How to Apply Eye Liner

OK, you’ve figured out how to choose an eyeliner, so now it’s time to learn how to apply eyeliner. Yes, it requires practice and a steady hand, but I’ve got some tips that will help you apply eyeliner like a pro.

Let’s talk about different ways to line your eyes for an every day look.

• Eye liner only the top lid:

  Applying eyeliner just on the top lid is a quick and simple way to define your eyes and achieve a “doe eyed” look. You can do this with any type of eyeliner, but a liquid (or cake liner used wet) eye liner is especially good for a sexy, reto look.

  For application, start at the inner corner of your eye, as close to the lash line as possible, moving out toward the outer corner of your eye using small dashes and connecting them as you go. It’s important to make the line thinner on the inside and thicker on the outside, stopping just outside the corner of your eye. You also want to make sure to slightly lift the line up from the outer corner and not follow it down. Doing so will pull your eyes down and can make your eyes look heavy and tired.

  Tip If you love the idea of a liquid eye liner, but find them difficult to work with, you can draw the line on your eye with a pencil first, then go back with the liquid and trace over the pencil. Using the pencil first works as a great guide to the liquid liner. It’s also much easier to correct if you make a mistake. If you have a mishap with the liquid liner, a Q-tip with a little eye make-up remover makes for a great eraser! Just make sure the remover is completely dry before reapplying.

• Lining the outer corner of your eye:

  This is a wonderful way to really open up your eyes and make them look bigger than they really are. I don’t recommend liquid eyeliner for this because it it very difficult (though not impossible) to use a liquid liner on the bottom lash line. Using a eye liner pencil is best, especially for the eye lining novice, it’s just so much more forgiving than the other types.

  This time you’re going to start on the top lid, on the outer corner of your eye and work it inward, doing a dash to dash and connecting them, to about 3/4 of the way across the lid. Then blend with a Q-tip, a brush, or an eye shadow applicator so you don’t see where the line starts or stops. Now do the same thing underneath, on the bottom lash line. Start from the outer corner of your eye and move it inward, doing a dash to dash motion and this time only go about 1/2 way across. Again, blend so you don’t see where the line begins and ends.

  Tip It’s important to keep the line darker on the outside and lighter on the inside as well as close to the lash line as possible. It’s important that you do not line your eyes all the way around, because this will close off your eyes and make them look smaller.

• Experiment time!

  Still not a believer in the magic of the eye liner? OK, here’s a little experiment to try. Line only one eye in either of the ways I’ve talked about. Now, take a step back and look in the mirror. Be honest now, which eye stands out more? Which eye looks bigger? Hmmm? It’s amazing what a little eye liner can do!

So that’s the basic how-to on how to apply eye liner. I know it can seem scary and overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. Just take it one step at a time, use the dash to dash method, and remember… it’s only makeup! It’s supposed to be FUN! As always, I love hearing from you, so leave me a comment and let me know how you’re doing. Happy lining!