8 Eyeliner Hacks You Should Know

The perfect eyeliner can make or break a look, but smudges, awkward lines and flaking are all part of applying it. Whether you’re an eye makeup beginner or pro, these 8 eyeliner tricks will enhance your eyeliner game and make your eyes pop in no time.

More than just aesthetics, the best eyeline makes you feel confident, enlightens your gaze and works with any look, be it worn by day in casual attire or rocked by night when you’re glam and ready to head out.

Hence, using these hacks will keep your line precise, long-wearing and flatter you regardless of shape or style.

Why Mastering Eyeliner Is Essential

More than just the fine line, it defines your eyes and improves your lashes and can actually give the illusion of a different shape or perspective to each eye. With a few clever tricks, though, you can save time and prevent mistakes and guarantee that your eyes pop all day.

1.     The 3/4 Rule for Perfect Placement

One common mistake is attempting to line up from the corner of your eye to the other in one stroke. According to this rule, you will divide your eyelid into three parts and apply eyeliner only to the outer two-thirds. It will just naturally raise your eyes and make them look more and make your eye look gorgeous without ever getting too heavy or overdone.

Tip: Use a series of short strokes to connect the lines, rather than attempting to draw one unbroken line. This ensures smoothness and symmetry.

2.     Tightline Your Eyes

Tightlining is when you apply eyeliner to your upper waterline, that teeny, tiny patch of skin between your upper lashes and your eyeball. The tiny little trick that makes your lashes look thicker and gives beautiful definition to your eyes, without the weight of eyeliner; Shake your way to double intensity colour with this fabulous liquid eyelash shadow.

Pro Tip: You can also consider using a waterproof pencil eyeliner to avoid smearing or eye irritation.

3.     Create an Invisible Eyeliner Base

If your eyeliner is usually stubborn to keep in place or fades after a few hours of wear, you've got to try this invisible liner trick. Use a nude or white pencil to line your lash area and then add your regular eyeliner over top. It works as a base to lock down and intensify the liner while also preventing feathering.

Bonus Hack: You can also set your liner by pressing a light eyeshadow over its line mine. This set works particularly well for gel and pencil liners.

4.     Use Tape for Flawless Wings

The perfect wing can feel challenging to achieve. Another quick hack?

Just use a strip of Scotch tape placed from the outer corner of your eye, at an angle to the end of your eyebrow. Just draw your eyeliner along the edge of the tape and peel it off carefully for a flawless wing tip.

Pro Tip: Ensure the tape isn’t too sticky, or it could be upsetting to your skin. You could even use painter’s tape or the sticky note edge as a soft alternative.

5.     Smudge it for a Smoky Effect

A crisp, clean line isn’t the answer for every look. Smudge your eyeliner just as soon as you apply it, for a smoldering smoky eye. Lightly blur the edges with a smudge brush or cotton swab.

Tip: Dark brown or charcoal pencils are great for daytime smokiness, and black or navy pencils work for a nighttime look.

6.     Apply a Layer of Gel or Liquid Liner

For those whose eyeliner fades something terrible by noon, layering is a good idea. Begin by mapping out your line with a pencil, then go over it in gel or liquid liner. Done this way, the color will be set, and your eyeliner will have a dramatic staying power.

Pro Tip: For even longer-lasting longevity, use a fine brush to apply matching eyeshadow over your liner.

7.     Use a Spoon for the Perfect Round

How to get an absolutely perfect curved line with a spoon?

Hold the spoon curve against your lash line and then draw a straight line along it. There’s no better way to make sure you have symmetry, particularly for winged looks.

Tip: Smaller spoons like tea spoons are best for getting the fine lines you’d need, while larger spoons can help form a more dramatic, extended wing.

8.     White Eyeliner for Big Eye Look

To make your eyes look more open, add white or nude eyeliner to your lower waterline. This brings in the eyes, it makes them look bigger and highlights whatever style of mascara you decide on.

Bonus Hack: Combine this with a soft tightline on the upper waterline for an open, awake look that lasts all day.

Conclusion

Eyeliner is one of the most game-changing makeup tools out there, but getting it right takes some practice and a few tips. And from the 3/4 rule that guides your eyes up naturally, to using white eyeliner, every hack gets you closer to professional status results. Tape or a spoon for winged perfection, layering products to make it last or smudging to give it an edge. But these little tricks can totally revolutionise your makeup regime and save time/effort.

Ah, yes, makeup is an experiment!

Mix and match these techniques to find what suits you best. Do not be intimidated by these tips. So, with some practice, the correct products and a couple of insider tricks, achieving perfect eyeliner every day isn’t that difficult now!

FAQs

What does the 3/4 rule mean for eyeliner?

Divide the lid into three parts, and the liner should be applied only to the outer two-thirds of your eye. This brings up the eyes and keeps it from being too overwhelming.

Which makes eyes look bigger, top or bottom eyeliner?

Your eyes will appear larger if only the top lash line is lined properly and you use white eyeliner on the waterline of your eyes.

What is the invisible lining trick?

Before applying the liner, apply white or nude liner along your lash line. It keeps the product from smudging and enhances color.