Learning how to apply eyeliner is, without a doubt, one of the cornerstones for mastering the art of makeup. Despite this fact, many people still do not know how to do it without ending up looking like a panda (or something even worse). In reality, learning how to make your eyes look beautiful using eyeliner is not as difficult as it seems.
However, there are some important techniques and tricks you need to know in order to effortlessly create beautiful looks that fit your style. With that in mind, this article will go over everything you need to know regarding eyeliner.
Types of Eyeliner
1. Pencil Eyeliner
There is a good reason why the pencil type is the first thing that comes to most people’s minds when someone says the word “eyeliner.” It’s both the easiest and most intuitive kind of eyeliner available, making it perfect for beginners. However, it should be mentioned that they do have a propensity to smear and smudge.
2. Cream and Gel Eyeliner
Cream and gel eyeliners are perfect for people that, despite having some experience, are looking for a more professional option. Makeup artists love them due to its smooth, rich application that lends itself perfectly to the creation of dramatic, powerful looks. At the same time, they smear much less than other types of eyeliner.
3. Liquid Eyeliner
Being hard to apply, liquid eyeliner is definitely not well-suited for daily use. However, it can be incredibly effective for creating dramatic, high-fashion and ultra-glamorous looks. For that reason, people who learn how to apply eyeliner of this kind usually love it. It’s applied using a very thin fine-point brush that allows makeup artists to be more versatile when creating a look.
4. Powder or Cake Eyeliner
People wondering how to apply eyeliner often wonder about powder eyeliner, sometimes also called cake liner. Often used in a complementary manner to other types of eyeliner, this makeup product produces a soft blurred effect that’s different from the usual well-defined stroke.
How to Apply Eyeliner
1. Prepare Your Eyes
Quite often, people who want to learn how to apply eyeliner fail to realize there are steps to be taken before this can be properly done. Before anything else, clean your face well. Once that is done, apply both a moisturizer and an eye cream around your eyes.
2. Apply a Clean Base
Before applying the eyeliner, it is important to lay and even and clean base. This base will smoothen and soften the area, allowing the eyeliner to be more effectively applied. In order to do this, apply a little amount of eye primer on the eyelid and under your eyes. You can also apply a concealer if you think it’s necessary. After blending, apply a setting powder.
3. Begin Lining
It is finally time to use the eyeliner. Often, people who don’t know how to apply eyeliner mistakingly think they should draw a perfectly thick line with one single stroke. In reality, the best way to do is by using small and thin strokes until the basic shape has been more or less defined. Once that is done, thicken the basic line using repeated strokes, slowly building it up.
4. Extend Your Lash Line
Some people like to line over the eyelid only. However, it’s also possible to extend the lash line, creating a wing of sorts. This wing should be directed towards the outside of your face. When trying this look, it’s important to keep in mind that the extension should follow the natural line of the lash.
5. Finish the Look
Once all the previous steps have been completed, you can finish up by lining the lower lash line along the outer half, perhaps smudging it a bit after. Optionally, you can also apply some mascara to wrap everything up tightly. Even though it may seem daunting at first, it’s really just a matter of practice. After doing it a few times, you will know exactly how to apply eyeliner that suits both your style and facial features.
Tips for Applying Eyeliner
#1. Use a Cosmetic Mirror
Because they offer a magnified image on one side, cosmetic mirrors can help you get a closer look, achieving a more detailed result. This can be particularly helpful for beginners who are still learning how to apply eyeliner.
#2. Rest Your Elbow
By resting your elbow, you will have a steadier hand that will allow you to create straighter lines. Some people also find it useful to rest their pinky finger on their cheek (without pulling the skin).
#3. Look Down
It is important never to place the mirror in a way that will force you to look up while applying the eyeliner. More often than not, this will cause you to misperceive proportions, resulting in badly shaped lines.
#4. Mind the Space Beneath the Lash Line
A mistake that is made by many people who don’t yet know how to apply eyeliner is drawing the lines too thin. Usually, the lines are thin because they are only applied to the superior part of the lash. This problem can be corrected by simply applying the eyeliner beneath the lash line by lifting the eyelid slightly.
Summing It Up
After having read this guide, you will be undoubtedly much more versed in the art of applying eyeliner to yourself. Even though it may not turn out perfect the first time you try it, it’s important to persevere and practice. Before long, you will have mastered the basic techniques, allowing you to get to the next level: creating your own, personalized looks and styles.
After a certain period of trying and experimenting, you will learn what is best for you, resulting in stunning looks. Do you have any other tips or advice on how to apply eyeliner? Let us know in the comments!
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