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Pulling Off the Perfect Eyeliner

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Oregon chapter.

Mastering the art of eyeliner can be tricky. Finding the perfect technique and brand to suit you is no easy feat. After all, no one wants to look like a crazed raccoon.

Photo by Dressing Room Door

There are many types of eyeliner to choose from: liquid, pencil, gel, crayon, and so on and so forth. However, choosing the right one all depends on the look you want. If your eyes tend to tear up, then a waterproof liner is probably your best bet. Some cheaper yet highly acclaimed drug store eyeliners include:

  • Almay Liquid Eyeliner ($7.30)
  • L’Oreal Paris Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner ($8.95)
  • NYX Cosmetics Liquid Black Liner ($6)
  • NYX Cosmetics Super Skinny Eye Marker ($9)
  • L’Oreal Paris Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner 24 Hour ($9.95)

However, these pricier eyeliners may be worth the investment:

  • MAC Eye Kohl Pencil ($16)
  • Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23)
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($19)
  • Marc Jacobs Magic Marc’er Precision Pen ($30)
  • Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil ($19)

A popular makeup trend at the moment is the winged eye. It’s a flirty, retro look that can be played up or down. Most achieve this with liquid eyeliner, but it is ultimately up to you. Make your eyes pop by lining your top eyelid along the base of the lashes, and flick the liner up and out towards the outer corners. The thicker the liner, the bolder it will appear.

Remember, a little bit of eyeliner can go a long way. Applying it to the upper inner rim of the eye can give you a more natural look. Gently lift the upper eyelid using short strokes for some subtle definition.

Photo by Dressing Room Door and Total Beauty

Done correctly, the sexy smoky eye can be a great makeup look. It will immediately highlight the color of your eyes, and is perfect for a fun night out. Take note that using waterproof eyeliner may be good to keep a defined eye. First go for the upper lashline, stroking the liner from the inner to outer corners. Next, line the lower lashline, connecting both the top and bottom lines at the outer corners. Finish it all off by slightly smudging around the eyes.

Photo by Total Beauty 

If you’re still uncertain how to accomplish these liner looks, the tutorials below will surely help. Practice definitely makes perfect when it comes to eyeliner, so testing out different styles and brands is a must!

Changing Eye Shapes with an Eyeliner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q3CUO5Lgwo

Easy Ways to Use Liquid Liner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc0vliuLm28

Brown Smoky Eye Tutorial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONd5ER7pOps

Hi, my name is Claire! I'm a sophomore at UO, and loving every minute of it! I enjoy photography, dance, and travelling to new places around the world.