How to Apply Eyeliner Like a Pro
Great eyeliner can transform your face, whether you go for soft, smoky lines, subtle definition, or bold, dramatic wings. It can boost your confidence and finish whatever look you choose on any given day. The problem is that applying eyeliner can seem like a bit of a minefield, especially if you’re a bit of a novice in the makeup stakes. Thankfully, there are tips that you can follow to help remove the mystery surrounding effective eyeliner application and help you to create the look that you want.
Choose the right eyeliner
There are a few things that you need to consider when picking an eyeliner, namely your budget, your complexion and personal needs, and the look that you want to achieve. This will influence whether you are looking for a bold black liquid eyeliner, such as this Liquid Designer Eyeliner, a slightly more subtle brown pen-style liquid liner, like this Brown Designer Eyeliner, a hypoallergenic product, or a charcoal pencil that is easy to blend and smudge, for example.
Decide on your style
Do you want to create a subtle flick, a bold wing, or a soft, smoked-out look? This will affect what sort of eyeliner you should use as all of the options are best suited to certain techniques and styles. A liquid eyeliner is the ideal choice for wings and flicks, for example, while charcoal pencils are just made to create the smoky effect.
Take your time
When it comes time to apply your eyeliner, make sure that you take your time. This is not a procedure to be rushed, especially as mistakes can cause all sorts of issues and take ages to put right. It is much better to set enough time aside at the outset rather than creating a smudgy mess that means you have to strip off all of the other makeup you have already applied and start again.
Step by step approach
If you are using a liquid eyeliner, start out by giving it a good shake. This will move the liquid around and make sure that it is ready to give you the coverage you want.
You also need to find yourself a sweet spot to apply your eyeliner. You will need a well-lit area and mirror where you can properly see what you are doing. You should also aim to have an area where you can rest your elbows to keep your hand steady as you apply your eyeliner. This could be the edge of your dressing table, a desk, or even a windowsill.
Give it wings
If you’re going for a winged look, start by creating the wing shape. Do this by drawing an upwards line travelling from your eye’s outer corner towards your eyebrow’s tail. How long this line should be will depend on the look you are going for and how bold and dramatic you want your final appearance to be. It is worth experimenting with this when you have nowhere to go. This will allow you to try out different lengths and shapes without having to worry about leaving marks or destroying the makeup you have already applied.
Once you have drawn one line, go back and draw further lines to thicken the wing to your desired thickness.
Next, start at the inner corner of your eye and make a line along your lash line until you meet the start of your wing. This step is also where you start if you are creating a look without a wing. If you want a subtle look, keep the line thin and try to stick close to your lash line. For a more dramatic effect, thicken up the line but start doing this from the middle of your eye and move outward.
Make sure you fill in gaps and neaten up the edges. Finally, finish off the look with your favorite mascara.
Smoke out your eyeliner
If you want a smudged and smoky effect, start by ensuring your eyeliner pencil is sharp and draw along your lash line. Use a blending brush to soften this line. Start off slowly and build up the look, blending each time that you add another layer of liner. It is much easier to get darker gradually than to take away liner if you find you have applied too much.
Do your research
Don’t be afraid to try out different looks and styles. The internet is full of ideas and tutorials. The more you practice, the more accomplished you will become and you won’t have to worry about shaky hands when it comes to getting ready for a big night out or special occasion.