How To Apply Eye Liner (2025)

Applying eyeliner is an art that can enhance your eye makeup and make your eyes pop. It can be a bit tricky to master, but with the right techniques and practice, you can achieve various looks, from a natural everyday style to a dramatic and bold evening look. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you perfect your eyeliner application.

Choosing the Right Eyeliner

The first step to achieving flawless eyeliner is selecting the right product for your skill level and desired look. There are three main types of eyeliner:

• Pencil Eyeliner: Pencil eyeliners are great for beginners as they are easy to control and provide a soft, smudgy line. They are perfect for creating natural looks and are ideal for tightlining (applying eyeliner to the waterline for a more defined eye shape).
• Liquid Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner offers a precise and defined line, making it ideal for creating sharp, winged looks. It requires a steady hand and some practice, but the results can be stunning.
• Gel Eyeliner: Gel eyeliner provides a balance between the ease of pencil and the precision of liquid. It is applied with a brush and can create both thin and thick lines. Gel eyeliner is versatile and great for achieving various styles.

Consider your comfort level and the look you want to achieve when choosing your eyeliner. Practice with different types to find your favorite and the one that suits your eye shape and style.

Preparing Your Eyelids

Before applying eyeliner, ensure your eyelids are clean and free of any residue. Apply a primer or eyeshadow base to create a smooth canvas and help your eyeliner last longer. This step is especially important if you have oily eyelids or tend to experience smudging.

Additionally, consider the shape of your eyes and the look you want to achieve. You can use eyeliner to create the illusion of larger or smaller eyes, lift the outer corners, or make your eyes appear more almond-shaped. Understanding your eye shape and desired outcome will guide your eyeliner application.

Techniques for Different Eyeliner Styles

Classic Winged Liner

The classic winged liner look is a timeless and elegant style. Here's how to achieve it:

1. Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, extending slightly past the outer corner of your eye.
2. Create a small dot at the end of the line to mark the desired length of your wing.
3. Connect the dot to the eyeliner line, creating a smooth, continuous wing. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.
4. Fill in the wing and ensure the line is even and smooth.
5. For a more dramatic look, you can thicken the line or create a double wing by drawing a second line above the first.

Natural Everyday Look

For a natural, everyday eyeliner style, follow these steps:

1. Using a pencil eyeliner, apply a thin line along your upper lash line, focusing on creating a soft, subtle line.
2. You can also tightline your upper waterline to define your eyes without adding too much drama.
3. Avoid extending the line past the outer corner of your eye, as this can make your eyes appear smaller.
4. For a more intense look, you can add a thin line of liquid or gel eyeliner on top of the pencil line.

Smoky Eyeliner

The smoky eyeliner look is perfect for a sultry, smoky eye. Here's how to create it:

1. Start by applying a dark eyeshadow all over your eyelid, up to the crease.
2. Using a pencil or gel eyeliner, draw a thick line along your upper lash line, extending slightly past the outer corner.
3. Smudge the line with a small, dense brush or your finger to create a soft, smoky effect.
4. You can also add a thin line of liquid eyeliner on top for a more defined look.
5. Complete the look with a few coats of mascara and a touch of eyeliner on your lower lash line.

Tips for Perfect Application

• Always use a sharp eyeliner pencil for precise application. If your pencil becomes dull, use a sharpener specifically designed for eyeliners.
• For liquid and gel eyeliners, ensure your brush is clean and well-maintained. A clean, defined brush will help you achieve a smooth line.
• Practice makes perfect! Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Eyeliner application is a skill that improves with practice.
• If you make a mistake, don't panic! Use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to gently wipe away any errors.
• Set your eyeliner with a translucent setting powder to ensure it stays in place all day.

Eyeliner for Different Eye Shapes

Understanding your eye shape can help you choose the best eyeliner style to enhance your natural beauty. Here are some tips for different eye shapes:

Almond-Shaped Eyes

Almond-shaped eyes are considered the most versatile and can pull off various eyeliner styles. Try a classic winged liner for a dramatic look or a subtle, natural line for everyday wear.

Round Eyes

To make round eyes appear more almond-shaped, create a subtle cat-eye with a slight wing. Avoid thick, heavy lines, as they can make your eyes appear smaller.

Hooded Eyes

If you have hooded eyes, opt for a thinner line along your upper lash line and avoid extending the liner too far past the outer corner. This will prevent your eyeliner from disappearing when your eyes are open.

Monolid Eyes

Monolid eyes can benefit from a thicker, more dramatic eyeliner style. Try a bold winged liner or a smoky eyeliner look to create depth and definition.

Setting and Finishing Touches

After applying your eyeliner, set it with a light dusting of translucent powder to ensure it stays in place. This is especially important if you have oily eyelids or want your eyeliner to last all day.

Complete your eye makeup look with a few coats of mascara to enhance your lashes and open up your eyes. You can also add a touch of eyeshadow to your lower lash line to create a more dramatic effect.

💡 Experiment with different eyeliner styles and techniques to find your favorite look. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to try new things and have fun with your makeup!