Applying eyeliner can transform your look, making your eyes appear bigger, more defined, and even more dramatic. However, mastering eyeliner application can be tricky, especially if you struggle with shaky hands or uneven lines. The good news is that with the right technique, tools, and practice, you can apply eyeliner like a pro in just a few simple steps!
Whether you’re going for a natural everyday look, a sharp wing, or a bold cat-eye, this tutorial will guide you through the best tips and tricks to perfect your eyeliner application quickly and easily.
Step 1: Choose the Right Eyeliner
There are different types of eyeliners, and choosing the right one for your desired look can make a big difference. Here are the most common types:
1. Pencil Eyeliner (Best for Beginners)
✅ Easy to use and smudge-proof
✅ Great for a natural or soft smoky look
✅ Perfect for lining the waterline
🔹 Pro Tip: Sharpen the pencil before application for a precise line.
2. Gel Eyeliner (Great for Precision & Control)
✅ Creamy texture makes application smooth
✅ Perfect for creating bold or winged looks
✅ Usually applied with an angled brush
🔹 Pro Tip: Clean the brush after each use to prevent drying out.
3. Liquid Eyeliner (Best for Sharp Wings & Bold Looks)
✅ Creates the most precise and dramatic lines
✅ Comes in pen or brush form
✅ Ideal for a sharp cat-eye or winged look
🔹 Pro Tip: If you’re new to liquid eyeliner, start with a felt-tip pen for better control.
Step 2: Prep Your Eyes for Long-Lasting Eyeliner
Before applying eyeliner, you need to prep your eyelids to ensure a smooth, long-lasting application:
✅ Clean Your Eyelids – Remove excess oil with a gentle cleanser or micellar water.
✅ Apply an Eye Primer – This prevents smudging and makes eyeliner last longer.
✅ Set with Translucent Powder – If you have oily lids, lightly dust translucent powder over your eyelids.
Step 3: How to Apply Eyeliner Like a Pro
1. Start with Small Dashes Instead of One Long Line
- Instead of trying to draw a perfect line in one go, start with small dashes along your lash line.
- Connect the dashes gradually to form a smooth, even line.
2. Stay Close to the Lash Line
- The goal is to make your lashes look fuller, so apply the liner as close to the lash line as possible without leaving gaps.
- For a natural look, keep the line thin and soft.
3. Use a Cotton Swab to Fix Mistakes
- Dipped in micellar water or makeup remover, a cotton swab can easily correct any smudges.
- If you make a mistake, don’t wipe everything off—just clean up the edges!
Step 4: How to Create the Perfect Winged Eyeliner
The winged eyeliner (or cat-eye) is a classic look that adds instant elegance and drama to your eyes. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect wing:
1. Map Out the Wing First
- Use an angled brush or a pencil eyeliner to lightly sketch the wing before committing to the full liner.
- Align the wing with the outer corner of your lower lash line and angle it slightly upward toward your brow.
2. Draw the Wing in Two Steps
- Create the Flick: Draw a small triangle extending outward from the outer corner.
- Connect to the Lash Line: Bring the tip of the triangle back towards your lash line, forming a smooth curve.
3. Fill in the Wing & Perfect the Edges
- Once you’ve created the outline, fill it in with a gel or liquid liner.
- Use a concealer and an angled brush to clean up any uneven edges.
🔹 Pro Tip: If you struggle with even wings, use a piece of tape as a guide!
Step 5: Eyeliner for Different Eye Shapes
Each eye shape benefits from a slightly different eyeliner technique:
🔹 Hooded Eyes – Keep the liner thin on the inner corner and slightly thicker on the outer edge. Avoid drawing a thick line that hides the lid space.
🔹 Round Eyes – Winged liner helps elongate the eyes. Start thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken the outer edge.
🔹 Almond Eyes – This eye shape suits almost all eyeliner styles! Keep the liner even and follow the natural curve of your eye.
🔹 Monolid Eyes – A bold liner or smudged smoky liner works best, as the lid space can sometimes hide thinner lines.
Step 6: Finishing Touches for a Flawless Look
Once you’ve applied your eyeliner, follow these final steps to complete your look:
✅ Curl Your Lashes & Apply Mascara – This makes your eyes pop even more!
✅ Tightline Your Upper Waterline – Applying pencil liner to the upper waterline creates the illusion of fuller lashes.
✅ Set with Eyeshadow or Powder – For extra staying power, set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow shade to prevent smudging.
Common Eyeliner Mistakes & How to Fix Them
🚫 Uneven Wings? Use a concealer and angled brush to sharpen edges.
🚫 Shaky Hands? Rest your elbow on a flat surface for better control.
🚫 Smudging? Set your eyeliner with eyeshadow or translucent powder.
🚫 Too Thick? Use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to thin it out.
Final Thoughts
Applying eyeliner like a pro takes patience and practice, but with the right techniques and tools, you can master the perfect eyeliner look in minutes! Whether you prefer a simple, natural line or a dramatic cat-eye, these easy steps will help you achieve flawless eyeliner every time.
Now grab your favorite eyeliner and start practicing!
