyed look. Then lightly slick them with clear gel to hold the shape neatly in place.

Eyebrow colour

To define your brows you can use eye-brow powder or pencil. Apply powder with an eyebrow brush, dusting it through your brows and taking care not to sweep it onto the surrounding skin. This gives a natural effect, and requires little blending.Alternatively, use a well-sharpened pencil to draw on tiny strokes, taking care not to press too hard or the finished effect will be unnatural.Then soften the lines you've made with the eye pencil by lightly stroking a clean cotton bud (swab) through your brows.

Lining Up Liner

Eyeliner is a great way to flatter all eye shapes and sizes. Eyeliner should be applied after eye shadow and before your mascara

Liquid liners

These have a fluid consistency, and usually come with a brush attached to the cap. However, these aren't as easy to apply as the "ink-well" sponge-tipped variety. To apply the liner, look down into your mirror to prevent the liquid smudging. You should stay like this for a few seconds after applying the liner to give it time to dry thoroughly.

Pencil liners

This is  the  easiest  way  to  add  extra emphasis to your eyes. A pencil should be used to draw a line close to your upper and lower lashes. It's a good idea to sharpen the pencil between uses, not only to ensure you have a fine tip with which to work, but also to keep it bacteria-free. Draw a soft line close to your lashes. If you find this quite difficult, try dotting it on along your lashes, then joining up the dots afterwards! Run over the pencil line with a brush. Alternatively, look for pencils that come with a smudger built in at the other end.

Eyeliner Know-How

If you've  never applied  liner  before and feel a bit nervous, try this technique. Sit down at a table in a good light with a mirror. Take your eyeliner in your hand and rest your elbow on the table to keep your arm and hand steady. You can also give yourself extra support by resting your little finger on your cheek.

Eye shadow as eyeliner

Make-up artists often use eye shadow to outline the eyes, and it's a trick word stealing! It looks great because it gives a very soft smoky effect. Use a small brush to apply shadow under your lower lashes and to make an impact over the top of the eyelid, taking care to keep the shadow close to the eyelashes.To create a softer, more modern effect simply sweep over the eye shadow liner with a clean cotton bud (swab).

Mascara Magic

Mascara adds a flattering fringe to your eyes particularly if your lashes are fair. Start by applying mascara to your upper lashes first. Brush them downwards to start with, then brush your lashes upwards from. underneath. Use a tiny zigzag movement to prevent mascara from clogging on your lashes. font-family:Verdana'>Next, use the tip of the mascara wand to brush your lower lashes, using a gentle side-to-side ue. Take care to keep your hand steady whilst you are applying the mascara, and not to blink whilst the mascara is still wet. Comb through your lashes with an eyelash comb to remove any excess the wand has left behind.

Eyeing Up Eye shadows

Choose neutral colours to subtly enhance your looks, or play with a kaleidoscope of different shades to contrast with and dramatize your colouring.

Powder eye shadows

The most popular type, these come pressed cakes of powder either with small brush or a sponge applicator. You can build up their density from barely there to dramatic. Apply using a damp brush or sponge if you want a deep colour for an evening look.

Cream Shadows

These are oil-based and come in little pots or compacts. Theyre applied wither with a brush or your finger tips. They are a good choice for dry skins that need extra moisturizing.

Stick Shadows

Wax based , you smooth these on to your eyelids from the stick. Ensure that they have creamy texture before you buy them, so that they wont drag your skin.

Liquid Shadows

Usually these come in a slim bottle with a sponge applicator. Look for the cream-to-powder ones that smooth on as liquid and blend to a velvety powder finish.