Eyeliner can transform your entire look in seconds — but a few common mistakes make it harder than it needs to be. Here are the most important dos and don'ts for an eyeliner that actually stays put and looks great.
Don'ts
- Don't choose a poor-quality product. The wrong eyeliner makes application harder regardless of how good your technique is. A liner that smudges, lacks pigment, or is difficult to control will never give you a great result. Invest in a quality product that is precise and easy to apply.
- Don't pull at your eyelid. It might feel like a useful trick for drawing a straighter line, but once you release the lid it rarely looks straight anymore. Pulling at the skin repeatedly can also cause the eyelid to droop over time.
- Don't line your waterline with black. Black eyeliner on the waterline makes eyes appear smaller and heavier. Choose a nude or dark-brown shade instead for a more open and soft effect.
- Don't use black for a natural daytime look. Black eyeliner is often too dramatic for a simple everyday look. A dark-brown shade gives the same definition with a more natural result.
- Don't leave gaps at the lash line. A gap between the lash line and your liner looks unfinished. Always fill in along the entire lash line for a more polished result and the appearance of fuller lashes.
- Don't line the entire eye. A black line all the way around the eye creates a panda effect and makes eyes look smaller. Focus on the upper lid and outer corners for a softer, more opening result.
- Don't start with a thick line. It is always easier to build up than to take away. Start thin and layer if you want more drama.
- Never share your eyeliner. Eye infections spread easily through shared makeup products. Always keep your eyeliner to yourself.
Dos
- Know the difference between eyeliner types. A kohl pencil is soft and easy to work with — perfect for a smoky look or as a base. Gel liner delivers precision and richly pigmented colour for dramatic looks. Liquid eyeliner gives the sharpest lines and winged liner, but requires more practice. Choose the right type for the look you want to achieve.
- Always sharpen kohl pencils before applying. A blunt tip will never give you a precise line.
- Curl your lashes before applying eyeliner. If you do it the other way around, you risk ruining the line when you clamp the eyelash curler afterwards.
- Always start with a thin line. It is easier to build up and correct a thin line than to try and fix one that is too thick.
- Use dots as a guide. Place small dots along the lash line and at the wing before drawing the line. It helps you keep the shape even and get consistent lines on both eyes.
- Use a nude kohl on the waterline. It opens up your gaze and makes eyes look larger and brighter — especially effective combined with a dark-brown line along the lower lash line.
- Try the tape trick for winged liner. Press a piece of tape at an angle from the outer corner of the eye towards the temple and draw your line along the edge. Perfectly straight wings every time.
- Wait for liquid eyeliner to dry completely. Don't blink or look up before it has set, otherwise it will smudge and all your work is undone.
- Practise without time pressure. Set aside time when you are not in a rush and experiment with different styles. Practice makes perfect — and that is especially true with eyeliner.
With the right product, the right technique, and a little patience, the perfect eyeliner is completely within your reach.
