How to eyeliner

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: Applying eyeliner involves drawing a line along your lash line to define your eyes. Start with a clean, dry eyelid, choose your preferred eyeliner type (pencil, liquid, gel), and hold your breath slightly for a steady hand. Begin drawing a thin line as close to your lashes as possible, gradually thickening it if desired, and extending it slightly at the outer corner for a subtle wing.

Key Facts

Eyeliner has been used for thousands of years, with ancient Egyptians and Romans using it.
The most common eyeliner materials historically were kohl and soot.
There are three main types of eyeliner: pencil, liquid, and gel.
Pencil eyeliners offer the most control and are good for beginners.
Liquid eyeliners create sharp, precise lines, ideal for winged looks.

Overview

Eyeliner is a cosmetic used to define the eyes, making them appear more attractive. It is applied along the lash line, either on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. The application can range from a subtle enhancement to a dramatic statement, depending on the technique and product used. Mastering eyeliner application can significantly elevate your makeup look, adding depth and dimension to your eyes.

Types of Eyeliner

Understanding the different types of eyeliner is the first step to successful application:

Pencil Eyeliner: This is often the easiest for beginners. Pencils come in various formulations, from soft and smudgy to firm and precise. They are great for creating a softer look or for lining the waterline.
Liquid Eyeliner: Known for its intense pigmentation and sharp lines, liquid eyeliner is ideal for creating dramatic looks, cat eyes, and winged liner. It comes with a fine tip applicator and requires a steady hand.
Gel Eyeliner: This type comes in a small pot and is applied with a separate brush. Gel liners offer a good balance between the ease of pencils and the precision of liquid liners, allowing for both soft and sharp lines. They are often long-wearing and smudge-proof.

Preparing Your Eyelids

A smooth, long-lasting eyeliner application starts with proper eyelid preparation. Ensure your eyelids are clean and free of any oils or previous makeup. Applying a thin layer of eyeshadow primer can create a smooth canvas, prevent creasing, and help the eyeliner stay in place all day. For oily eyelids, a mattifying primer is particularly beneficial.

Application Techniques

For Beginners (Pencil Eyeliner)

Steady Hand: Rest your elbow on a stable surface, like a table, to steady your hand. You can also rest your pinky finger on your cheekbone for added stability.
Close to the Lashes: Start by drawing small dashes as close to your upper lash line as possible. The closer you are to the roots of your lashes, the fuller your lashes will appear.
Connect the Dots: Gently connect the dashes to form a continuous line. You can use a clean brush or a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes or smooth the line.
Lower Lash Line (Optional): If you wish to line your lower lash line, apply a lighter hand or use a softer pencil. Only line the outer two-thirds to avoid making your eyes look smaller.

Creating a Winged Eyeliner Look (Liquid or Gel Eyeliner)

Draw the Wing: Imagine a line extending from your lower lash line upwards towards the tail of your eyebrow. Draw a short, flicking line in that direction from the outer corner of your eye.
Connect to the Lash Line: From the tip of the wing, draw a thin line back towards the center of your upper lash line, creating a triangle shape.
Fill In: Carefully fill in the triangular shape with your eyeliner.
Line the Upper Lash Line: Draw a line along your upper lash line, connecting it to the filled-in wing. Adjust the thickness as desired.

Smudged or Smoky Eyeliner

For a softer, smudged effect, use a pencil or gel eyeliner. Apply the liner as usual, then immediately use a small brush (like a smudge brush or pencil brush) or a cotton swab to gently blend and soften the edges before it sets.

Tips for Success

Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first attempts aren't flawless. Eyeliner application takes practice.
Start Thin: It's always easier to add more liner than to remove excess. Start with a thin line and build it up gradually.
Use a Mirror: Position yourself in front of a well-lit mirror. Tilting your head back slightly can help you see your lash line better.
Close Your Eye or Keep it Relaxed: Some people find it easier to apply liner with their eye closed, while others prefer to keep it relaxed and slightly squinted. Experiment to see what works best for you.
Clean Up Mistakes: Keep cotton swabs and makeup remover handy for quick touch-ups and to sharpen lines.
Tightlining: For a subtle definition that makes lashes look fuller, apply eyeliner to the upper waterline (the inner rim of your upper eyelid). Use a waterproof pencil for this.

Choosing the Right Color

While black and brown are classic choices, don't be afraid to experiment with other colors. Navy, deep green, or burgundy can complement eye colors beautifully and add a unique touch. White or nude eyeliner applied to the lower waterline can make eyes appear larger and more awake.