A Guide to Eyeliner Application Methods

Eyeliner is an essential part of any makeup look. It has the power to transform your features and enhance your eyes. As a lash technician, you have built a career around placing individual lashes onto your clients one by one to create stunning lash masterpieces. 

Lash extensions boost your client’s confidence and make them feel like the stunning goddesses they are. Okay, we may have gotten a bit excited there. But what can we say? We’re passionate about our lashes. 

Alongside lashes, eye makeup is the second most important part of any top-notch makeup routine. Eyeliner is an easy and amazing way to further enhance your lash looks. 

Whether you want to add a smokey eye, a sharp modern wing, or a colorful graphic liner, we have got you covered with everything you could ever want to know about eyeliner. Get your steadiest hand ready and pull up a seat. 

Which Type of Eyeliner Should I Use?

For starters, there are so many different types of eyeliner. Eyeliner not only comes in a million different colors, but it also comes in a million different forms as well. There is a liquid liner, pencil liner, marker liner, powder liner, and even cream eyeliner. 

Each type of eyeliner is applied differently and has a different finishing effect. If you are trying to get a crisp modern cat-eye then you should use a liquid liner. However, if you are going for a softer, smudged look, then you will need a pencil liner. 

In this section, we will cover each type of eyeliner so that you can choose which type sounds best for your skill level and desired effect. Remember, makeup is all about getting creative, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a few different types of eyeliner to find your favorite. 

Pencil

Let’s start with the easiest type of eyeliner to apply. Pencil eyeliner is oftentimes the first type of eyeliner that a beginner uses. It is easy to apply and adjust if you accidentally make a mistake. Plus, it is mess-free and readily available at any store that sells beauty products. It is also one of the most versatile types of eyeliner. 

Pro tip: If you are looking for an eyeliner to keep in your beauty kit for emergency makeup needs, this should be your pick. 

To apply this type of eyeliner, always begin by sharpening your eyeliner. Sharpening your pencil liner will keep it fresh, pointy, and perfect for precise application. 

You can use a pencil liner to create sharp lines, or you can use the tip of your pinky or a makeup brush to gently buff it out near the lash line for a subtle smokey eye look. How you decide to express yourself with a pencil liner is totally up to you—it’s the liner that can do it all. 

Liquid

Do you have a steady hand and lots of experience with liners? Then a liquid liner could be a great choice for you. 

This eyeliner is not very forgiving in terms of making adjustments to your liner, so you need to have a steady hand to apply this liner with precision and perfection. If you have the steady hand for it, then you can create stunning sharp and precise eyeliner looks. 

Even the pros can make a mistake with this unforgiving liner, so be sure to have a clean brush and some concealer handy to clean up any uneven lines.

Powder and Cream

Eyeliner also comes in a powdered form like eyeshadow and a cream form. Both of these types of eyeliner are meant to be applied with a brush. 

If you like the precision of liquid liner but the ease of pencil liner, then these types of eyeliner will be perfect for you. The best part is that they are both totally smudgeable, which is great for times when you want a more natural look or are trying to compliment a dense pair of lashes. 

Pro tip: If you have given a client a full and spikey lash, they won't need as dramatic of eyeliner. Both cream and powder liners are great for elevating the already dramatic spiky lash with a small smudge along the lash line. 

Marker

Marker liners are just like liquid liners. The difference is, instead of dipping the superfine brush into a small tube of liquid (like with liquid liner), marker liners have the liner built into the tube. They apply essentially the same. 

Marker liners are great for liquid lining on the go and for beginner liquid liner users. If you’re looking to move from pencil to liquid, but liquid seems too daunting, consider a marker (or felt tip) liner. 

How Should I Choose My Eyeliner Shape?

Now that you are familiar with different types of eyeliners, it is time to pick the perfect shape for your client’s face. Eyeliner shape is just as important as lash shape when it comes to highlighting someone’s naturally beautiful features. Lean on your lash skills, and you will know what to do.

Eye Shape

Pick a shape of liner that compliments your client’s natural eye shape. For example, if they have small eyes, don’t bury them in a thick black liner. Instead, opt for something lighter. Likewise, if someone has down-turned eyes, try a winged liner to lift and brighten their face. 

Black is also not the only way to go when it comes to lining. Smaller eyes should consider a brown liner to prevent their eyes from being overwhelmed by black liner. This is just a suggestion as the wonderful thing about makeup is that it is up to the artistry of the wearer!

Eye Shaping

As a lash artist, you likely already take into account a client’s eye shape. The process is no different with eyeliner. Use your trained lash technician’s eye to determine the right shape for the eye.

Face Shape

Similarly, you should also take into account the face shape when choosing eyeliner. Once again, use your best judgment to lift and accentuate your client’s natural features. 

Which Eyeliner Shapes Can I Use?

Generally speaking, there are no rules when it comes to eyeliner. You use any eyeliner shape you want, so long as you adapt it to fit with your natural features. 

For example, if you have hooded eyes, you can still wear a winged eyeliner look; you just need to tweak it and apply it to fit your natural eyelid. 

Cat Eye Liner

A cat-eye is an adorable look that can work with any eye shape. Simply apply your eyeliner, starting with a swoopy wing on the end and then wrapping along the top lash line. 

As you move from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner, the liner should gradually narrow. This liner look can be done with any type of liner, although it looks extra good with the sharpness of a liquid or marker liner. 

Graphic Liner

If you are trying to make a fashion statement or create a dramatic modern look, then graphic liner is the way to go. You can create tons of creative, original looks with vibrant neon colors, white liners, and crisp black lines. 

Graphic liner is all about individuality and creativity. There is no set way to do it. Just grab a palate of vibrant liners and a fine eyeliner brush, then steady your hand and let your creative juices flow. 

Fishtail Liner

Not quite ready for a full-blown graphic liner, but still want something that has an extra bit of edge? Try a fishtail liner. A fishtail liner is easy to apply with a liquid or marker liner. 

Simply apply a cat-eye look but instead of one wing, do two right next to each other. This eyeliner look is great for small eyes because it creates two lines that visually pull the outer edges of their eyes up. This look is playful yet subtle.

Natural Liner

If you are looking for a no-fuss liner for daily wear, then try a natural eyeliner style. This is easily achieved with your pencil liner. Place a subtle thin line of eyeliner along the lash line, slightly pulling up at the end at a gentle angle. 

Then go back with the tip of your little finger or a small brush and lightly smudge the line to create a subtle, soft makeup look. Whenever you are going for a natural look, avoid the bottom lash line (or waterline). 

Eyeliner for Every Eye

Eyeliner comes in a ton of different types and can be applied in a bunch of different ways. If you can master the art of lash extensions, then eyeliner should come super easy to you. 

You already have steady hands and a good understanding of the face and eye shapes. Trust your instincts, and you will be surprised by the amazing quality of eyeliner you can do with the skills you already possess. 

Mastering all types of eye beautification techniques will make you a better lash artist. Plus, if you are really good at makeup, then you could possibly offer makeup services as a part of your lash business as well. Diversifying your beauty offerings is a great way to bring in more business. 

Sources: 

Mascara Ingredients, Waterproof Mascara, History of Mascara, and More | Web MD

Eyeliner Ingredients, Applying Eyeliner, Types, and More | Web MD

5 Easy Makeup Steps to Look Like You're Not Wearing Any | Web MD