Eyeliner 101: Everything You Need to Know
Want to make your eyes pop? Reach for the liner. Whether you just want to define your eyes or create a dramatic look—liner is the key. Here’s everything you need to know.
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LINER TYPES
Pencils, powders, gels, pens—liners come in a variety of formulas and each creates a different effect.
PENCIL
Pencil liners are easy to apply. A standard pencil liner will create a very thin precise line. If you are looking for something more intense and wider, go with a gel liner pencil. Choose a kajal formula, if you prefer a slightly smudged, sexy look. Look for long-wear formulas to keep your makeup in place all day.
GEL
Gel liner provides an intense crisp line. It is also smudge-proof, water-resistant, and long-wearing. Gel liners come in a small pot, along with a thin brush applicator. For newbies gel pencil versions are an easier-to-apply option.
POWDER
Paired with a liner brush, powder liners create a pretty, more diffused line. Powder formulas specifically made to use as liner tend to last longer than eyeshadows doubling as liner. The look will change according to how you apply it. Applied dry, the line will be softer. Applied damp, the liner is more intense and will stay in place longer.
LIQUID
Liquid liner will give you an intense rich line. However, it requires some patience and practice to get it right. For that retro glamour winged liner or a cat-eye look, liquid is a good choice.
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BASIC APPLICATION
Step 1. Starting from the outer corner of the eye, line your way across the lashline until your it looks smooth and even.
Step 2. Repeat and make sure there are no gaps between the liner and lashline.
Step 3. If you want a softer effect, use your finger or a brush to smudge.
Related: How to Make Your Eyeliner Last All Day
CREATING A WING
Winged liner adds a little extra drama. It’s surprisingly easy to create. It can be done with any eyeliner formula, but I find it is easiest with a pot of gel eyeliner and a thin tapered brush.
Step 1. Apply liner from the outer corner all the way across the upper lashline to the inner corner.
Step 2. Going from the inner to outer corner in smooth long strokes draw over the line filling in any gaps. The liner should get wider as you go across, so the widest point is in outer corner.
Step 3. To create the wing, extend the line from the outer corner so that it goes up and out tapering to a soft point.
Step 4. How long the wing is, is up to you. You can draw it farther out and straighter, or create an upward flick. Make sure the two sides are mirrors of each other.
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LINING TOP & BOTTOM
If you want added definition, try lining the lower lash line too.
Step 1. Gel and liquid liner are often too intense for the lower lashline. I recommend using a pencil or powder. Using a pencil or powder brush, draw a thin line very close to the lashes from the outer corner in.
Step 2. It’s up to you how far across you go. I recommend either keeping the bottom line very short and just connected to the upper lashline, or going all the way across. Never line halfway.
Step 3. It is important that you connect the upper and lower lines at the outer corner of your eye.
Note: If you have a lot of undereye darkness, lining the lower lash line will highlight the issue. A better option is to use waterproof mascara on the lower lashes.
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LAYERING LINER
You don’t have to stick with just one type of liner. Combining two formulas can give you a unique look. Here’s what to try:
Powder liner can soften the look of gel liner. Try lining with a gel liner and a brush first. Layer a dry powder liner applied with a thicker liner brush or a smudge brush for a party-ready look.
Try a thin pencil liner followed by dry powder. It creates a slightly more intense look than just pencil alone and is highlighted by the softness of powder.
Gel or ink pen liner on top of a powder helps create a sexy, smoky eye with a cool, sharp edge.
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TIPS
If you make a mistake, a Q-tip dipped in eye makeup remover is an instant fix.
Never line halfway, always line all the way across.
If your line appears too harsh or intense, just use your finger or a cotton swab to smudge slightly.
Always apply liner after eye shadow.
Make sure you can see your liner when your eye is open. Otherwise the line is too thin.
Always make the thickest part of your liner be on the outside corner. The line should taper a bit as you go across with the thinnest point being in the inner corner. This will visually lift the eye and highlight your eye shape.
