Apply Eyeliner Like a Pro
Eyeliner is making a major comeback (as if it ever really left!) for fall 2024. Its mood? Timeless, of course, but with an edgy twist. Think classic winged shapes to smudged-out effects for a rockstar vibe, as seen all over the fall runway shows. Eyeliner adds depth and contrast and even has shape-shifting benefits. “You can use it to elongate, change the shape and add definition to the eyes,” says Emily Gray, a celebrity makeup artist. It’s also versatile and so are the trends that come along with it. Whether you want to finally master the classic cat eye (ahem, Taylor Swift’s version is pretty perfect) or learn the eyeliner techniques the pros use, you’re going to want to bookmark this page. Here’s everything you need to elevate your eyeliner this season.
Choose the Right Eyeliner Formula for the Job
Eyeliners pretty much all share the same purpose to define the eyes but not all formulas work for every occasion. To determine what eyeliner is best for you, start with your end goal in mind. Is it subtle definition or a sleek, artsy vibe? If it’s the former, a gel eye eyeliner will typically meet your everyday liner needs. This one is longwearing so you don’t have to worry about smudging halfway through your day. If you’re looking for an effect that’s ultra-precise and sets fast, go with a liquid eyeliner instead. Sure, they take a little more time getting just right but the payoff is worth it.
Tip: Have hooded or oil-prone eyelids? Reach for a waterproof eyeliner formula, which won’t budge as fast as a standard formula. Trust us, it’s worth the extra removal time at the end of the night!
Avoid These Common Liquid Eyeliner Mistakes
The best eyeliner looks are the ones that stay put and don’t signal “hot mess” after a few hours of wear. According to Gray, a common mistake that people make when it comes to liquid eyeliner is not allowing it to fully dry. “This causes transfer to the lid and smudging”, she says. Other culprits of eyeliner gone wrong? Not being precise enough and cleaning up the shape afterward. She recommends always starting from the base of the lash line and having cotton swabs and micellar water at the ready. Her ultimate advice? Don’t sweat a less-than-perfect first attempt. “Most makeup artist professionals don’t always get the perfect liquid liner shape right away after application,” she says. They clean up the shape with cotton swabs and micellar water or a sharp concealer brush. “It’s the fine details that make a good liquid liner application.”
Apply your Liner Like a Pro
The makeup pro trick to applying liner starts way before the actual application. “I recommend assessing your eye shape before liner application,” says Gray. If your eyes are on the small side, you might want to avoid a dark, super smudged out look. If your eyes could use a lift at the corners, consider a flattering cat eye.
Gray’s foolproof tip for applying liquid liner is to draw out the shape using pencil first. A pencil with a smooth and blendable formula is key in this step as you can change the shape as needed and also use it to tight-line the eye for even more depth. “Now that you have the map for where to put your liquid liner, application is a piece of cake.” She loves this matte liquid liner because it doesn’t have a sheen to it, which is great for photos. “Layering liners also amplifies the staying power, so you know it will last all day long!”
