Tips from a makeup professional. - by Laura Barry
Eyeliner is a tricky cosmetic to master at the best of times. Whether you prefer to use liquid, gel or pencil liner, there’s a few tips that apply to all techniques that can vastly improve your application skills and end results.
Iris Smit is the founder and CEO of cult eyeliner brand The Quick Flick. Her revolutionary ‘stamp-on’ winged eyeliner makes applying is a breeze, so we thought there would be no one better to give us some tips on how to master eyeliner.
1. Prime your canvas
“Ensure your skin is clean and free from any other makeup residue such as moisturiser or eye creams. I always recommend priming the eye area with concealer and setting with a dusting of powder. This will ensure you get the best finish and longevity from your application.”
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2. Liquid is best
“I recommend using a liquid eyeliner with a felt tip as it’s easier to control and apply with less tugging and pulling of the skin. As we age, the thin skin on our upper eyelids tend to crinkle and many work around this problem by stretching the eyelid during application, which isn’t a good idea. A liquid eyeliner will limit the need to do this as it will glide on smoothly and fill in wrinkles.”
3. White to bright
“Use a white (or nude) kohl pencil eyeliner on your waterline for an instant eye lift. White eyeliner is a secret weapon to give the effect of wider, more awake and brighter eyes. Choose a water and smudge proof brand that will stay put all day.”
4. Experiment with colour
“Swap your black eyeliner (especially for day) for brown, navy or plum. Sometimes black eyeliner can be very harsh on mature eyes and draw attention to dark circles and lines around the eye. Experiment with colour for a softer look that compliments your eye or hair colour.”
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5. Avoid underlining
“I recommend staying away from lining the bottom of the eye with any product as it closes the eye and can make it look smaller than it is. I prefer to use a quick application of mascara on the lower lashes to finish off a liner look. If you do want something under your eyes softly buff in a warm chocolate eye shadow or blend in a brown kohl eyeliner to soften the appearance of the liner.”
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Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.
