How to Apply Eyeliner: 10 Looks for Beginners and Pros

Whether you want to know how to create a basic straight line, perfect your cat-eye, or learn creative new tricks, consider this your complete guide to all things eyeliner

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Would you wear the same jeans and t-shirt to work every day? No? Then why do you insist on wearing the same eye makeup for days, even months, on end?

Oh, we hear the excuses already: You're too busy getting everyone ready in the morning; you don't want to emerge from the bathroom looking like you got punched in the eye; the list could go on. Which is why you resort to your usual thin, black line. (Yawn.)

Sorry, but if you're not the new princess of Wales, there's no excuse for wearing the same blasé eyeliner day in and day out -- especially when there are so many different, outrageous ways to use this essential makeup tool. Whether you're an eyeliner rookie or a winged-tip-wearing-snob, we break down the basics and bring you the expert techniques you need to master these stunning looks on your first try.

Skip ahead to see the 10 new ways to use eyeliner now.

Think about it: Eyeliner is not only a way to play with color and make a statement, but it's also the perfect instrument to reshape your eye. You don't have to go under the knife for bigger-looking eyes if you know how to wield the brush for your eye shape. Don't believe us? Take it from eye makeup guru, Taylor Chang-Babaian, author of "Style Eyes."

"Wherever you put darkness is where your eye is drawn to," says Chang-Babaian, "which means eyeliner allows you to change the shape of your eye." Got small eyes? Make them bigger with a smoky wraparound. Want to elongate your eyes' width? Do an exaggerated winged tip. The possibilities are endless -- we've got 10 to get you started.

By Sharon J. Yi

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