How to Apply Eyeliner

Introduction

Shape and define your eyes with eyeliner after you've applied eye shadow and before applying mascara. Whether you choose a soft line or a dramatic stroke, eyeliner draws attention and will bring out your eyes more.

By: eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

Length: 2:02

Comments: 72

View more articles by this author

Flag | RSS

(257)

Add to Favorites

URL:
Embed:

Instructions

Text Size: – +

Print Article

Difficulty: Moderate

Tips & Warnings:

You may find eyeliner, particularly the liquid version, difficult and messy the first few times. Practice and have patience.
Wash brushes regularly with makeup remover or a mild gel shampoo.
Lining the inside of the lower lid is not recommended, it may cause eye infections, and it greatly increases the risk of getting makeup in your eye.

Step1

Choose an eyeliner appropriate for your eye color. Brown, navy and charcoal accent light eyes well, while brown and plum shades flatter brown eyes. Make sure your liner complements the color of your shadow.

Step2

Consider the type of look you're after. Pencil eyeliner gives your eyes soft definition, while liquid versions offer precision and drama. You can also moisten dark eye shadow and apply it with a small, flat brush.

Step3

Prepare a cake liner or a dark eye shadow by applying a small amount of water to your brush. Or, if you're using a pencil eyeliner, ensure that you've sharpened the pencil adequately.

Step4

Move the wet brush gently through your cake liner or dark shadow. Hold the brush or pencil as you would hold a pen.

Step5

Tilt your head back slightly and bring your eyes to a half-open state. This creates a good angle for application, while allowing you to see what you're doing.

Step6

Draw a line across the upper lid just above the lashes, from the inside corner to the outside corner of the eye. If you're using liquid liner, allow it to dry before opening your eyes all the way, or the color may transfer into the crease of your eye.

Step7

If you used a brush or a pencil, soften the look by gently smudging the line with your brush, a cotton swab or your finger.

Step8

Line the lower lids. Moving from the outside edge inward, draw a line on the outer two-thirds of the lid or more, depending on the look you're going for. Your line should be slightly thicker at the outside corner, becoming thinner as it moves in toward your nose. Using your brush or pencil, lightly stroke the area. If using a liquid liner, apply it in one smooth stroke. Apply less color so your eyes don't appear raccoonlike.

Comments

NS1610 said

Flag This Comment

on 5/29/2007 I'm 26 and have never worn full make up (only clear mascara on my lashes and vaseline on my lips). I'm addicted to buying make-up but never actually wear it. I have a lovely glitter effect eye line from Bourjois and a friend said I should use it on the lower inside of my eye, surely this is wrong. Can someone please give me advice about how to apply eye liner and also, how to do the flicky thing. My email is ns1610@aol.com

D0LLiiKiiN5 said

Flag This Comment

on 2/19/2007 I'm not really a make-up kinda girl. But I was wanted to try eyeliner out. I wear ALOT for dancing and such. But not for normal days. I want something dramatic but not hugely noticable. If that makes sense. 'Cause all the girls will make a fuss, if they find out I wear make-up. Any tips?

roopasekhar said

Flag This Comment

on 12/24/2006 If you like to apply liquid eyeliner, and want to get a fine line with a beautiful curve , try this: Note: Don't pull the eyelids at any point.

1) Apply the eyeliner from the middle of the upper eyelid till the outer end. Repeat with other eyelid.
2) then, apply eyeliner from the inner corner of the lid, till the middle.
3)Now run another stroke over it, from beginning to end,
4)end with a small upward-tilt at the outer corner.
The result: 2 coats ensure deeper color, and an even line, with a beautiful finish..

mothchild2007 said

Flag This Comment

on 10/24/2006 WhenI want to completely remove my eyeliner, I wet the tip of a Q-tip with baby oil. It is very gentle. The reason I say the tip is because if you wear contacts, it can get into your eyes and loosen your contacts. Remember... just the *tip*!

mothchild2007 said

Flag This Comment

on 10/24/2006 To remove eyelinerWhen I want to completely remove my eyeliner, I wet the tip of a Q-tip with baby oil. It is very gentle. The reason I say the tip is because if you wear contacts, it can get into your eyes and loosen your contacts. Remember... just the *tip*!