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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Beginner: Top lashline
We'll start with the simplest, can't-screw-it-up way to wear your liner. Apply a kohl pencil liner (like Make Up For Ever Kohl Pencil, $17) from the inner to the outer edges of your upper lashline. Close your eye and pull your lid taut to draw your line. For your first pass, wiggle it in between your lashes (it will make them look thicker), and on your second pass make the line thicker if you want. Then use a small chiseled brush or an angled brush to smudge the line to make it softer. "Smudging is key when you're afraid you won't create a straight line," says Chang-Babaian. "When applying eyeliner, it's not about creating a straight line with the pencil, but going back and forth with your brush until the line is smooth."
See Next Page: Beginner: Brighten eyesRate this story|Avg member rating: 9
Products Mentioned in This Story
Make Up For Ever Kohl Pencil
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Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener
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Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Cream Eyeliner
Average Member Rating: 9.8
Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
Average Member Rating: 7.3
Make Up For Ever Aqua Creamliner
Average Member Rating: 10.0
Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Average Member Rating: 9.2
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I read this article awhile back and finally got an account because it wouldnt work before. lol but i really love gel eyeliner! I use ELFs cream eyeliner and a brush i got at target (not from ELF) for like 2$
by EmiLaine333 Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 12:23PM Report as inappropriate
Am I the ONLY one who absolutely ADORES Tarte eyeliner?
by Busygirls Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 09:45AM Report as inappropriate
love this article! I can't wait to try some of these looks.
by WiccanLady Friday, May 11, 2012 at 04:17PM Report as inappropriate
I used to line my lower inner 'rims' of my eyes, but I've heard, even most recently, that this wasn't a 'good thing' to do, eg: irritations, poking, infections, blah blah blah. so...........what changed? Also, I m a 54 yr old lady (lol) who just went back to wearing makeup (self esteem building, lol), so what I do is line the tops n bottoms of the NON rims of my eyes, n go over that line w/my fave eye shadow, making it appear like I lined WITH shadow. (I rarely wear shadow other that what I described, I have so much concealer on that I don't DARE, my eyes look puffy under the eye, dark DARK lids n darker by the corners of my eyes to the nose, if that makes sense. This is my 1st post so I think I jammed in everything I wanted/needed assistance with, :-). I am a brunette (dye my hair a dark burgundy, its gorgeous, if I DO say so), hazel eyes and a fair complexion. ( need new hair style but 1 thing at a time!!!:) The line I use is a marker type, with a skinny point to a wider point (is that chiseled?) anyhow, I FEEL better!! I have one tip that may be an old one: u know how shadows often are packed w/lighter color on one side, then going upto the darker (same color) if the pots of shadows r close enough, (& IF I want to wear shadow) I run by index finger downward motion, getting at least 2 of the colors, the I lay my finger on the lid, press, n TA~DA!!! adjust as needed:) (I use a marker type of liner because I tend NOT to get the raccoon look, esp after cleaning, exercising, etc. thanks ~!
by lisa_j_draper Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 11:16AM Report as inappropriate
I struggle with the cat eye but i love it!
by ladyboarder9669 Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 11:10AM Report as inappropriate
I use waterproof makeup *always*.I have big prominent eyes, and tear easily, whether frm crying--or smoke I live in a humid climate,too,If eyeliner is soft, put in in the fridge for awhile--but don't leave it there, it will dry up too much.
by Karine Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 10:05PM Report as inappropriate
very informative, but I would like to know how to keep the liner from melting and making my eyes look all black. I havee tried putting a little powder under each eye but still runs. Myskin around that area is a littlee oily.
by vanna_sullivan Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 08:16PM Report as inappropriate
I read this one more time, because this is one of the best articles I have read on Total Beauty. I do some very advanced techniques with my eyeliner, but I'm going to experiment more with beige on the waterline (I usually use white) and the top inner rim. Thanks!
by robyne00 Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 05:41PM Report as inappropriate
I'd look like a "ho" with that much eyeliner (cat's eye style); my eyes are already huge !!! Informative article though; thanks !
by sharon_lemonds Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 04:36PM Report as inappropriate
