Eye Liner Tips



I love Joan don't you?


There are many ways to wear eyeliner. It totally depends on the look you're going for. I think practise makes perfect so keep at it and you'll find what works best for you.


- Pick a shade that suits your eye colour. Browns, bronzes and plums are great for lighter eyes and dark eyes can pull off drastic black. Forest green can make brown eyes pop. Silver and charcoals look best on green and blue eyes. Rich browns for green eyes and golds for blue eyes.







- Pencil eyeliner gives your eyes a softer definition while liquids offer precision and drama. I also use a creme eyeshadow as a liner such as this one from Benefit.


- If you're using a pencil sharpen it. Warm and soften the very tip of the pencil by heating with a hot quick blast from your hair dryer. This will help it write smoother. If your liquid liner is clumpy chuck it and buy another!


- If you want to use an eyeshadow as a liner apply a small amount of water to your brush (a drop will do). Move the wet brush gently through your shadow holding as you would a pen and apply.


- I find it easier to draw on a relaxed eye but this is up to you. Stretching the eye may encourage wrinkling. Try both ways and see what suits you best. Focus gently but intently on your eyes in the mirror.


- Draw a line across the upper lid on the lash line (as close to your lashes as possible while still on the lid). This creates the illusion of having thicker lashes.


- If you're using a liquid liner, allow it to dry before opening your eyes or the colour may transfer to the crease of your eye.


- To soften the look use your finger and gently smudge the line with your brush, cotton swab or finger. If you want a straight line, as is the case with liquid liner, do not alter unless it's messy. Any cleaning touch ups should be done with a cotton swab dipped in eye makeup remover.


- Line the lower lids - trace the outside of your eye (close to the lower lashes). Move from the outside edge inward, draw a line lightly but don't worry about perfection you can go back over the faint line and darken after the stroke. Your line should be slightly thicker at the outside corner becoming thinner - follow the natural shape of your eye.


Natural look - apply brown or black to one third of your top lash line and two thirds of your bottom lash line. Blend with cotton swab.


Dramatic look - try double coating. Or try a thicker line.


One final note for girls that like to apply makeup on the bus, underground or car. Unless you want to end up looking like a cyclops try to wait until the vehicle stops before appying! I have seen first hand someone who almost took their eye out.  


A couple of favourites:


M.A.C. Pencils


Rimmel London liquid eyeliner

Lily's Retro Look