Liquid Liner

Posted on March 1st, 2009 / Filed under Beauty , For the Face:

Liquid liner can make any look more sophisticated (think Audrey Hepburn) or give it a mod spin (think Twiggy). It looks gorgeous when it’s done well, but a lot of women don’t attempt it because it can be difficult to apply. Lucky for you formulas have improved greatly in recent years, and with our tips, you’ll master liquid liner in no time.

A lot of women think that closing their eyes gives a more precise line. Not true. You need to follow the shape of your lashline and that’s easier to do with your eyes open.

Invest in a high-quality eyeliner brush. Some of the brushes that come with liquid liners are poorly made, and can ruin an otherwise great product. A separate brush also prevents contamination, because you’re not keeping the brush in the product all the time. Try: Smashbox #8 Eyeliner Brush ($20, sephora.com), MAC 266 Small Angle Brush ($18.50, maccosmetics.com) or Paula Dorf Angle Liner Brush ($20, beauty.com).

It’s easier to draw shorter lines than one long, continuous one. Draw one short line at the inner corner of the lashline, another in the middle and one at the outer corner. Then go back and fill in the spaces.

If you’re going for a thicker line, start with a thinner uniform line first, and then go back and build it. It will take some time, but your chances of getting it right are better if you work slowly and in steps.

The new gel eyeliners are much easier to work with than liquid formulas, but they achieve the same results.

For daytime looks, try using dark or medium brown, green or even navy liner instead of black. No matter what color you choose, however, line only the upper lashline and keep it subtle. Eye shadow should be barely there — stick to creamy beige, pale taupe or light brown. In other words, break out the dramatic smoky eyes after dark.

For a more dramatic night look, you can extend the line slightly past the outer corner of your eyes and up. This creates that “winged” effect.

Practice makes perfect. You’ll have to experiment a bit to get the hang of application and to figure out what looks best on you, so don’t wait until you’re going out to try it for the first time.

Suggested Products

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($18, gloss.com)
L’Oreal Line Intensifique Liquid Eyeliner ($7.39, drugstore.com)
MAC Fluidline ($14.50, maccosmetics.com)
mark On The Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner ($5, meetmark.com)
Prestige Liquid Eyeliner ($5.29, at drugstores)
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner ($7.49, at drugstores)
Stila Smudge Pots ($16, sephora.com)
Urban Decay Liquid Eye Liner ($14, sephora.com)
Wet n’ Wild MegaEyes Liquid Liner ($2.99, at drugstores)

Tips

  • To make your eyes look bigger, thicken the line gradually, beginning from the middle to the outer corner of your upper lashes.
  • Don’t line your entire lower lashline – it looks dated. Instead, begin around the middle of the lashline and extend to the outer corner.
  • Keep makeup fresh and minimal. Avoid highlighters and shimmery powders, and use shiny nude, peach or sheer berry gloss on lips. If you have naturally pigmented lips, you can just slick on a clear, shiny balm.
  • If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, try using a gel formula — liquid ones can sometimes flake and cause irritation.
  • If you make a mistake, just dip a cotton swab into makeup remover, and gently remove the liner. Then start again.