Is it possible to apply eye makeup if I have trouble seeing?

Please note: Always consult with your ophthalmologist or optometrist before applying any eye makeup.

Eyebrow Tips and Preparation If You Are Blind Or Have Low Vision:

• Use a tissue or eyebrow brush to remove any excess foundation or powder.

• Trace your eyebrow with your index finger, starting at the inner corner, to help determine the size, shape, location of the arch, and to feel for any stray hairs.

• Trace your eyebrow again, using the index finger and the middle finger together.

• Note: Most right-handed people find it more difficult to apply makeup to the left eye, while left-handed people have difficulty with the right eye.

Applying Eyebrow Pencil:

• Choose a neutral color or a shade that is close to your own eyebrow or hair color.

• [1]Keep the point sharpened, and hold it as close to the point as possible for better control. (Click on image at left to enlarge.)

• Make small, short strokes, starting at the inner corner. Use the index finger of the opposite hand to trace the eyebrow and guide the point.

• Use an eyebrow brush to blend and soften the color.

Applying Eyebrow Powder:

• Choose a neutral color or a shade that is close to your own eyebrow or hair color.

• Practice with a clean applicator first, to help you feel the natural shape of your eyebrows.

• Stroke the applicator once across the powder cake.

• Hold the applicator as close to the tip as possible for better control.

• Make small, short strokes, starting at the inner corner. Use the index finger of your opposite hand to trace the eyebrow and guide the applicator.

• Repeat with the other eye.

An alternative technique:

• For the right eye, stroke the tip of your right middle finger across the powder cake.

• Beginning close to your nose, trace your right eyebrow with the tip of your right index finger and follow with the tip of your right middle finger. Trace along your entire eyebrow from your nose outward to your temple.

• Repeat the same pattern with your left eyebrow, tracing it with your left index finger and following with the tip of your left middle finger. Trace across your eyebrow from your nose outward to your temple.

• After applying, clean your finger thoroughly with a damp cloth or facial tissue.

To Shape Your Eyebrows:

• Use a magnifying mirror and tweezers.

• Have your brows waxed professionally.

• Groom your brows daily with an eyebrow brush or comb.

Eye Shadow Tips and Preparation:

• Powder shadows can be blended and softened more easily than cream shadows, but use whichever type is most comfortable for you.

• Be sure to close your eyes when applying shadow to your eyelids.

• [2]Applicators (a sponge tip or an eye shadow brush) should be held as close to the tip as possible to provide feedback during application. (Click on image at right to enlarge.)

• Practice with a clean applicator first, to better feel the natural shape of your eyelids.

• You can also use your fingertip instead of an applicator.

Applying Eye Shadow:

• Stroke the applicator (or your fingertip) 3-4 times across the eye shadow cake.

For your right eye:

• Place the index finger of your left hand at the inside corner of your right eyelid to provide a starting point.

• With your right hand, place the applicator tip (or your right fingertip) next to your index finger/starting point and move it across your eyelid to the outer corner, just above the eyelashes.

• Repeat the stroke pattern, slightly higher across the lid and overlapping the prior stroke.

• Follow the same stroke pattern until your lid is covered up to the crease.

• Blend the eye shadow gently with your fingertip to achieve a subtle effect.

For your left eye:

• Place the index finger of your right hand at the inside corner of your left eyelid to provide a starting point.

• With your left hand, place the applicator tip (or your left fingertip) next to your index finger/starting point and move it across your eyelid to the outer corner, just above the eyelashes.

• Repeat the stroke pattern, slightly higher across the lid and overlapping the prior stroke.

• Follow the same stroke pattern until your lid is covered up to the crease.

• Blend the eye shadow gently with your fingertip to achieve a subtle effect.

Applying Eye Liner/Eye Pencil:

• Eye pencils can offer an alternative to liquid eyeliner.

• Holding the pencil close to the point, draw a line from the middle of your eyelid to the outside corner of your eye at the base of the lash line.

• Soften the line by smudging it gently with your index finger. Use your right hand for your right eyelid and your left hand for your left eyelid.

Mascara Tips and Preparation:

• Always consult with your ophthalmologist or optometrist before attempting to apply mascara.

• Dyeing your eyelashes at a professional salon can offer an alternative to mascara application. Again, consult your ophthalmologist or optometrist before attempting this procedure.

• Practice with a clean mascara wand first to get a "feel" for the technique.

• Always brush or scrape the head of the wand against the opening of the tube to remove clumps and excess mascara.

• A tube of opened mascara should be discarded after three months to prevent eye infections from bacteria buildup.

Applying Mascara:

• Before you attempt this application technique, ask a family member or friend to watch you to make sure you're doing it correctly.

• To begin, close your eyes.

• For your right eye, place the index finger of your left hand vertically against the right side of your nose, with the tip of your index finger positioned by the inside corner of your eye and the finger pad facing to the right. This will provide a stabilization point for the mascara wand. Stabilizing the brush against your finger prevents you from accidentally poking yourself in the eye with the mascara wand.

• [3]Hold the mascara wand in a horizontal position, resting the point or tip of the mascara wand against the pad of your index finger. Holding the wand in this position will help with cleanup, since the excess mascara will be deposited on your fingertip instead of on the side or bridge of your nose. (Click on image at right to enlarge.)

• Bat or flick your eyelashes against the wand 3-4 times. This will deposit mascara on the underside of your upper lashes.

• Angle the wand slightly upward to catch the outside lashes. Again, bat or flick your eyelashes against the wand 3-4 times.

• For your left eye, repeat the procedure, reversing directions.

• Perform this technique on your upper eyelids only.

• When you finish, wipe your fingertips and the area on either side of the bridge of your nose (just to make sure it's clean) with a damp cloth or tissue to remove any excess mascara.

Prior Step: Applying Face Powder [4]
Next Step: Applying Lipstick [5]