Whether you’re a busy stay-at-home mom juggling household responsibilities, working from home, or simply enjoying your time indoors, there’s no reason why you can’t look and feel fabulous.
Eyeliner is one of those makeup products that can instantly lift your look, even if you have just a few minutes to spare. If you’re one of those women who love the idea of looking polished but often find applying eyeliner tricky, don’t worry! In this post, we’ll share some practical tips that will help you achieve the perfect eyeliner look without the stress.
1. Choose the Right Eyeliner Formula for You
When it comes to eyeliner, there are a variety of formulas, and picking the right one can make all the difference:
- Pencil eyeliner is great for beginners as it’s easy to control and less likely to smudge.
- Gel eyeliner gives a bold, defined look and is perfect for those who want long-lasting wear.
- Liquid eyeliner offers the sharpest lines but requires a steady hand.
Product Recommendation: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner Pencil (pencil) or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Gel Crayon (gel) for a foolproof option!
2. Start with a Clean, Primed Eyelid
Before you apply any makeup, make sure your eyelids are clean and free of excess oils. You can use an eyelid primer to help your eyeliner stay in place and avoid smudging throughout the day. This step ensures long-lasting, flawless eyeliner, especially for women on the go.
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Product Recommendation: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, a cult-favorite primer that prevents eyeliner from fading.
3. Use Tape for a Precise Line
One simple hack for getting a perfect wing is to use tape as a guide. Apply a small piece of tape from the outer corner of your eye toward the tail of your eyebrow. Then, apply your eyeliner along the tape edge. Once you remove the tape, you’ll have a sharp, crisp line.
Pro Tip: Use medical or cosmetic tape for a gentler touch on your skin.
4. Try the Dot or Dash Method
If you’re new to eyeliner or struggle with shaky hands, try the dot or dash method:
- Dot Method: Place small dots along your lash line, then slowly connect them for a smooth line.
- Dash Method: Draw small dashes along the lash line and then join them.
These methods make it easier to achieve a neat, even line without one sweeping motion, reducing the chance of mistakes.
5. Start Thin and Build Up
If you’re aiming for a more dramatic look, it’s best to start with a thin line and build it up. This approach gives you more control over how thick or bold you want your eyeliner to be. Starting thin also allows you to correct any mistakes with less hassle.
6. Tightline for a Natural Look
For a subtle, natural look, try tightlining. This technique involves applying eyeliner directly on your upper waterline (the inner part of your eyelid). It creates the illusion of thicker lashes without an obvious line on the eyelid.
Product Recommendation: Look for a waterproof eyeliner pencil like the Sephora Collection 12HR Contour Eye Pencil to tightline without smudging.
7. Use a Smudger for a Softer Look
If a bold, defined look isn’t your thing, you can soften your eyeliner by gently smudging it with a smudger brush or even a cotton swab. This creates a smoky, lived-in look that is perfect for everyday wear.
Pro Tip: Use a brown or gray eyeliner for a more subtle, daytime-appropriate look.
8. Use a Q-Tip and Micellar Water for Mistakes
Even seasoned eyeliner users make mistakes, and that’s where Q-tips and micellar water come in handy. Dip a Q-tip in micellar water to clean up any stray lines or uneven edges. This hack ensures you can fix mistakes without having to start over entirely.
Product Recommendation: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is perfect for quick touch-ups.
9. Warm Up Your Pencil for Smooth Application
If you’re using a pencil eyeliner and it feels stiff or drags along your eyelid, try warming it up slightly. You can do this by holding the tip between your fingers for a few seconds or using a hairdryer for a quick, gentle blast of heat. This will soften the pencil and make it glide on more smoothly.
10. Practice the Perfect Winged Liner
Winged eyeliner is one of the most coveted looks, but it can be intimidating. The key is practice and knowing your eye shape. Here’s a simple way to get started:
- Draw a small triangle at the outer corner of your eye, with one side aligned with your lower lash line and the other connected to your upper lash line.
- Fill in the triangle and connect it to the rest of your eyeliner.
If wings aren’t working out for you, try a winged eyeliner stamp, which is a game-changer for creating perfect, even wings on both sides.
Product Recommendation: Kaja Wink Stamp Wing Eyeliner Stamp & Pen for an easy, fuss-free wing.
11. Set Your Eyeliner with Eyeshadow
To make sure your eyeliner stays in place all day, set it with a matching eyeshadow. Using an angled brush, gently press a similar shade of eyeshadow over your eyeliner. This not only locks it in but also softens the look for a more blended effect.
12. Know When to Go Waterproof
If you’re someone who has watery eyes or you’re applying eyeliner for a day filled with errands and activities, opt for a waterproof formula. It will stay put through sweat, tears, and humidity.
Product Recommendation: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, known for its budge-proof formula.
13. Invest in the Right Tools
Sometimes, all it takes to master eyeliner is the right tool. An angled eyeliner brush or a fine-tip liner brush can make applying gel or powder liners much easier and more precise. You can also use these brushes to smudge or clean up your lines for a more polished finish.
Product Recommendation: Sigma Beauty E65 Small Angled Brush for effortless eyeliner application.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re running a household, working remotely, or simply enjoying your stay-at-home lifestyle, there’s no reason why you can’t feel put together with a little makeup trickery. Eyeliner is a fantastic way to boost your confidence and feel more polished, even if you’re not leaving the house. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with these tips and tools, you’ll master the art of applying eyeliner in no time.
And don’t forget—treat yourself to some makeup products that will make the process even more enjoyable. Not only will these tools simplify your routine, but they’ll also help you look and feel your best, no matter where your day takes you.
