Introduction
Eyeliner is one of the most versatile and powerful makeup products out there. Whether you want to add definition to your eyes, create a dramatic winged look, or achieve a soft, natural definition, eyeliner can completely transform your appearance. However, for beginners, using eyeliner can be a bit intimidating. There are so many different types—liquid, gel, pencil—and each requires its own technique for application.
If you’ve ever struggled with eyeliner, or if you’re just getting started, this article is for you! We’re going to break down the best eyeliner tips for 2024, so you can master your makeup routine and feel confident with your eyeliner skills. By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to create the perfect eyeliner look, from beginner basics to pro-level tips. Let’s get started!
1. Understanding Different Types of Eyeliners
Before diving into techniques, it’s important to understand the different types of eyeliners you’ll find on the market. Each has its unique features, and choosing the right one for your desired look will make your application much easier.
- Liquid Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner is known for its precision and sharpness. It’s perfect for creating defined lines, especially winged eyeliner looks. The formula typically dries fast and is available in both matte and glossy finishes. Liquid eyeliner is ideal for those who want bold, crisp lines.
- Gel Eyeliner: Gel eyeliners offer a smooth, creamy texture that can be applied with an angled brush. They give you the precision of a liquid liner but with a softer, more blended finish. Gel liners are often buildable, meaning you can layer them for more intensity.
- Pencil Eyeliner: Pencil liners are the most beginner-friendly type of eyeliner. They come in various finishes, from matte to shimmer, and are great for soft lines or smoky looks. They’re easy to apply and perfect for quick, everyday makeup routines.
- Retractable/Mechanical Eyeliner: These are pencil-style eyeliners that twist up instead of needing to be sharpened. They’re convenient and easy to use, and they often have a creamy texture that glides smoothly along the lash line.
- Kohl Eyeliner: A specific type of pencil eyeliner, kohl is softer and more blendable than regular pencils. It’s great for achieving a smudged, smoky look and is often used for waterlines and inner rims.
- Felt-tip Pen Eyeliner: These are hybrid liners that combine the precision of liquid liner with the ease of use of a pen. They usually feature a fine tip that makes it easy to control your lines and achieve a variety of looks, from subtle to bold.
2. Prep Your Eyes for Perfect Application
Before applying eyeliner, it’s important to prepare your eyes to ensure a smooth and long-lasting application. Here’s how:
Clean and Prime the Area
- Cleanse your eyelids to remove any oils or makeup residue that could interfere with your eyeliner application. You can use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water for this step.
- Apply an eyeshadow primer or a light layer of translucent powder to set your eyelids. This helps prevent the eyeliner from smudging and gives it something to grip onto for longer wear.
Use the Right Tools
- Good Brushes/Applicators: Depending on the eyeliner type you choose, using the right tool is essential. For gel eyeliner, you’ll need a small, angled brush. For liquid liners, ensure the brush or felt tip is firm and precise.
- Tissue or Cotton Pad: Keep a tissue or cotton pad nearby to clean up any mistakes or to remove excess product from your applicator.
3. Beginner-Friendly Eyeliner Tips
If you’re just starting with eyeliner, these tips will help you create flawless lines without the frustration.
Start Small: Begin at the Inner Corner
For the cleanest and most precise application, start at the inner corner of your eye and work your way outward. Drawing the liner in short strokes will help you maintain control and prevent your hand from trembling. For beginners, it’s easier to apply the eyeliner from the middle of your eye and build outward, rather than trying to create one continuous line.
Use Short, Light Strokes
Instead of trying to draw a thick line all at once, use short, light strokes to build up the eyeliner. This approach will give you more control over the shape and thickness of your line and prevent any mistakes.
Follow Your Lash Line
Begin by following the natural line of your upper lashes. Your eyeliner should mimic the shape of your lash line to create a seamless look. As you move outward, you can begin to slightly lift the line for a more dramatic effect or a soft wing.
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4. How to Create a Perfect Winged Eyeliner Look
The winged eyeliner look is a classic and popular style, but it can be intimidating for beginners. Here’s how to achieve it without stress:
Step-by-Step Winged Eyeliner for Beginners
- Step 1: Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line from the inner corner outward. Don’t worry about the wing just yet.
- Step 2: For the wing, imagine a line extending from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your brow. This will guide the angle of your wing.
- Step 3: Draw the outline of the wing first, and then fill it in. You can use a small amount of eyeliner and build the intensity.
- Step 4: Clean up any rough edges with a cotton swab and makeup remover.
Tip for Even Wings
For even wings on both eyes, try using a piece of tape or a business card as a guide. Apply the tape at an angle from your lower lash line toward the outer brow. This will give you a straight line for your wing and make it easier to apply.
5. How to Tightline Your Eyes
Tightlining is a technique that involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline (the area beneath your lashes). This technique creates the illusion of thicker lashes without the use of mascara and can make your eyes appear larger.
Steps for Tightlining:
- Use a waterproof pencil eyeliner for tightlining to avoid smudging throughout the day.
- Gently pull up your eyelid and carefully line the upper waterline.
- Make sure to get as close to the lash roots as possible for a natural, fuller look.
6. Smudging and Blending for a Smoky Eye
Smoky eyes are a timeless makeup look that can be created with eyeliner. Here’s how to achieve a soft, smoky effect:
Steps to Achieve a Smoky Eye:
- Apply eyeliner along your upper lash line using a pencil or gel liner.
- Immediately after application, use a small, flat brush or your finger to smudge the eyeliner along your lash line.
- For extra drama, add eyeliner to your lower lash line and blend that out as well.
- Set the liner with a matching eyeshadow to ensure it stays in place.
7. How to Make Your Eyeliner Last All Day
No one wants their eyeliner to smudge or fade during the day. These tips will help your eyeliner stay in place from morning to night:
Use a Primer
Before applying eyeliner, apply an eyeshadow primer or a light layer of translucent powder on your eyelids to create a smooth, oil-free base.
Choose Waterproof Formulas
Waterproof eyeliners are ideal for long-lasting wear, especially if you live in humid conditions or have oily eyelids.
Set with Eyeshadow
After applying eyeliner, use a matching eyeshadow to set it in place. This helps prevent smudging and makes the eyeliner more durable.
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8. Pro Tips for Advanced Eyeliner Looks
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can try some advanced eyeliner techniques to take your look to the next level:
Double Liner
Double liner is a trendy look where you layer two different eyeliner colors, usually a bold, graphic line over a classic black liner. Experiment with metallics or bright colors for a unique twist.
Cat Eye with Glitter
For a glamorous look, add a bit of glitter eyeliner along the upper lash line or the wing for a cat-eye with some sparkle.
Colored Eyeliner
Colored eyeliners can make your eyes pop. Try using blue, green, or purple eyeliner for a fun, vibrant look.
Conclusion
Eyeliner is a makeup essential that can seem challenging at first, but with practice and the right tips, it becomes one of the easiest and most rewarding products to use. Whether you’re looking to perfect your winged eyeliner, achieve a smoky look, or simply add definition to your eyes, there’s a style and technique for every occasion.
Remember, the key to mastering eyeliner is practice! Start with the basics, and as you grow more confident, experiment with different techniques to create your signature look. By using the best eyeliner tips in 2024, you’ll be on your way to perfecting your eyeliner game in no time!
FAQ: How to Use the Best Eyeliner Tips in 2024
- What type of eyeliner is best for beginners?
For beginners, pencil eyeliners are generally the easiest to use. They provide more control and can be smudged for a softer look. Retractable pencils are also great because they don’t require sharpening. Liquid eyeliners can be tricky for beginners, but with practice, they give a sharp, defined line. - How do I apply eyeliner without it smudging?
To prevent smudging, ensure you are using a waterproof or long-wear eyeliner formula. Additionally, setting your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow or using a primer on your eyelids can help lock it in place. Avoid rubbing your eyes throughout the day, as this can cause smudging. - How do I make my eyeliner last all day?
To make your eyeliner last all day, follow these steps:
Prime your eyelids before applying eyeliner.
Use waterproof or long-lasting formulas.
Set the eyeliner with eyeshadow that matches the eyeliner color to prevent it from fading or transferring.
If you have oily eyelids, try using an oil-absorbing setting powder to ensure better hold.
- What is tightlining, and how do I do it?
Tightlining is the technique of applying eyeliner to your upper waterline (the area just beneath your lashes). This helps to create fuller-looking lashes and adds definition without being obvious. To tightline, gently lift your eyelid and use a waterproof pencil eyeliner to line the waterline, getting as close to the roots of your lashes as possible. - How can I create the perfect winged eyeliner?
To create the perfect winged eyeliner:
Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, working from the inner corner to the outer corner.
At the outer corner, draw an upward line at a 45-degree angle, following the natural shape of your lower lash line.
Draw a small triangle from the end of the angled line and fill it in.
Use a cotton swab to clean up any mistakes and perfect the shape.
Tip: Use tape or a business card as a guide to ensure both wings are even.
- How do I fix mistakes without ruining my makeup?
If you make a mistake while applying eyeliner, don’t panic! Simply use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover or micellar water to gently correct any errors. You can also use a bit of concealer around the edges to clean up the line without affecting the rest of your makeup. - How can I make my eyeliner look softer for everyday wear?
For a softer, more natural look, try smudging your eyeliner after application. You can use a small, soft brush or your fingertip to gently blend the eyeliner, creating a smoky, diffused effect. Pencil eyeliners or gel eyeliners work best for this technique. You can also opt for brown or dark gray eyeliner instead of black for a more subtle finish. - Can I use eyeliner on my waterline?
Yes, you can use eyeliner on your waterline, which is known as “lining the waterline.” For the upper waterline (tightlining), use a waterproof pencil to ensure it lasts. For the lower waterline, be sure to choose a formula safe for this sensitive area. You can also use a white or nude eyeliner on the lower waterline to make your eyes look bigger and more awake. - What’s the best way to prevent eyeliner from transferring to my lower eyelid?
To prevent eyeliner from transferring to your lower eyelid, use a waterproof or long-lasting eyeliner formula. After applying eyeliner to your upper lash line, set it with a matching eyeshadow. If you’re lining your lower lash line, consider using a gel eyeliner that won’t smudge or transfer. You can also try applying a small amount of translucent powder underneath your eyes to absorb excess moisture. - How do I choose the right eyeliner color?
The right eyeliner color depends on your desired look and eye color:
Black eyeliner is classic and bold, perfect for any occasion.
Brown eyeliner gives a softer, more natural look, especially for fairer skin tones.
Blue or green eyeliner can make brown eyes pop.
Purple eyeliner enhances green or hazel eyes. Experiment with different shades to see what complements your eye color and makeup style the best.
- Can I use eyeliner for a smoky eye?
Yes! You can easily create a smoky eye using eyeliner. Start by applying pencil eyeliner to your upper lash line, and then immediately smudge it with a brush or your finger for a smoky effect. You can apply the same eyeliner to your lower lash line and blend it out for more depth. Setting the eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow will make your smoky look last longer. - What should I do if my eyeliner starts to dry out?
If your eyeliner starts to dry out, try dipping your pencil into a bit of makeup remover or mixing a few drops of water into your gel or liquid eyeliner to revive it. For pencil eyeliners, sharpen them to get rid of any dried-out parts. If the eyeliner is too old or cracked, it might be time to replace it with a fresh one. - How do I create a cat-eye look with eyeliner?
To create a cat-eye look:
Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, from the inner corner to the outer corner.
At the outer corner, draw an angled line extending upward at a 45-degree angle.
Connect the tip of the wing back to the lash line to form a triangle, and fill it in.
Make sure both sides are even, and use a cotton swab to clean up any mistakes.