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HTGL - Eye Liner & Definition
Check out our detailed eye map to demystify the process of fabulous eyeliner application.
People ask a lot of questions about eyeliner and how best to apply makeup in the area closest to the actual eye itself. I get it: it can be tricky and a little nerve-wracking to do all of that fine detail work.
One of the ways to de-mystify the process is to take a look at an eye map that outlines the major areas directly around the eye to which people often refer when doing tutorials. This will help you understand how to make the most of your eye makeup, while avoiding looking heavy-handed.
- Upper Lash Line – The upper lash line is a versatile little canvas that can rock a smudgy kohl line or the precision of a winged liquid eyeliner look. Just stay as tight to the lash line as you can, and remember to apply eye shadow first, topping it with your desired eyeliner.
- Wings – These are the parts of your eyeliner that you intentionally extend out past your outer corner, especially popular for retro looks. Make sure you’re using a liquid liner or a Slanted Brush for precise lines. Otherwise they’ll just look like a messy mistake.
- Lower Lash Line – This is the area just under your lower lashes, and also the area where most people assume that your bottom liner should go. If you take a look at the eye map above, the black eyeliner is actually on the model’s water line (see below) and her lower lash line is accented with the same color purple eye shadow that she’s wearing on her lid.
This is a crucial distinction to make because drawn-on black eyeliner on your lower lash line looks dated and gives you that “ringed raccoon” look that is so unflattering.
This is the issue with the makeup in the photo below; the waterline has been neglected and there is too much harsh eyeliner ringing the eyes.
When lining the lower lash line, it is essential to blend, blend, blend. Harsh lines do not flatter!
- Waterline – The area that actually touches the eye itself, most people are a little skittish about lining their waterline. While it can take a little practice to feel comfortable, just remember a few quick tips:
o Gently pull the lower lid down so that you can line the waterline away from the eye.
o Use waterproof eyeliner for better staying power.
o You don’t have to line all the way into the tear duct. This can actually cause the eyeliner to get smeary and sort of smudge down the corner of your eye, so better to just skip it.
I disagree that waterproof liner is best for the waterline. The waterline is, by definition, wet, so the pigment from a waterproof liner won’t transfer easily onto that area. Better to use a softer, non-waterproof pencil on the waterline instead, and seal it against smudging too much by running a powder shadow along the lower lash line.
Comment by beeks — November 3, 2009 @ 9:19 pm