ADVERTISEMENT

15 Eyeliner Mistakes You Are Making Without Even Realising Them

By Arushi Nanda Last Updated: Aug 22, 2016 | 18:06:14 IST

You might be getting an A for your makeup, but when it comes to your eyeliner, are you really getting it right? From the order of your makeup routine to the colour you are using, applying eyeliner correctly is the key to make your eyes sparkle and get you all the attention.

ADVERTISEMENT

No matter how your eye makeup turns out, this is how you can safely remove it: 4 Natural Ingredients That Safely Remove Your Eye Makeup And Keep Your Skin Hydrated

It’s probably the trickiest part of your makeup routine, but it's also the one that makes the most difference. Let us comprehend some solutions so you don’t fall victim to these common eyeliners mishaps.

ADVERTISEMENT.

#1. Going overboard with the bottom lid 

You are lining around your lower lids, especially with a dark colour. This, instantly makes your eyes look smaller and you are more likely to end up with under-eye smudges.

ADVERTISEMENT

What to do instead:

If you want to define your lower eyelid, use a light pencil or, for an even more subtle look, a light brown or taupe eye shadow. Use an eye makeup primer on your lids for the base. They keep your makeup flawless. Once you apply eyeliner, use a tiny brush to dust powder in a matching shade over it to hold it in place. 

#2. Doing the entire eye

ADVERTISEMENT

You are lining thick lines around your entire eye, on both upper and lower lids. This makes your eyes look small and also leaving behind unsightly raccoon eyes. 

What to do instead:

If you love the look of a dark, sultry eye, try it when you are on a night out. When you are applying the liner on the outer part of the upper lash line, it will instantly make your eyes look bigger and more awake. If you want to put something on your lower lid, do the waterline of the outer part of your lower lash line, but not the entire thing. It will look more natural. 

ADVERTISEMENT

if you need help with kajal: 4 Genius Quick Tricks To Apply Smudge-Free Kajal On Your Beautiful Eyes

#3. Uneven eyeliner = jagged look

When you apply eyeliner, you pull your eye area so that the surface is flat and it’s easy to apply. The skin around your eyes is super-sensitive and it ages quickly, especially when you are pulling on it. It can change the way the skin around your eyes looks. When the liner still doesn’t sit right, it’s so frustrating to have to wipe off that line on your upper lid with makeup remover a million times before you get it right. 

ADVERTISEMENT

What to do instead:

To keep the liner straight, avoid tugging at the outer corners of your eyes. Get used to applying eyeliner without pulling the skin flat by keeping a mirror at a lower lever, and looking down while applying. Try pointing your chin up and looking down, so your lids are half-closed, but you can still see them. And if you are using gel liner, apply it with a slanted brush for a smoother look. You can also use a light pencil to draw in the line to give yourself an outline.

#4. Using a dry and hard pencil

A dry, hard pencil tugs at the eye, creating uneven, chalky lines. You are using an old pencil that has dried out. Dried out pencils hurt your eyes, pull the skin and leave skid marks. 

ADVERTISEMENT

What to do instead:

Make sure your pencil is creamy. If it's dry, you can always try heating it up with a lighter for a few seconds.

Some uselful hacks: 8 Makeup Tricks To Get Big And Beautiful Eyes Flawlessly  

#5. Using the wrong liner type at the wrong time

ADVERTISEMENT

It would help if you know the difference between pencil, gel and liquid liners so you know when to use what. You are sticking to one kind of eyeliner and never experimenting with different formulas.

What to do instead: 

Pencil liners are effortless and the quickest to apply as it’s easy to smudge away any mistakes. Use them on a rushed up morning. Gel liners are smooth, water resistant and can help you achieve the thickness you want. Liquid liners are the trickiest and should be left to the pros as you require a steady hand since they aren’t too forgiving when it comes to mistakes. 

#6. Curling up the lashes after applying the liner

ADVERTISEMENT

You're applying eyeliner, and then curling your lashes. Curling your lashes after applying eyeliner removes the liner that's closest to your lashes, leaving that gap we were talking about earlier. 

What to do instead:

Always curl your lashes before applying eyeliner to avoid smudging it or wiping it off. Curl your lashes first, and then let them settle and cool before applying eyeliner.

You may like: 9 Different Eyeliner Looks That Will Make You Stand Out At Every Occasion

ADVERTISEMENT

#7. Not using nude or white

You apply black or brown eyeliner on your upper lash line and call it a day!

What to do instead:

Take advantage of nude or white pencils in the waterline of your lower lash line, and in the inner corner of your eye. I prefer nude over white, as it looks much more natural, but white works too. Nude or white liner makes your eyes look bigger and more awake.

#8. Using a red tone after a long night 

Using red or brown undertones in your liner, especially after a long night, makes you look even more tired, so, avoid using one.

What to do instead:

Make use of colours like blue, grey or nude to line your eyes. They will not only brighten your entire face, but will also make you look more awake and active.

Check your style here: 6 Fierce Eyeliner Styles And What They Reveal About Your Personality

#9. Pulling the lid

Pulling your eye-lid, while applying eye liner changes the shape of eye, and results in uneven lines. It also causes premature wrinkles.

What to do instead:

Use a liquid liner on relaxed lids to create even and smooth lines.

#10. Gap between liner and lashes

If you are not too careful while applying eye-liner, you might end up with skin showing just above your lashes.

What to do instead:

After applying mascara, angle the brush of your liner towards the lashes, and try to fill in as much area as possible.

#11. Differentiate between gel, pencil and liquid

Not knowing the difference between kinds of eyeliner can end up taking more time, and not give you the end result you desire.

What to do instead:

Use a pencil liner when you are in a hurry, as it doesn’t leave any smudges. Gel liners look more glamorous, so keep them for the night. Liquid liners, on the other hand, take time to dry, so should be used when you have time to do your make-up.

Also Read: 5 Tricks You Must Know To Sport The Double-Eyeliner Trend Right

#12. Going freehand

Unless you are a superb fine artist, we advise you not to do your cat eyes and liner flicks freehand. They are bound to look uneven and/or shaken.

What to do instead:

Use a little tape as a guide, by sticking it from the outer corner of your eye till the edge of your eye-brow. This will ensure that the lines are straight and the wings are even.

#13. Not keeping weather in mind

Not considering factors like sweat, rain or humidity while applying eye-liner can be disastrous at times. 

What to do instead:

Use waterproof liner during humidity, to avoid those ‘fake’ dark circles, especially on the lower lid.

Another interesting thing to check: What Your Eyebrow Shape Says About You

#14. Too much glitter

Sorry to burst your bubble, ladies, but too much glitter is actually bad for you. Not only does it make you look gawdy, it also ages you!

What to do instead:

Use metallic colours as highlight tones over your usual liner, and play up your lashes.

#15. Not using a base

Without a base, your eyeliner can run, smudge or just look dull.

What to do instead:

Use a white pencil or eye-shadow as base for your coloured liner or shadow. It’ll help the shadow stick to your eye and last longer.

If eyes are the windows that define you, let’s do them right!

Next Read: 6 Magical Beauty Benefits Of Plum You Might Have Never Heard About

Karisma Kapoor's Chic Outfits
18 December, 2023
ADVT.
ADVT.
Chitrangda Singh's Glam Looks
18 December, 2023
ADVT.
ADVT.