A colored eyeliner can really make or break a beautiful makeup. When applied correctly, it can add depth and interest to a neutral look or complement an already intense and colorful look, while when combined with a brighter eye shadow on the lids, it can even liven up the look.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Eyeliner
Step 1. Choose the right color
Go beyond your favorite color and choose one that matches both your eyes and your outfit.
- Try not to over-emphasize the natural color of your eyes by using an eyeliner of the same color as the iris. For example, if you have blue eyes, gray or silver is a smarter choice than a simple coordinated blue. If you have hazel eyes, opt for a predominantly brown color, but with a hint of green: avoid applying a solid green eyeshadow and, in this way, you will prevent the make-up from weighing down your eyes.
- Opposites attract. For example, use a warm shade of purple, a lavender or pink tint if you have brown eyes. On blue eyes, on the other hand, use a bronze or rust tinted eyeliner. Look on the color wheel for a hue that is opposite to that of your eyes, then choose a neighboring one to get the perfect combination.
Step 2. Don't go overboard with childish or too flashy colors
Draw attention to the natural color of your eyes by using a similar colored eyeliner to blend the inner rim of the lower lid.
For example, if you have blue eyes, use a pearly dark blue color; for gray eyes, use a dull silver; for green eyes, an olive green; for hazel eyes, use a dark brown, while for brown eyes, use a bronze color
Step 3. Choose the product that's right for you
With many variations available, texture also plays a role. If you are still a beginner, use a pencil or gel eyeliner, since liquid ones are reserved for the more experienced.
- Maximize control with the pencil. This solution is particularly useful when, with a steady hand, you mark the inner edge of the lash line.
- Add a bold line with a liquid eyeliner: this type of product makes it easier to apply more layers and create a thicker line. Remember that liquid formulations require a steady hand for application, but release the greatest amount of pigment; on the other hand, pen eyeliner is the simplest to apply, it dries faster, but releases less color.
- The gel products flow smooth and homogeneous. They are often used as a transition product from simple pencils to more challenging liquid eyeliners. The look is often very intense and the gel allows a homogeneous application.
- With a liquid solution, such as water, and an angled brush, any colored eyeshadow could also act as a coordinating eyeliner.
Step 4. Respect your choice
If you find a product that looks gorgeous and that makes you feel perfectly comfortable, then get it! Look for photographs of people with eyes of a similar color to yours and see what looks best on them, then try the same look on yourself.
Do not overdo it. It might look nicer in the magazine, and that's normal. Start a little at a time and don't overdo it - feeling comfortable is more important than pushing yourself over the edge
Part 2 of 2: Apply with Strategy
Step 1. Keep the rest of the trick simple
When applying colored eyeliner, it is best to use very subtle eye make-up. It is important that the face does not conflict with the eyes, so keep minimal makeup on the face. You could avoid blush and opt for a product that creates strong points of light and shadow.
- Do not apply, for example, a blue eyeshadow with a bright pink blush and a red lipstick!
- Get people to focus on your eyeliner. It doesn't have to be a distraction from your pink lips and bold hairstyle, but rather a fixed and focal point for your look.
Step 2. Position yourself close to the lash line
A tinted eyeliner really works best when applied as close to the lash line as possible, so make sure you don't see skin between the lashes and the line you're going to draw. Starting from the top inner corner, start marking the line by following the lashline as closely as possible. Move outward by making shorter strokes to create a homogeneous effect. Then draw the line on the lower eyelid by moving in the opposite direction: start from the outer corner of the eye and gently draw strokes inwards to the desired point.
- Start slow if you are afraid of making a mistake. First of all, draw a line on the eyes with a soft black pencil. Once you have drawn a perfect line, go over it with a colored pen eyeliner passing exactly over the black stroke. Then, with a cotton swab, gently blend the two strokes together: you will thus obtain a more intense shaded effect, tending to black, which will give you a little color without being exaggerated or tacky.
- To get a clean, even line, move the eyeliner instead of moving your head. Also, resist the temptation to stretch the eyelid back, because when you release it, the line will be ugly and wrinkled.
Step 3. Keep the line thin and precise
Keep in mind that it's easier to add than to remove, so if you're unsure, choosing to draw a fine, neat line is a good way to see if you can pull it off. Once you get the hang of this first look, you can then do other styles like a cat's eye, double wing or nuanced kohl effect.
- Cotton buds are your best friend! Remove excess eye makeup to avoid blemishes.
- Never abound with color and don't always use the same style if you want to achieve a truly special effect. The less you see a thing, the more value it acquires. If you wear eyeliner for someone special, or for a group of friends, choose the right amount to apply with taste.
Step 4. Have fun with a bold look
Update your appearance by experimenting with different colored combinations.
- Dark blue and gray are one of the easiest combinations to wear because they allow you to achieve a nuanced look for the day. Lightly swipe dark blue on the eyelids and gray in the folds.
- Use purple and brown as complementary colors to each other. Mix the colors with your fingers since both can work well on both eyelids and creases. Try to figure out which solution suits you best. Likewise, use turquoise and green in warm seasons for a bright summer look, while, for a sun-kissed look, use bronze and peach.
Advice
- Some colored eyeliners look better on some eye shapes or colors than others. For example, a dark blue eyeliner can make your eyes appear larger as the white parts of the pupil will appear brighter. Use a colored eyeliner to make your eyes appear more open.
- Apply white eyeliner on the lower rim and inner corners to make your eyes stand out.
Warnings
- Don't draw too thick a line with colored eyeliner - it could overwhelm your eyes and make you look tired.
- Use only products specially formulated for the eyes: lipsticks or other facial products could damage the pupils.
