In this article, we are going to look at what types of eyeliner are out there, how to use eyeliner correctly, what types of makeup you can have, and what mistakes to avoid.
You’re not the only one who finds eyeliner both exciting and scary. One day it’s your secret weapon that makes your eyes look bigger, brighter, and more awake.
The next day, by noon, it’s betraying you with uneven wings, smudges, and strange black flakes under your eyes.
Welcome to the world of eyeliner.
We at Beautifully Alive think that makeup should be fun, creative, and empowering, not stressful or full of rules.
Eyeliner isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making you look better. This guide is for you if you’re new to makeup, coming back to it after a break, or just trying to finally get that wing down.
So get your favourite eyeliner (or the one that’s hiding at the bottom of your makeup bag), take a deep breath, and let’s talk about what eyeliner is, how to use it, how to mess it up without looking bad, and how to make it work for your eyes and your life.
Brief History of Eyeliner
You might think that eyeliner is a must-have in a modern makeup bag, but this little line of magic has been around for thousands of years, and its story is much more interesting than you might think.
We love learning about the history of our beauty routines at Beautifully Alive. Eyeliner has one of the most interesting ones.
Let’s go back to ancient Egypt, where eyeliner was more than just a way to look good (though they did that too). Egyptians lined their eyes with kohl, which is made from crushed minerals.
They thought it kept them safe from the sun, kept bad spirits away, and even stopped eye infections. Wellness and beauty? We love someone who can do more than one thing at a time.
Eyeliner then moved through time and space. It became a sign of wealth and taste in ancient Rome and Greece. In South Asia and the Middle East, on the other hand, kohl was still a daily ritual. Women, men, and even children used it for both spiritual and practical reasons. Eyeliner was not optional or for one gender; it was cultural.
In the early 1900s, eyeliner wasn’t used as much in the Western world, but Hollywood brought it back with a bang. Stars of silent films used dramatic liner to make their eyes look expressive on camera, and all of a sudden, everyone wanted that bold, mysterious look.
Eyeliner became a big deal in the 1960s. Think of thick wings, bold shapes, and pure defiance. From there, eyeliner changed over time to include punk, glam, grunge, minimalist, and maximalist styles. Every time period made it its own.
Eyeliner is a way to express yourself these days. Whether it’s subtle or bold, classic or creative, it’s still doing what it’s always done: helping us show the world who we are. And to be honest? It’s a beautiful history to be a part of.
Let’s talk about what eyeliner really does.
Eyeliner’s main job is to define the eyes. That’s all. It makes things stand out, adds structure, and draws attention to one of the most expressive parts of your face.
But the best thing about eyeliner is how easy it is to change.
You can do the following with one product:
- Make your eyes look bigger or more sexy.
- Make it look polished and professional.
- Add some drama to a night out
- After four hours of sleep, you look more awake.
- Show off your personality, mood, or creativity
There are many things that eyeliner can do. And you get to choose which one it does.
Types of Eyeliner
Let’s talk about tools before we talk about technique. Not all eyeliners are the same, and picking the right one can make a big difference in how easy it is to put on.
1. Pencil Eyeliner
The pencil eyeliner is the most basic version you can use and usually this is the first eyeliner most of us use.
It’s very easy to learn how to use pencil eyeliner, but some people are not happy with it because it doesn’t spread as thickly or smoothly as the other types of eyeliners.
It is available in a plethora of colors and shapes.
Why people like it:
- Easy for beginners
- Simple to manage
- Good for looks that are soft and smudged
- Forgiving if you make a mistake
Best for:
- Makeup for every day
- Tightlining
- Smokey eyes
- People who want definition without drama
If your pencil is pulling on your eyelid, it’s time to sharpen or replace it. Eyeliner should glide, not pull.
One of the best pencil eyeliners you can find today is the Urban Decay Double Perversion one.
2. Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid liner is the queen of eyeliners. When done right, it looks dramatic, precise, and beautiful.
This type of eyeliner is preferred for its precision. Usually, it is available in a small tube with a brush included.
Alternatively, you can also find some pen-style ones that come with a brush tip. The downside for these would be that you must wait a while until they dry.
Moreover, if you don’t know how to use liquid eyeliner, it can be quite a challenge not to smudge it.
People love it because:
- Very sharp lines
- Great for wings
- Looks that are bold and make a big impact
- Lasting a long time
Best for:
- Cat eyes
- Graphic liner
- Special occasions
- People who love a crisp finish
It’s normal to be scared of liquid liner. Like learning to write with a fountain pen, it takes practice, but the results are worth it.
One excellent suggestion we can make you is the waterproof liquid eyeliner from Stila.
3. Gel Eyeliner
The best thing about gel eyeliners is the fact that they have a matte finish.
If you don’t know how to use gel eyeliner, you will be happy to know that it glides on easily.
Most of the times, they come in a small pot, complete with a special brush.
Why people love it:
- Lots of colour
- Easy to use
- More control than a liquid
- Lasts a long time
Best for:
- Winged liner that can move
- People who want bright colours without the hassle of liquid liner
- Looks with smoky liner
Gel liner is a nice balance between dramatic and forgiving.
If you need a recommendation, you should go for the Bobbi Brown product.
Felt-Tip or Pen Eyeliner
This is the easier-to-use cousin of liquid liner.
Why people like it:
- Easy to hold
- Flow that is controlled
- Good for people who are new to it
- Less mess
Best for:
- Wings
- Everyday liner
- Quick application
Start here if you’re afraid of liquid liner.
See also: Different Types of Eyeliner >
Getting Your Eyes Ready (Yes, It Matters)
When you get your eyelids ready, eyeliner works better. This is like setting the stage.
Begin with Clean Lids
Oil is bad for eyeliner. Before putting on makeup, gently blot or swipe your oily lids with micellar water.
Put on an eye primer or concealer. Primer helps eyeliner:
- Stay in place
- Look more vibrant
- Resist smudging
No base? A thin layer of concealer and powder works great.
Powder Is Good
A lid with a little powder on it gives eyeliner something to hold on to. Just don’t go overboard; too much powder can make the liner skip.
How to Use Eyeliner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s talk about the fun stuff.
Step 1: Get at ease
Take a seat. Put your elbow on a table. Breathe in. It’s much easier to put on eyeliner when you’re calm and stable.
And here’s a secret: you don’t have to pull on your eyelid. When your skin relaxes, stretching can actually make lines uneven.
Step 2: Begin with a thin line
Always start with a thin line. You can make things thicker, but getting rid of extra liner is hard.
Make sure the liner is as close to your lash line as possible. If there are small spaces between your lashes and liner, your eyes may look smaller.
Step 3: Make small strokes
Use short, connected strokes instead of one long line. This gives you more control and makes it easier to fix mistakes.
Don’t think of “drawing,” but “sketching.”
Step 4: Make the Connections
First, draw a line along the outer corner, then the middle, and finally the inner corner. This helps keep things in balance.
How Do You Put On Eyeliner? 5 Makeup Styles
The technique you need to choose when learning how to use eyeliner depends on the makeup style you want to obtain.
Naturally, there are plenty of styles, and they vary in thickness, shape, etc.
It also depends on the occasion for which you’re wearing the specific makeup.
Now we are going to have a look at 5 makeup styles that you can use as inspiration for applying your eyeliner.
1. Cat Eye Makeup
Even if you don’t know it by its name, you’ve probably seen this type of makeup worn by countless celebrities and even people you know in your day-to-day life.
Don’t worry, it’s not hard to learn how to do cat eye makeup, but you will need to practice a little.
Just as the name says, this style relies on making the outer corner of your eyes resemble those of a cat.
You need to draw with your hand a tail headed towards the end of your eyebrows.
2. Smudged-Out Liner
For this look, you should use a pencil liner since it’s easier to blend it.
Simply line the lashes with the black pencil and then blend it out, heading away from the lash line.
Do it with the help of a smudger brush. Add whatever other colors you want to use for your makeup and blend everything well.
This idea is perfect if you want to go for a black and white makeup, for instance.
3. Lower Smokey Liner
Now you are going to see how to use eyeshadow as eyeliner.
If learning how to use eyeliner on its own seems too hard for you, then you can safely use eyeshadow as a replacement.
For this, you will need a flat eyeliner brush.
Dip it in the gel eyeliner pot and then trace the top and bottom lashes.
With a kajal pencil, draw some dots along the lower lash line. Finally, blend it all in.
It’s important to match the eyeshadow color as well.
For example, it’s best to do some research on what’s the best eyeshadow for blue eyes. They are the most prone to being mismatched when it comes to colors.
4. Winged Eyeliner
Yet another classic when it comes to using eyeliner is the winged shape.
This is slightly different than the cat eye since it’s more curved.
However, for this same reason, it’s harder to apply as well.
Luckily, there are more ways than one to apply winged eyeliner.
Now, there is also a recent trend with the reverse winged eyeliner. This means that you should head with the wing towards your nose, not the temples.
We Have to Talk About Wings
Yes, the eyeliner with wings. The dream. The fight. The rite of passage.
First, don’t worry: wings are not required. You don’t need one to look good, polished, or stylish.
But if you really want one, here’s how to make it easier.
The Angle Trick
Think of a line that goes from the bottom of your lashes to the end of your eyebrow. That’s the way your wing is going.
Start with the Wing, Not the Line
First, make a small flick. Make it short. You can always add to it.
When you’re done with the flick, connect it back to your lash line to make a small triangle. Fill it up.
Keep Your Eyes Open
When you open your eyes, they look like they do naturally. When you put on eyeliner with your eyes open, you can avoid weird bends and dips.
Not twins, but sisters
Your wings don’t have to be exactly the same. They need to go well together. People think perfection is too much.
See also:
- Winged Eyeliner Tips and Tricks to Help You Master the Look
- 5 Simple Ways to Apply Winged Eyeliner Flawlessly
5. Colored Liner
Our last makeup style suggestion if you can’t decide on how to use an eyeliner is to go for a colored one.
Crazy colors can really brighten up your makeup and keep dullness at bay.
Here, you can choose the brightest colors you want. Be careful to keep a certain balance, though.
Keep in mind that black is the best for a dramatic look, gray makes your makeup softer and brighter, while brown helps with a slightly smokey look.
Pro tip: Learn how to use white eyeliner. Why is white eyeliner so special though? The trick here is that if you apply it to the bottom lash line, it will make your eyes appear bigger. Of course, for that case, it’s best to use a pencil one.
Different Types of Eyeliner for Different Eye Shapes
Your eyes are one of a kind, so eyeliner should work with them, not against them.
Eyes with hoods
If your crease folds over your lid:
- Make sure the liner is thin.
- Pay attention to the outer third
- Try a “bat wing” shape that looks straight when your eyes are open.
Monolids
You have a beautiful canvas:
- Change the thickness
- Try shapes in pictures
- Use bright colours
Downturned Eyes
Lift the outside corner:
- Make the liner thin in the inner corner.
- At the end, flick up a little bit.
Round Eyes
Make the shape longer:
- Put liner on the outer corners.
- Don’t put a lot of liner on the inside corner.
Almond Eyes
You are lucky because you can wear almost anything! Have fun and try new things.
Upper Lash Line vs. Lower Lash Line
Line of Upper Lash
This is where eyeliner really stands out. It makes the eyes stand out and lifts the face.
The Line of the Lower Lash
This can be tricky.
If you put liner on your lower lash line:
- Stay soft
- Use a pencil or eyeshadow.
- Concentrate on the outside half
A harsh liner all the way across can make your eyes look smaller or tired.
The Secret Weapon: Tightlining
Tightlining means putting liner right at the waterline, between your lashes.
Why it’s so great:
- Makes lashes look fuller
- Defines the eyes in a subtle way
- There is no visible liner line.
Use a waterproof pencil and take your time. This trick is not obvious, but it works well.
Eyeliner Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Just like we were explaining above, not everybody knows how to use eyeliner correctly. For this reason, now we are going to focus on some of the most common eyeliner mistakes and ways to fix them.
1. Using a Dull Liner
One thing that shouldn’t miss from your makeup bag is a pencil sharpener. You should never use a dull liner, since this affects your precision. And if you’re not an expert on how to use eyeliner, it will make things even more complicated.
2. Transferring Liner
This problem is most often found in people with monolids. The solution here is to increase the height of the liner. As such, when you will open your eyes, the line will still be visible. Moreover, wait a couple of seconds before letting the eyeliner touch the upper part of the eye after you applied it. At the same time, you should learn how to apply eyeliner close to the lash line as well.
3. Colored Liner Everywhere
We explained above that it’s trendy to use a colored liner. However, you should apply it either on the upper or on the lower lid, never both at the same time. A full-on look will have a dramatic, aggressive appearance. Moreover, match the color with your eyes. Make sure you choose the best eyeliner color for blue eyes or brown ones, for instance.
- Black eyeliner is a classic look, but it’s not the only one.
- Brown eyeliner: Softer, great for daytime
- Navy eyeliner: Makes eyes stand out without being too obvious
- Green or purple eyeliner: looks great with brown eyes.
- White or nude eyeliner: makes the waterline brighter
If black is too harsh, try brown. It changes everything.
4. Uneven Liner
People who are not familiar with the eyeliner techniques often end up with the line thicker on one eye.
Sadly, this will lend you a negligent look.
If you don’t know how to use eyeliner evenly on both eyes, you can use some tricks.
For instance, trace the shape before with some concealer or a pale pencil. Then, use it as a guide for when you start applying the eyeliner.
5. Using Liquid Eyeliner for the Lower Lid
The liquid type of eyeliner is bolder and looks better indeed. However, it’s a bad idea to apply it on the lower lid.
One of the reasons is the fact that it might drip and ruin the rest of your makeup. Another one would be that it’s hard to apply it there. As such, you should better use a waterproof pencil for the waterline.
6. Curling Lashes after Applying Eyeliner
If you do this, you risk smudging your eyeliner with the lash curler. Because of this, it’s better to curl them first, then get on to applying liner. It’s very helpful when you want to keep a clean makeup.
7. Spaced Liner
If we had a penny for each time we’ve seen this mistake, we’d be buying a thousand eyeliners now. After you think you’re done with the eyeliner, pull up the upper lid and check it.
Sometimes, there might be a space left between the liner and the lash line. This will look very unaesthetic on your final makeup. Fill it up accordingly.
8. Pulling the Eyelid
Many people, when trying to apply their eyeliner, pull the eyelid to get more precision. Though this can help them indeed, it may lead to wrinkles forming in that area in time.
Moreover, you can’t see if you’re applying it in the right place if the lid is stretched.
How to Fix Eyeliner Without Starting Over
You don’t have to remove everything!
- Use a pointed cotton swab and micellar water.
- Use concealer to clean up the edges.
- Make mistakes look smoky by smudging them.
- Put eyeshadow over the liner to make it softer.
A “mistake” can sometimes turn into a style.
How to Make Eyeliner Last All Day
- Get your lids ready
- Use eyeliner and eyeshadow that match
- Pick formulas that are waterproof if you need to.
- Don’t rub your eyes (this is easier said than done).
If your eyeliner smudges, it’s not a failure; it’s just feedback. Change your products or get ready.
Eyeliner and Eyes That Are Getting Older
There is no age limit for makeup. End of story.
As skin changes:
- Use formulas that are creamier
- Make lines softer
- Focus on raising the outer corner
- Avoid heavy lower liner
Eyeliner should make your features look better, not worse.
Practice How to Use Eyeliner Without Stress
Here’s a little secret: put on your eyeliner before you wash your face at night. No stress. Don’t rush. No consequences.
Try things out. Try out some shapes. Have fun with colour. Take it off and go to bed.
That’s how you gain confidence.
The Most Important Rule for Eyeliner
There aren’t any real rules.
Eyeliner doesn’t have to be sharp.
Or even.
Or in style.
Or by anyone else on the internet.
It only needs to make you feel good.
We at Beautifully Alive think that beauty is about being yourself, not being perfect. Eyeliner is a small but great way to show the world how you feel today, whether you feel bold, soft, playful, powerful, or somewhere in between.
What if your wing isn’t perfect tomorrow morning? Smile anyway. You’re doing it right.
Summary
This guide offers a comprehensive view on how to use eyeliner.
We started off with an explanation of the basic types of eyeliner, then moved on to a couple of makeup styles suggestions, and ended with a brief list of mistakes that may appear.
Learn from the mistakes others made and find the best eyeliner that works for you. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and to play around with some colorful eyeliners.
See also:
- See the best drugstore eyeliner picks according to Amazon reviews!
- Almay Intense i-Color Liquid Liner Review
- Docolor Liquid Gel Black Eyeliner Review
- L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner Review
- COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil Review
- Maybelline New York Curvitude Liner Review
- Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eyeliner Review
- Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Review
