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Eyeliner Tips and Tricks: What You Need to Know

If there’s one makeup tool that can change your look in an instant, it’s the eyeliner. It can make your eyes appear bolder, fiercer and just simply dramatic. Plus, there’s a variety of styles you can achieve with it. No wonder it’s every girl’s secret best friend!

2015-02-12 the woman in the mirror by Robert Couse-Baker, on Flickr

However, before you can freely experiment with your look and your eyeliners, you may need to take a few notes. These tips can help you make better choices with the different eyeliner types and styles. 

Types of Eyeliners

Pencil eyeliners

Pencil eyeliners are easier to use and the oldest of its type. If you’re new to using eyeliners, a pencil liner can be a more convenient way of starting. They glide easily which makes it perfect for lining both your upper and lower lash lines. Pencil eyeliners are also easier to blend compared with the other types. 

You must keep in mind, however, that pencil eye liners don’t last long. They also tend to smear and smudge easily, so be careful.

Christian Dior Long-Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is one good example with multiple colors.


Gel liners

Gel liners last longer than pencil eyeliners. They are formulated to be waterproof and smudge-proof. If you have precise hands and don’t want the inconvenience of frequent touch-ups, gel liners are good news for you. They come in small bottles with included applicators. 

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner

If you have natural oily skin, this type of liner can make sure you won’t be smudging your lines for hours.


Powder eyeliners

Powder eyeliners can be applied whether dry or wet. If you choose to use it wet, the lines will appear crisp like that of a gel liner. However, if you use it dry, your lines will be more subtle and diffused. It also doesn’t contain too much pigment and isn’t capable of lasting long. 


Liquid liners

Shu Uemura Metal:Ink Liquid Eye Liner

For precision lines, you can use the liquid liners. A liquid liner can give you long lasting glossy lines. It’s a perfect choice for making those cat eyes and eyeliner flicks. However, before you decide on using it, you have to make sure you have enough patience and mastery in application. 

How to apply eyeliner

Need help in your eyeliner application? Try these steps:

Untitled by Melanie Tata, on Flickr

Basic application

For the basic look, you have to start with the outer corner of your eyes and eventually work your way inwards. Make sure that there’s no gap on your lines by repeating the process. You can create solid lines or smudge them using your fingertips or a small brush.


Winged liner

The winged liner can make you look sultry if done the right way. However, if you’re new to this procedure, you may need a bit of patience and a steady hand. 

To get the winged effect, you need to line your upper lashline with your eyeliner of choice. Gel liners and liquid liners are your best options for this look as they are more precise and longer lasting. You can follow the basic application tip for this. 

When you reach the outer corner of your eyes, extend the lines as much as you want. You can go broader or longer if you want. You can even simply flick it on the end. The most important part is making sure you get the two wings even.


Top and bottom lines

To create a more dramatic look, you can line both of your lash lines. However, you need to make sure that your lower lash lines are not too heavy to avoid making it look like you’ve smudged your mascara. For a more defined look, you need to line only the outer two thirds of your lower lashline. Keep it close to your water line and make the lines as thin as possible.

The best type of liners for your lower lash lines are the pencil and the powder type. They aren’t too strong and striking. 

Tips and Tricks

● Make sure the eyeliner on your lower lash lines connect with the lines on your outer upper lash line to make it appear as natural as possible.

● If you made any mistake, you can use your Q-tip dipped on a moisturizer to remove it.

● Keep in mind to put your eyeliner after you’re finished blending your eyeshadows. Also, be sure to only use your mascara to coat your lashes after you’re through with your eyeliner.

● Also, avoid using your eyeliners on the area between your eyes and your eyelashes to avoid irritating it. Eyeliners are never safe to use on the inside rim of your lash lines.

● If you have closed set eyes, avoid putting thick layers of eyeliner on your eyes.

Maybelline Gel Liner by .angels., on Flickr

Eyeliners are very important as they can make or break your appearance. As much as possible, keep it subtle and natural. The first few attempts can be very tricky. However, as the cliche goes, practice makes perfect.