Accentuate the Positive

Sheila Wenz is a native of LI who lived in Los Angeles working in the entertainment business. She is a
comedian, comedy writer and comedy instructor website www.standupstudios.com

My mother always told me, “Never leave the house without putting on a little lipstick.” I followed her advice until about six months ago because now, when you leave the house, you’re supposed to wear a protective face mask.  Although not the most flattering accessory, you can still look your best even with a mask on. The new normal might not be the time for heavy makeup, glossy lips or even contoured cheeks, but it is the perfect time to play up your eyes.
In fact, wearing a mask draws more attention to your eyes, so why not take a few simple steps to really accentuate them. Sure you could experiment with bold colors, sparkles and false eyelashes for a fun night out, but for everyday wear at work, school or just running errands, it’s best to stick with the basics. The last thing you need is glitter or a stray lash irritating your eye, especially when we all know we shouldn’t be touching our faces.
Start with your eyebrows: they frame your face and highlight your eyes. A brow pencil is the easiest to use and has the most staying power. Choose a shade close to your natural color and fill in any sparse areas following the natural shape of your brow line. Finish off with some clear brow gel, applying in upward strokes for all day hold.
Using an applicator or blending brush, sweep the eyelids and upper brow bone with a champagne or beige tone eyeshadow. Lightly blend the crease and outer corners with a tawny, chocolate brown or grey matte eyeshadow to add more depth. Use an eyeliner pencil or shadow in black, brown, charcoal or navy, to line the upper lids; for a smokier look, blend the same color along the lower lash line. An additional step for a night out, is to line the inner corners of the eye with shimmery white eye pencil (a little trick used by Marilyn Monroe to really make the eyes pop).
Last but certainly not least, a few coats of mascara in a black, brown or navy, along the upper lashes only, and you have a completed look. If you must wear a little lipstick before leaving the house, line and fill them in with a nude or berry lip pencil. A pencil will last much longer and is less likely to stain the inside of your mask.