How to Enhance Eyelashes in Photoshop Elements

Some friends have emailed to ask how to enhance/burn eyelashes using Photoshop Elements.  Let me just remind you that I am on a learning curve just like you.  If you know of a better way, please let me know!  I love learning new things!

Step 1:  Open up a favorite picture in your Elements program.  I chose this picture of Beach Bunny sportin’ her golden brown tan last summer.

 

Step 2:  Zoom in on your picture by holding down “control” and “+” (on a pc).  Click the burn tool (little, white hand).  If there is another icon instead of the hand, right click it and scroll down to the hand.

 

Step 3:  At the top of the screen select the pixel size (I chose 6 pixels) and the exposure (I chose 13%).  Exposure determines how dark we will burn the lashes.  I chose 6 pixels wide because that is about the width of Beach Bunny’s lashes.  There is a tiny circle in her pony tail.  That circle is 6 pixels wide.  I went over each lash.  It was kind of like applying a base coat of mascara.

 

Step 4:  I centered her picture to make sure that both sets of lashes were symmetrical.

 

Step 5:  Now with the burn tool still selected, I changed the pixel size just a tad smaller (4 px) and bumped the exposure up to 23%.  This “coat” will be just a bit darker.  In this step, I went over each lash again, but this time I drew on a few extra lashes.  Keep in mind, that subtlety is key.  I don’t want her to look like a child beauty queen.

 

Step 6:  I centered the picture again.  Now look for the sharpen tool.  It looks like a blue triangle.  If the icon isn’t there, right click it and select the triangle.

 

Step 7:  Select 18 pixels at 14%.  Now go over the eye lashes to sharpen them.  I also went over her eyes to give them a little more shine.  If you ever mess up on one of the steps, Elements is very forgiving.  Just click the “undo” button at the top right of the screen. It will undo your last edit, and then you can try again.  I like second (and third) chances!

 

Step 8:  Ta-da!  You’re done!  Just hit “control” and “-“ to zoom out.

 

Here is the final edit:

 

If you watch the picture (below) carefully, you will see the before and after of her lashes in animated form.  The differences are subtle, but it can enhance your subject’s eyes just enough to pop!

Go for it,