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How to Replicate a Black Eye

Whether you are participating in a dramatic fight scene or just have a unique Halloween costume idea, it may be useful for you to replicate the appearance of a black eye. Most people don't have makeup artists or special stage paints handy, but a black eye can be effectively replicated with simple makeup tools that most women have on hand. With a few minutes and a little creativity, you can look impressively bruised without any of the pain.

Things You'll Need

  • Red rouge or eyeshadow
  • Purple and black eyeshadow
  • Sponge or soft brush
  • Eyeshadow brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your face and hands thoroughly, and dry your face completely. Makeup adheres best to a clean, dry surface.

    • 2

      Apply red makeup to the region around the eye using a soft brush or sponge. The red makeup should be thin and spread over a broad region, to suggest the general swelling that occurs around an injury. Redden the area above and below the eye, as well as the upper cheekbone.

    • 3

      Apply purple eyeshadow to the eyelid, as well as to the immediately adjacent skin. Because blood pools in the bottom of a black eye, add more purple to the lower eyelid than the upper eyelid. Emphasize the inner corner of the eye (near the nose) and the bone just below the eye with purple.

    • 4

      Using a brush or finger, blend the black and purple eyeshadow to create a dark color. Apply dark spots of this color to the inner corner and underneath the eye, on top of the purple. These represent the points of contact and the most severe bruising.

    • 5

      Gently blend all the colors together for a natural look. Begin with the darkest areas, smudging outward toward the lighter red sections. With a clean sponge or soft brush, blend the edges of the red makeup with the skin so that the transition between skin tone and makeup is smooth and believable.

Theater Costumes

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