How to Apply Eyeliner: A Beginner's Guide for Defined Eyes (2024)

Best Eyeliner for Beginners and Its Different Types

Eyeliner is a cosmetic product that is formulated to be easily applied, to last long, and to be colorful. According to the FPLA, all eye cosmetics need to declare their formulation ingredients for consumer safety. Some important ingredients in eyeliners are film formers that give smoothness, thickeners such as waxes that enhance adhesion, and pigments like iron oxides that help in giving color. Pencil eyeliner is perfect for beginners because it is very easy to work with and gives full control, making it a perfect starting point before using liquid or gel liners. As you get more confident, you can try other formulas to achieve the look that you want.

Choosing the right eyeliner is crucial for beginners to achieve smooth and effortless application. Let's look into the types of eyeliners and find out which one can be most suitable for a beginner in makeup.

1. Pencil Eyeliner

Best for Beginners: Pencil eyeliner is the easiest to handle and therefore perfect for learning different eye makeup looks. Various types of pencil eyeliners are available, and selecting the perfect one depends on individual needs, such as formulation and texture.

Versatile Use: Ideal for soft, natural lines on both upper and lower lash lines.

Pro Tip: Always use a freshly sharpened pencil for a precise, hygienic application.

2. Liquid Eyeliner

Bold and Intense: Liquid liners are ideal for those big, bold styles such as winged eyeliner or cat eye.

Precision Tip: Its fine applicator helps in creating smooth and sharp lines.

For Beginners: This may take some practice because of the fluid nature, but it's perfect for bold looks.

3. Gel Eyeliner

Intermediate-Friendly: Gel liners go on with an angled or eyeliner brush. They are ideal for winged or thicker lines.

Long-Lasting: It has high pigment with great staying power.

Pro Use: Best for those who have confidence with brushes.

4. Cream Eyeliner

Blendable and Smooth: Perfect for creating smokey eyes or softer smudged effects.

Flexible Application: You can use it with a liner brush for straight lines or softer edges.

Creative Looks: Excellent to try more artistic styles.

5. Gel Pencils

Hybrid Formula: Combines ease of pencil application with bold gel liner pigmentation.

Smooth Application: Goes on effortlessly and easily to both upper eyelids and lower lash lines.

Beginner-Friendly yet Professional: Very easy to use, yet provides professional results.

How to Apply Eyeliner: Step-by-Step Guide For Beginners

Applying eyeliner in makeup is essential, but it is more important for beginners to know how to apply eyeliner perfectly. To Draw an Eyeliner Perfectly, no matter what kind of eyeliner you choose, here are a few things you need to remember:

1. Prepare Your Eyes

During your daily makeup routine, consider eye makeup first, as it may ruin the whole makeup if anything goes wrong. Begin, by cleansing the area with an eye makeup remover to create a smooth base. Then, apply a light layer of translucent powder to absorb excess oil and prevent smudging. Finally, use an eyeshadow primer to ensure the eyeliner stays in place all day.

2: Choose Your Tool and Style

Decide on the type of eyeliner and style you want. Beginners can start with a pencil for better control, while more experienced users can opt for gel or liquid for a bolder look. Here are some standard tools that are used to make the application of eyeliners easy:

• Angled Brush: Perfect for applying gel or cream liners, allowing you to create smooth, defined lines.
• Liner Brush: Ideal for creating thin, precise lines or filling in winged eyeliner.
• Pencil Sharpeners: Keep your eyeliner pencils sharp for precise, clean lines.
• Cotton Swab Dipped in Makeup Remover: Use this to correct mistakes without smudging your makeup.
• Makeup Setting Spray: Lock in your eye makeup with a setting spray for all-day wear and no smudging.

3. Begin Applying Eyeliner

Start by drawing short, connected strokes instead of one continuous line, from the middle of the lash line and working outward, then filling in the inner corner. For the upper lash line, use a pencil eyeliner to trace a thin line along the lash line, starting from the inner corner and gradually moving towards the outer corner, ensuring the line is smooth and even. For the lower lash line, apply pencil eyeliner or gel pencil lightly to maintain a soft and natural look. Blend the line slightly past the outer edge to create a seamless finish.

4. Perfect the Wing

Begin drawing a thin line along the upper lash line. Then, take the eyeliner line outward toward the outer corner, angling it to the end of your brow. At the end reconnect the wing to the lash line and fill in any open spaces for the perfect wing.

5. Add Depth with a Thicker Line

If you want a more dramatic look that makes your eyes pop, draw a thicker line at the outer half of the eyelid. If the eyes are hooded, the line should be kept thin at the inner corners and gradually built in thickness as it goes outward.

6. Finishing Touches

Apply mascara over the eyeliner to help blend into your lashes. Set the eyeliner with a setting powder for longevity, especially when using an eye pencil or eye kohl. At the end to brighten the effect, use a light-colored pencil eyeliner or a soft eyeshadow at the tear duct. To achieve a bold look, opt for cream liners or dark pencil eyeliner. If you're going for a smokier effect, use a Q-tip or cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to gently smudge the pencil line, softening the edges for a sultry, smoky finish.

NOTE: During your daily makeup routine, consider eye makeup first, as it may ruin the whole makeup if anything goes wrong.

How to Do Eyeliner with Different Styles and Techniques

Learning how to do eyeliner is an essential skill for enhancing your eye makeup to create defined eyes. Different eyeliner styles can dramatically change your look, and each technique requires a bit of practice to perfect. Here are some popular eyeliner styles and tips on how to apply them:

1. Classic Tightline Liner

It is perfect for everyday wear, this style pairs well with any makeup look and enhances your eyes without being too bold.

• Use a pencil, gel, or liquid eyeliner.
• Draw a thin line along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner of the eye.
• Gradually thicken the line as you move toward the outer corner for a natural, defined look.

2. Winged Liner (Cat Eye)

This technique defines the eyes and adds a dramatic flair. You just need to adjust the wing's boldness based on your desired effect.

• Start by drawing a thin line along the upper lash line.
• Extend the line outward, angling it towards the end of your brow to create the wing.
• Connect the wing back to the lash line and fill in the space to create a sharp triangle.

3. Smokey Liner

This style is ideal for evening looks or a dramatic, edgy appearance. It adds depth and enhances your eye shape.

• Apply pencil eyeliner or dark gel liner along the upper and lower lash lines.
• Use a cotton swab or makeup brush to smudge the liner, softening the edges for a smokey effect.
• You can also blend the eyeliner past the outer corners for an intense, sultry look.

4. Graphic Liner

If you are looking to create unique, statement looks that stand out this style can help you achieve it.

• Experiment with cream or liquid liners in bold, metallic shades for a striking look.
• Use an eyeliner brush to create precise, artistic designs for a unique effect.
• Play with geometric or abstract shapes to add creativity to your makeup.
• Add a touch of glitter or shimmer on top for extra drama.
• Try layering different colors or textures for a multidimensional look.

5. Subtle Everyday Liner

This underrated style is perfect for everyday wear, enhancing your eyes in a soft, natural way.

• Use a pencil or gel liner for a soft, precise line.
• Start from the inner corner and move outward in small strokes.
• Keep the line close to the lashes for a natural, subtle look.

Eyeliner Application Tips for Different Eye Shapes

Understanding your eye shape and applying the eyeliner in the right technique is necessary to enhance your eyes, making them appear larger, more defined, and perfectly framed. Here are some eyeliner tips based on different eye shapes:
1.Almond Eyes: Almost any eyeliner style works for almond-shaped eyes. Feel free to experiment with winged eyeliner and bold, metallic shades to enhance your natural eye shape.

2. Hooded Eyes: In the case of hooded eyes, use thinner lines closer to the upper lash line to prevent transferring and to keep the eyeliner from moving around.

3. Round Eyes: To elongate round eyes, extend the eyeliner line slightly past the outer corners, creating a more elongated, cat-eye effect.

4. Monolids: Gel or cream eyeliners are great for monolids, as they provide bold, intense lines that stay in place without smudging.

Common Mistakes While Applying Eyeliner

Here are some tips to help you avoid common eyeliner mistakes:

• Uneven Lines: For a smoother, straighter line, use a freshly sharpened pencil. Start with a thin line and gradually build it up for more control.
• Smudging: To avoid smudging, set your eyeliner with a light dusting of translucent powder at the lower lid.
• Overextended Wing: Make sure your wing is proportionate to your eye shape. An angled brush and cream eyeliner can give you better control to create a precise wing.
• Skipping Primer: Don’t skip the primer! It helps to create a smooth base and prevents smudging or uneven lines.
• Using Dried-Out Products: If your eyeliner feels dry, it’s time to replace it. Old liners can tug at your skin and ruin your look.

How to Apply Eyeliner If You Don't Have a Steady Hand

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