For the uninitiated, applying eyeliner can be a daunting task. It requires a super steady hand, patience, and precise hand-eye coordination. And once you have the basics down, moving on to advanced forms like cat-eye and floating liners feel like an upgrade. After all, a well-placed cat eye flick, or a shapely floating line, can create the illusion of bigger, brighter, more awake peepers. Here’s what you've got to do to get your basics in check:
What is the best eyeliner to use if you're a beginner?
Several eyeliners are available in the market today, including pencils, gel, and liquid. A pencil is the best eyeliner for beginners, providing better control and precision. Plus, it's forgiving if you have shakier hands. Gel and liquid eyeliners may need more hand-eye coordination. Still, they create a more dramatic and long-lasting effect. If you're looking for the best eyeliner for sensitive eyes (or are a newbie to eye makeup), look for one with a creamy formula and rounded tip—the easier the application, the lesser the irritation.
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How to put eyeliner: a step-by-step guide
Step 1:
Start with a clean, dry eyelid. Using an eyelash curler, curl your lashes to open up your eyes.
Step 2:
Gently pull your eyelid taut with your non-dominant hand.
Step 3:
Using your dominant hand, start at the inner corner of your eye and draw a thin line along your lash line. Try to get as close to the roots of your lashes as possible. If that feels difficult, draw three dashes across your lid and then connect them.
Step 4:
For a more dramatic look, you can gradually increase the thickness of the line as you move towards the outer corner of your eye. Or, draw the flick first and then connect back to the middle of the inner corner of the eye.
Step 5:
If it smudges or runs, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any flecks or uneven lines.
How to apply eyeliner for beginners: 7 easy tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when learning how to apply eyeliner:
- Practice makes perfect: Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Keep practising until you feel comfortable drawing on a flick.
- Use short strokes: To create a smooth and even line, use quick strokes rather than trying to draw one continuous line.
- Don't pull on your eyelids: Pulling on them can cause wrinkles and make it harder to apply the eyeliner.
- Start with a thin line: It's easier to build up the thickness of your line than to try to remove excess eyeliner.
- Layer your formulas: Start by using a pencil to guide you. Then, go over it with a gel or liquid eyeliner to fill it in. This will also help to ensure that your cat-eye doesn't budge.
- Use a primer first: An eye primer ensures your liner doesn't slip-slide all over. The tacky base gives the eyeliner something to grab onto. Plus, it helps absorb oil on the lid, giving you an easier canvas to work with.
- Change up the colour: Black eyeliner is the go-to, but brown eyeliner can add dimension without being too intense. It is ideal if you want your cat eye to look subtle rather than dramatic.
We’ve done our best to share all our liner tips and can safely say that if you can include them in your makeup routine, there is nothing between you and fierce liner. If all else fails, you can grab an eyeliner stamp from your local beauty store and call it a day!
