Best Eye Makeup Products for your Beauty Arsenal

October 4, 2021

Women have been using eye makeup for centuries. Eye makeup adds depth and dimension to the eyes and makes them stand out. It can make your eyes look bigger and more attractive.

We spoke to Kynat Gulleria, a makeup artist based in New Delhi to ask her for her recommendations on which eye makeup is an absolute must-have in your beauty arsenal. This is what Kynat has to say,

“Never ask a girl with winged eyeliner why she’s late.” – Unknown Click To Tweet

Let’s take a look at eye makeup products, learn about them and see how they can help us to make our eyes more attractive.

 

 

Kajal

What is a kajal?

Kajal or Kohl is an ancient eye cosmetic that is applied to the waterline to darken the eyes. In India, there was a tradition to apply kohl to the infant’s eyes to protect them from negative energy as well as to strengthen the eyes. Today, eye makeup is incomplete without kajal. It is one of the oldest cosmetics found in every woman’s vanity case.

How to select the best kajal?

The is a huge variety of Kajals available on beauty aisles like waterproof, smudge-proof, long-lasting, and bold. These come in various forms like retractable or sharpenable and different textures and colors. Kynat says that kajal should be easily blendable and long-lasting.

If you have sensitive eyes then opt for an organic or homemade kajal. Never use kajal with glitter on your waterline as these may cause irritation.

Make sure that the tip of the kajal is smooth and soft to glide on easily. Always check the expiry date of your kajal before buying as expired products can cause irritation and infection in the eye.

How to apply kajal?

Kajal mostly comes in the form of a pencil for easier application. You need to apply it along the waterline starting from the outer end and gliding it towards the inner end. You can layer it for a darker look and for it to last all day. For smaller eyes, concentrate on the outer corners, this kind of application makes your eyes look bigger.

Some kajal pencils come with a smudger, this can be used to smudge your kajal or give that smokey look. The kajal pencil can also be used on your upper waterline.

Is kajal an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal?

Kajal is essential in your beauty arsenal because it’s a ritual rather than a cosmetic in India and is mostly used every day with or without makeup. Kajal can instantly lift up and dress your eyes. However, if you suffer from dark circles, it might make your under-eye area look darker.

1.Lakme Eyeconic Kajal

2.Faces Canada Magnet Eyes Kajal

 

3. Maybelline New York Colossal Kajal

4.Lakme Kajal Pencil

Eyeliner

What is eyeliner?

Eyeliner is a part of the eye makeup that defines the eyes. It is applied along the contours of the eyes to create different effects and highlight different features. These can be softly smudged or clearly defined creating a cat-eye, tight line, or winged look. Kynat recommends using a fine brush tip for the perfect winged look.

How to select the best eyeliner?

Eyeliners come in many different colors besides black and brown, these come in metallics like gold, silver, bronze as well as all different colors like blue, green, purple, grey, etc. with or without shimmer. Depending on the effect the eyeliner creates it comes in different forms like liquid, powder-based, wax-based, or gel. Choose the applicator with which you are most comfortable, either the brush or felt tip.

How to apply eyeliner?

According to Kynat,  It can take a little practice to apply the liquid eyeliner if you are not used to it. Eyeliner looks best applied to the top lid, very close to the lash line. For beginners, it’s best to use the eyeliner pencil for easy application as it glides on easily and won’t run. Whereas shakey hands will end up with a crooked untidy line while using the liquid eyeliner.

Is eyeliner an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal?

No, the eyeliner does not make it to the must-have list. Eye makeup can be done without eyeliner for an equally great look. A lot of women find it difficult to apply eyeliner and it requires a lot of practice before you can perfect it. It is also not something you need to use in your daily makeup routine.

1.Maybelline New York Colossal Eye Liner

2.Lakme Absolute Shine Liquid Eye Liner

3.Lakme Insta Eyeliner Golden

4.L’oreal Paris Super Liner Gel

5.Faces Canada Ultime Pro Matt

Mascara

What is mascara?

Mascara is the part of eye makeup that enhances eyelashes and the shape of the eyes. It darkens, thickens, lengthens, and curls the eyelashes. It mostly comes in a tube with a wand. And it’s best to use the normal mascara instead of the waterproof one as removing it is tough and might pull out a couple of lashes while doing so. Kynat recommends using waterproof mascara for the monsoon.

How to select the best mascara?

The selection of the best mascara depends on the look you want to create. The brush at the end of the wand is what creates the look you want to achieve. For a natural look, shorter bristles work. For a more dramatic and bold look, choose a denser brush and a volumizing formula. Black mascara works well for most eyes colors and skin tones and draws attention to the eyes.

How to apply mascara?

Start at the base of the upper lashes and jiggle in quick movements coating the lashes to avoid clumping. You can opt to not using mascara for the lower lashes. One to two coats work well for most people and last through the day. In case you wish to use an eyelash curler then do so before applying mascara otherwise the mascara will stick to the curler and cause your lashes to get pulled out.

Is mascara an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal?

Mascara is a must-have in your beauty arsenal as it can dress up your eyes with a stroke of a brush.

 

1.Maybelline Hyper Curl Mascara

2.Lakme Eyeconic Curling Mascara

3.Maybelline New York Collosal Mascara

4.Faces Canada Magneteyes Volumizing Mascara

5.Colorbar Duo Mascara

Eye Shadow

What is an eye shadow?

An eye shadow is a cosmetic that is usually applied to the eyelids to enhance the eyes. It directs attention to the eyes and is an essential part of eye makeup. Eye shadow comes in various forms like pressed powder, cream, stick, loose powder, etc.

How to select the best eye shadow?

Selecting the best eye shadow depends on your usage and color preference. Pressed powder eye shadow is most commonly used and the best kind for beginners.  Buying eye shadow palettes makes it easier to create a blended look and to match your eye shadow to your clothes.

If you are keen on a bold and striking color then you can opt for the cream eye shadow. However, avoid using these in humid weather or if you have oily skin as they crease easily.

For the dramatic and runway look, glitter eye shadows are a great option. However, you need to use an eye primer before using loose eye shadow. You can also use liquid eye shadow as a base for glitter or sparkle.

Another choice you will need to make is between matt and shimmery. Choose a palette that has both so that you can play around with the shades.

How to apply eye shadow?

Using a blending brush and steady hand aids that perfect application. Apply eye primer or concealer before you open your eyeshadow palette. Then apply the base shade on your eyelid. For an everyday look stop at the crease of your eye and for a more dressed-up look you can cover the area till your brow bone. In case you wish to use more than one shade, three shades do the trick. You need to have light, medium, and dark eye shadow shades either in neutral tones or brighter colors as per your preference. However, it’s best if they are the same color family or the colors compliment each other.
Use the lightest color in your palette to cover your entire eyelid. Then use the medium shade to build the color over the lighter shade till you achieve the color you want. Lastly, use the dark shade to brush over the crease.

To apply eye shadow to your entire lid, use a stiff flat brush. A dome brush is usually used for blending the eyeshadow outwards and a soft pencil brush to apply eye shadow near the lash line both upper and lower.

Is eye shadow an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal?

Yes, eye shadow is definitely a must-have as it’s perfect for dressing up your eyes without doing much. It is always good to own a nude palette and a smokey palette. The nude palette should have browns, beige, champagne. And the smokey palette should consist of  a few greys, black and some shimmer shades.

1.Maybelline Blushed nudes Pallet

2.Swiss Beauty Ultimate Eyeshadow

3.Lakme 9 to 5 Eye Color Quarlet Desert Rose

4.Wet and Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow

5.Maybelline New York City Mini Pallet

Eye Brow Enhancer

What is an eyebrow enhancer?

An eyebrow enhancer is used to define the eyebrows and as Kynat says eyebrows are the frame of your face. These can be in the form of pencils, brushes, liquids, or loose powders or tints. Eyebrow serums or oils are also used for improving and promoting hair growth.

How to select the best eyebrow enhancer?

The most important factor in selecting the eyebrow enhancer is to find the shade closest to your existing hair color. Kynat recommends a shade between brown and dark brown but never black. The most commonly used enhancer is the brow pencil. This has a harder consistency and gives a lighter color. Use light strokes over the eyebrow for a natural look. Pencils help to give definition to sparse or light eyebrows.

Loose powders can also be used with a brush. But these are used for heavier applications and bushy eyebrows with few gaps. In the case of heavier eyebrows without gaps, transparent gel eyebrow enhancers can also be used to keep hair in place.

How to apply eyebrow enhancer?

The best way to apply an eyebrow enhancer is to first use a brow brush to settle the hair and then fill in the spaces. Start from the top of the brow and move downwards.

Is eyebrow enhancer an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal?

An eyebrow enhancer is not a must-have in your beauty arsenal if you do not have any issues like spaces/gaps in your eyebrows. However, if you need to tame your eyebrows or fill gaps then it is surely essential.

1.Lakme Absolute Eyebrow Definer

2.Lakme Absolute Precision Eye Artist Eyebrow Pencil

3.Maybelline New York’s Define and Blend Eyebrow Brow Pencil

4.Blue heaven Artisto Eyebrow Enhancer Pencil and Styler

5. Faces Canada Ultime Pro Eyebrow Defining Pencil

 

Eye Primer

What is an eye primer?

An eye primer is like a face primer and acts as a base for eye makeup. It helps eye makeup to glide and blend smoothly and last longer. It also prevents eye shadow from creasing and keeps the liner in place. For oily skin, it acts as a barrier between the natural oil secreted by the eyelids and your makeup thereby keeping it in place. In the case of dry eyelids, it helps prevent creasing and makes the application smooth as dry eye shadow needs a base to grip on.

How to select the best eye primer?

It’s very important to understand that a face primer cannot be used as an eye primer due to different formulations and consistency. Eye primers can be transparent or colored. It’s best to use the transparent primer to get the exact eye shadow color. However, if you wish to enhance the eye shadow color further then a primer of the same color family can be used.

Another factor to take into consideration while selecting the primer is whether your eye skin is dry or oily. For oily skin always use a lightweight formula and a heavier formula can be used for dry skin.

How to apply eye primer?

Eye primer usually comes in a cream form. Using your ring finger apply primer all over your eyelid. In case you wish to use the eyeshadow near your lower lash line, dab some primer there as well. Once the primer is blended you can apply eye makeup.

Is eye primer an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal?

In case you wish for your eye makeup to last you the entire day then eye Primer is definitely a must-have. However, if your eye makeup needs to last for a few hours or if you do not use too much eye make up then you can give it a skip. Using concealer is another option to primer. Kynat recommends using the primer if you have oily eyelids.

1.Insight Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Base.

2.Milani Eyeshadow Primer

3.Swiss Beauty Eye Primer

4.Handaiyan Special Primer For Eyes

False Eye Lashes

What are false eyelashes?

False eyelashes as the name suggests are fake eyelashes used to enhance your natural ones. These come in various types such as individuals, clusters, full strips, magnetic, and extensions. These can be made from mink, faux mink, sterilized human hair, and synthetic.

Individuals and clusters give a more natural appearance and enhance eyelashes. However, full strips are more popular and are usually used for a more dramatic appearance. Both use lash glue for application.

Magnetic eyelashes sandwich the natural eyelashes between two interlocking strips of false eyelashes and lash glue is not used in their application. However, the liquid eyeliner with magnetic particles needs to be applied.

How to select the best false eyelashes?

Selection of the best falsies is done on the basis of the effect you wish to create. It depends on the curl, thickness, and effect you wish to achieve. Go for individuals or clusters in case you have thin lashes or if you wish to achieve a natural look. In case you are a beginner, start with lashes that are the same length as your natural lashes. Thick lashes blend well with a more dramatic heavier eye makeup look.

Full strip eyelashes are the most popular ones used by makeup artists and are used for a more dramatic look. However, the application with the glue might take some practice.

Magnetic ones are much easier to snap on without the sticky glue. These are comfortable to wear and can be used multiple times.

Kynat recommends using lighter wispier lashes for hooded eyes.

How to apply false eyelashes?

The application of false eyelashes can be quite intimidating in the beginning, however, a little practice can make the task much easier. A steady hand and a lash adhesive are used in the application of false lashes. Carefully take out the falsies from the box, by lifting them delicately from the outer edge. In case the strip is longer than your eye shape then you can trim it from the outer edge to your eye size.

Apply a thin layer of glue straight from the applicator on the vein of the strip. Let it dry for a few seconds. Then using your fingertips or tweezers place the strip on your upper eyelash line, pressing it first at the center and then the inner and outer corners. Gently press the false eyelashes with the natural lashes to give a neat look. You can use Eyelash applicators to wear false lashes in case you are finding it difficult to do it using your fingers. You can use mascara on the lashes once dry if you so wish.

Are false eyelashes an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal?

No, false eyelashes are definitely not a must-have in your beauty arsenal. It is not something that can be mastered easily and it’s much easier to use mascara to enhance your eyelashes.

1.Maycreate Messy Cross Style False eyelashes

2.Calailis False Eyelashes

3.Electomania Thick Eyelashes

4.Lestriu Zone False Eyelashes

Eye Makeup Remover

What is an eye makeup remover?

Eye makeup remover is a specially formulated solution to remove makeup from the eyes. The eye area is very sensitive as it has very thin skin so it’s best to use a gentle remover. You can also use Vaseline, coconut oil, and baby oil to remove eye makeup. Makeup remover pads is another convenient option.

How to select the best eye makeup remover?

Removing makeup every day is essential for healthy skin. For sensitive skin around the eyes use a sting-free, fragrance-free alcohol formula. If you have oily skin then opt for an oil-free formula. It is important to use a formula that will dissolve makeup quickly without too much rubbing and wiping. Kynat recommends using any Miscellear water that you have for removing eye makeup.

How to use eye makeup remover?

You need to be very gentle while removing Eye makeup as the skin around the eyes is extremely sensitive. It’s important to wash your hands before generously soaking the cotton pads with the makeup remover. Gently daubing the eye area in round circular movements should get the makeup off. You can use the same movements with the makeup-removing wipes. If there is too much makeup around your eyes then keep the soaked cotton pads pressed onto your eyes for a few seconds to dissolve the makeup. This will avoid the rubbing and tugging of the skin and lashes. Then use downward movements to remove eye makeup and mascara. Use both sides of the cotton pad.

Be sure to wash your face with a gentle face wash after removing makeup as the removers leave behind a residue.

Is eye makeup remover an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal?

Yes, eye makeup remover is an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal if you do eye makeup. Always remove makeup before going to bed.

1.L’oreal Paris Dermo Expertise

2.Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

3.Revlon Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

4.Oriflame The 1 Waterproof Remover

5.Chambor Eye and LipMakeupRemover

Under Eye Concealer

What is an under-eye concealer?

An under-eye concealer is a corrector which is applied under each eye to cover up fine lines, dark circles , and discoloration. This comes in various formulations like liquid, cream, pencil, or powder.

How to select the best under-eye concealer?

The under-eye concealer should be one shade lighter than your foundation to help your makeup look natural. It should be lightweight to blend perfectly under your eyes without caking. Select the formulation which works with your skin type.

How to apply under eye concealer?

Moisturize your face including the eye area before applying concealer. This helps to blend the concealer easily. Make sure you blend it all the way to the inner corners of the eye. Using the finger to blend the concealer works well, however, for heavier coverage you can use a brush or a makeup sponge. It’s best to finish off by applying a setting powder that matches your skin tone.

Is under-eye concealer an absolute must-have in the beauty arsenal?

Under-eye concealer is not a must-have in the beauty arsenal if you do not have under-eye issues like fine lines, dark circles, or discoloration.

1.Pallado Under Eyes Disguise

2.Maybelline New York Age Defying Concealer

3.LA Girl Pro Conceal

4.Lakme Absolute White Intense Liquid Concealer

5.Colorbar Flawless Full Cover Consealer

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