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How to apply eyeliner

If you're looking for cat eyes or an intense, captivating look, there's no better ally than a pretty line of eyeliner to highlight your eyes, provided you know how to draw your line properly. Follow our guide to applying the right eyeliner to shape your eyes and make them shine.

Tips for successful eyeliner application

The ideal way to successfully apply eyeliner? Start by applying an eyelid primer! By preparing your eyelids, you'll ensure long-lasting make-up. Then, using your eyelinerbegin by drawing a comma at the outer corner of the eye. It may seem counter-intuitive to start with the most difficult area, but in reality, it's a gentle way of getting started, so you can easily correct any mistakes. 

Continue your design with a thin line along the lash line, as short as possible. You can then gradually thicken the line.

Note that application can be slightly different depending on your eyes and the type of liner you use. So here's a little beginner's eyeliner tutorial to help you master your eye make-up

Apply eyeliner step by step

  1. Position yourself well: First of all, when applying eyeliner, it's important to be in a comfortable position. It's best to apply it in front of a fixed mirror and at eye level. The trick that changes everything right from the start? Press your elbow firmly against a flat surface: it's very simple, but it prevents you from shaking and missing your line! When applying eyeliner, there's no need to pull your eyelid too much. There's sometimes a tendency to stretch the eyelid, thinking that this will give you greater precision... However, if you do, you risk smudging all over your eyelid and, above all, ending up with a completely different line from the one you were expecting. 
  2. Eyeliner base : To make your eyeliner stand out, use an eyeshadow base or a concealer such as the Un Cover-Up RMS Beauty or Corrector Oh My Cream Skincare, applied beforehand and dabbed all over the eyelid. This will prevent your line from fading or blurring over the course of the day.
  3. The comma : Start by drawing the comma with an eyeliner such as Clean Line Eye-Liner Liquid Ilia Liquid Eyeliner. To position it perfectly, look straight ahead in the mirror and draw a small line from the outside of your eyelid towards the end of the tail of your eyebrow. You can then extend this comma outwards to a greater or lesser extent, depending on your desired style.
  4. The line : Next, draw the line, again starting outwards, as if to join the comma. The line should be fine, flush with the lashes. Gradually build up the thickness of the line so that it is not too thick at the inner corner of the eye. In fact, this is absolutely the area where the line should be thinnest, so as not to "narrow" or harden the eyes. The line then thickens slightly towards the middle of the eye, and subtly tapers off again towards the comma.
  5. Same for the 2nd eye... But to begin with, always refer to the angle of the line you've just made on the first eye. To extend the look, it's really important not to make the line too thick all along the eyelid, but only in the corner.

What if I've messed up? You can use a cotton bud soaked in a drop of micellar water, a real magic eraser that won't leave a trace! 

Which liner for my eyes? 

Generally speaking,a thin line of eyeliner is the most universal and often the most flattering. But if you're looking for a sixties look, opt for a thicker line. However, the thicker the line and the comma, the more intense your make-up.

Thick eyeliner lines can tend to harden the eyes. And note that with age, the skin is less taut: the line can appear less straight, more blurred and even highlight wrinkles.

Prefer a softer line, even one drawn with brown rather than black. If you have fairly round eyes, a thin, elongated line is ideal, to cancel out the round effect. If you have almond-shaped eyes, you can afford a thicker line.

The do's and don'ts of eyeliner 

  • The line should always be thinner towards the inside of the eye, at the risk of narrowing the eyes.
  • You can curl your lashes just after applying eyeliner to really open up your eyes and extend your lashes.
  • Always rest your elbow on a flat surface for support and to avoid shaking.
  • Look straight ahead, at the right height, and don't close your eyes.
  • Start with the comma, then work your way down.
  • Never start with a free hand and a single stroke. 

What type of eyeliner should I use?

 Eyeliner pencils like Eye Pencil Jane Iredale: for a softer, blurrier look. Recommended for more pronounced or older looks.

Felt eyeliner with Clean Line Liquid Eye Liner Ilia : easier to use, recommended for beginners. 

Gel eyeliner (pot) with a brush such as the Mystikol Jane Iredale: this format is more for "regulars", because you also need to remember to measure out the right amount. 

To create a smoky look, we can blend our eyeliner line with our fingertips or with a fine beveled brush, using a little black powder to accentuate the blurred effect.

Our favorite eyeliners

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