Dear BX,

I’ve always admired the women that can pull off eyeliner.  It may seem silly because everyone seems to wear it, but only a few really know how to apply just the right amount and exactly where and how it goes on.  I’m not a fan of the “cakey” look and I don’t want to look like death made over.  I’d like to enhance my eyes though.  I joined a sorority in college and on our spring retreat I didn’t recognize some of the girls when they woke up in the morning.  That’s just how much eye makeup they had on. CRAZY!!!!  Anyway, what are your suggestions for a good liner and how to apply it?

-RK

Great question, RK!  For applying eyeliner naturally (i.e., without looking like a raccoon or Pete Wentz), there are a couple of techniques to play with.

The right eyeliner really makes a difference with this look, and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.  The key is to get a pencil that has a kohl-like texture, meaning it smudges easily to the touch (we like MAC Eye Kohl and L’Oréal Le Kohl Pencil Eyeliner).  If you have a pencil that’s a little harder to smudge, try softening it up by writing a few lines on a piece of paper, or blast your hairdryer on it for only a couple of seconds to warm it up. (Caution: don’t overdo it, or you’ll burn yourself!)

First, try a soft line on the upper lid only.  Start with a thin line on the inner corner of your eye, and slowly thicken it as you move toward the outer edge with small, brief strokes (you can also move from the outer edge in – there’s no “right” or “wrong” place to start). If your eyes are on the smaller side, start the line above the pupil and move out, as a fully-lined lid will “close up” the eyes and make them appear smaller.

For a more refined look (albeit a little tougher to apply), try a “tightliner” technique, where you line the inner eyelids underneath the lashes or as tight in line with the lashes as possible. Again, a softer kohl pencil liner works well, since it comes off easily to the touch, and you’re working in a sensitive area. Gently hold up your upper lashes with the side of your index finger on one hand, and apply the eyeliner with the other.

For a slightly more dramatic look, line the lower lashes with the same techniques.  As for color – well, that’s really up to you, but a general rule for a natural look is the lighter your hair, the lighter the shade of eyeliner.

This whole process may seem daunting at first, but don’t be afraid to play around to see what you like (and what you don’t).  After all, it’s just makeup, and you can wash it right off.  But if you’re a perfectionist at heart and want to get it right the first time, try out a couple of looks online first, and then test them in real life.

Want to know how to pull off the latest beauty trends…or just master the basics?  Ask BX.