Eyeliner: for most beauty enthusiasts it is definitely an indispensable tool and it’s no surprise. Eyeliner is the one of THE first makeup products. It first arrived on the scene around 10,000 B.C in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Where would we be without eyeliner? To really amp up the drama of your makeup, the power of a perfectly lined eye can’t be beat. But if you’re having trouble with the whole “perfect” part of eyeliner application, boy do I feel you. Read on to learn about 12 hacks that I know and use. Not every technique will work for everyone so get used to trying them with a little trial and error until you find what works for you.
1. Tightline your upper lid
Tightlining, also called invisible eyeliner, is a technique in which you line your upper waterline to subtly define and thicken the appearance of your eyelashes.
My pick: Motives Waterproof Eye Pencil. It’s a waterproof eyeliner featuring a unique twist tip that never needs sharpening and a built in smudger for easy blending. The creamy formula glides on smoothly to draw sleek, sexy, high definition lines that are transfer, smudge and smear resistant.
2. Apply light eyeliner to your lower waterline
Apply a white or flesh color eyeliner to the lower waterline. It instantly opens up your eyes for a brighter look.
My pick: Motives Khol Eyeliner in Bare. It’s an exceptionally smooth eye pencil that provides precise definition without “dragging” or pulling the delicate eye area.
3. Connect the dots
If you have a difficult time drawing a straight line, try drawing dashes first, and then connect them all together. It’s much easier and will still look smooth.
My pick: Motives Luxe Precision Eye Line in Jet Black. A moisturizing smudge-proof felt-tip liquid liner that contours and lines the eyes with precision. Keep your eyes looking freshly lined all day and into the night.
4. Grab some tape
Been struggling with the perfect winged eyeliner? Use the edge of a post it note, or tape to get a straight edge. You’ll get a straight line every time.
My pick: Scotch Magic Tape. I usually stick it on the back of my hand first so that it’s not too sticky on your face.
5. Outline first
Want the perfect winged eyeliner? Start by drawing the outline, and then fill in everything below to the lash line.
My pick: Motives Liquid Eyeliner in Noir. It’s a long-lasting liquid liner that comes with a fine tip to allow for precise application. Perfect for creating a defined eye or a bold, dramatic look.
6. Make it last all day
Make your eye makeup last longer by using an eye primer not only on your eye lid but also by swiping it underneath your eye. Want even more staying power? Set your eyeliner with a matching eye shadow.
My pick: Motives Eye Base. It is a creamy, weightless formula that helps smooth and even the complexion of the eyelid, creating a perfect canvas for eye makeup. This formula also extends the wear of eye shadow, helps prevent creasing, and makes shadow colors more even, intense, brilliant-looking, fresh, and just-applied all day.
7. Outside in
For a more precise angle of your winged liner, draw the flick toward your eye instead of away from it. Drawing in a backward direction will make it easier to determine where the end of the flick will be.
My pick: Motives Mineral Gel Eyeliner-Little Black Dress. It’s a unique, mineral-based formulation that allows the precision of a liquid liner with the ease of a gel-based formula. The eyeliner glides on smoothly and precisely, then quickly dries down to a silky-soft finish.
8. Layer
Transform your look from day to night by adding a glitter eyeliner over your day eyeliner. It’s just enough to jazz up your look!
My pick: Motives Glitter Eyeliner. It’s a versatile, shimmering formula that adds glitter to the lash line and lashes. The buildable, water-based liner contains superfine glitter in a clear base.
9. Get precise
Use an angled brush with mineral gel eyeliner for effortless control. An angled brush has short, angled bristles to ensure a precise, firm, and even stroke when lining and defining eyes.
My pick: Motives Angled Eyeliner Brush. It’s a great professional brush and the bristles are stiff enough, but still soft. Expect polished, professional results every time.
10. Give yourself an instant brow lift
Use white eyeliner to line below and above your eyebrows, and smudge it out with a brush to define and highlight your brows for an instant lift.
My pick: Motives Khol Eye Pencil in Angel. It’s an exceptionally creamy eye pencil that easily blends and smudges.
11. Erase your mistakes
Sometimes erasing mistakes is easier than trying to nail it the first time. If getting a perfect line is too challenging, draw a rough line first, and then clean it up with a cotton swab and face primer. Yes, you read that correct…face primer. It makes the perfect eraser!
My pick: Motives Complexion Perfection Face Primer. An innovative formula that targets pores, fine lines and wrinkles, Complexion Perfection Face Primer visibly reduces the appearance of imperfections for even-looking skin that is prepped and primed. This oil-free, smoothing formula extends the life of your foundation for the perfect, flawless look.
12. Keep it soft
One of the looks that I LOVE and honestly, it’s almost my go to every day, is keeping it soft and natural along my bottom lash line. This can be done with a little swipe of eye shadow. Add in a spritz of setting spray to the brush first, and it’ll last ALL day!
My pick: Motives 10 Years Younger Setting Spray. A setting spray that mists on weightlessly to reduce makeup slippage and keep skin looking beautifully flawless. Save up to 50% of makeup usage with this unique spray. Keep your skin looking fresh throughout the day.
Do you have any eyeliner tips that you use? I’d love to hear them!