Eyeliner can be a game-changer in any makeup routine, but let’s be honest—it’s one of the trickiest products to master. From smudges that appear out of nowhere to uneven lines that refuse to cooperate, we’ve all been there. As beauty experts, we understand the frustration, but we’re here to tell you that with the right techniques and a bit of practice, flawless eyeliner is absolutely achievable.

Whether you’re aiming for a classic tightline, a bold wing, or a pop of color on your waterline, the key lies in preparation, precision, and the right tools. We’ve spent years perfecting these methods, and we’re excited to share our expertise with you. So, let’s dive into the essentials and take the guesswork out of your eyeliner application—because every great makeup look starts with a confident stroke.

6 EXPERT TIPS

      1. Choose the right formula

Select a formula suited to your needs. Liquid eyeliner creates precise, bold lines for winged eyeliner, while pencil eyeliner works well for a natural eyeliner look or tightlining. Opt for gel eyeliner for smooth, controlled application.

       2. Start with clean, dry lids

Prep your lids by removing oil and residue. This helps eyeliner adhere better and prevents smudging, especially when aiming for smudge-proof eyeliner styles.

       3. Use light strokes for precision

Avoid harsh lines by applying light, short strokes. This technique helps achieve even application whether you're going for a dramatic eyeliner look or a subtle enhancement.

       4. Anchor your hand for stability

Place your elbow on a flat surface and rest your hand on your cheek to steady your application. This reduces errors and ensures a smooth line, particularly with liquid eyeliner.

       5. Seal with waterproof products

Enhance longevity by setting your liner with waterproof eyeliner or a matching eyeshadow. This tip is ideal for humidity or long days.

       6. Practice popular styles gradually

Experiment with eyeliner styles like cat-eye eyeliner or winged eyeliner one step at a time. Beginners can start with a soft pencil liner before transitioning to liquid formulas.

IS EYELINER HARD TO APPLY?

Applying eyeliner can feel challenging, especially for beginners or those aiming for specific styles like winged or cat-eye eyeliner. Precision and a steady hand play a crucial role, but the right tools simplify the process. For instance, pencil eyeliners offer more control, making them ideal for tightlining or a natural eyeliner look. Liquid eyeliners, although trickier, create sharp, bold lines perfect for dramatic eyeliner looks.

Mastering eyeliner requires preparation and technique. Starting with clean, dry lids prevents smudging and ensures long wear. Using waterproof or smudge-proof eyeliner is another effective solution for maintaining your look throughout the day. Anchoring your hand on a stable surface provides stability, a must for detailed styles like winged eyeliner.

Practicing eyeliner hacks such as starting with dotted lines or building color gradually alleviates difficulty. Slowly transitioning from softer pencil formulas to liquid or gel eyeliner boosts confidence and skill with intricate designs. Above all, regular practice refines application and shapes your unique eyeliner style.

HOW TO PROPERLY APPLY EYELINER?

Proper eyeliner application requires preparation, precision, and the right technique tailored to your preferences and eye shape. Here's how to ensure a polished look:

      1. Start with Preparation

Clean your eyelids to remove oil or residue, creating a smooth base. For added longevity, use a primer or light dusting of translucent powder over the lids. If opting for a natural eyeliner look, avoid products that create tacky or overly shiny finishes.

       2. Choose the Right Formula

Select an eyeliner type based on your desired style. Liquid eyeliner delivers defined lines perfect for dramatic eyeliner looks or winged eyeliner styles. Pencil eyeliners are a beginner-friendly option, ideal for soft, smudge-proof eyeliner applications such as tightlining. For versatility, gel eyeliners combine precision with ease of blending.

       3. Apply Upper Lid Eyeliner

Sit and anchor your elbow on a surface for stability. Start from the outer corner, drawing as close to the lash line as possible. Work in small dots or dashes if your hand lacks steadiness, connecting them for a smooth result. Keep the inner corner light for balanced, clean eye makeup.

       4. Handle the Waterline with Care

Follow tightlining techniques using a pencil eyeliner for comfort and control. Gently dry the waterline with a cotton bud, then sweep the liner along in one motion to ensure it stays in place.

       5. Perfect the Lower Lid

For a cohesive look, use a softer approach on the lower lid. Position the pencil near the lash line, starting at the outer corner, and lightly blend to avoid harshness. Avoid overloading the outer corner unless creating a winged eyeliner.

       6. Refine and Adjust

Step back from the mirror to check symmetry once both eyes are lined. Add slight adjustments to balance thickness, ensuring lines complement your eyeliner style, whether natural or bold.

Adopting these eyeliner hacks elevates your technique while reducing mistakes. Beginners can experiment with lightweight pencil formulas before progressing to highly pigmented liquid eyeliners. A vegan, waterproof eyeliner ensures lasting results, even in Australia's humid climate.

HOW DO YOU APPLY NATURAL EYELINER?

Creating a natural eyeliner look requires precision and subtle techniques. Using a pencil eyeliner provides better control for soft, feathery strokes. Start by sharpening the pencil for precision. Gently pull your eyelid taut and begin from the inner corner, applying a thin line close to the lash line. Short, light strokes mimic the appearance of lashes, enhancing a natural effect.

Slightly thicken the line as you reach the outer corner for subtle definition. If a softer finish is preferred, gently smudge the line with a brush or fingertip. Always anchor your hand on a surface to maintain stability and avoid uneven lines. For lasting results, set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow or choose smudge-proof or waterproof eyeliner if you have oily lids. Avoid dramatic lines to retain a minimalist feel.

Choosing vegan or cruelty-free eyeliner adds a sustainable element to beauty routines. Look for eco-conscious formulas that align with natural makeup preferences.

WHICH EYELINER IS BEST FOR BEGINNERS?

Pencil eyeliner is often the best choice for beginners. It's easy to control and ideal for creating a natural eyeliner look. Standard pencil eyeliners, like kohl or retractable options, provide smooth application and can be used for subtle effects or smudged for softer finishes. For precise lines, keeping the pencil sharpened is key.

Gel eyeliner offers versatility, acting as a middle ground between pencil and liquid eyeliner. It delivers saturated pigment and works well for smudging or creating defined, dramatic eyeliner looks. Beginners can practice eyeliner styles, like winged or cat-eye eyeliner, using an angled brush for better control.

For bolder, more glam results, liquid eyeliner delivers sharp, defined lines. While navigating the brush or pen format may take practice, liquid options are excellent for dramatic styles. Smudge-proof or waterproof liquid eyeliners can ensure longevity, even in humid climates.

We recommend starting with vegan, cruelty-free options that align with ethical beauty practices. These eyeliners often encompass high-quality formulas, catering to both natural and bold looks.

SHOULD EYELINER GO ON THE TOP OR BOTTOM OF EYES?

Eyeliner placement depends on the style and effect you're aiming for. Applying eyeliner to the upper lash line enhances definition and creates a polished, classic look. For a natural eyeliner look, use a pencil eyeliner close to the lash line with light strokes to keep the appearance soft yet refined. Beginners often find this approach user-friendly.

For the lower lash line, consider a softer technique. Use a pencil eyeliner and draw a thin line from the outer corner inwards, blending gently with a cotton bud for a subtle finish. To avoid smudging, balance the lower lash line with minimal application or skip it entirely for a clean, modern aesthetic.

Combining both upper and lower lash lines can achieve dramatic eyeliner looks, such as winged eyeliner or cat-eye eyeliner. Ensure the lines on both lids connect seamlessly at the outer corner to maintain symmetry. For added impact, tightlining eyeliner along the waterline on both lids fills gaps between lashes, delivering depth and a fuller lash appearance.

When exposing your lower waterline, try a waterproof eyeliner to minimize smudging during wear. For a brighter effect, use a nude or white pencil liner. This trick makes eyes appear larger and more awake, perfectly complementing subtle eye makeup. For bold styles, like creating exaggerated looks with liquid eyeliner, reserve waterline applications solely for upper lids to maintain precision.

Focusing eyeliner placement above the lashes typically suits all eyeliner styles, from natural to dramatic, while lower applications require careful blending to avoid overpowering the look.

DOES BOTTOM EYELINER MAKE EYES SMALLER LOOKING?

Applying eyeliner to the lower lash line can make eyes look smaller if done incorrectly. Creating a complete circle of eyeliner around the eyes often closes off the eye area, reducing the appearance of openness. Instead, we recommend avoiding heavy eyeliner application on the entire lower lash line.

To maintain a balanced natural eyeliner look, lightly define the outer third of the lower lash line using a pencil eyeliner. Keep the line soft and diffused to prevent overwhelming smaller eyes. Smudging the liner with a brush enhances softness and avoids a harsh appearance, which can shrink the eyes visually.

Highlighting the inner corners with a light or white eyeshadow further brightens the eyes, creating a wider and more open look. For those aiming to make eyes appear larger, applying white or nude eyeliner to the waterline boosts the effect, while darker liners on the waterline deliver a dramatic eyeliner look.

These eyeliner hacks are suitable for anyone seeking to accentuate eye shapes without compromising the natural beauty of small or almond-shaped eyes.

BEST SELLING EYELINER

Eyeliner selections offer diverse options to match varying eyeliner styles and preferences. For beginners or fans of a natural eyeliner look, pencil eyeliners are a favorite. These eyeliners provide control and simplicity, making them ideal for creating soft, subtle lines perfect for daily wear. Many pencil eyeliners come in cruelty-free, vegan formulations, which appeal to eco-conscious beauty enthusiasts in Australia.

Liquid eyeliner is the go-to for achieving precise winged eyeliner and dramatic eyeliner looks. With bold pigmentation and sharp definition, these liners suit those looking to create high-impact styles. Waterproof and smudge-proof eyeliner formulas excel in maintaining a clean look throughout the day, even in humid climates.

Gel eyeliner combines the best of both worlds, delivering versatility for a variety of eyeliner styles. It works seamlessly for tightlining eyeliner applications or bold creative designs. Many gel options glide smoothly and resist smudging, ensuring long-lasting performance.

By exploring these bestsellers, we can find solutions for every skill level, from eyeliner for beginners to advanced techniques, while aligning with sustainable makeup practices.

EYELINER TUTORIALS

Mastering eyeliner takes time, patience, and the right approach, but it's a skill worth developing. With practice and the right tools, anyone can create stunning looks that enhance their natural beauty. Whether you're aiming for a subtle, everyday style or a bold, dramatic effect, the key lies in experimenting and finding what works best for you.

Let's embrace the process and enjoy the journey of perfecting our eyeliner techniques. With consistent effort and a touch of creativity, achieving flawless eyeliner will become second nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best eyeliner for beginners?

Pencil eyeliner is ideal for beginners due to its ease of control and natural finish. It allows for soft, subtle lines and is less likely to smudge compared to liquid formulas. Start with a good-quality pencil that glides smoothly for better results.

How can I prevent my eyeliner from smudging?

To prevent smudging, always apply eyeliner on clean, dry eyelids. Use a primer or powder to set the base, and choose waterproof or smudge-proof formulas for longer wear. Sealing the look with eyeshadow can also enhance durability.

What are the easiest eyeliner techniques for beginners?

Beginners should start with simple techniques like tightlining the upper lash line or drawing small dotted lines to connect gradually. Practice controlling pressure with pencil liners before transitioning to liquid for more precise styles.

How do I achieve symmetrical eyeliner on both eyes?

Start by marking small dots or dashes along both lash lines as a guide. Use light strokes to connect the dots and ensure symmetry. Anchoring your hand on a stable surface can improve precision and avoid uneven lines.

Should eyeliner be applied before or after eyeshadow?

Eyeliner is typically applied after eyeshadow. Ensure your eyeshadow is fully blended before adding eyeliner to keep the lines crisp and prevent smudging from excess product.

What type of eyeliner is best for creating a winged look?

Liquid eyeliner is the best option for creating sharp, defined winged looks. Its precise tip allows for clean lines and dramatic effects. Beginners may start with a pencil outline, then layer liquid for refinement.

How do I make my eyes look bigger with eyeliner?

To make your eyes appear larger, tightline the upper lash line, apply a soft pencil liner to the outer third of the lower lash line, and use a nude or white liner on the lower waterline. Highlight the inner corners for added brightness.

Is it safe to use eyeliner on the waterline?

Yes, but use eyeliners specifically designed for the waterline to avoid irritation. Gel or soft pencil liners work best since they are less likely to tug on the delicate skin around the eyes.

How can I fix uneven eyeliner?

Dip a cotton swab in micellar water to clean up uneven edges without removing your entire look. Alternatively, blend the edges slightly with a small brush or add eyeshadow to create a softer, smoky effect.

What color eyeliner should I use for a natural look?

For a natural look, stick to softer shades like brown, taupe, or gray. These colors define the eyes subtly without appearing too harsh, complementing everyday looks effortlessly.