When it comes to makeup, eyeliner can be a game-changer, transforming your look from subtle to dramatic. However, with so many eyeliner options available, it can be challenging to pick the perfect one. This guide is here to help you navigate the world of eyeliner, offering the best eyeliner techniques. We'll explore different types such as liquid, pencil and gel, and teach you how to apply them like a pro. Whether you're aiming for a classic cat-eye or a trendy winged look, we've got you covered. Our expert tips and tricks will ensure you're ready for any occasion, helping you create looks that match your unique style. Are you ready to elevate your eyeliner skills and express yourself like never before? Let’s dive right in!
Types of Eyeliners
When it comes to eyeliners, there's a world of options to explore. Here are some types you should know and can choose from according to the look you prefer:
1. Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner is precisely what it sounds like. It's a liquid in a tube with an applicator. You can find different types of applicators, from fine brushes to thicker ones made of metal or plastic. Liquid eyeliners are fantastic for creating various winged looks, like small flicks, precise lines, or dramatic cat eyes. Remember to let it dry properly to avoid smudging.
2. Gel Eyeliner
Gel eyeliners have a semi-solid, gel-like texture. They come in pots or pencils and feel more flexible than regular pencil liners. Gel eyeliners are known for their durability and resistance to smudging. You can use them to create smoky eyes, smudged wings, or even graphic designs. If you want extended wear, opt for a waterproof version.
3. Pencil Eyeliner
Traditional pencil eyeliners, also known as kajal or kohl liners, come in a slim pencil shape. They have a soft, dry, and silky texture, perfect for achieving bold yet gentle eye makeup looks. While they typically come in black and grey, you can now find them in various colours. Pencil eyeliners are beginner-friendly and can be applied directly to your lash line or waterline. Some even include a built-in smudging sponge, but using an eye primer can help them last longer.
4. Felt-Tip Eyeliner
Felt-tip eyeliner is a type of liquid eyeliner with a built-in felt tip. Unlike traditional liquid eyeliners, the felt tip remains exposed at the top, soaking up the liquid from the tube. Applying it is similar to using a marker, and some people find it gives them more control. It's excellent for achieving precise winged eyeliner looks.
5. Cream Eyeliner
Cream eyeliners have a creamy and blendable formula, making them perfect for achieving natural, soft looks or bold and dramatic ones. You can find them in pencil form, tubes, or pots, each offering unique advantages for different eyeliner-applicing techniques.
Eyeliner Techniques for Creative Looks
1. Classic Smokey
The classic smokey eyeliner is one of the best eyeliner techniques that is timeless and adds a sultry, smudged effect to your eyes. It's a great way to make your eyes pop, and the deep chocolate brown colour complements any eye shape or colour. Smudging the formula with a brush or your fingers adds a more dramatic effect if you want to dress up your eyeliner look just a touch.
Steps to Achieve the Look:
Begin by applying an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids to create a smooth base for the eyeliner.
Use a chocolate brown pencil eyeliner to line your upper lash line. Make the line slightly thicker towards the outer corners of your eyes.
Take a smudging brush or a cotton swab and gently smudge the eyeliner, blending it upward and outward for a smoky effect.
To intensify the look, you can also apply a matching brown eyeshadow over the smudged eyeliner.
Finish with mascara to enhance your lashes, and your classic smokey eyeliner look is complete.
The Kay Beauty 24HR Coloured Matte Kajal - Brown is the perfect eyeliner to create this look. It comes with a super-pigmented formula and is 100% waterproof and smudge-proof. Infused with chamomile and ceramide, the kajal promises a 24-hour stay without budging.
2. Dual-toned
The dual-toned eyeliner look adds an element of surprise to your standard black eyeliner. Adding a second colour under the bottom lashes creates a striking contrast that can be coordinated with your lipstick for a polished appearance. Achieve crisp and thin lines by using an angled liner brush.
Steps to Achieve the Look:
Start by applying your favourite black eyeliner along your upper lash line. You can use a pencil or gel eyeliner for this step.
Using a different coloured eyeliner, like pink or any shade that complements your eye makeup, apply it gently under your lower lash line. Ensure that the line is thin and precise.
For precision, use an angled liner brush dipped in the coloured eyeliner to create a clean line.
To make the look even more coordinated, you can match the lower eyeliner colour with your lipstick.
Finish with mascara to make your lashes stand out, and you've achieved the dual-toned eyeliner look.
For black eyeliner, use the Maybelline New York Line Tattoo High Impact Pen Liner. It features a brush tip applicator and a long handle for easy application to give you 12 hours of long-lasting finish. The tip of the liner is designed to prevent mistakes while applying and smoothly glides to give a clean, nice finish.
For coloured eyeliner, you can consider using Colorbar I-Glide Eye Pencil. It features rich, vibrant colour and a high-gloss finish that lasts for 8 hours without creasing or flaking. Its creamy formula ensures a smooth application and long-lasting shine, while being smudge-proof, fade and crease-resistant. You can choose from a variety of different shades for your desired eye look.
3. The Neon Flick
Neon eyeliner might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it's certainly something that will fuel your creativity if you are looking for some different eyeliner techniques than usual. To recreate this look, use a liquid liner or a gel eyeliner with a slanted brush to ensure you get the perfect flick at the end. It's very cool how the eyeliner starts at the outer lash line and then picks up at the inner eye area for an abstract look.
Steps to Achieve the Look:
Begin with a clean eyelid and apply an eyeshadow primer to help the eyeliner stay in place.
Using a neon-coloured liquid or gel eyeliner and a slanted eyeliner brush, start from the inner corner of your eye and create a thin line along your upper lash line.
Extend the line past the outer corner of your eye and flick it upward at a slight angle. This flick can be as subtle or dramatic as you like.
For an abstract feel, let the eyeliner fade as it reaches the outer lash line.
Repeat the same process on the other eye, ensuring both flicks have a consistent shape.
Finish the look with a coat of mascara to accentuate your lashes.
The L.A. Girl Shockwave Neon Eyeliner is the perfect eyeliner to create a neon flick. It comes in a in a creamy, water-resistant gel formula with soft, full coverage that lasts up to 16 hours. Available in 6 bright eye colours, these liners take your eyeliner game to the next level!
4. Bright Waterline
Adding a white or flesh-toned eyeliner to your inner waterline can instantly brighten your eyes and reduce the look of redness. It's a handy trick for days when you need to look awake quickly, whether you overslept or had a late night.
Steps to Achieve the Look:
Choose a white or flesh-toned eyeliner pencil.
Gently pull down your lower eyelid to expose the inner waterline.
Carefully apply the eyeliner to your inner waterline. Start from the inner corner and move towards the outer corner.
Repeat the same process on the upper waterline if desired.
Finish by applying mascara to complete the bright-eyed look.
A flesh-toned eyeliner works perfectly for Indian skin tones and PAC Longlasting Kohl Pencil - Skin is the perfect shade. It comes with a smooth and highly pigmented formula that offers an intense colour payoff in one swipe. This long-lasting kajal is also waterproof and smudge-proof to prolong the stay for long hours.
5. Barely-there Wings
The barely-there wings eyeliner look offers a different take on the classic winged liner. By connecting your top and bottom eyeliner with the tiniest flick on the outer corners, you achieve a unique and slightly dramatic effect. For this look, you'll want to wear a long-lasting eyeliner pencil with a creamy consistency so you can easily apply it to both lash lines.
Steps to Achieve the Look:
Start with a clean eyelid and apply an eyeshadow primer if desired.
Choose a long-lasting eyeliner pencil in your preferred colour.
Begin by applying the eyeliner to your upper lash line. Make a thin line from the inner corner to the outer corner.
Extend the line slightly past the outer corner to create a small flick or wing.
Connect the flick to the lower lash line with a short, diagonal line.
Repeat the same process on the other eye to ensure symmetry.
Finish with mascara to emphasize your lashes, and you've achieved the barely-there wings eyeliner look.
The Lakme Eyeconic Pro Brush Liner is one of the best eyeliners to create a precise wing. Its quick dry formula gives an intense pay-off in one stroke. Also, it is waterproof and smudge-proof and lasts for up to 36 hours.
6. Pop of Colours
Showcase your favourite eyeliner colours by wearing different hues on the top and bottom lash lines. This is one of those easy eyeliner techniques that allows you to experiment with various colour combinations, making your eyes pop. For a more vivid colour payoff, set the liner with a bright eyeshadow.
Steps to Achieve the Look:
Select two eyeliner colours that complement each other or match your overall eye makeup.
Apply one eyeliner colour to your upper lash line and the other colour to your lower lash line.
Ensure that the lines are precise and well-defined.
To enhance the vibrancy of the colours, take a matching eyeshadow and apply it over the eyeliner on both the top and bottom lash lines.
Finish with mascara to complete the look, and you've achieved the pop of colour eyeliner style.
The Makeup Revolution Coloured Kohl Eyeliner comes in a variety of different shades, perfect to add that pop of colour onto your eyelids. Its highly pigmented, smooth and creamy formula allows for easy application with a matte finish.
7. The Natural Tightline
Lining underneath the top eyelashes to create a tight line defines the eyes subtly and provides a natural approach to wearing eyeliner daily. Opt for a waterproof formula to ensure nothing runs or smudges throughout the day.
Steps to Achieve the Look:
Choose a waterproof eyeliner pencil in a shade that matches your lashes or your preferred eyeliner colour.
Gently lift your upper eyelid to expose the tightline area, which is the space between your lashes and your eye.
Carefully apply the eyeliner to the tightline by moving the pencil along this area.
Ensure that the line is precise and close to the base of your lashes.
Repeat the same process on the other eye to maintain symmetry.
Finish with mascara for a natural yet defined look, and you've achieved the natural tightline eyeliner style.
The Plum Natur Studio All-Day-Wear Kohl Kajal is perfect to tightline your eyes since it is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens users as well. This 2-in-1 kajal cum liner is highly-pigmented and gives high colour payoff in a single application. It is also waterproof, smudge-proof and long-lasting.
Whether you prefer classic smoky eyes or bold pops of colour, these simple eyeliner techniques provide endless possibilities to make your eyes stand out. So, don't hesitate to experiment and discover the perfect eyeliner look for your expressive eyes.
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