Enhance your eye shape and colour with eyemaxxing

There are plenty of makeup techniques designed to change the appearance of our features. We contour our cheekbones, overline our lips and strategically place blush to lift the face. But the latest technique has made its way into our beauty vocab, but isn't necessarily about changing anything. Instead, eyemaxxing is about making the most out of your eye shape and colour.

The idea behind eyemaxxing is to use colour theory, eyeliner placement and subtle eye makeup to enhance your natural eye colour and shape. Rather than reaching for layers of eyeshadow, dramatic liner and heavy lashes, the technique relies on choosing shades that create just enough contrast to make the eyes stand out.

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For example, purple and plum tones can enhance green eyes, while warm copper and bronze shades can bring out blue eyes. Brown eyes have plenty of room to experiment, as blue, navy, purple and rich jewel tones can create contrast against different shades of brown. Hazel eyes can shift depending on the colours around them, so choosing greens can enhance their green tones, while warmer golds, coppers and browns can bring forward their golden streaks.

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Eyemaxxing also considers how eyeliner placement can enhance the shape of your eyes.

If you want more definition without an obvious line, try tightlining along the upper lash line. Working the pencil between the roots of the lashes creates the illusion of a fuller lash line while keeping the overall makeup minimal.

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For an elongated effect, concentrate your liner towards the outer parts of the eye rather than drawing a heavy line across the entire lid. A softly extended wing can pull the eye outwards, while smudging a little liner along the outer corners gives definition without the sharpness of traditional liquid liner.

The waterline can make a difference. A dark pencil adds intensity and creates a sultry effect, while a nude-toned pencil along the lower waterline can make the eyes appear more open and awake.

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Eyemaxxing with coloured mascara

If swapping your everyday black eyeliner for cobalt blue sounds like too much commitment, coloured mascara is the easiest way to try eyemaxxing.

Deep burgundy, plum, navy and chocolate mascaras can read surprisingly neutral from a distance while subtly changing the way your eye colour appears. Curl your lashes first, then apply a couple of coats, concentrating the pigment from root to tip.

You could also keep the rest of your makeup neutral and allow the mascara to be the only unexpected colour on the face. It's an especially easy way to experiment with eyemaxxing without having to master a new technique.

@scortezzbeauty This is an extremely easy 2 step routine to enhance the colour of brown eyes! Step 1: At the roots of your lashes apply your favourite blue mascara. Step 2: At the lengths of your lashes, apply your favourite black mascara! The blue along the root of the lashes will bring out the orange/honey tones in brown eyes while being a lot more subtle that a straight blue mascara! #makeuphacks #makeuptutorial #eyemaxxing #turorial #makeup ♬ original sound - Scortezz Beauty

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Those who prefer eyeshadow can take an equally pared-back approach. Rather than building several shades through the crease, choose one complementary colour and apply a sheer wash across the lid. Play around with texture. A subtle shimmer catches the light and can make the eyes appear brighter, while matte shades create softer definition.

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