Newbies or seasoned pros, nailing the perfect flick can always be intimidating. We are talking about the notoriously finicky yet revered eyeliners. Getting involved with an eyeliner means voluntarily signing up for the infinite loop of applying, scrutinizing, clearing and reapplying (cheers for the ones who made it — not all of them do).
Here’s some good news though: working with an eyeliner doesn’t have to be so tricky. All you have to do is pick an eyeliner that’s agreeable to both your hands and eyes. So, if you think applying eyeliner in a single stroke is undoable, scratch that thought!
Easiest Eyeliner Application Technique
The struggle with unsteady hands is real. Pro tip: If you still haven’t attained practiced flicks, sit down, take a deep breath and place your elbow on a steady surface before you start using an eyeliner. This will save you from avoidable goof-ups. Once this is taken care of, go ahead and learn to work your way with the eyeliner.
Step 1: Firstly, prep your eyes which includes cleansing and dabbing a bit of primer. This will smoothen the texture of your lids so that the eyeliner blends effortlessly.
Step 2: Now using smaller strokes, start tracing the upper lash line with your eyeliner. Ensure you don’t stray far from the lash line.
Step 3: When you reach the outer tip of your eye, gently lift the eyeliner to work toward the brow bone and release. This should create a slight angular tip.
Step 4: In this step, you can add a second coat to create a bolder and a more defined look. In case of any imperfections, carefully clean with a cotton bud.
Nykaa Recommends: Nykaa Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner
Thanks to the overwhelming plethora of options in eyeliners, the path to sassy eyes can get blurry. Here’s a quick guide on the main eyeliner types.
1. Pencil Eyeliner
Pencil eyeliner combines the dry formula of the humble kajal with the creamy formula of the kohl eyeliner. Apart from your waterline, it’s perfect for the sharp tip required in a super-refined wing.
Best Eyeliner Pencil: Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil
2. Gel Eyeliner
The waxy consistency of a gel eyeliner ensures a water-resistant finish that stays put. Besides, it eases the struggle with precise application.
Best Gel Eyeliner: L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Gel Intenza 36H
3. Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid liners help create thin, wispy lines with enough practice. Sure, it’s not ideal for waterline but it glides much smoother along the lash lines compared to its drier counterparts.
Best Liquid Eyeliner: Lakme 9 To 5 Black Impact Eye Liner
4. Sketch Pen Eyeliner
If the eyeliner still intimidates you, switch to a sketch pen. The sketch pen eyeliner with its fine tip and undemanding grip will make you feel like a pro in no time.
Best Sketch Eyeliner: Nykaa Get Winged! Sketch Eyeliner Pen
Come rain or shine, the best eyeliners outlast them all and allow to your eyes stay unaffectedly glam. Here’s a lowdown on the best in the market for ‘em peepers.
1. Eyeliner For Beginners: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Gel Crayon Eyeliner
Sure, the name is a dead giveaway of the fact that this eyeliner is definitely foolproof. In other words, all the novices in the house can finally stop trying so hard. Thanks to its super-saturated ultra-gliding tip, it practically moves on its own. And, don’t even get us started on its staying power. A lot can happen in 24 hours, but this guy assures to not budge an inch. Kitten flicks here we come!
2. Waterproof Eyeliner: SUGAR Arrested For Overstay Waterproof Eyeliner
Consider this best waterproof eyeliner as your companion for all things including teary performances and pool sessions. Bring on the drama with this water-resistant eyeliner that stays on until you say when. Its blacker-than-black pigment won’t fade, run, crack or melt come what may. This is your cue to choose this pick-me-up for your next sweaty workout.
3. Long Lasting Eyeliner: Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner With Expert Eyeliner Brush
Aren’t the best plans always impromptu? This only reinforces the need to have an eyeliner that can power through your daily struggles right from commute to deadlines. Meet: Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner With Expert Eyeliner Brush. Its waterproof formula promises to last upto 24 hours while delivering a jet black finish in one swoop. Oh, and the insane color payoff assures to not go astray on your face.
4. Matte Eyeliner: Chambor Eye Definer
Don’t get along with gel but like how it dries up real quick and settles? Simply switch to matte with the Chambor Eye Definer. Incredibly long-wearing, it offers a smudge-proof and water-resistant formula. Add to that, this best matte eyeliner comes with a fine tip applicator that supports ultra-precise application. Ace the flick and marvel at its neat finish.
5. Smudge Proof Eyeliner: Faces Canada Magneteyes Eyeliner
If you are eyeing a smudge-proof formulation that glides like butter and commits to one stroke result, this one should be your ideal pick; besides, its applicator tip hugs the lash line to deliver perfect precision with an intense black finish. Also, you will be pleased to know that it can easily last all day even through a series of accidental eye rubs.
Tips For Good Eyeliner Application
- Do you have one of those store-offered loyalty cards that never seems to accumulate a decent number of points? Put it to some good use and get yourself some wings. Simply, hold the card at a desired angle from the outer tip of your eye and trace the eyeliner along its edge.
- If you are yet to ace the liner game, start out with small dots and slowly connect them to draw the perfect line.
- The sharpeners that come free with pencil liners are not meant to be abandoned. Regularly sharpen the pencil to avoid rough and uneven finish with flat-tipped pencils.
- Trouble drawing equally thick lines on both eyes? Instead of creating thicker lines in the start, begin with thin lines and then keep building up until both sides match.
- If you’ve got small eyes, focus the eyeliner on the outer corners of your eyes. This will keep them from appearing smaller.
- If you are newbie when it comes to using liquid eyeliner, a safe trick is to first line your eyes with a pencil and then go over it with the liquid eyeliner.
- You were planning for a sultry smoky eye look but ended up with dark circles. Sound familiar? The key to avoiding this mishap is lining very close to your lower lash line and then following it up with a tightly packed, thin smudge brush. This will keep the product from spreading too low.
FAQs on Eyeliners
1. Suggest best Indian eyeliners.
- Miss Claire Pearl Eyeliner
- Incolor Master Stroke Eyeliner
- NYX Professional Makeup Love Lust Disco Metallic Liquid Liner
- Lakme Eyeconic Liner Pen Fine Tip
2. Recommend best eyeliner brands.
Best eyeliner brands include Lakme, Maybelline New York, L’Oréal Paris, Colorbar.
Nykaa Recommends: Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer + Insta Liner Eye Liner, Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner, L'Oreal Paris Matte Signature Eyeliner, Colorbar Ultimate Eye Liner
