How To Apply Eyeliner Correctly

Prep The Lids 

“Before you even think about applying eyeliner, it’s worth prepping your lids properly – especially if they’re very oily. Most liners stay put, though, so unless your lids have a lot of slip to them, a primer isn’t always necessary. If they are prone to greasiness, use a primer and a smattering of powder over the top to mattify the area. A primer can also be useful if you want to smudge out a soft kohl pencil, but still want it to last. Both the Urban Decay Primer Potion and Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base will prolong the longevity of even the softest pencils.” – Hannah Martin 

Take Your Time 

“Getting eyeliner right is all about practice. If you’re struggling, try sitting at a desk or a table, then put a standing mirror on the tabletop and make sure you look down into it, with your head tilted back slightly. This will ensure you can see the maximum amount of space on your lid when you’re drawing any lines. It also helps prevent smudging. I often joke that eyeliner can smell fear, so confidence is key. If it goes wrong, it’s often because you’re rushing. Take your time and always have some pointed cotton buds and make-up remover on hand to do a quick clean-up job if needed.” – Jessica Kell

Trace Your Shape 

“Always start with a slim line – it’s easier to ramp up the thickness than it is to take it away. If you want to create a larger, winged effect, don’t be afraid to trace the shape first with powder or a pencil, then go over it with the gel liner once you’re happy. The key to a good, winged liner is to take the formula into the very outer corner of the eye, then pull the line up and outwards. Try doing your eyeliner first, then picturing where you want your flick to end so you can draw back from that point, pulling the liner in to meet the line you’ve already drawn along the lid.” – Hannah 

Perfect Your Flicks

“If it’s a feline flick you want, start in the inside corner of the eye, then pull it out to get thicker on the outer edge. Don’t worry about the flick until you have that ‘thin to thick’ line. Once that’s in place, map out your flick. The perfect point follows the bottom waterline up and connects in a triangle shape from the roots of your outer lashes. If you’re struggling to find where your flick should end, lift your mirror, look directly into it and from there, look for the point where you want the flick to end, always moving from the end of your lower waterline upwards. Draw a tiny dot at this point. Then, looking down into your mirror, connect the dot to the thickest point of the line.” – Jessica 

Know Your Shape

“Different eye shapes will dictate what liner look will suit you best. For example, if your eyes are close set, avoid taking your liner too far into the inner corners of the eye. Instead, apply a light shadow to the lids for a brightening effect, then focus on extending your liner just a little at the edges to create the illusion of more wideness. If your eyes are already wide set, take your liner into the inner corners to help them appear less far apart. For hooded eyes, try tightlining. This sounds complex, but really it just requires you to push your liner in-between the lashes rather than on top. If your eyes are rounder, try lining just the outer third to create a more almond-looking shape.” – Hannah 

Approach Your Waterline The Right Way

“Putting liner into the lower waterline can finish a look – especially when you’re going all out with a bold, smokey eye. If you want to create a bigger, brighter eye, try using a cream colour on the bottom waterline. White can be too harsh, whereas a lighter creamier tone can really enhance your eyes. Try Victoria Beckham’s Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil for an instant lift. It’s definitely more of a day look, but great for adding some definition. If you want extra depth, opt for a warm brown and smudge it through the lower lashes, too. This will define your eye shape and provide a great base for lower lash mascara to hold onto. If it’s an evening look, then a really black liner through the lower waterline will give you the most impact. Take it all the way into the inner corner and connect it to your liner on the top lid to really define your eye shape.” – Jessica