Guide to Eyeliner: How to Choose, Apply, and Master Every Style for Your Eye Shape

Eyeliner is like the magic wand of makeup, one swipe can make your eyes pop, define your look, or even change your vibe entirely. But let’s be honest: it can also be a bit daunting. Between the endless types of eyeliner, tricky techniques like winged eyeliner, and figuring out what works for your eye shape, it’s easy to feel lost. I have been there, smudging my way through countless eyeliner pencils before I figured out what actually works.

This guide is here to help you navigate it all with confidence, whether you are a beginner or looking to up your eyeliner makeup game. (Even pro artists like Lisa Eldridge, a UK-based celebrity makeup expert, emphasize the importance of adapting eyeliner to your unique eye shape and comfort level). We will cover how to choose the right eyeliner, apply it like a pro, and master styles that suit your unique eye shape.

Figuring Out Your Eye Shape

Before you even touch an eyeliner pen, you need to know your eye shape. It is the key to picking the right style and technique to make your eyes shine. Here is a quick rundown of the most common eye shapes and how to spot them:

• Almond Eyes: Slightly longer than wide, with a gentle lift at the outer corners. These eyes are super versatile and can pull off almost any eyeliner look.
• Hooded Eyes: A fold of skin covers part of the eyelid, sometimes hiding the crease. Eyeliner for hooded eyes needs to be applied carefully to stay visible.
• Round Eyes:  More circular, with a visible crease and prominent iris. These eyes benefit from elongating techniques like winged eyeliner.
• Downturned Eyes: The outer corners slope downward, giving a slightly droopy look. Eyeliner for downturned eyes can help lift and open them up
• Monolid Eyes: Little to no crease, creating a smooth eyelid surface. Eyeliner for monolid eyes can add definition and drama.

To figure out your eye shape, stand in front of a mirror and look straight ahead. Check the shape of your eyes, the visibility of your crease, and the angle of your outer corners. If you are still unsure, try tracing your eye shape on a piece of paper, it sounds silly, but it works! Knowing your eye shape will guide you to the best eyeliner styles and techniques. It also plays a vital role in enhancing the balance and symmetry of your face.

Exploring Types of Eyeliner

Not all eyeliners are created equal. Each type has its own vibe, application style, and learning curve. Here is a breakdown of the main types of eyeliner to help you choose;

If you are just starting out, a pencil eyeliner like the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Sharpener Eyeliner is a great choice, its easy to control and forgiving if you mess up. For bold looks, liquid eyeliner like Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a go-to for its precision. If you want something that lasts through sweat or tears, look for waterproof eyeliner options.

Brands like Glossier also provide beginner-friendly eyeliners and offer in-store consultations to help you choose the right one.

Matching Eyeliner to Your Eye Shape

Now that you know your eye shape and the types of eyeliner, let’s find the perfect match. Heres how to choose and apply eyeliner for each eye shape:

• Almond Eyes: You are the lucky one, almond eyes can handle almost any style. Try liquid eyeliner for a sharp winged eyeliner look or pencil eyeliner for a softer, everyday vibe. A user on Reddit raved about Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil for its creamy texture and staying power, perfect for almond eyes (Reddit ).
• Hooded Eyes: Eyeliner for hooded eyes needs to stay visible. Use gel eyeliner or pencil eyeliner for a smudged, smoky look that won’t get lost under the hood. Apply liquid eyeliner close to the lash line for definition. Keep the line thin to avoid overwhelming the visible eyelid.
• Round Eyes: To elongate round eyes, go for winged eyeliner with liquid eyeliner or gel eyeliner. Avoid heavy liner on the lower lash line, it can make eyes look smaller. A makeup artist on Real Simple suggests extending the wing slightly upward to create a lifted effect (Real Simple).
• Downturned Eyes: A flick of liquid eyeliner at the outer corners can lift downturned eyes. Pencil eyeliner is great for tightlining the upper lash line to open up the eyes. Try a waterproof eyeliner pencil for all-day wear.
• Monolid Eyes: Pencil eyeliner or gel eyeliner can add definition to monolid eyes. For a bold look, use liquid eyeliner to create a precise line along the lash line. A makeup artist on Typsy Beauty recommends a thin wing to elongate monolid eyes (Typsy Beauty).

If you’re pairing your eyeliner with a full makeup look, choosing the right foundation can enhance your overall appearance, especially for mature skin.

I’ll never forget my first attempt at winged eyeliner on my hooded eyes, it looked like a smudged mess! But once I learned to keep the line thin and close to my lashes, it was a game-changer. Experiment with different techniques to find what flatters your eyes best.

Mastering Application Techniques

Applying eyeliner can feel like an art form, but with a few tips, you’ll be creating flawless looks in no time. Here’s a breakdown of basic and advanced techniques:

Basic Techniques

Tightlining

Apply eyeliner for waterline (usually pencil eyeliner) along the upper waterline, right at the base of your lashes. This adds subtle definition without looking heavy. Lancome Drama Liqui-Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner is a favorite for this, as it’s creamy and easy to apply, according to a Byrdie editor (Byrdie) .

Upper Lash Line

Draw a line along the upper lash line, as close to the lashes as possible. Start thin and build up thickness as needed. This works with any eyeliner type.

Lower Lash Line

Apply eyeliner on waterline or just below for added depth. Use brown eyeliner or taupe eyeliner for a softer look.

Advanced Techniques

Winged Eyeliner

Draw a small line at the outer corner of your eye, angling upward, then connect it to your upper lash line. Liquid eyeliner like Nyx Epic Ink Liner is great for this.

Cat Eye

A more dramatic version of the wing, with a thicker line and a sharper flick. Perfect for a bold, glamorous look.

Graphic Eyeliner

Experiment with shapes like triangles or double wings for a modern, editorial vibe. Colored eyeliner like blue eyeliner or purple eyeliner can make this pop.

Pro Tips for a Steady Hand:

• Rest your elbow on a table for stability.
• Use a small piece of tape as a guide for perfect wings.
• Practice on paper first to get the feel of your eyeliner pen.

Eyeliner Styles for Every Occasion

Eyeliner is all about expressing yourself, and different styles can suit different moods or events. To complete your look, pair your favorite eyeliner with accessories like earrings that reflect your personality.

Here are a few to try;

• Natural Look: Use brown eyeliner or nude eyeliner along the upper lash line for a subtle, everyday style. It’s perfect for work or casual days.
• Smokey Eyeliner: Blend gel eyeliner with eyeshadow for a sultry, diffused effect. Great for evening looks.
• Bold and Dramatic : Go for a thick line with black eyeliner or liquid eyeliner for a striking, night-out vibe.
• Colorful Liner: Try green eyeliner, blue eyeliner, or even glitter eyeliner for a fun, playful twist. A Maybelline tutorial suggests burgundy eyeliner for brown eyes to add warmth (Maybelline).

For runway-inspired looks, makeup legends like Pat McGrath are known for their bold eyeliner artistry and high-performance products.

Exploring Colored Eyeliner

Stepping beyond classic black eyeliner or brown eyeliner, colored eyeliner is a game-changer for adding personality to your makeup. From vibrant red eyeliner to subtle taupe eyeliner, these shades are trending for their ability to enhance your eyes and complement your skin tone. Here’s how to dive into this colorful world.

Why Colored Eyeliner is Popular

Colored eyeliner is having a moment, Think bold Instagram looks or subtle pops seen on celebs like Billie Eilish. Red eyeliner is especially hot for its daring vibe, often spotted in editorial shoots and music festivals. Blue eyeliner and purple eyeliner are also gaining traction, with users on Reddit praising their versatility for both day and night looks (Reddit). These shades let you express creativity without needing advanced skills.

Matching Colors to Skin Tones

Choosing the right colored eyeliner for your skin tone can make your eyes stand out. Here is a quick guide:

Red eyeliner pops on warm and medium skin tones, creating a bold, fiery look, but it can feel intense on fairer skin unless blended softly. Blue eyeliner suits cool or fair skin, adding a fresh, vibrant touch, especially for blue eyes. Purple eyeliner is a universal favorite, flattering all skin tones and making brown eyes sparkle, as noted in a Maybelline guide (Maybelline). Green eyeliner complements olive or warm skin, while bronze eyeliner adds warmth to deeper tones. For a futuristic vibe, silver eyeliner works across eye colors, especially on cool-toned skin.

Tips for Using Colored Eyeliner

I remember trying green eyeliner for the first time and feeling like I’d stepped out of my comfort zone, It was so worth it! Start with a thin line along the upper lash line or a small wing for a subtle pop. Pair colored eyeliner with neutral eyeshadow to let the shade shine. For inspiration, brands like Nyx offer vibrant colored eyeliners like Vivid Brights, perfect for experimenting

Troubleshooting Common Eyeliner Issues

We’ve all had those moments where our eyeliner just won’t cooperate. Here’s how to fix common problems:

• Smudging: If your eyeliner smudges, switch to a smudge-proof eyeliner or waterproof eyeliner. Setting it with a translucent powder can also help.
• Uneven Lines: Practice makes perfect, but using an eyeliner stencil or tape can guide you to straighter lines. Eyeliner for beginners like pencil eyeliner is easier to correct.
• Flaking: Avoid dry formulas and opt for creamy ones. Sharpen your eyeliner pencils regularly for a smooth application.
• Removing Eyeliner ; Use a gentle makeup remover to avoid irritating your eyes. How to remove eyeliner properly is key to keeping your eyes healthy.

Product Recommendations

Here are some top-rated eyeliners based on user reviews and expert recommendations:

These products cater to a range of needs, from best drugstore eyeliner to best waterproof eyeliner. For example, a Byrdie editor praised Lancome Drama Liqui-Pencil for its creamy texture and versatility, making it ideal for eyeliner for waterline. 

Many makeup lovers also turn to Charlotte Tilbury Beauty for eyeliner products known for long wear and precision, especially the Feline Flick Liquid Eyeliner.

Final Words

Mastering eyeliner is all about finding what works for you, your eye shape, your style, and your comfort level. Whether you’re perfecting a cat eye for a night out or keeping it simple with a natural eyeliner look, practice and the right tools will get you there. Don’t be afraid to play with colored eyeliner or bold graphic eyeliner to express yourself. with the tips and products in this guide, you’re ready to create eyeliner looks that turn heads.

For more makeup and style guides, visit our beauty content hub.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

1. Does JD Vance wear eyeliner?

There’s no definitive evidence that JD Vance wears eyeliner, despite online speculation. Social media discussions, like those on Reddit, suggest it’s likely just natural eye definition or lighting effects (Reddit).

2. What is permanent eyeliner, and what are its styles?

Permanent eyeliner is a cosmetic tattoo that mimics eyeliner, applied to the lash line or waterline. Common styles include a subtle lash enhancement or a bold winged look, with results lasting 1-3 years.

3. What is the best eyeliner color for blue eyes?

For blue eyes, warm tones like bronze eyeliner or brown eyeliner make the eyes pop, while navy eyeliner adds depth. A makeup artist recommends copper shades for contrast.

4. What is the best eyeliner color for brown eyes?

Brown eyes shine with purple eyeliner or green eyeliner for a vibrant contrast. Neutral tones like taupe eyeliner also work well for a soft, everyday look (Maybelline).

5. What is kohl eyeliner, and how is it different from kajal?

Kohl eyeliner is a soft, powdery formula for smudgy looks, often used on the waterline. Kajal eyeliner is creamier, more pigmented, and ideal for bold lines, rooted in South Asian traditions (Wikipedia - Kajal).

6. What is an eyeliner stamp, and how does it work?

An eyeliner stamp is a dual-ended tool with a stamp for creating perfect winged eyeliner and a pen for lining. You press the stamp at the outer corner and connect it with the pen for a quick wing