Famous writers have written about the importance of maintaining eye contact while having conversations with people, but the aspect that needs to be really emphasized is what people see in your eyes when you maintain eye contact.
The eyeliner is an amazing piece of makeup that beautifies your eyes in a unique way, making them pop and even more attractive to look at.
Eyeliner serves as the finishing touch to any eye makeup look, tying together all the elements in a way that few other products can match.
Eyeliners…
Eyeliner is a necessary part of makeup, which looks amazing on almost everyone and can change your appearance substantially or subtly depending on how it’s applied.
Eyeliner is the cherry on top when it comes to finishing off any make-up look. It ties together an eye makeup look in a way that few other products can.
Maybe we should take a deep breath and exhale in honour of the beauty of eyeliner. You want love at first sight? Then you should better put some eyeliner on.
For those new to eyeliner application, the process might appear challenging initially.
However, by following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your ideal look.
Let’s dive into the world of eyeliner, exploring different types, application techniques, and expert tips to help you master this essential makeup skill.
How to Apply Eyeliner for Beginners
Eyeliner is a makeup essential that can dramatically transform your look, whether you’re going for subtle definition or bold drama.
While it may seem difficult at first, mastering eyeliner application is achievable with practice and the right techniques.
Let’s quickly explore how to create the perfect eye-defining look.
Choose Your Eyeliner
Before you begin, it’s crucial to choose the right type of eyeliner for your skill level and desired look:
Eyeliner Types Selection
It’s crucial to understand the different types of eyeliner available before getting into the application techniques. Each type has its own unique properties and is suited for different looks and skill levels.
1. Pencil Eyeliner
Pencil eyeliner is the go-to choice for beginners and those seeking a natural or smudged effect. Its familiar format makes it easy to handle, much like using a regular pencil.
Pros:
- Simple to apply
- Ideal for creating natural, understated looks
- Can be smudged for dramatic or smokey effects
- Less likely to get into your eyes compared to liquid formulas
- Versatile: can be sharpened for precise lines or left dull for softer effects
Application tips:
- Apply lightly for a natural appearance
- Smudge with a brush or your finger for a smokey effect
- Sharpen the pencil for thin, precise lines
- Use a duller tip for thicker, more intense lines
2. Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner is perfect for creating precise, dramatic lines with a swooping effect. It’s available in two main formats: brush-in-vial and marker pen.
Pros:
- Creates sharp, defined lines
- Ideal for dramatic styles like cat eyes or wings
- Allows for a variety of line thicknesses
- Marker pen formats are relatively easy to use
Cons:
- It can be challenging to master for beginners
- Brush-in-vial formats require more skill to apply evenly
- May smudge on hooded eyes (though waterproof formulas can help)
Application tips:
- Start with marker pen formats if you’re new to liquid liner
- Practice drawing lines on your hand before applying to your eyes
- Use short, connected strokes rather than trying to create one continuous line
- For hooded eyes, opt for waterproof formulas to prevent smudging
3. Gel Eyeliner
Gel eyeliner is an excellent choice for those who want to create bold, dramatic lines. It typically comes in a small pot and is applied with a separate brush.
Pros:
- It is easy to use once you get the hang of it
- Great for creating dramatic looks like cat eyes or wings
- Thicker formula allows for more control
- Can be used with different brush types for varied effects
Cons:
- Requires regular brush cleaning to prevent eye infections
- Can dry out if not properly sealed after use
Application tips:
- Experiment with different brush types (angled brushes often work well.)
- Warm the product slightly between your fingers if it feels too stiff (if you are using pencil)
- Clean your brush after each use to maintain hygiene and performance
4. Cream Eyeliner
Cream eyeliner is similar to gel eyeliner but typically has a softer, more blendable formula. It’s great for creating a delicate, natural look.
Pros:
- Creates a soft, natural effect
- Easily blendable for smudged looks
- Available in both pot and pencil formats
Cons:
- It takes longer to set, which can lead to smudging
- May not be ideal for hooded eyes due to potential transfer
Application tips:
- Use a small, precise brush for application
- Set with a matching eyeshadow for longer wear
- Blend quickly if you want a smudged effect, as it sets relatively fast
How to Apply Eyeliner
1. Liquid Eyeliner Application
Step 1. Prepare the product: Shake the bottle well to ensure the formula is properly mixed.
To ensure that it is thoroughly mixed, make sure the lid is securely fastened, then shake the bottle properly for a short while to ensure the formula is properly mixed.
Give the liquid a few moments to settle before removing the cap and extracting the brush from the container.
Step 2. If the brush is overflowing with product or if there is a large glob of liner on it that could spill on your eyelid, swipe the brush around the edge of the liner bottle to remove excess product.
Step 3. Start with either your left or right eye. Position the brush on your top lash line as close to your lashes as possible, at the center of your eye. Draw the liner outward toward the outer edge of your lash line.
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- Your initial line may be a little ragged; you’ll fill in the gaps in the next steps.
- If you’re concerned about getting an even line, try using a pencil liner to outline your top lash line before covering it with liquid liner.
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Step 4. Draw a liner starting from the inner corner and extending to the center of your lash line, connecting it with the line you drew in step 3.
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- Use tiny strokes to join your lines and fill them in as necessary to create a single, consistent line on your top lash line.
- To correct errors, dip the tip of a cotton swab into some liquid makeup remover and use it to make the necessary corrections or remove extra liner.
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Step 5. To create winged eyes (optional):
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- Trace your lower lash line’s upward curve from the outer corner of your eyelid to form a ‘wing’ that tapers to a point. Then, fill in the wing.
- For a subtle look, create a small wing; for drama: make it longer
- If you’re having trouble with the wing, try using a business card as a guide. Place the card at an angle against your eyelid’s outer edge and trace along the edge with the liquid liner.
- Alternatively, use tape to create wings. Apply a piece of tape at an angle from your lower lash line, extending up toward your eyebrow. For even application, tape both eyes before starting.
Pro tip: If you’re struggling with a steady hand, try using a pencil liner to create a guide before applying liquid liner over it.
Pencil Liner Application:
1. Prepare the pencil: Sharpen for fine lines or dull for thicker lines. Adjust consistency by warming or chilling.
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- Warm with a hair dryer for softer, darker application
- Chill in freezer for 10 minutes to prevent cracking
2. Apply to the upper lash line: Hold the outer corner of the eyelid to ensure a straight line. Start at the outer edge and draw inward.
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- Make line thicker at outer corner, thinner at inner corner
- Use short strokes for evenness. Optional: Use lighter color in inner corner for larger eye effect
3. Tight lining (for natural look):
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- Fill in areas between upper lashes
- It can be done on upper or lower lash line
- Consider using a neutral tone, like light brown
4. Lower lash line (optional): Pull lower lid taut Apply in short strokes
Options:
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- Line entire lower lash for dramatic look
- Line outer half for subtle effect
- Use lighter shade than upper lash line
Pro tip: For a natural-looking wide-eyed effect, use a light-colored pencil (like cream or white) on the inner corner of your upper lash line.
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- Test warmed liner on wrist before applying to eye
- Lift eyebrows to fully expose lash line
- Rest elbow on table for stability
- Blend multiple colors with an angled brush if desired
Gel Eyeliner Application
Step 1.
On one side of the liner brush, apply liner. Typically, gel line comes in a little container that requires application with a liner brush.
When you’re prepared to apply your liner, remove the pot’s lid and dip your liner brush into the gel liner, coating only the tip or edge.
- Since gel liners dry up easily, be sure to replace the lid as soon as you finish using them.
To make the gel liner simpler to use, reheat the pot in your hands if it appears a little dry or stiff.
Step 2.
Start lining your inner and outer corners with liner. Apply liner, but don’t fill it in just yet.
Work your way toward the center, starting at the inner lash line.
Next, begin applying the liner in the middle of the lash line and work your way outward.
- Use an arch-shaped eyeliner if your eyelids tend to hide your eyeliner.
By doing this, you can make sure that when your eyes are open, you can see the liner.
Step 3.
To fill it in, move the brush back and forth down your lash line.
You can fill in any spaces along the middle of your lash line once you have starter lines on the outer and inner edges.
To draw an equal line along your upper lash line, use gentle, tiny strokes.
You might need to go over the line more than once to make sure it is sufficiently bold and even.
- If necessary, load your brush with more gel liner. With the amount of gel liner, you put on your brush, you might be able to fill in one eye, but if not, you can add more.
- To get a smokey or smudged look, try mixing some eyeshadow around the liner’s edge.
Pro tip: If your gel liner seems dry or stiff, warm it slightly by rubbing the closed pot between your hands.
Cream Eyeliner Application
Step 1. Preparation: Wash face and prime eyelids (cream liner smudges easily)
Note that: Oily skin increases the likelihood of smearing.
Saturate the brush by dipping it into the cream liner and stirring. For optimal results, apply cream liner with a small, firm, angled brush. Swirl the brush around in the liner, until it is completely covered
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- Cream liner smudges more easily, so wash your face and prime your eyelids before applying your liner.
- Oily skin increases the likelihood that your makeup will smear.
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Step 2. Starting at the outer corner, apply your cream liner to your top lash line.
Using your brush, create a single, thick line on your top lash line by applying eyeliner in tiny, equal strokes.
Apply little dabs of liner as you move inward, starting at the outside corner.
- When applying cream eyeliner, you might need to reload your brush with liner more frequently than you would with gel liner because a little goes a long way.
- Expert advice:
Slant your head back slightly so that your eyes are narrowed and you are looking at yourself in the mirror.
This will guarantee that your eyelids are smooth and that you can see your lash line clearly as you apply eyeliner.
If you want to make your line more intense, reapply liner. Cream liner is so smooth that with one layer, it lacks intensity and definition.
Continue applying liner in tiny dabs until the appropriate intensity is achieved if you want your lines to seem darker and more saturated.
Pro tip: For easier application, tilt your head back slightly and look down into a mirror. This helps create a smooth surface on your eyelid.
How to Create Smokey Cat Eyes?
- Create a base
For a base, use neutral eyeshadow. Start by applying a neutral-toned eyeshadow to your eyelids up to your brows.
- Define the crease
Then, concentrate on your lids and crease only, using a little darker hue. You may use a light brown tone after a nude shade, for instance.
Apply each layer of eyeshadow to your eyelids using a fluffy brush.
- Deepen the outer corner
Apply a deeper shade of eyeshadow to the periphery of your eyelids.
Next, highlight the outer corners of your eyelids with a medium brown eyeshadow.
This will begin to accentuate your outer lids and provide a lovely canvas on which to apply your cat eye eyeliner.
- Add drama
Apply black eyeshadow over the same region as you did with the medium brown shade, extending it slightly further into the crease.
- Brighten the center
Next, apply a light, shimmery eyeshadow to the center of your lid for contrast. Apply a small amount of sheer, shimmering makeup to the inner corners of your eyelids to brighten your eyes.
Any light color you like, like champagne, cream, or white, can be used.
- Use liquid or gel liner to create a thick line along your upper lash line, winging it out at the outer corner.
- Use a small brush to smudge some dark eyeshadow along your lower lash line, connecting it to the wing.
Next…
You can use a liquid or gel liner to outline your upper lash line. Once your eyeshadow application is complete, you can begin lining your upper lash line with black eyeliner.
The finest liner to use is either liquid or gel, since they create an extremely intense and dramatic look.
- Apply the eyeliner to the outer and inner corners of your upper eyelids first, then work your way toward the center.
- Make sure the liner brush is evenly covered and free of any stuck-on liner clumps when using gel liner with a liner brush.
- Make yourself some wings. Next, draw your eyeliner upward and past the corner of your eyelid.
To help you construct the bottom of your wings, trace the curvature of your lower lash line. To close any gaps in the liner, go back over the wings.
- Once you’re done, your eyes will appear thick and dramatic. If you’d like, you can add artificial lashes and mascara to complete the effect.
Using artificial lashes can give you an even more dramatic appearance, and using mascara will help to define your eyes.
- To give your lashes more volume and definition, try curling them before applying mascara. For a more dramatic curl, briefly warm up your eyelash curler using your hair dryer.
Pro Tips for Eyeliner Application
- Practice makes perfect – Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Eyeliner application takes time and practice to master.
- If you’re a beginner, start simple – start with pencil eyeliners or dark eyeshadow applied with an angled brush. These are more forgiving and easier to control.
- Adjust your eyeliner application based on your eye shape. For instance, those with hooded eyes might benefit from creating an arched liner shape that’s visible when the eyes are open.
- Experiment with color – While black is classic, don’t be afraid to try other colors. Navy, plum, or bronze can be beautiful alternatives that still define your eyes.
- You must consider your eye shape. Different eye shapes benefit from different eyeliner techniques. For example, those with close-set eyes might want to focus liner on the outer corners to create the illusion of width.
- Invest in good quality brushes and eyeliners. They can make a significant difference in the ease of application and the final result. Ensure you use the right tools.
- To prevent smudging, set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow. This is especially helpful for those with oily lids.
- Regularly clean your eyeliner brushes and sharpen your pencils to maintain hygiene and ensure smooth application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to apply eyeliner on top or bottom?
For a more lifted and youthful look, focus on the upper lash line. If you want to line your lower lashes, use a shade slightly lighter than what you use on top for a softer effect.
How is natural eyeliner applied?
For a natural look, use a soft pencil liner and apply it using a “connect-the-dots” method rather than trying to draw one continuous line. Focus on filling in between your lashes rather than creating a visible line above them.
Makeup for the face or eyeliner, which goes on first?
It’s generally best to apply eyeshadow first, followed by eyeliner, and then the rest of your face makeup.
This allows you to clean up any fallout from eye makeup without disturbing your foundation and concealer.
What can I use instead of eyeliner?
If you don’t have eyeliner on hand, you can use eyeshadow applied with a damp, angled brush for a softer liner look. Dark eyeshadows work particularly well for this technique.
How can I make my eyeliner last longer?
To extend the wear of your eyeliner, start with an eye primer, set pencil or cream liners with a matching eyeshadow, and consider using waterproof formulas for added longevity.
How can I prevent my eyeliner from transferring to my upper lid?
If you have hooded eyes or oily lids, try using a long-wearing or waterproof formula. You can also set your liner with translucent powder or a matching eyeshadow to help prevent transfer.
Is it necessary to remove eyeliner every night?
Yes, it’s important to remove all your makeup, including eyeliner, before going to bed. Leaving makeup on overnight can lead to eye irritation, infections, and premature aging of the delicate eye area.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of eyeliner application takes time, patience, and practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect; even makeup artists have to start somewhere!
Remember to choose the right type of eyeliner for your skill level and desired look, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and colors.
As you become more comfortable with eyeliner application, you’ll find that it becomes an enjoyable part of your makeup routine rather than a daunting task.
Whether you prefer a subtle, natural look or bold, dramatic lines, the perfect eyeliner technique is out there waiting for you to discover it.
Keep practicing, stay patient, and, most importantly, have fun with your makeup. After all, makeup is an art form, and your face is the canvas. Happy lining!
