Eyeliner is one of those makeup steps that people find frustratingly difficult to master when they first begin practising. But properly applied eyeliner can have the magical ability to reshape the eye and create a variety of different effects to adjust your overall appearance. In this article, we’ll show you the most popular eyeliner looks and how they can transform your entire look!
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Winged vs cat eyeliner
I know there is some confusion over the difference between winged and cat eyeliner, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Cat eyeliner has a sharper triangular shape as it extends from the lashline, creating an intense and striking look. Winged eyeliner on the other hand is characterised by a simple flick that fakes the look of longer lashes on the outer corner, creating a flirty effect. Maybelline’s Master Precise Liner ($14.95, available from Priceline), Physician’s Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner ($21.95, available from Priceline) and Loreal’s Super Liner Gel Eyeliner ($24.95, available from Priceline) are ideal for creating precise lines and sharp edges.
Tightlining or ‘invisible eyeliner’
Tightlining is undoubtedly the easiest way to apply eyeliner, but it has the great ability to provide a wide-eyed effect. If you’re unfamiliar with the technique, it involves pushing eyeliner in between the root and inner rim of the upper lashes. This minimises the amount of visible space between the lashes that not only enlarges the appearance of the eye, but also creates the look of voluminous lashes. Waterproof pencil eyeliners such as Rimmel’s Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner ($9.95, available from Priceline) and Stila’s Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner ($26, available from Mecca) are perfect for this ‘invisible eyeliner’ effect.
Opening up the eye
There are many different techniques to create doe eyes, but a quick and easy way is to swipe a white or flesh-toned eye pencil in the inner rim of the waterline. Pair this trick with a thin black line on the upper lashline for intensely rounded eyes. Stila’s Kajal Eye Pencil in Topaz ($24, available from Mecca) or Rimmel’s Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Nude are ideal for enlarging your eye shape.
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Creating a dramatic, smoky look
A rule that is similar in both makeup and art is that lighter tones highlight and darker shades recede. This principle can even be transferred in your eye look. By lining the tightline, waterline, upper and lower lashline, you can easily create a dramatic smokey effect. Try smudging the eyeliner with a small pencil brush or even a cotton bud for an intense, messy look.
Images via zuri.in, teenvogue.com, a-makeup.com, popsugar.com.au, glamourmagazine.com.uk, missysue.com
