Eyeliner can emphasize the appearance of the eyes with fine lines or sharp strokes. You can beautify your eyes by spending just a few minutes in front of the mirror using pencil, liquid, or gel eyeliner. Even if you're new to eyeliner, you can learn how to use it in just a few minutes!
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Method 1 of 4: Using Liquid Eyeliner
Step 1. Shake the eyeliner pack
To make sure the liquid inside is evenly mixed, you'll need to shake the pack. Make sure the eyeliner packaging is tightly closed, then shake it for a few seconds. After that, open the lid of the eyeliner bottle and take out the brush.
If there is too much liquid eyeliner on the brush, first wipe it against the rim of the bottle to reduce it
Step 2. Start from the middle
Place the brush on the top line of the eye as close to the eyelashes as possible. Then apply eyeliner to the upper lash line. Wipe outwards towards the end of the lash line.
If you're worried that you won't be able to create even lines, you can use a pencil eyeliner first and then layer it with liquid eyeliner
Step 3. Connect the eyeliner line
When you're done making a line to the outer corner of the eye, apply the eyeliner to the inner corner of the upper eye and then connect this line to the first line you made. Make short lines first, then connect them to form one line that blends and evenly on the upper lash line.
If there is a wrong spot, moisten the earplug with makeup remover liquid, and use the tip to wipe it off. You can remove eyeliner that is too thick, or even equalize the ends of curved lines
Step 4. Follow the lower lash line to create a winged model
The winged model is one of the choices for the liquid eyeliner line that can make your appearance more striking. If you want to create a winged line, just follow the curve of the outer lash line upward from the corner of the eyelid. Then thicken the wing lines as needed.
- Try making the wings smaller first if you don't want to look too flashy, or making the wings longer for a dramatic look.
- You can use the edges of the business card to help create a straight line when creating the wings. Just stick the business card on the outer corner of the eyelid at a certain angle then follow the shape with liquid eyeliner.
- You can also use masking tape to create the shape of the wings. Stick the tape on the lower lash line at a certain angle. The position of the tape should be perpendicular to the outer edge of the lower lashes and extending towards the eyebrows. You can slant the position to your liking, but remember that a more slanted line creates a more dramatic look. If you want to create a less dramatic look, reduce the slope of your tape.
Method 2 of 4: Using Pencil Eyeliner
Step 1. Prepare a pencil eyeliner
In order to create a smooth line, prepare the pencil eyeliner in the right temperature. If your pencil eyeliner feels hard, you may need to warm it up. On the other hand, if it feels soft, you may need to refrigerate it.
- Place the pencil eyeliner on the fire for a few seconds to warm it up. This will soften the pencil eyeliner so that it has a gel-like texture. Then, check it first on the wrist before using it on the eyes.
- To cool pencil eyeliner, try putting it in the freezer for about 10 minutes before using it. That way, the pencil eyeliner won't break easily.
Step 2. Hold the outer corner of your eyelid
Place one finger on the outer edge of the upper lash line and gently pull it outward until the eyelid tightens. This is done so that you can create a straight line evenly along the upper lash line. You can also close your eyelids when you pull them tight.
- Raise your eyebrows so that your eyelids don't block the lash line at all.
- Placing your elbows on a table or counter may help stabilize your hands.
Step 3. Start at the inner corner of the eye and work your way outward
Scratch the eyeliner pencil from the inner corner of the eye outwards. Make sure to stroke it slowly by forming short lines so that the result is even.
If you want to make your eyes appear bigger and more open, you might consider using a lighter color in the inner corner of your lash line. For example, you can use a cream pencil eyeliner on the inner corner and brown eyeliner on the outer corner of your eye
Step 4. Consider using a tight lining technique to create a more natural look
If you want to create a natural look, you may want to consider the tight lining technique. To create a line with this technique, all you need to do is apply eyeliner in the gap between your lashes and your upper eyelid. Lines made with tight lining techniques can emphasize the shape of the eyes without being accompanied by dramatic lines.
- You can make a tight line on the upper or lower lash line.
- To create an even more natural look, try using eyeliner in neutral colors like light brown to create a tight line.
Step 5. Use a pencil eyeliner on the lower lash line
If you want to thicken the lower eyelid line, place one finger on the outer edge of the lower eyelid and pull it tight. Then, start scribbling the pencil eyeliner and make short lines just like on the upper eyelid.
- Run the eyeliner along your lower lash line for a dramatic look. The use of eyeliner both on the lower and upper eyelid lines will make your look more dramatic.
- Apply eyeliner to the upper half of your lash line for a softer look. Lighter colored eyeliner can also be used on the lower lash line to refine your look. For example, light brown color on the lower lash line.
Method 3 of 4: Using Gel Eyeliner
Step 1. Apply the gel on one side of the brush
Gel eyeliners are usually sold in small jars and you will need a brush to use them. When you are about to use it, open the lid of the gel pack and then dip the eyeliner brush into it until the tip is coated with gel.
Gel eyeliners tend to dry quickly, so be sure to re-close the packaging as soon as you're done. If the gel seems a little dry or stiff, you can also warm the package by holding it first to make it easier to apply
Step 2. Start from the inside out
Start by dabbing the gel inside the lash line towards the center, but don't connect the lines first. Then, apply the gel to the outer lash line all the way to the tips.
- Apply the eyeliner in an arc if your eyelid tends to cover it. That way, you can see the resulting line when you open your eyes.
- Another way is to make a few dots along the lash line, then connect them to form a line.
Step 3. Connect the lines in the middle
Once you've drawn a line on the inner and outer corners of your eyelid, you can connect the two in the middle. Use short strokes along the lash line for an even finish. For an even result, you may need to apply the gel several times.
- Add more gel if needed. You may be able to finish the line on one eye with the gel that comes with the brush. However, you can also add more gel if necessary.
- Try blending a little eyeshadow along the end of the line for a smoky look.
Method 4 of 4: Creating a Smoky Cat Eye Look
Step 1. Create the base
Apply a neutral eyeshadow to your lids to start with, and continue with a slightly darker shade of eyeshadow. For example, you can use a skin tone eyeshadow followed by a brown color.
Use a thick bristled brush to apply each layer of eyeshadow all over your eyelid
Step 2. Apply eyeshadow to the outer corner of the eyelid
Then, apply a medium brown eyeshadow to the same area. This color will define the outer corner of the eyelid and create a suitable base for a cat eye look. Continue by dabbing black on top of the brown layer in equal parts.
Also apply a little black eyeshadow to the inner corner of the eyelid to help create a smoky eye look
Step 3. Use the highlighting technique in the middle
To brighten the look of the eyes, dab a small amount of bright, shiny eyeshadow in the center of the eyelid. You can use whatever bright and shiny colors you want, such as champagne, beige, or white. Apply this eyeshadow to the center of the eyelid using a small brush with thick bristles.
Step 4. Apply eyeliner on the upper lash line
When you're done applying eyeshadow, you can apply black eyeliner to your upper lash line. Take the eyeliner and start scribbling on the outer and inner corners of the upper eyelid, then connect it in the middle.
If you are using a gel eyeliner with a brush, make sure to coat the brush with the gel evenly and that there are no clumps of gel on the brush
Step 5. Create the wings
Next, extend the eyeliner line outwards past the tip of the eyelid towards the top. Follow the curve of the lower lash line to create these wings. Then, connect the center of the wing and the line on the eyelid.
Your makeup will look dramatic with a cat eye look once it's done
Step 6. Apply mascara and apply false eyelashes
You can complete your makeup with mascara and false eyelashes if you want. Mascara will help define the eyes and false eyelashes, making your makeup look even more dramatic.
Try to curl your lashes first before applying false lashes to make them appear thicker and more defined
Tips
- Don't make long lines with eyeliner; just keep the lines short as this will give you more control over the movement and produce cleaner lines. This trick can be used on all types of eyeliner.
- If the color of your pencil eyeliner won't come off (can't create a line), heat it up with an old hair dryer or straightener. After that, the eyeliner should be easy to apply, just make sure not to heat it until it melts.
- If you find it difficult to remove eye makeup, try rubbing baby oil with a cotton swab.
- Wash your brushes regularly with a makeup remover or a mild gel shampoo.
- To clean the eyeliner, gently wipe the wet tissue over the area.
- Using powder eyeliner over pencil eyeliner will help maintain the color while softening your look.
- You may find it difficult to blend your makeup color if you have dry skin. So, you may need to apply a cold cream and then remove it before applying makeup. That way, your face is moist enough so that the color pigments can stick to the surface of the skin.
- Don't touch your eyes while applying eyeliner or the color will run off and dirty your hands and eyes.
- Use skin/peach eyeliner on the tear line instead of white as it will look more natural.
Warning
- Do not share eyeliner with other people because it can pass the infection from one person to another. If you must share eyeliner with other people, first wipe the tip of the brush with a makeup remover or rubbing alcohol and then rinse. Also, replace the eye makeup with a new one every 30-60 days to reduce the risk of infection.
- Using eyeliner on the lower eyelid can cause infection and increase the risk of makeup getting into the eye.
- Pay attention to how much eyeliner you use, not using at all is better than too much.
Related wikiHow Articles
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- Eye Makeup
- Using Liquid Eyeliner
