Eyeliner is a versatile makeup tool that can dramatically enhance your eyes when applied correctly. However, it’s also easy to make mistakes that can detract from your overall look.
Whether you’re aiming for a bold cat-eye or a soft, natural line, knowing the do’s and don’ts of eyeliner can make all the difference. Below, we’ll walk through the essential guidelines to help you master this key makeup skill.
Let’s get straight to the point
Eyeliner can transform your eyes, but it’s important to apply it correctly. Do experiment with different colors like brown, jewel tones, and light shades to brighten your eyes. Always sharpen your pencil and steady your hand during application.
Avoid overdoing liner on the lower lid, and don’t forget to prep your lids for long-lasting wear. For a clean, sharp cat-eye or smoky look, take your time and blend well. By following these guidelines, you’ll achieve flawless, well-defined eyes without common mistakes!
1. Choosing The Right Colour
Choosing the right eyeliner shade is essential to complement your eyes and overall makeup look.
Do: Experiment With Different Colours
- Black is a classic and timeless choice but can sometimes appear harsh, especially for lighter skin tones.
- Brown is perfect for a softer, more natural look and can be more forgiving.
- Jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue can make your eye colour pop and add a unique flair.
- For an added brightening effect, use white or neutral tones on your lower lid to make your eyes appear larger and more awake.
Don’t: Stick to One Shade
Avoid limiting yourself to only black eyeliner. Vary your eyeliner colours depending on the occasion or your outfit to highlight your eyes better. For instance, a dark purple liner can accentuate hazel or green eyes, while navy blue works wonders on brown eyes.
2. How To Make Your Eyeliner Last
Eyeliner that smudges or fades can ruin a carefully crafted look.
Do: Use Long-Lasting Products
- Opt for waterproof gel liners on the lower lid for extended wear and smudge resistance.
- Carry a pencil for touch-ups throughout the day, especially if your eyeliner tends to fade.
- Set your liner with a matching powder eyeshadow to lock it in place.
Don’t: Expect It To Last Without Prep
Don’t assume your eyeliner will last all day without preparation. Oily eyelids can break down eyeliner quickly, so always prime your eyelids with a translucent powder or eye primer before applying liner.
3. Use A Sharp Pencil For Precision
A dull eyeliner pencil can result in uneven lines and smudging.
Do: Sharpen Your Pencil Regularly
- A sharp pencil ensures a clean and defined line. Always sharpen your eyeliner before each use.
- If using a retractable pencil, make sure the tip is as fine as possible.
Don’t: Use A Dull Pencil
A dull pencil can result in thick, uneven lines, and may tug at your skin. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can create a jagged line or even damage your skin over time.
4. Steady Application For Clean Lines
Applying eyeliner with a shaky hand can result in messy lines that are difficult to fix.
Do: Steady Your Hand
- Rest your elbow on a stable surface to steady your hand during application.
- Use short strokes to draw your line, rather than trying to apply it in one go. This gives you better control and precision.
Don’t: Pull At Your Skin
It may be tempting to pull your eyelids tight for an easier application, but this can cause the eyeliner to become uneven as your skin snaps back into place. Pulling at the skin can also lead to premature wrinkles.
5. Avoid Bottom-Heavy Liner
Too much eyeliner on the lower lid can close your eyes and make them appear smaller.
Do: Keep The Lower Line Subtle
- Use softer colours like taupe or brown for the lower lash line to keep the look balanced and natural.
- If you want more definition, choose a liner one shade lighter than the liner on your top lid.
Don’t: Over-Apply On The Lower Lid
Applying too much eyeliner on the lower lash line can create a heavy, tired look. Avoid dark, thick lines on the bottom lid unless you’re intentionally going for a dramatic, smoky effect.
6. Preventing Smudges
Smudged eyeliner is a common issue, but it can be avoided with the right techniques.
Do: Set Your Eyeliner
- Start with a primer or translucent powder on your lids to absorb excess oil and create a smooth base.
- Set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow to hold it in place and prevent smudging throughout the day.
Don’t: Forget Blotting Papers
If your eyelids are prone to oiliness, keep blotting papers handy to remove excess oil during the day. This helps prevent smudges without disturbing your makeup.
7. Mastering Bottom Eyeliner Application
Applying eyeliner to your lower lash line can enhance your eyes, but only if done correctly.
Do: Keep It Close to the Lashes
- Apply the liner thinly and as close to the lash line as possible to avoid a heavy look.
- If you want a more natural effect, apply the liner just under the lashes rather than on the waterline.
Don’t: Line the Waterline
Avoid lining the waterline of your lower lid, as this can irritate your eyes and make them appear smaller. It can also lead to more frequent smudging.
8. Benefits Of Wearing Eyeliner On The Lower Lash Line
When applied correctly, lower eyeliner can enhance your overall look.
Do: Use Light Shades To brighten
For a more awake appearance, try using lighter shades such as white or peach on your lower lash line. This can help open up your eyes and make you look more refreshed.
Don’t: Overdo It
Too much eyeliner on the lower lash line can create a droopy or puffy look. Keep it light and subtle for the best results.
9. Achieving The Perfect Cat-Eye
The cat-eye is a timeless look but requires precision and balance to perfect.
Do: Keep Your Eye Open
When applying a cat-eye, keep your eye open to ensure the corners align properly and the lines remain balanced. This will help you avoid making the line too high or too low relative to your natural eye shape.
Don’t: Ignore Symmetry
If you struggle with symmetry, use a felt-tip liner for more control. Start small, then gradually build the thickness until you achieve the desired shape.
10. Brushing On Liquid Liner
Liquid liner can be intimidating, but it’s essential for sharp, dramatic lines.
Do: Choose The Right Applicator
- Test different applicators to find what works best for you—whether it’s a brush or a felt-tip pen.
- Felt-tip pens offer more precision for beginners, while a brush can be great for those looking for more fluid strokes.
Don’t: Rush The Application
Liquid liner requires patience. Take your time to ensure smooth, even lines. If you make a mistake, use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover to clean up any excess without starting over.
11. Creating A Smouldering Smoky Eye
For a sultry, smoky eye look, blending is key.
Do: Blend Your Liner
- Start with a kohl liner on the outer third of your lower lash line.
- Use a deep eyeshadow to smudge and blend the liner, then gradually fade it out with a lighter shade for a seamless gradient.
Don’t: Leave Harsh Lines
A smoky eye is all about soft, blended edges. Avoid leaving harsh lines that can make your makeup look unfinished or too stark.
Conclusion
Eyeliner is an essential tool in any makeup routine, capable of transforming your look from subtle to striking with just a few strokes. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can enhance your natural beauty, create defined eyes, and avoid common mistakes that can detract from your desired style.
Whether you’re going for a sharp cat-eye, a subtle everyday line, or a smouldering smoky look, practice and attention to detail are key. Experiment with different shades, techniques, and textures to discover what works best for you.
With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of eyeliner application with confidence and finesse.
FAQs About Do And Don’ts in Doing Eyeliners
What Should You Not Do With Eyeliner?
- DON’T line your whole eye.
- DON’T tight line your waterline on top and bottom.
- DON’T draw a uniformly thick line.
- DON’T pull your skin tight to draw a line.
- DON’T only use jet black eyeliner.
- DON’T apply your eyeliner immediately after applying moisturizer.
- DO tight line your upper lash line.
How Should An Older Woman Wear Eyeliner?
We recommend using a liquid eyeliner with a felt tip as it’s easier to control and apply with less tugging and pulling of the skin. As we age, the thin skin on our upper eyelids tend to crinkle and many work around this problem by stretching the eyelid during application, which isn’t a good idea.
Should A 60 Year Old Wear Eyeliner?
Adding a sweep of eyeliner is an absolute must when doing eye makeup for mature skin over 60. It adds a beautiful structure to the face and can frame your eyes as the standout features they are. A pencil eyeliner is good for aging eyes because it softens the lash line and makes your fringe look fuller.
What Shade Of Eyeliner Should I Wear?
Green eyeliner or purple eyeliner in shades like rich purple or plum help accentuate the green tones in hazel eyes. On the other hand, brown eyeliner in any shade, including metallic copper or bronze, will accentuate brown and gold flecks in hazel eyes.
Should Eyeliner Match Your Eye Color?
Eyeliner color should match with skin tone, but for a dramatic look, choose eyeliner and eyeshadow that contrast or complement each other. Normally, people with brown or hazel eyes have a few more options. Brown-eyed people can try a variety of dark colors, depending on the look they want to achieve.
