MakeUp
Eyeliner Mistakes You didn’t Know You’re Making
The eyeliner is a makeup tool that enhances the eyes and subtle compliments the overall appearance of the face. It can make your eyes appear large or small giving definition to them. Eyeliner can also change the shape, add intensity and depth to the way your eyes look. You can also use eyeliner to create different aesthetic effects depending on the way it is applied such as cat- eyes or a sultry look.
But there are some mistakes most of us make when using this cosmetic and it can affect the overall appearance. Here are some of these mistakes.
Don’t pull too hard on your eye lid
Pulling or Tugging Your Lid Too Hard
Many of us stretch our eyelids during application, thinking it smooths the surface. Truth is, when you release the skin, it bounces back, taking the liner with it. This leads to uneven or “bumpy” lines . Instead, stabilize your hand by resting your elbow on a flat surface and gently stretch with just fingertips. For winged looks, tilt your chin slightly down and gaze forward to map your natural contour smoothly.
Prep your face always
Skipping Prep + Primer
Ever wonder why your liner fades or smudges halfway through the day? It’s often because you skipped prepping. Cleaning eyelids of oils and adding primer or a light foundation helps grip the liner and lock it in place. Take a few extra seconds—your lines will stay bolder and fresher.
Different types of liner and their best application
Not Choosing the Right Formula
All liners are not equal.
- Pencil liners are soft, blendable, and forgiving—great for beginners .
- Liquid liners are bold and precise but dry fast—perfect for sharp cat-eyes, though tricky at first.
- Gel liners offer smooth pigmentation with better control.
Choose your formula based on the look you’re going for and your confidence level.
Applying Liquid Liner at the End
A clever tip: start with liquid eyeliner before applying foundation or concealer. That way, if you mess up, you can wipe it off without disturbing your base. Liquid dries quickly, so leave it for a minute before applying mascara or eyeshadow to prevent smudging.
Rushing the Wing
Winged liner looks effortless, but only if you don’t rush. Instead, take a measured approach:
- Look forward in the mirror with your eyes open.
- Stick a small piece of tape at the angle you want.
- Use it as a guide for drawing your wing. This technique keeps both eyes symmetrical and keeps the flick crisp.
Do not over line your lower lid
Over-lining the Lower Lash Line
Lining just the lower lash line in dark tones can drag your eye downward and make it appear smaller . If you want definition below, opt for a lighter shade—taupe, bronze, or nude pencil are great choices.
Neglecting Tightlining
Tightlining fills the lash line and creates the illusion of thicker lashes. It’s simple—just lift your upper lid and apply a pencil eyeliner right along the waterline. This small step makes a big difference, especially for natural-looking definitions.
Not Cleaning Up Mistakes Properly
Making corrections using the eyeliner itself can cause clumping or spread mess . Instead, dab a fine brush or cotton swab with micellar water or a touch of concealer to tidy up edges for an ultra-precise finish.
Final Take
Eyeliner enhances your look but this lies in the technique that you use—- are you doing it the right way? Follow these tips above and you’ll soon be flaunting your flawless envy- worthy eyes.
All it takes is the right method and practice.
read also: Flawless from the Start: Top 3 Beginner Makeup Tutorials