How To Apply Eyeliner

Eyeliner can be one of a woman’s greatest tools in her makeup arsenal. Just a tiny bit can define your eyes in a sleek, sophisticated look. A little more and you’ll look like a ghoul on Halloween. Follow these steps and you can apply eyeliner to suit your style.

Materials:
Eyeliner (liquid or pencil)
Mirror
Q-tips

1. Know what look you want. There are several options with eyeliner. From a natural, day look to dramatic color or thick, kohl black circles around your eyes. Decide which look you want before you get started.
2. Choose the eyeliner color. Choose a color that complements your eye color or a neutral tone for a more natural look. Most day looks will be a shade of brown or mossy green when the goal is subtle. For dramatic evening looks, try an emerald to accent green eyes, a turquoise to accent blue eyes or a basic black look.
3. Select an eyeliner type. Eyeliners come in pencils, liquids or cake shadows that require a separate brush. If you are new to using eyeliner, stick to the pencils or liquids, as they are easier to handle.
4. Prepare the eyeliner. Eye pencils will need to be sharpened. Once sharp, warm with a hair dryer or by slowly rolling between your warm fingertips. Liquid eyeliners come in several styles so follow the instructions. The brush should be wet and have liner at the tip.
5. Start with the top lid. Tilt your head back and look into the mirror with your eye half closed. You should be able to see the edge of the top eyelid.
6. Apply the eyeliner. Place the liner at the corner of your eye nearest your nose. Slowly draw a line with the eyeliner along the edge of your eyelid where your eyelashes meet skin. If your hand is not steady, rest it on your cheek to apply the liner in a smooth line.
7. Apply liner to bottom eyelid. Starting from the outside corner of the eye, draw the lower line. Trace the edge of your eyelid just below your lashes. You don’t have to go all the way to the other side of your eye. Stop three-quarters of the way.
8. Allow the liner to dry. This is especially important if you are using liquid liner. You want to let the liner dry for at least thirty seconds.
9. Smudge the liner (optional). To create a softer look, slowly run a Q-tip along the line you created. Be easy with this and experiment until you get the look you want.
10. Repeat with the other eye.

If you followed these steps, you should be able to create a multitude of looks. Just experiment and apply eyeliner to suit your mood. Remember to have fun.