Makeup Monday: Makeup 101: All You Need To Know About Eyeliner

Whether you just want to define your eyes or create a dramatic look, eyeliner is the key. There are a variety of eyeliners and formulations, and each type creates a different effect. So, which type of eyeliner is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide which is right for you:

PENCIL

Pencil liners are easy to apply. A standard pencil liner will create a very thin precise line. If you are looking for something more intense and wider, go with a gel liner pencil. Choose a kajal formula if you prefer a slightly smudged, sexy look. Look for long-wear formulas that will stay in place all day.

GEL

Gel liner provides an intense crisp line. It is also smudge-proof, water-resistant, and long-wearing. Gel liners come in a small pot, along with a thin brush applicator. For newbies gel pencil versions are an easier-to-apply option.

POWDER

Paired with a liner brush, powder liners create a pretty, more diffused line. Powder formulas specifically made to use as liner tend to last longer than eyeshadows doubling as liner. The look will change according to how you apply it. Applied dry, the line will be softer. Applied damp, the liner is more intense and will stay in place longer.

LIQUID

Liquid liner will give you an intense rich line. However, it requires some patience and practice to get it right. For that retro glamour winged liner or a cat-eye look, liquid is a good choice.

Once you have found the eyeliner that’s right for you, it’s time to apply it. Here is a step-by-step guide to basic eyeliner application:

• Step 1 – Starting from the outer corner of the eye, line your way across the lash line until it looks smooth and even.
• Step 2 – Repeat and make sure there are no gaps between the liner and lash line.
• Step 3 – If you want a softer effect, use your finger or a brush to smudge.

If you are looking for a more dramatic look, winged liner adds that little extra drama. It’s surprisingly easy to create and can be done with any eyeliner formula. Here is a step-by-step guide for creating a wing:

• Step 1 – Apply liner from the outer corner all the way across the upper lash line to the inner corner.
• Step 2 – Going from the inner to outer corner in smooth long strokes, draw over the line filling in any gaps. The liner should get wider as you go across, so the widest point is in outer corner.
• Step 3 – To create the wing, extend the line from the outer corner so that it goes up and out tapering to a soft point.
• Step 4 – How long the wing is, is up to you. You can draw it farther out and straighter or create an upward flick. Make sure the two sides mirror each other.

If you want added definition, try lining the lower lash line. Here is a step-by-step guide to line your lower lash line:

• Step 1 – Gel and liquid liner are often too intense for the lower lash line. Use a pencil liner and draw a thin line very close to the lashes from the outer corner in.
• Step 2 – It’s up to you how far across you go. Just keep the bottom line very short and just connected to the upper lash line or going all the way across. Never line halfway.
• Step 3 – It is important that you connect the upper and lower lines at the outer corner of your eye.

Here are some helpful tips that will help you with applying eyeliner:

• Tip 1 – If you make a mistake, a Q-tip dipped in eye makeup remover is an instant fix.
• Tip 2 – Never line halfway, always line all the way across.
• Tip 3 – If your line appears too harsh or intense, just use your finger, a smudger brush or a cotton swab to smudge slightly.
• Tip 4 – Always apply liner after eye shadow.
• Tip 5 – Make sure you can see your liner when your eye is open. Otherwise, the line is too thin.
• Tip 6 – Always make the thickest part of your liner be on the outside corner. The line should taper a bit as you go across with the thinnest point being in the inner corner. This will visually lift the eye and highlight your eye shape.

I hope you found this week’s installment of Makeup 101: Everything You Need To Know About Eyeliner helpful and informative. Next week’s installment of Makeup 101 will be on mascaras and until Wednesday, be happy, healthy, and beautiful!