How to Apply Eyeliner Tips and Techiques

Nowadays, there a many eyeliner options: pencil, liquid, gel, and powder. What to use and where to put it? That's the question I here all the time. Do I line just the top? When you do line the bottom? Hopefully the following will break it down for you:

Pencil Eyeliner: probably the most common. Some can be sharpened, or I love the automatic ones. Some formulas can be really soft (Like MAC Eye Kohl Pencil). These are great for smudging out. The automatic pencils tend to have a firmer formula, and wear better. I also like automatic pencils if I wear eye liner in the inner rim.

Powder Liner: You can use most eyeshadow powder as a liner too. As long as you have a quality flat angle brush, this makes it quick and easy to get a softer line. I also prefer this method for those who have a difficult time with pencils pulling the eyelid.

Liquid Liner: Great for those who are good at applying liner and have a steady hand. Many liners like Wet N Wild and Lancome have a felt pen applicator making it super easy. Make sure it has dried before you blink!

Gel Eyeliner: Probably my favorite liner. They dry faster than liquid liners, and also go on smooth. So no dragging of the skin. They also can be smudged out for a smokey line. Try using a liner brush instead of a flat angle. This seems easier for most women. Most gel eye liners are waterproof, so this is the perfect choice for black eyeliner!

Other eyeliner application tips: 1. Use a white pencil on the inner rims and tear duct to "brighten" the eyes and make more awake.

2. When doing a "winged out" look for eye liner, draw the "wings" first. Then take a Q-tip with eye makeup remover to smooth the edge for a crisp line. This will allow you to have matching angles on each eye. Apply the rest of the liner on the eyelid. This is much easier than trying to do eyeliner in one swoop!

3. If you are lining the inside of the eye on the bottom, smudge a little shadow in the lash line. A black line on the inner rims by itself can look a little harsh, and screams my last makeover was in the '90's.

4. If you have smaller lids (meaning when your eyes are open your bottom lid disappears) don't wear a thick line on top. You can still do dark eye liner, but keep the line thin and in/on-top of the lash line as close as possible. Wear a contrasting shimmery eyeshadow to give the illusion of bigger eyes.

5. What color eye liner should I wear? Keep in mind this depends on the look, your coloring, and preference, but here are a few ideas: Brown Eyes: Brown, Black, Dark Green, Navy, Deep Plum Blue Eyes: Brown, Black, Chocolate, Burgundy, and Plum Green/Hazel: Brown, Black, Purples, Plum, Bronze