In last week’s makeup lesson, we looked at blush and the colors and types that work best for your skin tone. This week, we’re taking a closer look at eyeliner. Eyeliner is one of the most asked about beauty products because people often have difficulty with the application. We’re here to tell you which types work best for your style and whether or not it’s safe to apply it on the waterline.
Types of Liners
Liquid
Liquid eyeliner is by far the hardest to apply, as it requires a bit of skill as well as a steady hand. What it lacks in grace of application, it makes up for in definition. Liquid eyeliners such as Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Liner $23 are the best way to get a clean, hard looking line or a dramatic wing.
Pencil
Pencils are the most common liners on the market but they are not all made the same. When you’re looking to purchase a pencil liner, look for a product like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil $18 that will be creamy and smooth upon application. Pencils are easy to apply and are perfect for creating a smoky or smudged look. Be sure to keep your pencil sharp even if you plan on smudging it as it keeps the tip clean and aids application.
Gel
Gel or cream eyeliners are much less common than pencil and liquid, as most drugstore brands haven’t quite found the perfect product suitable for the masses. They are often used by makeup artists rather than individuals but if applied correctly, with the appropriate brush, creams and gels such as Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner $21 make the best smoky eye looks as they are very easy to blend.
Powder
While it’s not technically eyeliner, more and more women are taking to lining their eyes with their favorite eye shadow especially considering the endless color and blending opportunities. A stiff angled brush can transform your favorite shadow, like Benefit’s Creaseless Cream Shadow $19 into a liner — but keep in mind that it won’t last as long as traditional liners. For a more defined look, wet the tip of the brush and dampen the powder but do not apply on your waterline as it will definitely irritate your eyes.
The Waterline
Photos: Vincenzo Grillo, IMAXtree
