How To Apply Eyeliner: Understanding the Basics!

First, let's discuss the types of eyeliner that are available today.

1) Liquid

2) Cream/Gel

3) Pencil

To apply liquid eyeliner it is easiest way is to start by using a pencil eyeliner that comes as close to the color of the liquid eyeliner. This is to be used as a guide for the liquid eyeliner and will help make it last longer! But use the pencil eyeliner very lightly because you don't want to over do it.

Next, be sure to gently rest your pinky finger of the hand you write with on your cheek bone to stablize your hand to give yourself a neat line of liner.

Once you have gotten yourself comfortable and ready to apply your liquid eyeliner, start from the inside corner drawing short lines (i.e. the inner corner of the lid, the middle of the lid, the outer corner of the lid) and come back and connect those short lines. If you want a thin line of liner, only use the tip of the eyeliner brush, if you want to have a thicker line on the outer corner you can build it up so you aren't over doing it.

As far as a cream liner, it usually comes with a synthetic brush, if not you will want to purchase one. The stiffer the bristles the better. You can use the pencil liner trick as stated above, for this as well to help it last longer, as well as a guide.

Hold your Eyeliner brush vertically (thats straight up and down), and dip it in your cream/gel eyeliner. Once you have enough eyeliner on your brush, its time to hold your eyeliner brush as if it were a pencil. Rest your pinky finger on your cheek again, and begin by doing small lines. You don't have to do the line all in one stroke. It's easier to make a mistake that way. If you take your time and do the small strokes, then you will get a more crisp looking line.

As for the pencil liner, the easiest thing to do is gently hold the edge of your eye, with your ring finger of your non-dominant hand holding it outwards so you get a straight line with your eyelid. Slowly make short lines with your eyeliner pencil, they work best if they are sharpened properly. I always start at the inner corner of my eyelid, and then work my way out!

But the best way to get good at applying eyeliner is to practice! So keep on trying, you'll get the hang of it and you will also figure out what type of eyeliner is right for you!