How to Perfectly Apply Eyeliner
Mar 4, 2011 / By Amy Francisco
Photo: Ralf Nau/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Eyeliner can make your eyes look bigger and more dramatic. It can make them look smoky and hot. But it also can make them look terrible. Love the look of expertly applied eyeliner but always end up looking more raccoon than Rachel McAdams? While some liners -- especially the liquid ones -- can be a challenge to apply, using a few tricks recommended by makeup pros can take your eye makeup from hot mess to just plain hot.
1.
Prep your lids. Swipe lids with an alcohol-free makeup remover to prevent smudges on this naturally greasy body part. Follow with a light layer of foundation and translucent powder to create an oil-absorbing canvas. Go ahead and apply your eyeshadow before lining; it'll help your liner stay put.
2.
Choose the right liner. In the "Marie Claire" article "Master Class: How to Apply Eyeliner," celebrity makeup artist Rae Morris suggests that women with roundish eyes use gel and powder eyeliners, because they will smudge to give the eyes more of an almond shape. And for those lucky ladies with almond-shaped eyes of their own, she recommends eyeliner pencils and pens.
3.
Assume the position. In her blog, "Faces by Farah," Toronto-based makeup artist and beauty editor Farah recommends shake-proofing your hand by resting your elbow on a counter or other stable surface. And put that pinkie finger to work; resting it on your cheek can give you all the support you need.
4.
Pull your lid taut. Apply the liner in one stroke, starting at the inner corner by your nose and extending out. Always get as close to your lash line as possible. Just can't do it freehand? Morris recommends making yourself a stencil. Take a piece of clear tape, put it on and pull it off the back of your hand a few times to reduce its tackiness, then place it across your closed lid just above where you want your eyeliner. Fill in the space below it with liner, allow the liner to dry if needed, then carefully remove the tape to reveal a perfect line.
5.
If using liquid liner, limit it to your top lashes. Farah says that liquid liner can appear too harsh on lower lids. To line your lower lashes, use a stiff brush to apply a cream-style eyeliner among the roots of your lashes. This method, recommended by makeup artist Troy Surratt in "Cosmopolitan," allows you to get in close and avoid a liquid liner lower lash disaster.
6.
If you mess up, simply erase the evidence with a cotton swap dipped in makeup remover. Then try, try again. Practice makes perfect.
Things You'll Need
1.Makeup remover
3.Foundation
5.Eyeshadow
7.Cotton swab
2.Cotton ball
4.Powder
6.Eyeliner
Tips & Tricks
Keep your eyeliner pencils sharp for error-free application. To make it easier, put your pencil in the freezer for half a minute before sharpening.
Never share eyeliners. When you do, you also share bacteria that could lead to infections.
Related Videos
How to Apply Eyeliner to the Bottom Lashes
How to Apply Eyeliner for Natural Makeup: Moon-Shaped Eyes
How to Apply a Pencil Eyeliner to the Top & Bottom for Moon-Shaped Eyes
How to Apply Retractable Eyeliner
How Do I Apply Bottom Eyeliner
How to Apply Flawless Eyeliner
How to Apply Eyeliner to Eyes for Moon-Shaped Eyes
How to Apply Eyeliner for Fair Skin
How Do I Apply Eyeliner That Won't Smear for Oval Eyes?
How to Apply Creamy Eyeliner
References
"Marie Claire": Master Class: How to Apply Eyeliner
Faces by Farah: Tips on Applying Liquid Eyeliner
"Cosmopolitan": Getting Eyeliner Close to Lashes
"Cosmopolitan": Applying Liquid Eyeliner
Add to this Article
advertisement
What type are you?
- Choose your Hair Concerns
- Login or Register
- You Might Also Like
- New In Beauty
How to Apply L'Oreal Pencil Perfect Eyeliner
How to Apply Liquid Eyeliner to Prominent Eyes
What Brand Eyeliner Goes on Easily and Does Not Wear Off?
How Can I Apply Eyeliner on the Bottom Lid?
How to Apply Loose Eyeliner
more
The Trick to Applying Eyeliner and Making It Stick
Can You Use Pressed Powder Instead of Primer to Keep Your Eyeliner From Smudging?
less
How to Make Your Eyes Stand Out With Fair Skin
Why Do Stylists Use Astringent on My Hair After a Perm?
How to Harden Painted Nails
Differences in Eyebrow Pencils
Shoes for Dry Heels
more
Is Almond Paste Good for Dark Spots on the Face?
Does Black, White & Fuschia Go Together?
What Are Body Shaping Gels?
The Best Cake Eyeliner
Quick Fixes at Home for Skin Redness
less
Catch up with Tyra! Read More
advertisement
beauty
Whether you're out with the girls or on a romantic date, make sure you look hot!
read more
fashion
All eyes will be on you in these nightclub-worthy outfits
read more
hair
Ten suggestions for the perfect style
read more