The Egyptians had it down. A black dramatic line around the eyes created a sexy, mysterious gaze that brought down empires! Don't you want to have the same effect? When it comes to eye lining most women can't seem to figure it out. When done right it looks amazing, but when done wrong you can end up looking like a street walker or 60's throwback. Lining the eyes is an important makeup look that will give them depth, make them look larger, and can correct subtle flaws like eyes that are to close set.

What works best; pencils, powders, gels, or liquid? Depending on the look you are going for and the problems you may face, I will go through how each one works and which might be better suited for your individual needs. The natural woman who does not like wearing alot of eye makeup and wants a quick fix to give a little definition to the eyes might want to go with an angle brush and powder liner. Sweep the angle brush across the powder, tap off excess and smudge along the upper lash line from the inside corner to the outside corner. Choose a chocolate brown, burgundy, black, or navy shade. This will give you a thicker looking lash line and give a hint of definition without looking overly made up. If you are a more mature woman who finds that powder tends to disappear you can buy a product like Paula Dorf eye transformer liquid and dip your angle brush in that first then follow the steps above. This transforms the shadow so it goes on a little more fluidly but dries to a powder that is waterproof and smudge proof allowing it to stay put!

Pencils are great for women who want a little bit more definition and also for women with a heavier lid. I like to smudge the pencil first into the lash line then sweep it along the lid following close to the lash line. Go back and blend with an angle brush to make it look seamless and smooth. You can also use the little sponge tip that comes on the other end of alot of the pencils.

The new gel eye liners are a fun way to play with something that looks like liquid but has more control. The gels glides on smooth and gives a more polished, sleek look and is not as messy or hard to control as the liquid. This is great for younger girls who want to play with colors like agua and emerald greens.

Liquid is the most difficult to use but the most dramatic. It is great for parties and special events but I don't recommend it for daytime because it is harsh looking in direct light. The best way to apply it is to do small dashes as opposed to one fluid line. Unless you are a great painter trying to paint a perfect line could wind up disastrous! With the little dashes start at the inside corner of the eye and dash outward connecting as you go and winging it out ever so slightly at the end. If you mess up just have a concealer brush on hand dipped in foundation to erase any mistakes.

Eyeliner is the best way to correct any small flaws you may have with your eyes. For very big eyes you can line the inside rim of your eyelid as well as the lash line on top and bottom to close them a bit and make them look more smoldering. For eyes that are too small, smudge liner along the lash line line only about half way on top and bottom to make them appear larger. If your eyes are too far apart, you can line the eyes from the tear duct area outward softening as you go so the concentration of liner is heavier on the inside corners of your eyes. Do this top and bottom. For eyes too close together, do the opposite smudging most of the color on the outside corners of the eye and only lining about 1/4 way in. For drooping eyes try lining the top lid only with the concentration of color winging upwards a bit.

The best trick when applying eyeliner is when you are smudging color into the lash line really get in there at the roots. Wiggling a pencil or a liner brush right into the roots gives the best effect. Bright colors and neutral shades are all wonderful when applied correctly. Try using opposite colors from your eyes to make them pop or be daring and try a bright color for spring like purple, green or teal. Just make sure you blend well and take it easy with the rest of your makeup. All women can wear eyeliner so have fun and be creative!

1. MD Skincare all-in-one tinted mousturizer and sunscreen with spf 15 this is the best one step product to not only give you a nice light coverage but it moisturizes and protect at the same time. I think this is the best product for the coming hot summer months. It would be perfect at the beach and the ultimate traveling companion. Available at mdskincare.com.
2. La Prairie cellular treatment liquid eye liner—For those daring beauties that love a dramatic lined eye sweep this smudge proof water resistant liquid liner along upper lashline and winged out a bit a la Sophia Lauren. Available at NeimanMarcus.com.
3. Benefit's high brow—Instantly add lift and va-voom to the eye by stroking this pink translucent pencil under the brow. It looks beautiful on all skintones. Available at Sephora.com.
4. Benefit's speed brow—These brush-on gels give you a hint of tint and just 3 strokes give you a perfectly set colored brow. Available at Sephora.com.
5. Mac Fluidline gel eye liner—An ultra smooth gel eye liner that has the precision of a liquid but silkier because of it's gel formula delivers a flawless line everytime. It comes in a rich array of colors. Available at a Mac store near you.
6. Awake stardom volumizing lipgloss in pink coral. The perfect spring color for lips this gel like lipgloss gives the illusion of fuller lips and the shade is universal.
7. Duwop revolution tinted body moisturizer with spf 15 and shimmer.—Not just for face anymore this perfect tint is for the body and comes with moisure, protection and shimmer so get glowing for spring! Available at Beauty.com.
8. Delux beauty glistener highlighter in golden peach glimmer. Add a little of this to foundation or body moisturizer for an illuminating glow. Remember to add it to the tops of the feet when wearing sexy strappy sandles to make toes tempting.
9. Rebecca Taylor's entire spring clothing line. So perfectly romantic and girly. I love the colors, textures and cuts. Her sundresses and skirts flatter any form. Available at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, etc.
10. T-shirt bed sheets. I just received a gift of these perfectly soft and light sheets for spring and summer. I love them so much it's hard to get out of bed in the morning. Available at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Now that spring is officialy here it's time to lighten up! I mean everything from makeup to cloths to your home. When it comes to makeup you need to change up your daily ritual from heavy moisturizer to a lighter daily moisturizer or try a tinted one with an spf. Go for the glow this spring and play with highlights and get rid of the heavy bronzers. Every spring I like to choose a fun color to work into my makeup wardrobe and this year it's all about teal. Think peacock feathers and rainforests. I suggest sweeping on a gel liner or a sheer wash of cream shadow just on the lid. Pair this look with a peach blush and lip gloss for that perfect spring look. Fashion is gorgeous right now and very universally flattering for all body types with flowing linen skirts and great looking tunics. A pair of wedges or flat sandles compliment the look and keep us all feeling ultra comfortable without ever looking sloppy. The Gap this season has really nailed it. What an inexpensive way to dress lighter and more free. In your home I have one great way to change the whole feel of your surroundings. Trees and plants. My husband and I recently moved into a new place and were looking for a way to brighten and lighten up the place. We bought banana palms, birds of paradise, orchids, bamboo, ginger torches, ferns, jasmine and fan palms. What a defference! Now everytime we come home it is like walking into a sanctuary. It really has a calming effect. I love this time of year!