Eyeliner is a staple in every makeup kit, enhancing your look and boosting your confidence. Eyeliner helps define your eyes and creates amazing visuals, whether you are going for a bold, dramatic effect or a subtle everyday look. But how do you successfully apply eyeliner?
If you’re new to eyeliner or looking to refine your technique, this guide on how to apply it will help you achieve those perfect lines!
What are Eyeliners?
Eyeliner is a cosmetic product that defines the eyes by applying it along the lash line. The different types of eyeliners—pencil, liquid, and gel—each create varying effects, from sharp lines to soft, smudged looks. If you’re looking to enhance your eyes or achieve a subtle pop, there’s an eyeliner perfect for your needs. And if you also want to find the ideal blush-on shade for you, we’ve got you covered!
- Pencil eyeliner: Perfect for beginners, this type is easy to control and allows for precision. It gives a softer, natural look.
- Liquid eyeliner: Known for its sharpness, liquid liner creates bold, defined lines and is ideal for achieving winged looks.
- Gel eyeliner: Usually applied with a brush, gel liners give a smooth finish and are great for both subtle and dramatic styles.
How to Apply Eyeliner Pencil
Pencil eyeliner, like the Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen, is often the go-to for those just starting with makeup. It’s forgiving and easy to work with, making it the perfect choice for daily wear. Here’s how to master it:
Step 1: Prep Your Eyes
Start by prepping your eyelids with a makeup primer. Primer helps your eyeliner stay in place all day without smudging or fading. Gently apply a small amount on your lids and let it set before moving on to the liner.
Step 2: Apply Eyeliner to the Upper Lid
To get a clean line on your upper eyelid, gently pull your upper lid to the side, creating a smooth surface. With your pencil, start at the outer corner of your eye and draw a thin line as close to your lash line as possible. Move inward slowly, and repeat if you want a thicker, bolder line.
Step 3: Apply Eyeliner to the Lower Lid
For the lower lid, keep the pencil close to your lash line. Draw a thin line starting from the outer corner and moving towards the inner corner. Avoid lining the entire lower lash line—stop about two-thirds of the way to give your eyes a more open, larger look.
Step 4: Connect the Lines
To complete the look, connect the upper and lower lines at the outer corner of your eye. This will create a more defined and cohesive style.
Step 5: Create a Winged Eyeliner
If you’re feeling adventurous, add a wing! Follow the angle of your lower lash line and draw a line extending outward. Then, connect this line to your upper lash line, creating a small triangle. Fill in the space for a sleek, classic cat-eye.
Step 6: Seal Your Eyeliner
To keep your eyeliner in place for longer, set it with an eyeshadow of the same color, like the Pixi + Hello Kitty Chrome Glow Palette - Charming Glow. Use an eyeliner brush or a small eyeshadow brush to gently pat some powder onto the liner, ensuring a long-lasting finish.
How to Apply Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner is the go-to for a bold, sharp look, but it can be tricky to master. Follow these steps to perfect your liquid liner technique:
Step 1: Shake the Bottle
Before applying the liquid liner, give the bottle a good shake to ensure the product is mixed well. After that, open the bottle and check that the brush is not overloaded; if necessary, swipe it along the bottle's rim.
Step 2: Apply Liner from the Middle of Your Upper Lash Line Outward
Start applying liner in the middle of your upper lash line and work your way outward, keeping the brush as close to your lashes as possible. Your first line doesn’t have to be perfect—just focus on getting a clean start.
Step 3: Apply Liner from the Inner Corner to the Middle
Next, apply the eyeliner from the inner corner of your upper lash line to the middle, connecting it with the line you just created. Use small strokes to create an even line across the entire lid.
Step 4: Create a Winged Look
For a winged effect, extend your lower lash line upward at the outer corner of your eye. This gives you a guideline for the wing. Once you’re happy with the line, fill it in to complete the wing. You can keep it subtle or go all-out for a dramatic effect.
How to Apply Gel Eyeliner
Gel eyeliner is known for its smooth application and versatility. Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Apply Liner to One Side of the Brush
Gel liner typically comes in a small pot, so you’ll need a liner brush to apply it. Dip the tip of your brush into the gel, coating it lightly.
Step 2: Apply Liner to the Inner and Outer Corners
Start by lining the inner corner of your upper lash line and working towards the middle. Then, line the outer corner of your lash line and move inward.
Step 3: Fill in the Lash Line
Once you’ve outlined both sides, use small, gentle strokes to fill in the middle of the lash line. Go over the liner a few times to ensure a smooth, even finish. You can also blend in some eyeshadow along the edge to create a smudged, smokey look if desired.
Tips When Using an Eyeliner
It might be tricky to apply eyeliners at first, but don’t worry—you’ve got this! Here are a few tips that can make the process smoother:
● Keep that pencil sharp.
A sharp pencil gives you more control and helps you create clean, precise lines. Plus, it glides on so much easier!
● Start small.
Start with thin lines and add more as you go. It’s simpler to add more than to take too much away.
● Fix mistakes with a cotton swab.
Messed up your line? No problem! A cotton swab dipped in makeup remover is your best friend for cleaning up smudges.
● Steady your hand.
Rest your elbow on a table or flat surface to keep your hand steady and avoid any wobbly lines.
● Practice, practice, practice.
Similar to when you’re learning how to apply lip tint, don’t worry if your initial attempts don’t turn out perfectly. Like anything, the more you practice, the better you’ll get!
With a bit of patience and these simple tricks, you'll be an eyeliner pro in no time!
Accentuate Your Eyes with Confidence
Learning how to apply eyeliner can seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and techniques, you’ll have it down in no time. Whether you’re using pencil, liquid, or gel, the key is to take your time and experiment with different looks until you find what works best for you.
Now, go ahead and add that finishing touch to your makeup with flawless eyeliner!
