According to an old aphorism, the eyes are the mirror of the soul. Applying eyeliner is one of the many ways to make them stand out. This cosmetic was invented in the 15th century BC. in Egypt and has been used all over the world ever since. It is sold in many variations, including in pencil, and its goal is to define and enhance the eyes. Applying it may seem complicated at first, but all it takes is a little practice.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Choosing a Pencil Eyeliner
Step 1. Consider what kind of pencil eyeliner to use
There are several variations of this product: each of them has a different texture, method of application and effect.
- Powder-based pencils, also called kohls, often create a less intense color. They are good for those who want to blend eyeliner in order to achieve a smokey effect.
- The gel or cream eyeliners guarantee a simple and effective application, with a rather intense color. They are recommended for those who want to lengthen the line of eyeliner, creating a cat eye make-up. The gel or cream variant is also sold in a jar and can be applied with an angled brush.
- Liquid eyeliner creates a rather intense effect. Very often it is available in a pen (even if it looks more like a felt-tip pen), making application a lot easier. The tip can be very thin or thick, it all depends on the intensity and makeup you want to achieve.
Step 2. Consider the eyeliner formulation
Many companies offer different formulations for different needs, including sensitive eye products, organic or not tested on animals. Some also have formulations that include a lash-lengthening serum.
- If you have sensitive eyes because you wear contact lenses or you are allergic to certain formulations, you should be aware that some companies (such as Benecos) produce makeup that is free of allergenic substances (also called hypoallergenic), including eyeliners.
- If you prefer an eyeliner that has been ethically manufactured, with organic raw materials and not tested on animals, consider products from brands such as Aveda, NARS, Lavera, The Body Shop and Neve Cosmetics.
Step 3. Choose a color
Pencil eyeliners come in a wide range of colors, from electric blue or emerald green to classic shades like black and brown.
- If you want a natural effect, go for colors like black, dark brown, deep plum or gray. These colors can be intensified or muted according to your preferences.
- Unusual colors, such as electric blue, orange or emerald green, stand out, so use them for special occasions, not related to work.
- Each color makes the eyes stand out differently. For example, plum enhances green eyes, while gray is ideal for blue ones. Eyeliners in shades of purple can highlight brown eyes, while black is good for any type of eye.
Step 4. Buy eyeliner
Once you have chosen the color, the format and the wording, you can buy it in the store or online.
- Prices are quite variable, ranging from 1 euro to over 50.
- Eyeliners are available in various shops and perfumeries, including Oviesse, Sephora, Limoni, KIKO, WYCON, MAC and so on.
- Most companies, including MAC and Sephora, also allow you to buy on their websites.
Part 2 of 4: Preparing to Apply the Pencil
Step 1. Wash your face
The eyelid is the fattest part of the face. If you have clean skin, eyeliner and all other makeup will last longer.
If your face is clean, bacteria are also less likely to accidentally get into your eyes, preventing possible infections
Step 2. Make sure you have good lighting
Wear your makeup in a room with bright, direct light, whether it's natural or from a lamp.
If the light illuminates the face evenly, the application of the eyeliner will be more precise on both eyes
Step 3. Have everything you need close at hand
Prepare products that will help you blend your makeup or correct any mistakes.
- Brushes. A natural or synthetic fiber brush is the best tool there is to blend a line of eyeliner. It also helps you apply the gel or liquid one.
- Cotton swab. Cotton swabs are also useful for blending eyeliner. In addition, they help to correct possible errors with extreme ease: just soak the tip of make-up remover.
- Eye make-up remover. Many companies, including Clinique and Garnier, sell eye make-up removers that remove makeup gently and effectively, helping to remedy possible mistakes made during application.
- Pencil sharpener. For optimal application you need to sharpen the pencils. This also helps sanitize them, as you can get rid of the surface that has been exposed to bacteria.
Part 3 of 4: Apply Eyeliner in Pencil
Step 1. Make sure you are in a comfortable and stable position
Rest your elbow on a flat surface to keep your hand steady and apply evenly.
Step 2. Apply a matte eyeshadow to create a good base for the eyeliner, as it corrects all pigmentation changes and evens out the complexion
- As a base, you should use a flesh-colored matte cream eyeshadow, in order to be able to apply the eyeliner evenly.
- However, cream eyeshadows can also cause smudging or creasing of the skin throughout the day. It is important to fix them with a powder eyeshadow or translucent face powder before applying the eyeliner.
Step 3. Pull the outer corner of the eye lightly
This will help you apply the eyeliner evenly.
Make sure you don't tug at the lash line, otherwise the line will appear smudged, also remember that the eye area is very delicate
Step 4. Apply eyeliner to the mobile lid
Bring the pencil as close to the lashline as possible and slowly draw a thin line from the outer to the inner corner.
- To start, draw a thin line, which allows for a natural result.
- Start from the outer corner of the eye. The least amount of pigment possible should be left in the inner corner.
- You can thicken the line as you wish, for example you can create a cat eye makeup or stretch it outwards by drawing a tail.
- If you want to create a cat's tail or eye makeup, you need to thicken the line first. Then, draw a line starting from the outer corner of the eye (calculate an angle of 45 °). Start drawing from the bottom of the outer edge and work your way up. It is up to you to determine how long it should be.
- If you don't have a steady hand and are unable to create a continuous line, some make-up artists suggest drawing dots along the lashline and connecting them.
Step 5. Apply the pencil to the lower lid
Bring it as close to the lashline as possible, but don't put it in the inner rim. Draw a thin line from the outer to the inner corner slowly and gently.
The bottom line should be much fainter than the top one, otherwise the effect will be too pronounced. Generally, it should be a third of the higher
Step 6. Connect the lines only on the outer corner of the eye
Do not completely outline the eye, otherwise the effect will be too pronounced and the eyeliner will smudge, ending up immediately in the tear duct
Step 7. Blend the lines on the upper and lower lids
In this way the final effect will be soft and "lived".
- Blend the line with a brush, a cotton swab or your finger.
- You can also blend your makeup by applying brown eyeshadow to the bottom liner line with an angled brush. This trick is particularly effective for softening a black line.
Step 8. Brighten your eyes
If you want to enhance them even more, apply a pencil or white eyeshadow in the inner corner.
This trick will also make your eyes look more awake
Step 9. Repeat the same procedure on the other eye
Part 4 of 4: Complete the trick
Step 1. Correct any errors
If you made a mistake during the application, fix it with a makeup remover and a cotton swab.
- Even a brush can help you fix it, it all depends on the severity of the mistake.
- You can also correct mistakes with a little foundation and a cotton swab; in this way you will not risk eliminating too much product.
Step 2. Set your makeup with eyeshadow
If you stare at the eyeliner, it will last you a long time and won't smudge.
To set the eyeliner, apply a veil of powder eyeshadow of a similar color. This will also allow you to enhance your eyes even more
Step 3. Apply mascara
A coat of mascara will highlight the eyeliner and enhance the look even more.
Make sure you apply it only after you put on the eyeliner
Step 4. Done
Advice
- Make sure you apply the eyeliner in a clean place. Tricks can be full of germs, especially if you've had them for a long time. Wearing makeup in a dirty place only increases the risk of infection.
- Over time, eyeliners harden. Heat the pencil with a hair dryer, this will make it easier to apply.
- Don't keep old pencils. As a general rule, they should not be stored for more than a year, otherwise the germs that have accumulated on them could cause an infection.
- Once you've mastered the basics, practice more complex tricks like cat or tail tricks.
Warnings
- Look out for symptoms of irritation, such as red eyes and skin rashes. If you notice any, stop using eyeliner and see your doctor.
- Try not to get eyeliner or makeup remover in your eyes.
