NYX Cosmetics Eyebrow Stencil Kit & Brow Shaping

Well groomed eyebrows help to draw attention to the eyes and enhances them.  Eyebrow fashions change frequently, so the most sensible option is to stick to a natural look, unless you deliberately want to create a more dramatic and defined effect.  Eyebrow colour should relate to the hair colour and the overall strength of the makeup you are using.  Strengthening the browline is a vital part of face shaping.  Brows can be made to appear fatter or thinner.  Since the 90's there has been renewed emphasis on 'the perfect brow'.  The best guideline to follow is the brow bone.  As seen in the diagram above: 

• A line is drawn from the centre point at where the eyebrow begins
• Then up to the highest arch point and down again to its tail end

Using a long makeup brush, place it vertically from the base of the nose to meet at the brow.  Then angle the brush to position its centre over the middle of the eye.  Where your brush ends, the arch of the brow should be seen there, not directly in the middle of the brow, but just offset from it.  Continue moving the brush outwards and place in line with the end of the eye shape.  This should be where the brow finishes.  Now the brows can be shaped accordingly and are best drawn with eyebrow pencil or brow specific powders. 

Eyebrow stencil kits are popular now and quite easy to use.  When using any brow stencils, the same rules apply for positioning and use light feathery strokes rather than harsh lines.  Blend tones to achieve a more natural look to match your skin tone.  Utilise the blend of several brow powders, stencils and brow brushes to help you shape your arches.



Makeup in History: Egyptian Makeup

The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage was found in Ancient Egypt in 4000 B.C.  Ancient Greeks and Romans also used cosmetics.  The Romans and Ancient Egyptians, not realising their dangerous properties, used cosmetics containing mercury and white lead.  Lead seems to have been around since time began!  The Ancient Egyptians adored their fragrances, particularly frankincense and myrrh, both are mentioned in the Bible.  They also used a wide variety of makeup tools and utensils.

 Kohl was used to outline the eyes and was made up of several different ingredients such as: lead, copper, burned almonds, soot, and combined with other ingredients.  It was believed that eye makeup could ward off evil spirits and improve eyesight.  If it were true, I'd have the best eyesight around, we love eyeliner at The Makeup Theory!  Even the poor Egyptians wore eye makeup.  The production of cosmetics during Ancient Rome, was usually done by female slaves called 'Cosmatae'.  Kohl was originally used as protection against eye ailments and glare from the sun.  Kohl, along with malachite (copper carbonate mineral) green in colour, and lipstick made from ochre oil.  Ochre oil is derived naturally tinted clay containing mineral oxides.  Cleopatra is known to have coloured her lips with carmine dyes.


Elizabeth Taylor as "Cleopatra"




Egyptian Makeup & Hair design worksheet



Egyptian Makeup Chart

 



 

Above are various Egyptian eye makeup designs we've created.  Note the inclusion of modern colours, eyeliner design and brow definition.  You can alter a traditional eye makeup design and give it a modern edge, great for runway styling, fashion photo shoot or performance.