How to Apply Eyeliner Pencil – From Beginner to Expert
Alyssia Chang
- Published
Featured Image: @eyeko
How to Apply Eyeliner Pencil – From Beginner to Expert
Eyeliner pencil can be a game-changer in your makeup routine, adding depth and definition to your eyes. However, achieving that professional, flawless look requires a bit more finesse.
Whether you’re a makeup novice or a beauty enthusiast, mastering the art of applying eyeliner pencil can elevate your entire look.
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know to apply eyeliner pencil like a pro.
From basic techniques to the latest trends for 2024, you’ll gain the skills to create stunning eye makeup that stands out.
Get ready to transform your makeup routine and make eyeliner pencil your ultimate beauty weapon!
Key Takeaways
Select a pencil that suits your needs (sensitive eyes, vegan, etc.) and complements your eye color and skin tone.
Different textures cater to different needs, such as gel pencils for easy smudging or waxy-based pencils for long-wear.
When applying pencil liner start the application halfway on your lash line and use tiny strokes to get better control and an balanced look.
You can use different techniques to apply eyeliner pencil from tightlining, winged eyeliner, and smudging and blending to get different eyeliner looks.
Choosing the Perfect Eyeliner Pencil
The key to perfect eye liner lies in the right formulated pencil eyeliner to fit your needs.
It’s not just about finding one that glides on smoothly but also about choosing a color that complements your eyes and skin tone. The right color can enhance your natural features and make your eyes pop!
Not all pencil eyeliners are created equal. They come in various textures to cater to different needs.
For instance, if you have sensitive eyes, choose a formula designed specifically for your condition. If you’re an animal lover, there are eyeliners made vegan, with animal-friendly ingredients. So, make sure you identify what aspects are important to you to find the right eyeliner pencil for you.
Color Selection
Choosing the right eyeliner color can be a game-changer. As much as we LOVE the staples in neutral shades such as brown, grey, and black liners, it’s always good to mix up your color shades and have more than one!
Are you aware that shades like royal blue and blue-toned violet can accentuate the unique aspects of gray eyes? And if you have blue eyes, golden browns, bronzes, and coppers can highlight them as these are complementary colors on the color wheel.
Choosing the right eyeliner color can enhance your eye color and make your eyes stand out. Here are some suggestions for different eye colors:
Brown Eyes
Brown eyes are versatile and can pull off a wide range of colors:
Purple: Shades like plum or eggplant can make brown eyes appear richer and more intense.
Blue: Navy or cobalt blue provides a striking contrast that makes brown eyes pop.
Green: Emerald or forest green adds a unique twist and highlights the warm tones in brown eyes.
Gold/Bronze: Metallic shades enhance the natural warmth of brown eyes, creating a glowing effect.
Blue Eyes
Blue eyes benefit from warm and contrasting colors:
Brown: Rich brown shades, especially those with reddish undertones, create a beautiful contrast.
Bronze/Copper: These warm metallics bring out the blue, making it appear more vivid.
Orange/Peach: Colors with orange undertones are opposite blue on the color wheel, enhancing blue eyes.
Gray: Soft gray tones provide a subtle yet effective way to highlight blue eyes without overpowering them.
Green Eyes
Green eyes look stunning with earthy and complementary shades:
Red/Burgundy: Shades with red undertones, like burgundy, create a dramatic contrast that makes green eyes stand out.
Plum/Purple: Purples and plums enhance the natural green and add depth to the eyes.
Copper/Gold: Warm metallics complement the green, adding a touch of sparkle.
When it comes to skin tones, here are some recommended eyeliners:
Fair skin: brown, grey, or green.
Medium skin tones: maroon and bronze.
Deep skin tones: almost any vivid color, with bright shades such as shimmery goldens, silvers, blues, and purples..
Formula and Texture
Performance of the eyeliner pencil heavily depends on its formula and texture.
Did you know that gel pencils are infused with silk powder or emollient oils and natural waxes to provide a soft feel and ease of use? They allow to blend into the fine lines and create effortless smudging, making them a great choice especially for beginners.
In comparison, liquid eyeliners may require a steadier hand and more practice to achieve the desired look.
Kohl based liners are great for smudging and acting as a base for under your eyeshadow.
But if you’re looking for a long-wearing option, go for waxy-based pencil textures. They create a smooth application while resisting sweat and humidity.
Pro Tips For Applying Pencil Eyeliner
Having chosen your perfect pencil eyeliner, it’s now time to master some beautiful eyeliner techniques!
From creating a subtle look by applying a few dashes of lines and then connecting them, to achieving a fuller lash bed by reversing the traditional order of eyeliner application, there’s a lot to try
When you want to apply eyeliner, remember to use these pro tips & tricks:
Start from half way on the lower lash line, as close to your lash roots as possible. Then make tiny strokes towards your inner corner of your eyes to make an even line.
Use the SIDE of your sharpened eyeliner to create no tugging of the skin or skid marks. This will make the liner apply on smooth.
Warm up the liner on the back of your clean hand a couple times so that the friction makes it glide on the lids.
Use an eyeliner brush and apply the pencil to the brush if you want precise control.
For the lower lid, draw a thin line from the outer corner a quarter way in towards the inner corner, then smudge out the pencil line for a look that makes your eyes appear larger.
Don’t fret if you make a mistake or if lines turn out uneven! A cotton swab moistened with makeup remover will fix it all!
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Pencil Eyeliner
Applying pencil eyeliner can seem tricky at first, but with a bit of practice and the right techniques, you can achieve a flawless look. Follow these steps for perfect application:
Step 1: Prepare Your Eyes
Cleanse and Moisturize: Start with a clean face. Apply a lightweight moisturizer around your eyes to keep the skin hydrated.
Prime Your Eyelids: Apply an eyeshadow primer or a bit of foundation on your eyelids to create a smooth base and help the eyeliner last longer.
Step 2: Choose the Right Pencil
Select Your Eyeliner: Choose an eyeliner pencil that suits your needs (e.g., waterproof for long wear, soft kohl for smudging).
Sharpen Your Pencil: Ensure your pencil is sharp enough for precise lines but not too sharp to avoid injury.
Step 3: Warm Up the Pencil
Warm It Up: Rub the tip of the pencil on the back of your clean hand. This softens the tip, making it glide on smoothly.
Step 4: Start with the Upper Lash Line
Positioning: Tilt your head slightly back and look down into a mirror. This will give you better access to your lash line.
Apply in Sections: Start from the middle of your upper lash line. Draw small, connected dashes as close to the lash roots as possible.
Complete the Line: Extend the line towards the outer corner of your eye. If desired, connect the line from the inner corner to the middle.
Step 5: Create the Wing (Optional)
Draw the Wing: Extend the line slightly past the outer corner of your eye, angling upwards towards the end of your eyebrow.
Refine the Wing: Use small, gentle strokes to create a sharp wing. You can use a brush or your fingernail to refine the tip.
Step 6: Line the Lower Lash Line
Start from the Outer Corner: Draw a thin line from the outer corner of your lower lash line towards the middle.
Smudge for a Softer Look: Use a smudging brush or a cotton swab to soften the line for a more natural appearance.
Step 7: Tightlining (Optional)
Lift Your Lid: Gently lift your upper eyelid to expose the waterline.
Line the Waterline: Carefully apply the eyeliner to the upper waterline. This technique makes lashes look fuller and eyes more defined.
Step 8: Set Your Eyeliner
Set with Eyeshadow: For longer wear, set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow. Use an angled brush to apply the shadow over the liner.
Apply Mascara: Finish off with a coat of mascara to enhance your lashes and complete the look.
Step 9: Clean Up Mistakes
Fix Mistakes: Use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes or uneven lines.
Blend as Needed: Blend any harsh lines with a clean brush or cotton swab for a more seamless look.
Step 10: Maintain Your Tools
Sanitize Regularly: Clean your eyeliner pencil and sharpener regularly to maintain hygiene and ensure smooth application.
By following these steps, you can achieve a beautifully defined eye look with pencil eyeliner. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right!
Tightlining
Tightlining, often referred to as ‘invisible eyeliner’, is a technique used to line the upper waterline. This enhances the base of the lash line, creating the illusion of thicker, bolder eyelashes.
Use this liner technique for your everyday looks to your going out eye makeup. There’s never a bad time to tight line!
How to Tightline: Lift your chin upwards while looking slightly down at the straight mirror. Then lift up your eyebrows to expose the inner eye line. Apply small dash lines from the inner corner towards the outside.
Winged Pencil Eyeliner
The winged eyeliner look is a timeless, classic technique that never goes out of style.
First, start applying the pencil eyeliner at the center of your lash line as close to your lash roots as possible.
Then with small left to right movements, draw a line towards the outer corners. If you want a full line, then join that line while moving towards the inner corner of your upper lash line.
Create the winged “>” point by extending the line from the outer corners out from the eye lids.
Use your finger nail to drag out the tip of the bottom part of the line to create the sharp winged tip!
TIP
If that is just way to much work for you, use an angled eyeliner brush and coat the brush hairs with the pencil formula. Then apply the eyeliner with the brush onto the lids for an even easier application!
Smudging and Blending
Mastering the art of smudging and blending paves the way for creating a soft, smoky eye effect. Here are the steps to achieve this look:
Apply pencil eyeliner along the upper lash line. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect.
Use a smudging pencil brush or the tip of cotton swabs to smudge the eyeliner back and forth.
Apply pencil eyeliner along the quarter outer edges of the lower lash line, and repeat the 2nd step.
For a look that enhances the eyes’ size and definition, make the outer corners darker when smudging. You can start with a lighter application and build the color intensity with multiple smudging layers. You can also blend different colored pencils for a multi-colored effect!
Enhancing Your Eyes with Colored and Nude Pencils
Let’s delve into the ways of enhancing your eyes using colored and nude pencils.
These pencils are fantastic tools to brighten up your eyes and enhance their natural color. Plus, you can use them not only on the waterline but also as eyeshadow or to define brows.
Filling the waterline with a light eye pencil, such as white or nude, can make your eyes look bigger and more alert. This technique is especially beneficial for those with small eyes or hooded eyelids.
Brightening the Waterline
A dash of nude or white eyeliner on the waterline can lend an enlarged and more open look to your eyes. It’s a simple trick, but it can make a big difference!
For eyes that appear rounder, wider, and more awake, applying a lighter eyeliner to the lower waterline will make all the difference. You can also add a small dab to the inner corners of both eyes to expand their perceived size.
Bold Under-Eye Looks
Colored pencil liner eyeliners are not just for the upper lash line. You can use them to create bold, eye-catching looks beneath the eyes as well. Whether you want a thicker line or thin lines, a single shade or a blend of multiple hues, the possibilities are endless!
One bold option is the cat eye under eyeliner look. Using colorful liners, you can create a playful and stylish under-eye look that is sure to turn heads.
Sanitizing and Maintaining Your Eyeliner Pencils
Maintaining your eyeliner pencils and sharpeners holds as much importance as acquiring the application techniques.
Cleanliness is key to optimal performance and hygiene (yes, even if it’s just you using it!). So, make sure you clean your eyeliner sharpener weekly by emptying the shavings, using a cotton swab to clean out the build up, and disinfecting it with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Troubleshooting Common Eyeliner Issues
Despite the right tools and techniques, you may encounter common issues like unwanted transfer smudging and uneven lines during the application.
But don’t worry! There are easy fixes for these problems, and we’re here to help you troubleshoot.
One way to fix mistakes is to use a Q-tip dipped in eye makeup remover for precise removal. Or you can use a cotton swab dipped in eye cream to smudge the line into a deliberate smoky look. So, if you mess up, don’t stress! You’ve got this.
Fixing Uneven Lines
Even the most experienced makeup artists can end up with uneven eyeliner lines. But guess what? There’s a simple fix! You can use an angled brush with eyeshadow matching your eyeliner to softly blend or use the brush in the pencil formula directly to fix the liner and fix any irregular edges, creating a smoother appearance.
TIP
To avoid this from happening, use lighter pressure, a freshly sharpened pencil, and the SIDE of the pencil. Not the tip!
So, the next time you end up with uneven lines, don’t panic. Just grab your eyeliner brush and you’ll have a smooth, even line in no time.
Preventing Smudging and Fading
Smudging, transferring, and fading are common issues when applying pencil eyeliner, especially on long days. However, there are strategies to avoid these occurrences.
Use an eye primer, set with a setting powder, and waterproof eyeliner pencils as they offer long-lasting wear and resistance to smudging.
TIP
Another trick is to set your eyeliner with a similar colored long-wearing eyeshadow. This not only prolongs its wear but also sets it into place. Remember to spritz your makeup setting spray onto your liner brush, use a tissue to absorb the excess liquid, then press into your shadow!
Summary
Now you’re refreshed and refined in your pencil eyeliner makeup looks!
We cannot wait to see what creations you create and have fun with. Makeup is the best fashion accessory!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply eyeliner for beginners?
To apply eyeliner as a beginner, start by using the SIDE of the pencil with small strokes to cover the lash line, then go back in to fill in any gaps and trace over the line for a thicker, more precise look. Use an angled brush for ease as it’s the perfect applicator tool!
How do you use eyeliner pencil for natural look?
To achieve a natural look with an eyeliner pencil, create a liner look that only covers half of the upper lash line! Start at the outer corner and use small movements to “creep” towards the half way point. Use light pressure and short, minimal pressure strokes for a seamless finish.
Should eyeliner go on top or bottom?
Eyeliner can go on either the top and bottom lash line, even in the inner water line area! This gives you a variety of looks and enhances your eyes in different ways! Just be mindful to blend the bottom eyeliner to not look like you’ve been caught in the 70’s makeup era.
How do I choose the right color for my pencil eyeliner?
Choose a pencil eyeliner color that complements your eye color and skin tone. Neutrals are always a staple, but colored shades are fun to explore! For instance, warm colors can highlight the greens in your eyes and blue shades can bring out the unique hues of gray eyes.
How do I create a winged eyeliner look?
Start by applying the side of a sharpened pencil eyeliner to the center of the lid. Then as close to the lash line as possible, make tiny strokes to connect a line all the way to the outer eyelids. If you want a complete line, then draw the line towards the inner corners. After creating two symmetrical lines on each eye, make the winged “>” by building the outer line past the ends of the eyes and using your forefinger nail to gently drag the tips outwards for a sharp wing! Easy!
