Dear BX,

I love the dramatic line liquid eyeliner can create, but whenever I try to apply it, it looks like a three-year-old drew on my eyelids and didn’t know how to stay within the lines. How can I apply liquid eyeliner without looking like I put my makeup on in the dark?

- Lauren Watkins

Well, Lauren, first, we’re sure you’re being way too hard on yourself.  Second, you know that old saying “practice makes perfect?” With liquid eyeliner, there are definitely a few application technique tips to help get a crisp, pristine look (more on that in a second), but, as with many skills, you’ll get better each time you do it.  So, if you’ve tried it once and gave up, there’s still hope!  Now, as for those tips:

• Anchor your Elbow — One of the biggest problems with getting a straight line is trying to line your lid “free-form.”  Instead, firmly rest your elbow on a table or your sink to give your arm stability while you work your magic.

• Come from Above — Are you trying to draw a line with your applicator perpendicular to your lid? To get your liner closer to the lash line, angle the applicator down, and dip your head lower so you’re coming at an angle from above.

• Connect the Dots — While there are many different ways to apply your liner, why not play a game of connect the dots while you’re at it? Dab on three small dots – one in the center and one at each corner.  Then, start from the center dot and work your way out. Go back to the center and line your way toward the inner corner.

• Conceal with Shadow – If you’re not exactly a Michelangelo at lining your lids, don’t be afraid to go back over the entire line and thicken it out. Trust us – unless you get about halfway up your lid, you’re not going to look like Amy Winehouse.  Next, you can also blend your eyeshadow over the very edge of the line, which will help soften any jagged edges (darker shadows work wonders). If all else fails, grab makeup remover and start over. After all — it’s just makeup!

Choosing the Perfect Liquid Eyeliner
The quality of your liquid eyeliner can also play a big role in the end result. Some are more “watery,” which can make for a more difficult application for novices, and others may have a thicker consistency, along with a more refined applicator tip, which can help with precision lining. Which liquid liner is the right one for you? Here are a few favorites from fellow beauty bloggers:

“Eve Pearl’s Black Pearl Eyeliner is my favorite — love the packaging too! I also love NARS Stylo Eyeliner pens. Start in the middle, work way out in short strokes. Slightly wing up outer corner.”
-Melissa Street, makeup artist, In My Pro Opinion

“Maybelline’s new Line Stiletto is pretty fantastic; I was pleasantly surprised. Sephora brand liquid liner is good too.”
-DWJ, The Art of Accessories

“I like MAC’s Penultimate liner pen.”
-Amy Berken, The Beauty Chick

“[My favorite is] Wet ‘n Wild H2O Proof Liquid Liner.”
-Shannon Nelson, A Girl’s Gotta Spa

“Chanel liquid liner pen. The brush is perfect for “come hither” cat-eyes. For waterproof, I go with Lorac Front of the line.”
-Adina Zimmerman, Krasey Beauty

Want to know how to pull off the latest beauty trends…or just how to master the basics?  Ask BX. Email us at info@beautyxpose.com.

Photo Credits: Eye – Vea Avernalis; Products – Maybelline, NARS