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Do you line your lower lash line?

Lining the lower lash line is not a new makeup move. In fact, I’ve noticed many women lining both their upper and lower lash lines, even among the older ladies. Some even have them tattooed on - OUCH! I was reading some tips on how to make small eyes look larger, and it was recommended that you line your eyes all around. Apparently it gives the illusion of size.

Nowadays, many women line their lower lash line with a softer colour, or with a softer or smudgier line as opposed to the harsh black lines you would have seen amongst the older ladies. Here is a picture to illustrate what I mean. This picture was taken from Kanebo T’estimo’s site. The Japanese tend to use lighter and more shimmery shades to line their lower lash line. In their instructions on the back of their eyeshadow palette packaging, they too show you how you can do it yourself.

The eye colour on the lower lid is what I mean. In the picture on the left, which is for an evening look, the shadow is dark and on the one on the right, its a light shimmery shade for day.

I tried it. I’ve tried many things at least once. And honestly, I don’t like it. Contrary to making my eyes look bigger, I found that it made my eyes look smaller than they already are. I don’t quite understand why. I’ve tried it with light shimmery shades and I’ve tried it with a smokey eye. Both times, I end up cleaning off and starting over again. It also makes my eyes look puffy, which is an effect I don’t get if I don’t touch my lower lashes.

The other thing I don’t like about it is that it makes me look older. Somehow, outlining my eyes makes them stand out in a way I find intimidating, even just looking at myself in the mirror! Imagine how others who look at me must feel. So now, after doing my eyeshadow, I only line my upper lash line with a fairly thick line. My line disappears when I open my eyes so I need a fairly thick line for it to show. Doing this, enlarges my eye and gives it definition. Then, I apply my mascara and I’m good to go.

I won’t say that lining the lower lash line is bad. I know someone who does it, and she looks amazing. On her, her eyes actually look bigger and more defined. On me, I just look beady eyed and mean. Not a look that would go down well in the service industry eh?

If you’d like to try lining your lower lash line to see if it works for you, here’s a drawing I found online.

I don’t think its for everyone and I’m a prime example. However, here’s a tip from Rick DiCecca, premier makeup artist with Estee Lauder.

Apply eyeliner in a dark shade to the base of your lashes across the top lid, then smudge it to make smoky. Next-apply a coordinating eyeshadow over the liner, then apply mascara. Leave the lower lash line clean (no liner or mascara) to help draw attention up and away from imperfection under the eyes!

YES! Someone agrees that lining the lower lash does make you look older! I know I feel I look older, so I won’t be lining my lower lashes.

How about you? Do you line your lower lash line and does it work for you?

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