Techniques For Applying Eyeliner

By Author: Penny Lane
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Applying eyeliner can be tricky at the best of times but there are some tried and tested techniques that if followed, should give you fabulous results.

For a fine and natural look, apply a thin line of eyeliner to the lower lid. Then blend in with a brush if needed.

For the fuller, round looking eye, first apply to the upper lid, making a thicker line in the middle of the lid using a pencil or liquid eyeliner. Now blend in with a brush if needed to give a smoother line.

For larger looking eyes, line only the outer half of the upper and lower eyelid. If you are going for the dramatic look, apply a thick line of eyeliner to upper and lower eyelid, blending in with a brush if needed.

For narrow eyes, only use eyeliner on upper lid to avoid closing eyes further. For the outer part of the eyelid, use pale colours to give shape and definition. Artificial lashes beneficial to help open eyes and make lashes appear thicker.

For heavy eyelids, use pale colours only on the eye socket. Apply artificial lashes to the corners to lift the eyes and help to make them appear more open and wide.

If you ...
... have close set eyes, for the inner lid, pale colours should be used. While on the outer lid, darker colours should be used. Blend from pale to darker shade using brush, blending darker shades up and out. Use eyeliner on the outer half of the eye. Eyebrows should be shortened at nose to help create a wider gap between the eyes.

If you have deep set eyes, use pale colours only on the eye socket; use a slightly darker shade above the crease of your eye socket. Use eyeliner on both the upper and lower lids, blending in to soften the lines. Mascara or artificial eyelashes is beneficial to help highlight the eyes further.

With wide set eyes, use darker colours for the inner lid and pale colours on the outer lid. Extend the eyebrows towards the nose to narrow the gap between the eyes using an eyebrow pencil.

For round eyes, use pale colours over the entire eye socket and in the crease of the eye, blend in a darker shade. Apply eyeliner to top and bottom lids and apply mascara on upper and outer lashes only.

For almond shaped eyes, use a light shade of eye shadow from lashes to the brow. Use a medium shade on eyelid and a darker shade on the outer third of your eyelid.

Finally, here are some eye makeup tips for the more mature. Avoid black eyeliner and mascara as these can be too harsh. Instead opt for softer neutrals such as grey or brown for a softer, attractive look.