How to Apply Liquid Eyeliner: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

Download Article

1. 1

   Choose your liquid eyeliner. So you’ve made the decision to use liquid eyeliner, but now you need to choose the best application style for you. Liquid eyeliner comes in two main types: felt tip and a dip-brush.

   • Felt tip liquid eyeliner is very similar to a marker, and has the eyeliner fed through it like a pen.
   • A dip-brush liquid eyeliner is similar to nail polish in that it comes with a small bottle of the eyeliner with a brush that must be dipped in in between each application.
2. 

   2

   Prepare your eyelids. Applying eyeliner is a middle step to be done after you put on your eyeshadow but before you put on your mascara. Put on an eyelid primer to help your eyeshadow and/or eyeliner stick to your lid for the whole day. If you plan on wearing eye shadow, apply it now and your eyeliner will go over the top.^[1]

   Advertisement

3. 3

   Get in the right position. The biggest problem with applying liquid eyeliner is lacking a steady hand, causing a wavy line and uneven application. To rectify this problem, rest your elbow on a table and your hand on your cheek as you apply.

   • If you are able, hold a small hand-held mirror in your opposite hand instead of using a large mirror so that you can get a good view of your eyelid and liner application.
4. 

   4

   Draw a row of dots or dashes. When applying liquid eyeliner, avoid putting it on in a single line; doing so will increase your chances of a wavy line and uneven tail end. Instead, start by drawing small dots or dashes directly along your upper lash line, evenly spacing them apart.

5. 

   5

   Connect the dots. Use small, short, slow strokes to connect the dots or dashes you created along your line. You will be able to create an even line on both eyes that lacks any bumps or waves by following this method. Avoid connecting all the dots in a single stroke, but use several small strokes between each mark.

   • If the liner skips across your eyelid, then press the applicator tip against your hand to help saturate it.^[2]
6. 

   6

   Smooth out your line. If you find that the top of your line shows the breaks between the dashes, steady your hand and draw a thin line along the edge to smooth it out. Do so on the bottom edge of the liner as well to fill in any space between your eyeliner and your lash line.

7. 

   7

   See Also

   How to Apply Eyeliner Like a Professional Based on Your Eye ShapeHow To Apply Eyeliner For Beginners? - Step By Step Tutorial And TipsHow to Apply Eyeliner: Top Eyeliner Tips From Pro Makeup ArtistsHow To Apply Eyeliner Makeup With Expert Tips - Maybelline

   Add your tail. Regardless of the type of eyeliner that you use, a small tail should be created at the outer edge of your eyelid to give the illusion of a continuation of your lash line. Use your eyeliner to draw a small line extending upwards on your upper lash line, but drawn at the same angle as the upwards curve in your lower lash line. Draw a small triangle from the end of the line with the upper lash line and fill in the space.^[3]

   • You can stop it early for a natural look, or sweep it far up your lid for a classic cat eye.
8. 

   8

   Finish your makeup. With the completion of your eyeliner, apply your mascara and any other finishing touches to your makeup. Use a large, full-bristled brush to wipe off any shadow or eyeliner that might have fallen underneath your eyes. Use a q-tip dipped in makeup remover to remove any mistakes you made in your eyeliner or mascara application.^[4]

Advertisement

Advertisement

• If you get any in your eye, rinse and gently wipe the entire affected area. If you have injured yourself with the eyeliner stick, apply slight pressure with a damp, warm washcloth to your (closed) eye until the pain subsides.^[5]

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Don't pull your skin taut while applying liner since it will change the shape of your liner.^[6]

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Keep one eye open. Obviously the one that isn't at work. It's easier, and in the end, you'll have a nice straight line.

  Thanks

  Helpful2Not Helpful0

Show More Tips

• Be sure you are not allergic to the liquid eyeliner you are using. Always perform a wrist test, applying a small dab of the makeup on your wrist to see if you have a reaction to it.

  Thanks

  Helpful201Not Helpful59

You Might Also Like

Co-authors: 77

Updated: June 24, 2024

Views:1,398,843

Categories: Eyeliner

French

Italian

Spanish

German

Russian

Chinese

Czech

Indonesian

Hindi

Thai

Japanese