Powder-based pencils, sometimes called kohl, offer less intense color. [1] X Research source They’re also a good option if you want to smudge the eyeliner for a “smoky eye” effect. You can make the color appear more dramatic by wetting the tip before you apply the eyeliner. [2] X Expert Source Alicia D’AngeloMakeup Artist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020. Gel- or cream-based pencils offer simple and excellent application. These pencils apply a rich and intense color. They’re a good choice if you want to apply a winged, or cat eye, look. [3] X Expert Source Alicia D’AngeloMakeup Artist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020. You can also purchase gel or cream eyeliners that come in a pot and can be applied with a tapered brush applicator. Liquid eyeliner pencils offer the most dramatic and intense application. Many liquid liners come in pen form (though it more closely resembles a felt marker), making application fairly simple. However, mistakes are very visible and difficult to correct because of the deep color, so you must have a steady hand during application. Tips range from very thin to thick depending on how intense you want the look or if you want to apply a cat-eye or winged look. [4] X Expert Source Alicia D’AngeloMakeup Artist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
If your eyes are sensitive because you wear contact lenses, or if you suffer from allergic reactions to certain formulas, certain companies (like Almay) make non-allergenic (also called hypoallergenic) makeup, including eyeliner. If you prefer an eyeliner that is ethically produced, made of organic materials, and is not tested on animals, for example, companies including, Aveda, NARS, Arbonne, The Body Shop, and Josie Maran Cosmetics offer these products.
A good rule of thumb is to apply shades such as black, dark brown, deep plum, or grey if you want a more natural look. [5] X Research source You can intensify or soften these colors as you like to achieve your desired look. Unusual colors such as electric blue, orange, or emerald green will really stand out against your eyes and eyelids, so it’s a good idea to use them for special, non-professional occasions. If you want to tone down these colors for an everyday look, pair them with a darker, neutral-colored liner. Different eyeliner colors highlight each eye color differently. For example, plum eyeliner makes green eyes “pop,” while grey eyeliner looks great on blue eyes. Purple-toned liners can enhance brown eyes, and black is a good choice for any eye color.
Eyeliners vary greatly in price. They can cost as little as 99 cents and as much as 50 dollars or more. You can buy eyeliners at retailers including drugstores such as CVS, stores like Target or Walmart, or department stores such as Macy’s or Saks Fifth Avenue. Sephora, a large French makeup retailer with stores across the world, is another excellent place to purchase eyeliner. Most vendors, including CVS, Target, Macy’s, and Sephora, also have websites where you can purchase your eyeliner. If you want to try out different colors or types of eyeliner, visit the makeup counter at your favorite retailer and ask about samples. They may provide you with samples to take home, or they may apply the eyeliner to your eyes so you can see how it looks.
A clean face also helps reduce the chances that you will accidentally get bacteria in your eye, which can cause infection.
Foundation will help keep your eyeliner from running or fading. If you’re not wearing foundation or just want extra staying power, use an eyelid primer, which will help keep your eyeliner in place. Simply blend the primer across your eyelid, then let it dry for 10 seconds before continuing to your next makeup application step. [7] X Research source
Having a light that shines evenly across your face allows you to evenly apply the eyeliner on both eyes.
Brushes. A small-tipped brush in natural or synthetic fibers is the best way to soften your eyeliner line. They are also an easy way to apply gel or liquid liner. Q-tips or cotton swabs. These are another great way to soften the look of eyeliner. Cotton swabs also effectively fix mistakes when paired with eye makeup remover. Eye makeup remover. Many companies, including Neutrogena and Clarins, offer eye makeup remover that effectively and gently removes eye makeup and fixes mistakes in your application. Pencil sharpener. You need to sharpen powder/kohl shadows for best application. This is also a way to clean your pencil, as you’re shaving off the surfaces that may have been exposed to bacteria.
It’s a good idea to use a matte, skin-toned cream eyeshadow as your base. This will allow for more even application of your eyeliner. However, cream eyeshadows can also lead to smudging or creases throughout the day. It is important to set any cream-based eyeshadows with a powder-based shadow or translucent powder before you apply eyeliner.
Make sure not to tug the lash line as this can make the line appear smeared. It is also bad for the delicate skin around your eyes. [11] X Research source
Keep the line thin to start. A thinner line will create a more natural look. [13] X Research source Start at the outside corner of your eye. You want to deposit the least amount of pigment on the inner corners of your eye. [14] X Research source You can thicken this pencil line as you like, for instance, if you want to apply your eyeliner in the cat eye or winged style. [15] X Research source If you’re interested in doing winged or cat eye style liner, you’ll also want to thicken the eyeliner line. Then, draw a line at a 45 degree angle from the corner of your eye. Start from the bottom of the outer edge of your eye and extend upward. You can make this line as long or as short as you wish. [16] X Research source Some makeup artists suggest making dots or dashes along your lash line and then connecting them if you aren’t steady with drawing a continuous line. [17] X Research source
The eyeliner on your lower lid should be much softer than on your upper lid or else you can look harsh. A good rule of thumb is that it should be one third the size of the line on your upper lid. [19] X Research source Your eyes will look larger if you only line the outer 2/3rds of your eyelid instead of going all the way to the inner corner.
Avoid a complete circle of eyeliner around your eyes, which looks harsh and smears easily from your tears. [20] X Research source
Use a brush, Q-tip, or even your finger to soften the line. Another option for a softer look is to apply brown eyeshadow over the liner on your lower lid using a small, tapered brush. This works particularly well to soften black liner.
This trick will also help you look more awake.
A brush can also help blend out mistakes, depending on how serious they are. You can also use a little foundation on a Q-tip to correct mistakes. This decreases your risk of removing too much of your work. [23] X Research source
Use a thin coat of powder eye shadow in a similar color to your eyeliner to seal your eyeliner look. This will also give your eyes a little more of “pop” effect. [25] X Research source Eye shadow can also help you create a specific look, such as a smokey eye.
Make sure to apply mascara only after you’ve applied all of your eye makeup, including your eyeliner. [26] X Research source
