How to Apply Eyeliner for the First Time
Skillfully applied eyeliner defines and enhances eyes. However, some women are intimidated by it as it requires control and a steady hand. Pencil liner is best for beginners as it is easier to apply. Mistakes can be corrected with a dab of a makeup remover. Liquid liners last longer, but dry quickly during an application and are more difficult to correct when set. You can use one of several methods to apply a liquid liner in less than a minute. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Applying a Pencil Eyeliner
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1
Sanitize the pencil by sharpening it. Bacteria can collect on the tip when it comes in contact with your skin or any other surface. Sharpening it takes off the top layer and exposes a clean tip.
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2
Place the pencil on the top lid at the inner corner where your lashes start. Use short, light strokes to draw a line at the base of your eyelashes.
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3
Move the pencil up and out as you are coming to the outer corner of your eye. If you draw the line down, following the lashes, your eyes will look droopy.
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4
Go over the line once or twice if you want a bolder look. You can use a smudge brush if your pencil has one on its end to soften the look.
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5
Line the outer 1/3 of the lower lid if you want smaller eyes to appear larger. You can use a pencil that is a shade lighter to achieve that effect.
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6
Follow the steps to apply pencil liner to the other eye.
Applying a Liquid Eyeliner
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Apply a thin layer of an eye primer on the top and bottom lid to prevent the liquid liner from smudging.
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8
Draw a thin line with a pencil liner on the upper lid starting at the inner corner where lashes start to grow to the outer corner. Move the pencil up and out at the end to avoid a droopy look.
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9
Follow the line with a liquid liner using short, light strokes. Beginners may have more success with a "dot-to-dot" method. Instead of using strokes, use the tip of the brush to apply small dots along the line of your upper lashes. Then use light strokes to connect the dots.
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Follow these steps to apply the liner to your other eye.
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Tips & Warnings
Before applying a pencil or a liquid eyeliner for the first time, practice drawing a line on your hand to see how much pressure you need to apply to the pencil or the brush.
Avoid applying a liquid liner to the bottom lid as it is more likely to smudge and give you "raccoon" eyes. Draw a line with a pencil instead.
Avoid applying eyeliner to inner rims of your eyes. Liners can flake, scratch the delicate eye area and cause an infection.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
