Pencil eyeliner lets you build definition a little at a time. Start with a thin line along the upper lashes, using short strokes rather than trying to draw one perfect line. You can soften the result or build it up once you are comfortable.
This guide begins with a simple pencil technique, followed by ways to correct uneven lines, reduce smudging and try different finishes.
How to apply pencil eyeliner step by step
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Pencil Eyeliner
- Prepare your pencil and hands. Wash and dry your hands. Use an eyeliner intended for the eye area and follow its sharpening or twist-up instructions. Check that the tip is smooth rather than broken or jagged.
- Get comfortable. Sit still with good light and support your elbow on a table. Place a mirror where you can see your upper lash line without stretching the eyelid.
- Start with small strokes. Begin around the middle of the upper lash line and work towards the outer corner, keeping the pencil on the skin just above the lashes. Use light pressure.
- Join the gaps. Add short strokes towards the inner part of the lash line, stopping where you can work comfortably. Keep the line thin; you can add more definition later.
- Soften or tidy. For a softer finish, blend the edge gently with a clean eye brush. For a correction, use a clean cotton bud with a small amount of eye makeup remover, following its instructions and keeping it out of the eye.
- Check with your eyes open. Look straight ahead and adjust a little at a time. The two sides do not have to be identical for the result to work.
Tips to Avoid Smudging and Achieve a Clean Finish
Apply to clean, dry skin and follow your liner’s instructions. Keep the first layer thin and give it time to set where needed. If you want a softer finish, blend with a clean brush before the formula sets. Wear varies between products, so a waterproof label does not guarantee that a pencil will suit every eye.
Integrating Eyeliner with Eyeshadow for a Subtle Appearance
For a cohesive and subtle makeup look, integrating eyeliner with eyeshadow is key. Start by applying a neutral eyeshadow shade across your lid as a base. Use a slightly darker shade in the crease to add depth. Then, apply your pencil eyeliner close to the lash line, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the eyeshadow. You can use an eyeliner brush to gently blend the liner into the shadow for a more natural transition. This technique softens the overall look and creates an elegant, understated effect.
What is the Best Eyeliner for Beginners?
Understanding Different Types of Eyeliner
Pencil, liquid, gel and cream eyeliners create different finishes. Pencil can be easier to soften or correct while you are learning. Wear and smudging depend on the formula, your skin and how you apply it. Liquid makes a crisp line; gel and cream can offer other textures.
Choosing Between Pencil Eyeliner and Liquid Eyeliner
Pencil suits soft definition and gradual application, while liquid can create a crisp line. This beginner tutorial stays on the skin above the upper lashes; there is no need to line the waterline.
How to Select the Best Eyeliner for Your Eye Shape
Eye shape can affect how much liner shows when your eyes are open. Start thin, look straight ahead and adjust the placement to suit the result you want. For hooded lids, test with your eyes open before adding more thickness. There is no single required look for any eye shape.
How to Apply Eyeliner on Small Eyes?
Techniques to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger
For a lighter look, try a thin line along the upper lashes and leave the lower lash line bare. Adjust the thickness with your eyes open so you can see the effect.
Applying Eyeliner on the Lower Lash Line
When applying eyeliner on the lower lash line, subtlety is key to avoid overwhelming small eyes. Use a pencil eyeliner to lightly define the outer third of the lower lash line, keeping the line soft and diffused. Avoid extending the line too far, as this can close off the eyes. Smudging the line slightly with a brush can create a softer effect. Pair this with a highlighted inner corner for a balanced look that enhances the eyes without making them appear smaller.
Keep the inner corner simple
You can leave the inner corner bare. Avoid pushing the pencil into the tear duct or adding product where it feels uncomfortable.
What are Some Expert Tips for Eyeliner Application?
How to Apply Eyeliner Close to the Lash Line
Applying eyeliner close to the lash line is essential for a polished look. Start by looking down into a mirror to expose the upper lash line. Use a pencil eyeliner to draw a thin line as close as possible to the lashes. For added definition, use a liquid liner to trace over the pencil line. This technique ensures a seamless finish and makes lashes appear fuller, enhancing your overall makeup look.
Utilising Makeup Remover for Perfecting Your Eyeliner
Makeup remover is a valuable tool for perfecting your eyeliner application. If you make a mistake, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to gently clean up the edges and sharpen your line. This is particularly useful for liquid eyeliner, where precision is key. Having makeup remover on hand allows you to correct any errors without starting over, saving time and maintaining your desired look.
Tips for Sharpening and Maintaining Your Eyeliner Pencil
Follow the product’s sharpening instructions; some retractable pencils do not use a separate sharpener. Keep your sharpener clean and check the tip before each use. If the product drags, crumbles or has changed, stop and check the manufacturer’s guidance rather than forcing it along the skin.
Keep eye makeup tools clean
Do not share eye cosmetics, and use only products intended for the eye area. Skip eye makeup while you have an eye infection or inflamed skin around the eye. Stop using a product if it causes irritation, and seek medical advice if irritation persists. The FDA’s eye cosmetic safety checklist explains these precautions.
Optional: trying liquid eyeliner and a wing
Mastering the Cat Eye Technique with Liquid Liner
The cat-eye is a timeless and dramatic eyeliner look that can elevate any makeup style. To master this technique with liquid liner, start by drawing a thin line from the inner corner of your eye towards the outer corner, staying close to the lash line. Next, create the wing by drawing a line from the outer corner upwards towards the end of your eyebrow. Connect the tip of the wing back to the lash line, forming a triangle, and fill it in. Keep the line thin and precise for a classic cat-eye.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Cat Eye
Start with a small wing and check its angle with your eyes open. If the edge needs tidying, use eye makeup remover on a clean cotton bud rather than pressing a guide against the eye area.
How to Enhance the Cat Eye Look with Mascara
Enhancing a cat-eye look with mascara adds volume and drama to the eyes. Focus on applying mascara to the upper lashes, emphasising the outer corners to complement the winged liner. Use a volumizing mascara to add thickness and length, and consider curling your lashes beforehand for added lift. Applying a light coat to the lower lashes can balance the look, but avoid overloading them to maintain the focus on the upper lash line.
