I will admit, I am not big in the make-up and beauty department, however one look is my absolute favorite, and every time there’s a night out or a fashion event you can be sure to see me sporting it: black eyeliner. It instantly sophisticates a look and can be laid on thin for a business interview, thick for a night time event or even thicker for a Hollywood red carpet.
However, it can be messy, and causes many women, like my mother, to avoid it altogether. Below are my top tips to ensure that your black eyeliner makes you look glamorous, sophisticated and chic no matter your age or the occasion.
Step 1: Make sure your eyes and face are properly cleansed.
I like using face wipes at the end of the night if I am too tired or a special eye make-up remover. It just ensures that everything is off, and that I start with a blank canvas.
Step 2: Apply the proper base.
I like using a neutral powder on my lid and then a slightly lighter cream base to begin. My favorite products are shadows by MAC Cosmetics and cream eye shadows by Laura Mercier. This allows my eyeliner to grab onto something when applied and prolongs its longevity.
I’ve been known to wear night time eyeliner to work the next day, explained below!
Step 3: Pick your poison.
Eyeliner comes in many different forms, however the three main ones are, liquid, pencil and liner pot (that’s what I call it, but I am sure it has an official name!). My favorites are by Shu Uemura, Chanel and Bobbi Brown respectively. Each of these provide great quality and won’t irritate sensitive eyes. However, if you’re not sure what type you should be using I would suggest going to a department store, refusing help from a sales associate and trying each of these kinds on by yourself. You can also purchase their drug-store counterparts and experiment for a week or two.
Step 4: Apply the eyeliner.
Now this is probably the most difficult part for most women, but remember, practice makes perfect. Go slow, experiment with different techniques and eventually you will hit your stride.
Here is how the experts suggest you apply it: Swipe eyeliner from the middle of the eye to the outer corner, and then finish off from the middle to the inner corner.
Here is how I apply my eyeliner: I close my eye, pull my eyelid taut with one hand and swipe eyeliner across in thin and precise strokes from the inside to the outside. One time I did this at a department store and the sales associate nearly shrieked, however I always get compliments when I go out, and it works! So ha!
I also always rim my bottom line, which is unsanitary apparently, but again, it works and looks great, so just be careful. Look down and apply it in short and determined strokes across your bottom eyelid. You can rim the inner edge for something more demure, or the inner and outer edge for more drama. Also, make sure to get between your lashes on the top and bottom for more punch!
Step 5: Finishing Touches.
Apply two coats of your favorite mascara. Currently, my mascara du jour is by RevitaLash, although my mom recently recommended Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara by Chantecaille. You should also apply your concealer on afterwards. This way if you dropped any, you can easily wipe it away, without ruining your hard work!
To complete your look go easy on the rest of your make-up, specially if you’ve decide to jazz up your eyes like Amy Winehouse. Simple red lips, nude gloss or mascara should be all you need!
Bonus Step
Okay, this is where I really get in trouble with the skin care and make-up experts. HOWEVER, why should your hard work only last one night? When you get home after a night of transfixing men with your perfectly lined eyes, wipe off all your make-up except your eye make-up. When you wake in the morning, wipe off all your eye make-up except your liner, clean it up with some Q-tips and voila! You have eyeliner for the day!
