Eye Makeup Tips
How To Apply Eyeliner
Of all areas of the face, it’s in applying eye makeup that you are able
to be most creative. From shapes to colors, whether using shadow, pencils
or liner, you can completely change your entire look simply by using a little
imagination.
In this article we take a look at how to apply eyeliner with some tips on
achieving some great effects.
One stunning effect that can be achieved easily and a favorite of such well-known
actresses from Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe to Gwyneth Paltrow, is rimming
the eyes with either a white or beige eye pencil. This has the effect of enlarging
the white of the eye to create a seductive, alluring look.
To apply the eye pencil, pull your lid away from the eye very gently using
one or two fingers and draw a line along the inner eye rims. Do the same with
both the upper and lower lids. To make a sharpened pencil softer and easier
to apply, you can draw a few lines first on the back of your hand. This will
soften the tip and get the color flowing.
Kohl can be applied in the same way with sensational effect. The use of kohl
goes back to ancient Egyptian times and is characteristic of eye makeup in
the Middle and Far East. Apply your kohl pencil as described above to both
the upper and lower rims, from corner to corner. Then, using either a sponge-tipped
applicator, eyeshadow brush, or even your fingertip, blend the color by smudging
it to create a smoky effect.
Once you are satisfied with the appearance, you will need to set it by using
a light application of loose powder. For an even stronger, more intense effect,
apply your preferred color around the eyes in either cream, liquid or powder
form.
If you want to use liquid eyeliner, once you’ve mastered the technique
of applying it, this can be a quick method of achieving a stunning and sophisticated
look. But applying liquid eyeliner can take a little practice.
To begin, it’s best to be in front of a good magnifying mirror, so that
your eyes are magnified sufficiently to see very clearly what you are about
to do and ensure a smooth application of the liquid eyeliner. Then, using your
free hand, start by pulling the eyelid taut. If you’re right-handed it’s
probably easiest for you to start applying the liquid from left-to-right, as
if you are writing, and vice versa if you are left-handed. Draw across in a
single continuous fine line. If you want a thicker line then, at the end of
the run, simply retrace.
A tip when applying liquid eyeliner is to apply it as close as possible to
the eyelashes, even running into the eyelashes. This will avoid you getting
that annoying white line effect between the lashes and the liner when the two
don’t meet.
Applying liquid eyeliner does take some practice, so have a bottle of makeup
remover to hand until you are confident in the technique. As they say: “practice
makes perfect”, and with a little perseverance and a steady hand you’ll
soon be achieving some great effects.
This article prepared by our resident natural health and makeup consultant,
Dr Bianca Tavares