How to Apply Eyeliner

Applying eyeliner can be one of the trickiest things to do, but when applied properly the effects can be amazing. Eyeliner can add definition to your eyes, whether you choose a soft line or a dramatic stroke. Practice makes perfect here! Learn how to apply eyeliner in a manner that flatters your eyes. Skillful application can help create the illusion of more evenly spaced and set eyes and help lend better balance to the entire face.

Choosing Eyeliner

The eyeliner is meant to give depth to the lashes and make them appear thicker. Choose an eyeliner color that complements the eye shadow and flatters your eyes. You can opt for brown, navy or charcoal accents or even shades of plum. For a classic eyeliner look, choose shades of dark brown, gray or black for the upper lid and softer shades such as tan, taupe, chestnut, soft brown, soft gray or soft black along the lower lashes.

Liquid eyeliner is best applied only to the top lashes. You can opt for pencil eyeliner for the lower lids. Try using colored kohl pencil above and below the lashes and finishing it with black liquid eyeliner on the top lid. Always try new eyeliner on the back of your hand as it gives you an idea of the amount of pressure you need to apply. Liquid eyeliner should be applied after eye shadow to prevent smudging. An important tip for eyeliner users is to always remove all traces of makeup before you sleep.

Pencil eyeliners lend a soft definition to the eyes while liquid eyeliner offers precision and drama. Pencil eyeliners are quite popular since they are easier to use. Liquid eyeliner requires more practice and getting used to. You can create precise lines once applied with enough control.

Felt tip eyeliners are quite similar to liquid eyeliners in consistency and better control. Cake eyeliners, traditionally used by professionals are now becoming very popular. Cake eyeliners are used with water and can be used on both top and bottom eyelids. Another new trend is to use eye shadows as eyeliners. The advantage of this is that you have so many more colors with which to line.

How to apply eyeliner

Apply other eye makeup before adding liner and mascara. Ensure that you have a good mirror and lighting so that you can see what you are doing. Use a steady hand to apply eyeliner. Draw a line from the inner corner of the eyelid to the outer corner in one fluid stroke keeping to the natural curvature of the eyelid.

You can keep the line thin and even across the eyelid or thicken the line at the outer end of the eyelid. Draw a line across your upper eyelid just above the lashes. Start from the inside corner to the outer end. Lining the lower lids is a matter of choice. Also line the lids based on your eye shape.

You can apply the eyeliner as a line on a larger part of the lower lid. You can gently smudge the line for a smoky and smoldering effect. Stopping your eyeliner at the corner of the eyes will make them appear round and wide. Sweeping the line a little longer will lend a more exotic look. Smudge the edges for a more natural effect.

Some women prefer to paint a few dots along the lash line on the top lids and then join them to form a continuous line. If you have a larger eyelid area, you can go in for thicker and softer eyeliner. Choose thin and intense eyeliner if you have small eyelid area.

Avoid thick eyeliner for small or close-set eyes. For wide-set eyes, emphasize the inner corners of the eyes. For close set eyes, emphasize the outer corners, keeping the inner corners highlighted. For drooping eyes, turn the outer end of the liner in an upward direction. Eyeliner should be applied close to the base of the eyelashes. Apply the eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible. Else you are likely to land up with a ghost line or strip of skin between your liner and lash line. This takes away from the effect of fuller lashes. It is not advisable to apply eyeliner in the rim of the eye. This would probably result in dark specks in the eye and appear unsightly. The eye is also likely to get irritated.

• If you are just learning how to apply eyeliner, you may find it easier to sit at a table with a standing mirror in front of you.
  
• Alternatively, lay a mirror down on a table so you can look down into it.
  
• Rest your elbow on the table to prevent shaking while applying eyeliner.
  
• A sure, quick stroke is far easier than a slow and seemingly controlled one.
  

Smoky violet pencil eyeliner would go well with green eyes. Use slate, blue, gray and plum eye shadows for brown eyes, pink, salmon, mauve and brownish pink for green eyes and brown, camel and taupe shades for blue eyes.

Permanent eyeliner

Permanent eyeliner is created through a cosmetic surgery procedure called micro-pigmentation. With this technique, you can add definition to your eyes in a defined line. A hand-held device punctures the skin many times per minute with a thin needle and pushes the pigment into the desired location. A skillful surgeon can help you achieve a soft natural-looking enhancement to your eyes.

Liquid eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner comes in a bottle rather like ink. Often it comes with its own application brush. An ultra-fine brush with a long stem can help you in skillful application of eyeliner. When you are applying liquid eyeliner, allow it to dry before opening your eyes all the way. Go easy on the color lest your eyes appear like raccoons. Liquid eyeliner is not for the heavy-lidded.

Eyeliner Pencil

Always sharpen the eye liner pencil to remove any bacteria that has built up. If the eyeliner pencil tip is quite dry, it may pull at the delicate eye tissue. Stretch the eye as you are lining it. Focus the eyeliner just above the lashes on the top lid. Avoid greasy or slick eyeliner pencils to line the lower lashes as they smear and smudge.