Eyeliner: How To

How To Choose An Eyeliner

There are many types of eyeliner available. So let's run through them all.

First is my favourite - Creme (or Gel) Eyeliner: This is eyeliner in a creamy/gel-like form and it usually comes in a pot. You apply it using an eyeliner brush. I love this kind of eyeliner personally because I find it has the most staying power out of all the kinds of eyeliner out there as well as perfect control. I can put on as much or as little as I need and create different looks with it. The colour is usually bolder with creme/gel eyeliners too. These can be used by beginners by all means but practice makes perfect with them so if you're just starting out you might want to consider the other kinds of eyeliners first.

Pencil Eyeliners: These are great for soft, smudged looks. Easy for beginners and offer good control. Keep them sharpened and you're good to go.

Liquid Eyeliner: Great for a sharp, crisp line. Come with their own applicator usually and are easy to apply. Again, like creme/gel liners, getting a good result with liquid liner takes practice.

Felt Tip Eyeliner: These are much like liquid liners except they come in felt tip form. Designed to give you the result of liquid liner with the control of a felt-tip pen. I personally can't stand them because I find most of them are too dry and take too much work to produce a simple line. However, I won't knock them completely as they are great for people starting out and I'm sure there are kinds that don't dry out as quickly.


How To Apply Eyeliner:

General rule of thumb when applying eyeliner is to NEVER STRETCH YOUR EYELID. This can cause premature sagging and wrinkles around the eye area and as soon as you allow the eyelid to relax your line will most likely appear wonky and uneven because the skin was taught when you applied it and relaxed when you're finished applying. Never drag, pull or tug your eyelids or lash lines.

If you have shakey hands then steady them by resting your hand on the side of your face. This offers much steadier control than simply resting your pinky on your cheek. Your whole hand is supported leaving your fingers able to draw the line properly.

If you're using creme/gel or liquid liner, start by dabbing it into the lash line and then build your line as thickly or thinly as you'd like.

With pencils it's a lot easier because you can simply line/smudge.

Keep cotton buds soaked in makeup remover close by to correct mistakes.