If you’re looking to turn back the clock and achieve a more youthful appearance, then look no further than these eyeliner tips. With just a few simple techniques, you can enhance your eyes and give yourself a fresh and radiant look. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you create a more youthful and vibrant appearance. Say goodbye to dull and tired-looking eyes, and hello to a more youthful and glowing you!
Choose the Right Eyeliner Formula
Consider Your Skin Type
When it comes to choosing the right eyeliner formula, it’s important to consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, you may want to opt for a long-lasting and smudge-proof formula that can withstand the natural oils on your skin. Gel or cream eyeliners are great options for oily skin as they tend to have better staying power compared to other formulas. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, you may want to choose a formula that is moisturizing and gentle to prevent any irritation or flaking.
Opt for Waterproof Formulas
Whether you’re going for a day at the beach or attending a teary-eyed wedding, waterproof formulas are a must-have in your eyeliner collection. Waterproof eyeliners are designed to stay in place even in the presence of water, sweat, or humidity. They are perfect for long-lasting wear and can help prevent smudging or running throughout the day. So, if you’re looking for an eyeliner that will last through any situation, make sure to opt for a waterproof formula.
Try Gel or Cream Eyeliners
If you’re tired of the typical pencil or liquid eyeliners, why not give gel or cream eyeliners a try? These formulas offer more control and precision, allowing you to easily create different looks. Gel eyeliners usually come in a pot and are applied using an eyeliner brush, while cream eyeliners come in a compact or tube form and can be applied with a brush or your fingertips. Both gel and cream eyeliners have a smooth and creamy texture, making it easier to achieve a neat and defined line. They also tend to dry matte, giving you a more intense and long-lasting finish.
Select the Appropriate Eyeliner Color
Go for Dark Shades
When it comes to eyeliner color, dark shades like black or brown are a classic choice that suits most eye colors and skin tones. Dark eyeliners create a bold and defined look, adding depth and intensity to your eyes. They can make your lashes appear fuller and your eyes more alluring. Whether you’re going for a natural or a more dramatic look, dark shades of eyeliner are versatile and can be easily paired with any makeup style.
Experiment with Earthy Tones
If you’re looking to switch things up from the traditional dark shades, consider experimenting with earthy tones. Colors like deep green, rich plum, or warm copper can add a subtle pop of color to your eyes without being too overwhelming. These earthy tones complement a variety of eye colors and can bring out the natural beauty of your eyes. They add a touch of uniqueness to your look while still maintaining a sophisticated and elegant appearance.
Avoid Bright or Neon Colors
While it can be tempting to play with vibrant and eye-catching colors, it’s best to avoid bright or neon eyeliners if you’re aiming for a youthful look. These colors tend to draw attention and can make your makeup appear more dramatic or theatrical. If you want to keep your eyeliner looking fresh and natural, it’s best to stick with more subdued colors that enhance your natural features rather than overpower them.
Focus on the Winged Eyeliner Technique
Start with Thin Lines
To achieve a youthful and fresh appearance, start by creating thin lines with your eyeliner. Thin lines are more subtle and provide a more natural look, allowing your eyes to appear brighter and more awake. Use a fine-tipped eyeliner brush or a thin pencil eyeliner to carefully trace along your lash line. Take your time and build up the thickness gradually, ensuring a precise and delicate application.
Create a Subtle, Upward Wing
Once you’ve mastered the art of creating thin lines, you can move on to adding a subtle wing to your eyeliner. To achieve this look, imagine a line extending from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your eyebrow. Use the natural curve of your lower lash line as a guide. When drawing the wing, start from the outer corner and gently flick the eyeliner upwards, creating a soft and subtle wing that lifts the eyes. Remember, the key here is to keep the wing subtle and not overly dramatic.
Extend the Wing to Lift the Eyes
If you want to give your eyes an extra lift, consider extending the wing of your eyeliner slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye. This can create the illusion of lifted and more youthful-looking eyes. Make sure to keep the extension subtle and in proportion to your eye shape. A little bit of extra length can go a long way in making your eyes appear more open and refreshed.
Enhance the Lower Lash Line
Apply a Soft Line
When applying eyeliner to the lower lash line, it’s important to keep it soft and natural-looking. A harsh or heavy line on the lower lash line can make your eyes appear smaller and more tired. Instead, use a soft eyeliner pencil or a small brush to gently apply a thin line of eyeliner along the outer half of your lower lashes. This will enhance your eyes without overpowering them.
Use a Light Hand
To achieve a natural look on the lower lash line, use a light hand when applying eyeliner. The goal is to create a subtle definition rather than a bold line. Apply the eyeliner with feathery strokes, gradually building up the intensity if desired. The lighter touch will help prevent any smudging or smearing, keeping your makeup looking fresh all day long.
Avoid Harsh Lines or Smudging
When applying eyeliner to the lower lash line, it’s important to avoid harsh lines or smudging. Harsh lines can create a heavy and tired appearance, while smudging can make your under-eye area look messy. To prevent smudging, make sure to set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow or a translucent powder. This will help lock the eyeliner in place and prevent any unwanted movement throughout the day.
Pay Attention to the Inner Corners
Apply a Highlighting Shade
The inner corners of your eyes can often appear dull or shadowed. To brighten up this area and give your eyes a youthful glow, apply a highlighting shade to the inner corners. Look for a champagne or ivory eyeshadow with a subtle shimmer to create a soft and luminous effect. Apply the eyeshadow with a small brush or your fingertips, focusing on the innermost corner of your eyes where the tear duct is located.
Avoid Heavy or Dark Products
When applying makeup to the inner corners of your eyes, it’s best to avoid heavy or dark products. These can make the area appear smaller and create a harsh contrast with the rest of your makeup. Stick to lighter shades and formulas that blend seamlessly with your overall eye makeup. The goal is to create a bright and open look, so opt for products that enhance your natural features rather than overpowering them.
Use Light Strokes for a Natural Look
To achieve a natural look when applying makeup to the inner corners of your eyes, use light strokes and a gentle hand. The goal is to create a soft and subtle effect that brightens up the area without looking overly done. Start with a small amount of product and build it up gradually until you achieve the desired level of brightness. Remember, less is more when it comes to creating a youthful and fresh appearance.
Utilize the Tightlining Technique
Apply Eyeliner on the Upper Waterline
Tightlining is a technique where you apply eyeliner on the upper waterline, which is the area between your lashes and your eye. This technique creates the illusion of thicker and fuller lashes, making your eyes appear more awake and youthful. To tightline, gently lift your eyelid and apply eyeliner along the upper waterline, ensuring the product gets between each individual lash. Use a soft pencil eyeliner or an eyeliner brush with a gel or cream formula for a precise application.
Choose a Soft Pencil or Eyeliner Brush
When it comes to tightlining, it’s important to choose a soft pencil eyeliner or an eyeliner brush with a gel or cream formula. These types of eyeliners are easier to work with and provide a smoother application. The softness of the pencil or brush prevents any discomfort or irritation on the sensitive waterline area. Additionally, a softer formula allows for better control, ensuring a precise and even application.
Avoid Excessive Product for a Subtle Effect
The key to successfully tightlining your eyes is to avoid using excessive product. The goal is to create a subtle and natural effect that enhances your lashes without looking heavy or overdone. Using too much eyeliner can lead to a messy and smudged appearance. Start with a small amount of product and gently build it up as needed. Remember, it’s better to add more eyeliner gradually rather than applying too much at once.
Consider Your Eye Shape
Understanding Your Eye Shape
Before diving into specific eyeliner tips for different eye shapes, it’s important to understand your own eye shape. There are various eye shapes, including almond-shaped, round, hooded, down-turned, and upturned eyes. Each eye shape has unique characteristics, and by identifying your own eye shape, you can tailor your eyeliner application to enhance and flatter your natural features.
Tips for Almond-Shaped Eyes
If you have almond-shaped eyes, consider yourself lucky as this eye shape is considered one of the most versatile for eyeliner application. Almond-shaped eyes have a slightly pointed outer corner and a wider center, giving them a beautiful and balanced appearance. To enhance your almond-shaped eyes, start with a thin line along the upper lash line, gradually building it up towards the outer corner. You can create a subtle wing to elongate the eyes and add a touch of drama.
Tips for Round Eyes
Round eyes have a charming and youthful appearance, but they can sometimes appear smaller or less defined. To make your round eyes stand out, start by applying eyeliner along the upper lash line, gradually thickening the line towards the outer corner. Extend the eyeliner slightly beyond the edge of your eye to create a subtle wing. This will give the illusion of elongated eyes. To make your eyes appear wider, you can also apply a nude or white eyeliner to the waterline.
Tips for Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes are characterized by a fold of skin that droops over the crease, making the eyelid less visible. When applying eyeliner to hooded eyes, it’s important to focus on the upper lash line to create the illusion of a more open eye shape. Start by applying a thin line along the upper lash line, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. Make sure the eyeliner is visible when your eyes are open, rather than disappearing under the hooded fold. Avoid applying eyeliner on the lower lash line, as this can make the eyes appear smaller.
Tips for Down-turned Eyes
Down-turned eyes have a natural droop at the outer corners, giving them a slightly sad or tired appearance. To lift and enhance down-turned eyes, start by applying eyeliner along the upper lash line, thickening the line towards the outer corner. Instead of extending the wing upwards, aim for a straighter and slightly curved wing that follows the natural shape of your eye. This will create a more lifted and youthful look. Avoid applying eyeliner on the lower lash line, as this can emphasize the downward tilt of the eyes.
Tips for Upturned Eyes
Upturned eyes have a natural lift at the outer corners, giving them a playful and flirtatious appearance. To enhance your upturned eyes, start by applying eyeliner along the upper lash line, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. Create a winged effect by extending the liner slightly beyond the outer corner and upward. This will accentuate the natural lift of your eyes. For a more dramatic look, you can also apply eyeliner on the lower lash line, focusing on the outer two-thirds.
Use Eyeliner to Open Up the Eyes
Apply White Eyeliner on the Waterline
One of the easiest tips for opening up your eyes is to apply white eyeliner on the waterline. White eyeliner creates the illusion of larger and brighter eyes by counteracting any redness or darkness in the inner rim of the eye. It instantly gives you a wide-eyed and refreshed look. Gently glide the white eyeliner pencil along the lower waterline, ensuring a smooth and even application. This trick is perfect for those days when you need to fake a full night’s sleep!
Use Skin-Toned Eyeliner on the Lower Waterline
If you find white eyeliner too stark for your liking, you can opt for a skin-toned eyeliner instead. Skin-toned eyeliners are available in various shades that match different skin tones. They provide a more subtle and natural-looking result, while still brightening up the eyes. Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone and apply it to the lower waterline to open up your eyes and make them appear larger and more awake.
Opt for a Nude or Light Eyeliner Shade
Another way to open up your eyes is to opt for a nude or light-colored eyeliner shade. Nude eyeliners come in various light beige or flesh-toned shades that blend seamlessly with your skin, creating a soft and natural definition. Apply the nude eyeliner along the upper lash line, as close to the roots of your lashes as possible. This will create the illusion of fuller lashes, making your eyes appear more open and youthful.
Avoid Using Eyeliner on the Entire Waterline
While eyeliner on the waterline can be a great way to open up your eyes, it’s important to avoid applying eyeliner to the entire waterline. This can create a heavy and closed-off appearance, making your eyes appear smaller. Instead, focus on the inner corner or the outer two-thirds of the waterline to maintain a bright and open look. By leaving the center of the waterline bare, you create the illusion of wider and more awake eyes.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Not Cleaning the Eyeliner Brush
One common mistake that many people make is not cleaning their eyeliner brush regularly. Over time, the brush can accumulate product buildup, dirt, and bacteria, which can affect the quality of your eyeliner application and potentially cause irritation or infections. To prevent this, make sure to clean your eyeliner brush after each use. Simply rinse it with warm water and gentle soap, or use a specialized brush cleanser. Allow it to dry thoroughly before using it again.
Skipping the Primer or Base
For a long-lasting and smudge-proof eyeliner, it’s crucial not to skip the step of applying a primer or base. Eyeliner primers create a smooth canvas for your eyeliner, ensuring it adheres better and stays in place throughout the day. Additionally, primers can prevent creasing and fading, giving your eyeliner a more vibrant and precise finish. Apply a small amount of primer on your eyelids before applying your eyeliner, focusing on the areas where you’ll be applying the liner.
Using Too Much Eyeliner
One of the most common mistakes when it comes to eyeliner application is using too much product. Thick and heavy eyeliner can create a harsh and overpowering look, making your eyes appear smaller and more tired. Instead, start with a thin line and gradually build it up to the desired thickness. Remember that less is often more when it comes to achieving a youthful and fresh appearance. A subtle and precise application can go a long way in enhancing your natural features.
Not Setting the Eyeliner
To prevent smudging and ensure a long-lasting eyeliner application, it’s important to set your eyeliner. Set your eyeliner by applying a matching eyeshadow or translucent powder over the eyeliner. This not only helps the eyeliner stay in place but also creates a more seamless and blended look. Use a small eyeshadow brush or a cotton swab to gently pat the eyeshadow or powder over the eyeliner, ensuring an even distribution.
Applying Eyeliner on Sparse or Thin Lashes
If you have sparse or thin lashes, applying eyeliner directly on the lash line can sometimes make them appear even sparser. To avoid this, start by applying mascara or using an eyelash curler to enhance your lashes before applying eyeliner. This will create a fuller and more voluminous lash line, providing a better foundation for your eyeliner. Once your lashes are enhanced, carefully apply your eyeliner along the lash line, ensuring a seamless and natural look.
Consider Your Overall Makeup Look
Balance Eyeliner with Other Makeup
When it comes to achieving a youthful and balanced makeup look, it’s important to consider how your eyeliner interacts with the rest of your makeup. If you’re going for a bold and dramatic eyeliner look, balance it out with softer and more natural-looking makeup on the rest of your face. Opt for light and fresh shades for your eyeshadow and blush, and choose a more neutral or nude lipstick to complement your eyeliner. By creating a harmonious balance, your eyeliner will stand out while still maintaining a youthful and polished appearance.
Choose Lipstick or Eye Focus
To achieve a well-rounded makeup look, consider whether you want to highlight your eyes or your lips. If you’ve applied a bold and statement eyeliner, opt for a more subdued lip color to prevent your makeup from looking overwhelming. Conversely, if you’re going for a more natural and subtle eye look, feel free to experiment with bolder and brighter lip colors. By choosing either a lip or eye focus, you can create a cohesive and balanced makeup look that enhances your natural beauty.
Consider the Occasion or Time of Day
Lastly, when choosing your eyeliner style, it’s important to consider the occasion or time of day. A dramatic and winged eyeliner might be perfect for a night out or a special event, but it may not be suitable for a casual daytime look. For more daytime-friendly eyeliner, stick to thin lines or soft smudges that provide a delicate and fresh appearance. Consider the overall vibe of the occasion or the time of day and adjust your eyeliner accordingly. Remember, makeup should be fun and adaptable to suit different situations.
In conclusion, by choosing the right eyeliner formula, selecting the appropriate color, mastering the winged eyeliner technique, enhancing the lower lash line, paying attention to the inner corners, utilizing the tightlining technique, considering your eye shape, using eyeliner to open up the eyes, avoiding common mistakes, and considering your overall makeup look, you can achieve a youthful and refreshed appearance using eyeliner. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to confidently rock your eyeliner and enhance your natural beauty. So go ahead, experiment, and have fun with your eyeliner looks!
