Different Strokes for Different Folks

The World of Eyeliners

Gel, liquid and cream, oh my! Eyeliner comes in all different application types, and formulas; brands and qualities. How are you supposed to know which type is right for your expertise level or for the look you are trying to achieve?

I am not a makeup artist, but I did gain some experience during my 2 years working at a Sephora. I know how overwhelming the world of eyeliners can be, so here is a cheat sheet!

Type of Eyeliner	Level of Difficulty (1 – 5)	Best used for	Tool and Technique	Brands of Choice
Gel Ideal for- Lash line, smokey eye and shadow primer	2 -great for beginners as it is easy to manipulate, and smudges out easily. -angle brush makes for precise application	-quick, effortless looks with added precision from a brush -easy to smudge for smokey looks -doubles as shadow base to intensify pigment	*use with an angled or flat liner brush Steps: 1 dip brush in product and wipe off excess 2 glide across lash line 3 seal by pressing powder into the gel	Rimmel $5-10 Wet n Wild MegaEyes Creme $4-5 Tarte Clay Pot $25 Mac $18-20 Mac brushes 209, 262, 212 $24
Pencil/ Kajal Ideal for- Waterline and lash line definition	2-3 -most popular with newbies as it is easy to draw on – less forgiving than gel as it not as creamy, though you can still try to smudge it with a brush	– defining and darkening lash lines -filling in waterlines -effortless looks that are meant to look less precise	* retractable or sharpenable pencils Steps: 1 draw along your lash line gently as not to pull your skin in small strokes 2 optional: move it around with a brush to buff line out and seal with powder	Make Up For Ever Aqua XL $25 Annabelle Kohl $6 Hard Candy Stay in Line $5 Urban Decay 24/7 $25
Liquid Ideal for-fine lines, cat eye, and dramatic looks	4-5 -practise makes perfect with this type -once a pro, this liner is very easy to glide across your lid to make subtle or drastic looks.	-smooth, precise lines -perfect for polishing up dramatic looks	*fine brush / felt tip with pot, pen with chisel tip Steps: 1 start by making tiny strokes along the lash line 2 connect them as you look down at a mirror 3 add a flick on outer corner by extending the line upwards	Bourjois Mega Liner $10-15 Kat Von D Ink Liner $25 Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof $8 Rimmel London Scandaleyes $8
Powder/ Dry to Wet Ideal for- tight lining top and bottom lash line	1-2 –powder is activated by water and extremely easy to apply -long wearing and not flaky makes for less reapplications	-tight lining upper and lower lash lines to allow for natural looking lash definition -long lasting and very low maintenance wear -product can be layered for a more intense look	* wet powder, use liner brush Steps: 1 add drop of water to powder and press brush into it 2 apply just like gel for a liner look 3 lift lashes and apply underneath wiggling brush into roots for tight line look	Make Up For Ever Cake Liner $22 Laura Mercier Tight line$31

 

It may be intimidating, but drawing black lines on your face can be fun, ha!! Good luck!

P.CO