How to Keep Liquid Eyeliners On

Use loose powder to help your liquid eyeliner adhere smoothly.

Favored by ancient Egyptians and modern day Hollywood stars alike, women have long used eyeliner to enhance their eyes. Those applying liquid eyeliner can create a sultry, dramatic line along the curve of their lashes and can even extend it to create a cat’s eye or wing design. While you may find this task a little daunting, with a little practice you can learn to apply liquid eyeliner like a pro using common products found in the cosmetic section of your local drugstore.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid concealer
• Loose foundation powder
• Eyeliner pencil
• Eyeliner brush
• Cotton swab
• Eye makeup remover

Instructions

1. Apply a small quantity of liquid concealer to your eyelid, and then apply a light layer of loose foundation powder over the top. The powder will help the eyeliner adhere well and stay on longer.

2. Apply eye shadow in the color of your choice along the upper eyelid, and then apply a layer of mascara to the top eyelashes. Applying the mascara before the eyeliner will allow you to use your lashes as a guide and help prevent liner from getting into your eyes.

3. Use a well-sharpened eyeliner pencil to draw a guide along the lash line.

4. Place a small amount of liquid eyeliner on a fine-tipped eyeliner brush, wiping the tip to remove any excess. Tilt your head back and gently pull your eyelid taut with the fingertips of your free hand. Apply the liner along the penciled guide, starting in the middle of the eye and working along the top of the lash line. Finish by applying liner from the inner corner of the eye to the middle, making sure the final stroke overlaps the first. Repeat the process in the other eye and to the lower lids if desired.

5. Allow the liner to dry thoroughly before applying a second layer of mascara.

Tips & Warnings

• Correct mistakes by dipping a cotton swab in water or eye makeup remover and running it along your eyelid to remove smudged or excess liner.

References

• Cosmopolitan: Applying Liquid Eyeliner
• Little Miss Makeup; Is Applying Liquid Eyeliner your Biggest Beauty Frustration?; September 2009