Liquid eyeliner is a staple cosmetic that should always be in your makeup bag. It helps to define the eyes, making them appear more prominent. A liquid eyeliner pen also has a more intense color payoff than a pencil or gel eyeliner, making it great for creating dramatic looks. It’s also ideal for everyday low-key lines.
Waterproof eyeliner is a must if you live an active lifestyle or are taking a beach vacay, but you can always set your look with a makeup setting spray if you’re not using an H20-proof formula. While a well-applied line can make your eyes pop, you may have a little trepidation when it comes to the application process.
Not to worry. Liquid eyeliner need not be intimidating. To help you out, here are four tips for applying it like a pro.
1. Choose the Right Liquid Eyeliner
Before anything else, you have to choose the right liquid eyeliner formula. Each type offers its own pros and cons, but at the end of the day, the best one for you depends on your preferences, skill level, and makeup goals. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Traditional Liquid Eyeliner
● Form: Small bottle with a brush applicator.
- Application: Requires a steady hand for precise application, making it difficult for beginners.
- Pros: You can build up the intensity with multiple layers, giving you control over the final look. It also offers a high level of precision, making it ideal for creating sharp, defined lines and winged looks.
- Cons: Potential for smudging because it takes time to set. Also, once applied, there isn’t much flexibility for adjustments or blending, so if you make a mistake, it often means starting over.
Eyeliner Pen
- Form: Pen-like form with a felt-tip or brush-tip applicator.
- Application: Pens can be easier to handle, especially for beginners, as they provide more control and require less skill than traditional liquid liners, which require a separate brush.
- Pros: The fine tip of an eyeliner pen allows for precise application, making it easier to create defined lines and intricate designs. Also, most eyeliner pens dry quickly, reducing the risk of smudging, which makes them ideal when you’re on a tight schedule.
- Cons: Depending on the formula, some eyeliner pens may smudge or fade throughout the day, especially if they’re not waterproof or if you have oily eyelids. A pen’s shelf life is also shorter than other liquid eyeliners, especially if the cap isn’t secured tightly.
Felt-Tip Liquid Eyeliner
- Form: Similar to pen-type but with a felt-tip applicator.
- Application: Offers precision and ease of use, especially for beginners.
- Pros: Many felt-tip liquid eyeliners provide intense color with just one swipe, which is ideal for achieving vibrant, bold looks in minutes. Additionally, they usually have a consistent flow of product, reducing the chances of uneven application or skipping.
- Cons: Felt-tip liquid eyeliners are generally less blendable than pencil or gel liners, which can be a drawback if you want to create a smoky or blended look.
Waterproof Eyeliner
- Form: Bottle or pen.
- Finish: Typically dries to a matte or slightly glossy finish.
- Durability: Resistant to water, sweat, and humidity.
- Application: Provides long-lasting wear and is ideal for those with watery eyes from allergies.
- Pros: It’s perfect for hot, humid conditions, or you might be sweating or swimming. Even if you get a little wet, it won’t smudge or run.
- Cons: Waterproof formulas can be more challenging to remove compared to regular eyeliners. They often require specialized makeup removers.
2. Prep Your Eyelids
Properly prepping your eyelids can make a big difference in how your eyeliner looks and lasts, so take a few extra prep steps before drawing those fierce lines!
Cleanse Your Eyelids
Start with a clean, dry base. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any oils or makeup residue from your lids.
Use a Primer
Use an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth, even surface, help your eyeliner adhere better, and prevent smudging. Apply a small amount and blend it evenly over your eyelids, extending it slightly beyond the lash line.
Set with a Translucent Powder
Once dry, lightly dust a translucent setting powder over the primer to absorb any excess oils and give your eyeliner more staying power. Alternatively, you can use a makeup setting spray.
3. Learn the Basic Techniques for Liquid Eyeliner Application
Okay, so you’ve chosen the best liquid eyeliner for your needs and skillset, and your lids are prepped , now it’s go time. Here are the basic liquid eyeliner 101 tips. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Use Your Elbow as a Rest
It’s not uncommon to have shaky hands when applying liquid eyeliner. To make it easier on yourself, rest your elbow on a flat surface, like a table or counter, to provide extra stability. This technique can help reduce hand tremors and make your application smoother.
Start at the Inner Corner
Begin applying the liquid eyeliner at the inner corner of your upper lash line.
Use Short Strokes
Applying the eyeliner in short, controlled strokes rather than one long line gives you more control and helps create a smoother line.
Follow Your Natural Lash Line
Continue working your eyeliner towards the outer corner, following the natural curve of your eye.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush the application. Take your time to ensure each stroke is steady and precise. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes, and you don’t have to start from scratch every time. Patience is vital to mastering the art of liquid eyeliner application.
Set Your Eyeliner
Once your liquid eyeliner is dry, set it with a matching eyeshadow, translucent powder, or a makeup setting spray.
4. Elevate Your Look by Mastering Winged Eyeliner
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to go ultra-pro by learning how to master the winged eyeliner technique. It’s a fun and dramatic way to enhance your eye makeup look. Winged eyeliner can be tricky at first, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right!
Create a Base Line
This part should be easy, as you’ve already been practicing the basic liquid eyeliner application. Simply follow the steps above!
Mark Your Wing Angle
Look straight into the mirror and decide the angle of your wing. If the wing extends out too far, it can look unnatural. A good way to gauge this is to envision a line extending from your lower lash line upwards towards the end of your eyebrow. You can also use a small piece of tape or a business card to help create a straight line. Just make sure to remove it gently to avoid disturbing your makeup.
Draw the Wing
Starting from the outer corner of your eye, draw a small line extending outwards following the angle you marked. You can adjust the length of the wing based on personal preference. For a more dramatic look, make it longer; for a subtle look, keep it shorter.
Don’t make the mistake of pressing too hard, as it can cause smudges or uneven application. Use a light hand and build up the liner gradually. Start with a thin line and add more if needed.
Connect the Wing
Once you draw the wing, it’s time to connect it to your upper lash line. Start from the inner corner and draw along your lash line towards the wing, creating a smooth, continuous line. If you want a thicker wing, go over the line you’ve drawn. Be careful not to make it too thick on one side; it’s easier to build up than to fix an overly thick line.
Perfect the Shape
Check for symmetry and make any necessary adjustments. If necessary, use a small angled brush with makeup remover to clean up the edges or perfect the wing shape. You also want to make sure the wing complements your eye shape.
For example, if you have hooded eyes, angle the wing slightly upwards to avoid it disappearing when your eyes are open. Close-set eyes can benefit from a wing that extends outward and slightly away from the eye to create the illusion of more space between the eyes.
Liquid eyeliner tends to be more resistant to smudging and fading than other types of eyeliner. It has excellent staying power, making it ideal for long days or special events. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to master the application process and begin experimenting with different looks, from subtle to bold.
