Dear Nikki,

Because I'm Eurasian, my eyes are a different shape to most Westerners. I have the double eyelids but my lids aren't deep set like others. How do I apply my eye make up (eye shadow and liner) without looking like a clown? Thanks.

Hi there,

Asian and Eurasian eyes can look fantastic when made up with the right products to enhance their exotic almond shape. Many Asian girls make the mistake of using colours that are too light, such as pale blues and pinks. Pastel tones invariably make the eyes look smaller, whereas dark, warm colours like brown and mauve add definition and are the most flattering to the skin tone.

The key with Asian shaped eyes is to provide depth through the brow bone area, to give the illusion that the eyes are more deep set. Use a colour that is warm and neutral, (natural rosy browns work best) and stay away from light and frosty highlighters across the lid, as they will only serve to make the eye area look flat. My favorite colours for contouring are MAC's 'Haux' or Bobbi Brown's 'Taupe'. Both of these are easy to use powder eye shadows that work best applied with a small fluffy brush.

To define the eye, start by lining the top lid with an eye liner. Bobbi Brown's creamy eye pencil in 'Walnut' is a basic dark brown that blends well with most eyeshadow colours.
The secret is to build colour and depth by layering eyeshadow over the pencil line. Rich dark colours like charcoal, brown, aubergine and olive green provide intensity and depth without looking overly made up. Smudge your pencil line along the lower lid as well, taking care to blend with the corresponding shadow to give a smoky effect. A touch of gold or silver highlighter applied to the inner corner of the eye works well when creating a more dramatic look for the evening.

To create the illusion of volume on your lashes, take care to layer your mascara while it is still wet, as this is more effective than applying one thick coat. L'Oréal's 'Panoramic Curl' is the best mascara for this purpose, as it curls as well as thickens the lashes.

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