How to apply eyeliner to achieve that flawless look that transforms your appearance and complements everyone? Eyeliner is a makeup staple with the power to subtly or dramatically enhance your eyes. While mastering eyeliner can seem daunting, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to help you achieve perfection. We’ll walk you through choosing between liquid, gel, cream, or pencil eyeliner and provide beginner-friendly instructions for each.
Additionally, we’ll share invaluable pro tips from makeup experts and include a step-by-step cat-eye guide to elevate your skills on how to apply eyeliner. From selecting the right product to mastering various techniques, this guide has everything you need to become an eyeliner pro. So, whether you’re a makeup novice or looking to refine your skills, continue reading for our ultimate eyeliner insights!
Key Tips for Flawless Eyeliner
- Liner Types: Choose a pencil liner for a smudged or natural look, a liquid liner for smooth, precise lines, a gel liner for bold, dramatic lines, and a cream liner for soft, natural lines.
- Beginner’s Choice: If you’re new to eyeliner, start with a pencil liner or a cream liner in pencil form. These are the easiest types to use and are forgiving for beginners.
- Application Technique: Apply eyeliner to your upper lash line, starting with a thinner line at the inner corner and gradually thickening it towards the outer edge.
- Stroke Strategy: Use small, precise strokes when applying eyeliner. Fill in any gaps or inconsistencies to achieve a solid, even line on your upper lash line.
Tips on How to Apply Eyeliner
A Pencil Eyeliner
Wondering about how to apply eyeliner? Pencil liners offer an easy-to-use option for achieving natural or smudged eyeliner looks. Their familiar pencil-like application simplifies the process, providing precision without running or smudging into the eyes. The intensity of the line can be tailored to preference by adjusting the pencil’s sharpness: a sharper delivers a lighter line, while a softer tip creates a more dramatic, smudged effect.
How to Apply a Pencil Eyeliner:
- Sharpen or Dull Pencil: Adjust the sharpness of your eyeliner pencil to achieve either precise or thicker lines.
- Warm or Cool Consistency: Modify the liner’s texture by warming it for a darker look or cooling it for a lighter application.
- Hold Outer Corner: Gently pull the outer corner of your eyelid to create a taut surface for smoother application.
- Start Outer to Inner Line: Begin lining from the outer corner of your lash line, moving inwards, using short strokes.
- Fill Between Lashes: For a natural look, tight line by applying liner between your upper lashes.
- Line Lower Lash Line: Optionally line the lower lash line, choosing between a full or half-line for varying intensities.
A Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliners offer a sleek, precise finish with options in marker pens or brush-equipped vials. They allow for versatile line styles, from subtle to dramatic. If you’re looking for a guide on how to apply eyeliner, liquid eyeliners can be challenging for beginners due to their precision, mastering them offers artistic freedom. Marker pens are user-friendly but can be messier than pencils, while vials require practice. For hooded eyes prone to smudging, waterproof formulas provide lasting wear.
How to Apply a Liquid Eyeliner:
- Shake and Prep: Shake the liner, let it settle, then remove excess from the brush if needed.
- Start with Upper Lash Line: Apply from the middle outward, refining any unevenness with a pencil liner if desired.
- Connect Inner to Outer Lines: Complete the line from the inner to the middle of the upper lash line with short strokes.
- Add Wings: Extend the outer lower lash line upwards for a winged look, adjusting length for desired drama. Use a business card or tape for straight edges if needed.
A Gel Eyeliner
If you’re a beginner these techniques on how to apply eyeliner is for you. Gel liner, housed in a pot with an included brush, is perfect for creating bold, dramatic lines like cat eyes or wings. Its thick consistency lends itself well to intense looks. While the included brush works well, alternative brushes like angled ones can also be used for precision. Regularly cleaning the brush is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent eye infections.
How to Apply a Gel Eyeliner
- Prep the Brush: Dip the liner brush into the gel liner pot, coating just the tip or edge. Close the lid promptly to prevent drying.
- Apply to Inner and Outer Corners: Start at the inner lash line, moving towards the center, then continue from the center to the outer corner. Adjust for visible liner when eyes are open by applying an arch shape.
- Fill in Lash Line: After outlining, fill in gaps along the lash line using back-and-forth strokes. Ensure an even and bold line, reapplying gel liner to the brush as needed.
- Optional Smokey Effect: Blend eyeshadow along the liner’s edge for a smokey or smudged appearance.
A Cream Eyeliner
Experiencing issues while applying eyeliner? This guidance on how to apply eyeliner has much more for you. Cream eyeliner offers a softer, natural look and is available in pot or pencil forms, making it beginner-friendly. While similar to gel liners, cream liners provide a gentler appearance and smoother application, ideal for achieving a subtle, smudged effect. However, they take longer to set and can smudge more easily, making them less suitable for bold, dramatic looks or those with hooded eyes prone to rubbing against the eyelid.
How to Apply a Cream Eyeliner:
- Prep Your Tools and Skin:
Dip a saturated angled brush into cream eyeliner and apply primer to prevent smudging, especially on oily skin. - Apply the Liner: Start at the outer upper lash line, using even strokes to create a continuous line to the inner corner. Reload the brush frequently due to cream liner consistency.
- Intensify the Look: A cream liner may need multiple coats for intensity. Reapply in small dabs to deepen the color and achieve the desired definition.
Pro Tip: Tilt your head back and use stilted eyes for a smooth application and clear view.
Bottom Line
Achieving a flawless eyeliner look can truly transform your appearance, enhancing the beauty of your eyes and complementing any makeup style. In our comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to apply eyeliner, whether it’s pencil, liquid, gel, or cream. We’ll walk you through the process of applying eyeliner with tailored techniques and invaluable tips for impeccable results. From selecting the perfect product to mastering how to apply eyeliner, this guide provides everything you need to confidently apply an eyeliner. Embrace the art of eyeliner and elevate your makeup game!