GirlsGuideTo | How To Perfect Your Eyeliner Application

I know, I thought that there was no way I could learn anything new about eyeliner too. I mean, I've been doing it pretty much everyday since I was a teenager. But it turns out, there are some tricks I didn't know either. So whether you're a makeup novice or consider yourself a pro like I used to, check out these four tips to sharpen your liner application skills!

Start with a Clean Slate
Your eyelids are a surprisingly greasy part of your face, so you want to remove all oily residue before applying makeup. Just use an alcohol-free makeup remover to erase any trace of oils or last night’s eye makeup. Then apply a light layer of foundation to create an even base. After applying shadow, dust a translucent powder over the lid to set the color and absorb oil throughout the day. If you apply eye cream daily, consider skipping it on the days you need a lasting eye look, because it creates a slippery surface that makeup can’t adhere well to.

Try New Formulas
If you’re going to create a hard, dramatic line, it needs to be done perfectly. Messy liquid liner looks harsh and ages your face. If you have rounder eyes, use powder or gel liners that you can smudge to create and an almond-shaped contour. Fine eyeliner pencils are more ideal for elongated or naturally oval-shaped eyes. To avoid dull or soft points, pop your eyeliner in the freezer for a few minutes before sharpening.

Stop Pulling
It’s like some innate urge to pull your lid taut when applying liner, but resist it. When you finish, the line looks distorted. Keep your eyelid relaxed for a natural line. When making a cat-eye start at the outer edge and work your way in. For a flattering look, keep the eyeliner on the top lid three times thicker than the liner on the bottom.

Touch it Up
To keep the look perfect, you’ll need to remember to touch-up throughout the day. When relining, maintain eye contact in the mirror for best results. Use your blotting papers to dab your lids throughout the day as well to catch that unsightly, yet common crease buildup without smudging your line.

How do you apply your eyeliner? Give us your best tips in the comments below!