How to apply eyeliner

Overview

Applying eyeliner is a fundamental makeup skill that can dramatically enhance the eyes, adding definition, depth, and allure. Whether you aim for a subtle, everyday look or a bold, dramatic statement, mastering eyeliner application is key. The process involves selecting the appropriate eyeliner product, preparing the eyelid, and executing a steady hand to create a clean line along the lash bed.

Choosing Your Eyeliner

The first step is selecting the right type of eyeliner for your desired look and skill level:

• Pencil Eyeliner: The most beginner-friendly option. Pencils offer control and can be smudged for a softer effect or sharpened for precision. They are ideal for tightlining (applying liner to the inner rim of the eyelid) and creating smoky looks.
• Liquid Eyeliner: Known for its intense color payoff and sharp lines. Liquid liners typically come with a fine tip or a brush applicator. They are excellent for creating winged liner or graphic looks but require a steady hand and can be unforgiving of mistakes.
• Gel/Cream Eyeliner: These liners come in a pot and are applied with a separate brush. They offer a smooth glide, intense color, and good longevity. They are versatile, allowing for both precise lines and smudged effects, and are often preferred by makeup artists.
• Felt-Tip Liner: A hybrid between pencil and liquid, these liners have a firm, felt tip that offers more control than a brush but the fluidity of a liquid. They are a good option for those who want sharp lines without the challenge of a traditional liquid liner.

Preparing Your Eyelids

A smooth canvas is crucial for a flawless eyeliner application. Follow these steps:

1. Cleanse: Ensure your eyelids are clean and free of any residual makeup or oil.
2. Prime: Apply an eyeshadow primer or a thin layer of concealer over your eyelid. This creates a smooth surface, helps the eyeliner adhere better, and prevents creasing or smudging throughout the day. Allow the primer to set before proceeding.
3. Set (Optional): For very oily lids, you can lightly dust a translucent setting powder over the primer to absorb excess oil.

Application Techniques

The technique you use will depend on the type of liner and your desired outcome:

For Pencil Eyeliner:

1. Sharpen: Ensure your pencil is sharpened to a fine point for precision.
2. Steady Your Hand: Rest your elbow on a stable surface, like a table or vanity, to minimize hand tremors. You can also use your non-dominant hand to gently pull your eyelid taut from the outer corner.
3. Draw the Line: Starting from the inner corner, draw short, connecting dashes along your upper lash line, as close to the roots of your lashes as possible.
4. Connect and Refine: Once you have a series of dashes, go back and connect them with a single, smooth stroke. You can also use a small smudge brush or cotton swab to soften the line if desired.
5. Tightlining (Optional): For a more subtle definition and to make lashes appear fuller, apply the pencil to the underside of your upper lash line (the waterline).

For Liquid or Felt-Tip Eyeliner:

1. Grip the Applicator: Hold the liner like a pencil, but with a lighter grip to maintain control.
2. Draw the Line: Similar to pencil, start from the inner corner and draw a thin line along the upper lash line. It's often easier to draw a single, continuous stroke rather than dashed lines.
3. Build Thickness: If you want a thicker line, go over the initial line carefully, adding thickness gradually.
4. Winged Liner (Optional): To create a wing, extend the line slightly past the outer corner of your eye. Imagine an extension of your lower lash line. Draw a small flick upwards, then connect the tip of the flick back to your upper lash line, filling in the triangle.

For Gel/Cream Eyeliner:

1. Dip Your Brush: Load a clean, angled or fine-tipped eyeliner brush with a small amount of gel liner. Wipe off any excess on the back of your hand or a tissue.
2. Apply: Follow the same technique as liquid liner, drawing a line as close to the lashes as possible. The brush allows for great precision.
3. Smudge (Optional): For a softer look, use a clean brush or smudger to gently blend the line immediately after application.

Tips for Success

• Start Thin: Always begin with a thinner line; it's easier to add more liner than to take it away.
• Use a Mirror: Position a mirror slightly below eye level. This forces you to look down slightly, which helps to smooth out the eyelid and makes application easier.
• Blink Naturally: Avoid squinting or pulling your eyelid too tightly, as this can distort the line when your eye returns to its natural position.
• Correct Mistakes: Keep cotton swabs and makeup remover handy. Dip a cotton swab into micellar water or makeup remover to precisely clean up any shaky lines or smudges.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts aren't flawless. Eyeliner application takes practice. Experiment with different types of liners and techniques to find what works best for you.

Common Eyeliner Styles

• Tightlining: Applying liner to the upper waterline to create the illusion of thicker lashes.
• Classic Line: A thin, precise line along the upper lash line.
• Winged Liner (Cat Eye): A line that extends outwards and upwards at the outer corner of the eye.
• Smoky Eye: Achieved by smudging eyeliner, often with a pencil or gel liner, to create a diffused, sultry effect.

By understanding the different products available and practicing these techniques, you can confidently apply eyeliner to achieve a variety of beautiful eye looks.