Eye makeup facts for kids
Eye makeup is a type of cosmetics that helps your eyes look more noticeable and attractive. It's mostly used by girls and women, and by actors on stage. Eye makeup is a big part of the fashion and beauty industries.
The main types of eye makeup are:
- Mascara
- Eye shadow
- Eye liner
People can also do more with eye makeup. They can change their eye color with contact lenses. Tiny glitter or other decorations can be carefully stuck near the eye. Some people use fake eyelashes or eyelash extensions to make their lashes look fuller. Shaping eyebrows by plucking is also common.
Contents
What is Mascara?
Mascara is a cosmetic product used to make eyelashes darker, thicker, longer, or more defined. It usually comes in black, but you can find it in many other colors too. Mascara comes in liquid, cake, and cream forms. It's often sold in tubes with a small brush called a wand for easy use.
What is Eye Shadow?
Eye shadow is a cosmetic that you put on your eyelids and just under your eyebrows. Using lighter eye shadow can make this area look bigger. This can create a more feminine look.
You can apply eye shadow in different ways to get the look you want. People usually use small sponges, their fingers, or brushes. The most important part of putting on eye shadow, and makeup in general, is to blend it well.
To take off eye shadow, you can use a special eye makeup remover. A regular face wash will usually remove most of the color. It's generally easy to remove, and sometimes just water and soap work. You can also use baby oil or olive oil to remove eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Makeup wipes are another easy option.
What is Eye Liner?
Eye liner is a cosmetic used to make your eyes stand out. You apply it around the edges of your eye, along where your eyelashes grow on the eyelids. Often, it's put only on the outer half of the eye.
Types of Eye Liner
Eye liner can be soft and smudged or sharp and clear, depending on its texture. There are four main types you can find:
- Liquid eyeliner is a dark liquid that usually comes in a small bottle. You apply it with a tiny brush or a felt tip. It creates a very sharp and precise line.
- Powder-based eye pencil is eyeliner in a wooden pencil. It usually comes in dark, non-shiny colors.
- Wax-based eye pencils are softer pencils. They contain waxes that make them easier to apply. These come in many bright colors, as well as lighter shades like white or beige. Wax-based eyeliners can also be found in a cone shape or a compact with a brush.
- Gel eye liner is a soft gel that you can easily apply with a special eyeliner brush.
Kohl Eye Liner
Kohl is an ancient black eye pigment that is still used today. You can find it in the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and India. It was a dark powder made from crushed minerals like galena or antimony, burnt almonds, and other natural ingredients. Kohl can be used as eye liner, mascara, or eye shadow.
In ancient times, people painted their upper and lower eyelids with kohl. The line often extended to the sides of the face, making the eyes look like almonds. Besides reducing sun glare, people believed kohl could improve eyesight and prevent eye infections. Kohl was kept in small, special pots. Both men and women used makeup, and shiny silver and copper mirrors helped them apply it.
Images for kids
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Assorted cosmetics and tools
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An actor applying bold makeup for a stage performance
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A bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti showing the use of eye liner made of kohl
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An 1889 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting of a woman applying facial cosmetics
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Kissproof brand face powder from 1926, from the permanent collection of the Museo del Objeto del Objeto in Mexico City
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Eyeshadow being applied
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Broadway actor Jim Brochu applies makeup before the opening night of a play
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Cosmetics at department store Farmers Centre Place in Hamilton, New Zealand
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Cosmetics at Life Pharmacy at Westfield Albany on the North Shore of Auckland, New Zealand
See also
In Spanish: Cosmético para niños
