Avoid These Common Liquid Eyeliner Blunders for Flawless Eye Makeup Every Time

“.E l e i. – Kora (Eyeliner)” by EleiGM is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Liquid eyeliner is an art form that can achieve a dramatic instant result for your eye and your look. That perfect flick or sharp line is not as easy as thought. So many of us have been in front of the mirror, attempting to smudge something away or to erase some uneven line that ended in frustration. Fortunately, these common liquid eyeliner mistakes can be understood and easily prevented.

Choosing the Right Eyeliner

One of the first mistakes people make with liquid eyeliner is choosing the wrong type of liner. ‘But,’ as beauty blogger Felicia Walker Benson notes, the trick is choosing a product you feel comfortable with.

There are different types of liquid liners, such as felt tip pens, gel pencils, or traditional brushes, and you may be able to find one that will help you better control your application, depending on how much pluck your hand has. For her E.L.F Cosmetics fav, dark skin tones might like E.L.F Cosmetics Intense Ink Eyeliner for its rich color and precision, says Walker Benson.

So, this comfort lets you move the liner around with greater ease and confidence and decreases your chances of committing liquid eyeliner mistakes.

Perfecting the Application Technique

Another really common error is trying to draw one long line across your eyelid. This approach usually ‘edits out’ the natural edges, according to Steffanie Strazzere, a member of the Kat Von D artistry collective.

Instead, think of her method of drawing multiple smaller lines and then connecting them. This method allows you to refine the line gradually, achieving the desired sharpness and precision. It’s a technique that involves experimentation; makeup wipes off easily, so have fun and try everything until you find your thing.

On top of that, many of us attempt to line our lashes and do a cat–eye flick at the same time. Strazzere recommends taking these matters in two separate steps. Begin by indicating the outer edge of your eyelid and continue with a line, connecting it down the other side to a point. Draw across your lid only after this.

This multi-step process helps to make a nice even and polished eye look that goes with your eye shape and helps minimize liquid eyeliner mistakes.

Adjusting Your Grip for Precision

The other point to consider is how you hold your eyeliner brush. Pressure applied too close to your eyelid can result in a heavier application, and one that is less precise. This is like how one would hold a baseball bat — by holding it further down, it’s a lighter touch and more tined line, Strazzere says.

With a little tweaking in your grip, you can utilize a softer, more controlled application that not only eliminates those common liquid eyeliner mistakes but improves your look on the whole.

Avoiding Tugging and Distortion

There is a surprisingly commonly practiced mistake, such as the action of placing your eyeliner near the corner of your eyelid and closing your eye while you tug on it.

The eyelid can be distorted by this and when the eyelid is relaxed the line may be jagged. Strazzere, though, advises looking down when putting on your liner, a position that naturally smooths the entire eyelid, without you having to pull. Alternatively, she tilts her head back for a clearer eye area view and less tugging.

cosmetics, make up, beauty — Photo by Bru-nO on Pixabay

Preparing Your Skin for Long-Lasting Results

There’s more to getting a sleek line or a dramatic cat eye than steady hands – it’s preparation. That means, if you are not prepping your eyelids, they will smudge and crease, ruining your look.

Ensure you cleanse your eyelids with a gentle cleanser or a few drops of micellar water to soak up excess oil and dirt so your eyeliner doesn’t slide off so quickly. Use this as a moisturizer to hydrate the area next. When your eyelid is well prepped, your eyeliner will glide on smoothly, stay put all day, and lessen the chance of liquid eyeliner mistakes.

The Secret Weapon: Eyelid Primer

Eyelid primer is another one of those unsung heroes in the eyeliner toolkit. First, a small dab of primer will create an even base that will help your liner last longer without creasing and will also help your liner stick better.

Gently apply a touch of primer, and blend and you will see a more precise, long-lasting eyeliner application.

Maintaining Sharp Tools

One common mistake is using dull or dirty eyeliners. That crisp, smooth line only comes with a sharp, clean point. Dirty eyeliner risks infection or irritation and dull eyeliner leaves uneven lines. If you use gel liners, sharpen your pencil liners or use a new liner tip regularly, keep your brushes clean to avoid liquid eyeliner mistakes, and have nice, clean tools.

A few are more when it comes to application. Rather, start with a thin line close to the lash line and slowly build up to it, instead of applying a thick line out the gate. It lends you more control and stops your eyeliner from taking over your natural features.

If you’re using liquid eyeliner, using a series of small dots along your lash line could work as a guide. Connect these dots to create a smooth, defined line. Even liquid eyeliner mistakes can be corrected remember that it’s easier to add additional product than remove it, so take it slow, starting small and adding intensity as you go.

Ultimately, mastering liquid eyeliner requires patience, practice, and a willingness to learn from each application. Using these tips and tricks, you will be halfway toward that perfect flick or line, which makes your eyes the star of your makeup.

No worries, take out that eyeliner and begin exploring – your perfect look is a stroke away from landing on your eyes!