Let’s be honest, applying eyeliner is not as easy as it looks. No matter how many eyeliner tutorials you scroll through, it’s just not something you can learn by watching a couple of YouTube videos. There’s a lot that goes into achieving the perfect eyeliner look: good technique, a waterproof eyeliner, a primer and a concealer to make things easy—most importantly, a whole lot of practice. However, even the best waterproof eyeliners can’t do much for you if you’re unacquainted with the process.
Sometimes, simply knowing how to put on eyeliner is also not enough. You also need to know which type and style of eyeliner is best suited for your eyes. From liquid eyeliners with razor-sharp brushes to soft-tipped pencil eyeliners that are like kohl, there are a variety of options that you could choose from. Do you like to go all-out with a bold cat-eye look or do you prefer to keep things subtle by opting for a basic eyeliner look? These are the questions that you should be ideally asking yourself before learning how to apply eyeliner.
Curious to know more? Read on for a beginner’s guide to all-things eyeliner.
1. Pencil Eyeliner
Level:
Beginner
New to the world of eyeliners? A pencil eyeliner is just what you need to get started. A pencil eyeliner is a very economical option as it can double as a kohl stick. It comes with a soft tip that allows you more control and flexibility, even if you don’t know how to use one. If you’re a fan of soft, smudged eyeliner looks, then a pencil eyeliner is what we recommend getting your hands on.
Nykaa Recommends:
The Faces Canada UltimePro Twist Eye Kajal Liner is one of the best eyeliner pencils as its smudge-proof formula is safe and easy to apply on your eyelids as well as your waterline.
2. Gel Eyeliner
Level:
Intermediate
Gel eyeliner is generally available in a small pot and is applied with an external brush. Its waxy consistency ensures that it doesn’t bleed all day long, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally rubbing your eyes. Great for a smudged, smoky eye look, a gel eyeliner allows a little more precision as compared to pencil eyeliner. It’s great for those that have successfully graduated to a pencil eyeliner but are not confident enough to take on a liquid eyeliner.
Nykaa Recommends:
One of the best gel eyeliners, the Nykaa Black Magic! Gel Eyeliner is packed with natural ingredients, like bisabolol and tomato fruit extracts, that are anti-irritant and ensure hydration.
3. Liquid Eyeliner
Level:
Expert
If you've gotten the hang of a pencil and gel eyeliner and want to take things up a notch then you can try a liquid eyeliner. Liquid eyeliners allow you to create thin and sharp lines that are perfect for a defined look. However, if you're not too confident about it, go slow and steady. Instead of tracing your upper lash line in one go, make dots or dashes. Connect these dots or dashes with a single stroke and then complete the look by filling it in.
Nykaa Recommends:
The Colorbar Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is one of the best liquid eyeliners as it comes with a flexible felt tip applicator. It also dries quickly and does not smudge.
Follow these steps to know how to apply your eyeliner flawlessly:
Step 1: Prep Your Eyes
Always start by prepping your face. Start by cleansing and moisturising your eyelids. You can also dab on some primer and concealer to make your skin even. This will make it easier to apply your eyeliner.
Step 2: Trace Your Upper Lash Line
Pencil, gel, or liquid–start by tracing your upper lash line. Place your elbow on a table. This will help steady your hand. Your strokes should be as thin and close to the upper lash line as possible. If it’s too thin, then you can always top it up with another coat. However, if it’s too thick, you’ll have to start the process from scratch, so make sure to use just the right amount of product to avoid it from smudging.
Step 3: Wing It
Once you’ve reached the outer edge of your lash line, extend the brush or pencil slightly in the direction of your brow bone and stop. This will create an angular tip. If you’re in the mood for something bold and want to try the cat-eye look, you could try that too. All you have to do is imagine a line extending from your outermost upper eyelash to your brow bone. Now, join the outermost point of this line with the eyeliner on your upper lash line and fill it up.
Step 4: Complete The Look
If your eyeliner doesn’t feel pigmented enough, don’t hesitate to go for a second coat. Complete the look by applying some mascara for lush lashes and kohl for some drama.
1. Is it okay to wear eyeliner to bed?
Ideally, one should remove your entire makeup before going to bed. Sleeping with any kind of eye makeup on can lead to clogged pores, skin infections. These products can also spread into your eye and irritate overnight. Use the Garnier Skin Naturals, Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water to effectively get rid of long-lasting, waterproof makeup before going to bed at night.
2. Is waterproof eyeliner good?
Waterproof eyeliners are a necessity no matter what the season. Whether it’s the risk of getting caught in the rain or excess perspiration during the summer season, waterproof eyeliner ensures that your eyeliner stays put no matter what. Some of the best waterproof eyeliners in the market include Insight Cosmetics Shiny Waterproof Eyeliner, SUGAR POP Waterproof Eyeliner and Daily Life Forever52 Glitz Waterproof Eyeliner.
3. How do you apply eyeliner for beginners?
If you’re a beginner struggling to figure out on how to apply your eyeliner perfectly, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- If you don’t know how to apply liquid eyeliner yet, here’s a hack: Use a pencil eyeliner to create an outline and then fill it up with a liquid eyeliner. You can also use a pencil eyeliner first and then give it a second coat with your liquid eyeliner.
- If you’re a beginner, chances are that you might end up with a smudge or two while applying your eyeliner. If that happens, there’s no need to remove and reapply. Just dab some concealer and carefully blend until the smudge disappears.
- If you’ve smudged your eyeliner a bit while applying and don’t have time to redo the whole process, pull out a brush and an eyeshadow that matches the colour of your eyeliner and start blending the product onto your lids for a smoky eye look.
