The Best Eyeliner Tips for Beginners, Mature Skin and More

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Going Deeper into the World of Eyeliner

Mastering eyeliner may seem intimidating, but with a few pointed Q-tips and a little practice, it’s one of the most impactful makeup techniques. Perhaps the easiest place to start is with an eyeliner pencil. Celebrity makeup artist Robin Black says a pencil (versus liquid) is the better option if you prefer a soft, subtle eyeliner look. “Sweep it along your lash line and quickly smudge it a little with a small dense round brush,” she says. Some eyeliners also come with a build-in smudge tool at one end for this reason. “You can add layers of eyeliner pencil to build up the color.” Black says one of her favorite eyeliner pencils is Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Satin Kajal Liner ($32), which comes in matte, satin, and jewel-toned shades.

Celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero recommends keeping dry Q-tips handy to make corrections as you go. “Use dry Q-tips because it won’t ruin the rest of your eye makeup and allows you to go right back in and draw your eyeliner.” If you are a first-timer with liquid liner, Black has a few tricks to make it easier. First, “try holding a business card flat from the edge of your nose to the outer corner of your lashes,” she explains. “It should create a sharp angle with an upward/outward tilt. Draw your liquid liner right across the card, using it as a stencil to create a cat-eye effect. Then, flip the card and repeat on the other side.”

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If You Want to Try Liquid Eyeliner…

If you prefer a more subtle look, start in the center of your lash line and gradually thicken the line toward the outer corner of your eye, Black explains. “Use a pointy Q-tip or a dense, pointed brush to ‘flick’ the outer corner and create a kitten eye. I adore the new Sisley Paris Ligne-Noire Eyeliner ($83). Its tip is precise, but not so tiny that it’s hard to work with. The formula is smooth and super black, plus it’s long-lasting. And like all Sisley products, it has a Revlon’s ColorStay Micro Hyper Precision Gel Eyeliner ($10). “Take this rounded-tip liner as close as possible to your lash line for an ultra-fine and natural eyeliner look.” And lastly, if you have oily eyelids or hooded eyelids, his pick is ByTerry Crayon Blackstar Eyeliner ($29). “A hybrid between a wax and cream pencil, it’s very soft to apply,” Rivero explains. “Once it dries down, it will not move. It’s amazing for women with oily eyelids or those who have recessed, droopy skin that touches and creases. It has bulletproof stay-on power.”

If You Want to Try Tightlining…

Black is also a big fan of a tightlining with eyeliner. “This is a technique that was developed by iconic makeup artist Laura Mercier specifically for Sarah Jessica Parker decades ago,” she explains. “Tightlining works for all ages and is really easy to do. Using a liquid liner or a gel liner in black or deep brown—whichever you are more comfortable with—apply it underneath your lashes and press gently upward. You want to fill in the space between your lashes to create definition and the illusion of thicker lashes.” One of Black’s favorite pencils for this is Haus Labs Optic Intensity Eco Eyeliner ($22), which the brand says is safe to use on the water line.

Conclusion

Mastering eyeliner is all about practice and patience. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a look that’s all your own. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s an eyeliner out there for you. Remember to keep it simple, have fun, and don’t be afraid to experiment!

FAQs

Q: What’s the best type of eyeliner for beginners?
A: A pencil eyeliner is a great option for beginners. It’s easy to apply and allows for a soft, subtle look.

Q: How do I make my eyeliner last all day?
A: To make your eyeliner last all day, apply a thin layer and let it dry before applying additional coats. You can also set it with a setting spray.

Q: Can I use eyeliner on my waterline?
A: Yes, you can use eyeliner on your waterline, but make sure to choose a pencil or gel eyeliner that’s specifically designed for use on the waterline.

Q: How do I fix a mistake with my eyeliner?
A: If you make a mistake with your eyeliner, use a dry Q-tip to gently remove the excess product. You can also use a makeup remover to correct the mistake.