How to Apply Liquid Eyeliners

A steady hand is important when applying liquid eyeliner.

Applying liquid eyeliner to your eyes can create a sleek, dramatic look not easily achieved with pencil liners. Attempting to apply liquid eyeliner for the first time, however, can be difficult. Fortunately, practice makes perfect.

Things You'll Need

• Felt-tip liquid eyeliner
• Makeup remover
• Cotton swabs
• Magnifying mirror, optional

Instructions

1. Purchase a liquid eyeliner with a felt tip. This type of liner is typically much easier to apply and goes on more smoothly.

2. Remove excess liquid from the brush tip before applying. Too much liner liquid on the brush will lead to a messy and uneven application. To prevent this, simply wipe the brush off on a piece of plastic or on the inside edges of the bottle.

3. Use a magnifying mirror. While this is not a necessity, the ability to see your eye up close will greatly help.

4. Line your upper lid as close to the lash line as possible, using small, short strokes. It's best not to attempt one long line with your brush when first learning to apply liquid liner. Some people line their eyelids with their eye open, while others apply the liner with their eye are closed -- it simply depends on which way is more comfortable for you.

5. Have eye makeup remover on hand. If you mess up, you can simply apply some of the solution to a cotton swab to wipe away any mistakes.

6. Practice several times, if necessary. Since you are, quite literally, learning to paint your face, you may need to learn how to properly hold the brush.

References

• Cosmopolitan: How to Apply Liquid Eyeliner