A blunt-tipped eye pencil can leave imperfect, smudged lines when you apply it. To get an excellent result it is best to tip it regularly. Make sure you use a hygienic and efficient technique to temper it without crumbling it or making it too sharp.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Freeze the Pencil and Clean the Pencil Sharpener
Step 1. Put the pencil in the freezer for 5 minutes
This will prevent it from crumbling when you tip it. When you take it out of the freezer it should be harder than before. If the pencil is large, you may need to leave it in the freezer for longer (10-12 minutes or longer).
Step 2. Soak a cotton swab in disinfectant alcohol
It is an effective product for killing the bacteria present inside the pencil sharpener that can be harmful to the eyes. For this reason it is better to open the sharpener and sterilize it before and after use.
Step 3. Clean it
Insert the stick inside the pencil sharpener and rub it gently on all surfaces. With another stick, clean the blades inside the compartment.
Part 2 of 3: Sharpening the Pencil
Step 1. Remove it from the freezer
It should be harder than before; if it is still soft or crumbly, put it back in for another 5 minutes.
Step 2. Insert it inside the pencil sharpener
Push it in completely, but don't apply too much pressure. Do not press too hard and do not push it too hard: the pencil should slide smoothly into the hole.
Step 3. Point the pencil
Rotate it a couple of times inside the pencil sharpener, making at least one complete rotation. Do this on top of a garbage can so that the shavings fall into it.
Step 4. Remove the pencil
If you are happy with the tip, stop tempering it; if it still looks dull to you, continue. Repeat the process until you are happy with the result.
The tip of an eye pencil should not be extremely sharp, since it must rest on the skin
Step 5. Improvise, in case you don't have a pencil sharpener
If necessary, you can also sharpen it with a knife, for example a Swiss army knife or a precision knife. Grab the small knife with your non-dominant hand and the pencil with your dominant hand, placing it with the tip down. Keep the knife perpendicular to the pencil, with the tip of the blade positioned 2-3 cm from that of the pencil; then with the thumb of the non-dominant hand push it towards the tip of the latter. You should get some chips in thin strips. Repeat the process along the entire circumference of the pencil and until it is sharp enough.
Part 3 of 3: Test the Pencil
Step 1. Try it on the back of your hand
Draw a small line and make sure you are happy with the result. If the line is too thick, sharpen the pencil again; in case it is too thin, keep drawing lines on your hand or on a sheet of paper until the tip is dull. The pencil should have a small but rounded tip.
Step 2. Sharpen it again if necessary
Temper it a little more to get a perfect tip. Make sure there are no sharp edges, as it will be in contact with your eyes. When you are finished, try it again on the back of your hand, then on the eye.
Step 3. Sterilize the sharpener again
Open it and throw the shavings in the garbage can. Soak a cotton swab in alcohol and clean the blades and the inside of the sharpener again, then close it again.
Advice
- Use only a sharpener specifically designed for eye pencils.
- Trying the pencil on the back of the hand also serves to warm it, making it easier to apply to the eyes.
Warnings
- Be careful when cleaning your pencil sharpener - the blades are particularly sharp.
- Be careful while trying the pencil - a freshly sharpened tip can be very sharp.
