Eyeliner: 5 tips for a perfect look

INTRODUCTION

Eyeliner is a makeup staple , and for good reason. Depending on how it's applied, it can subtly or dramatically transform your look—and it looks great on just about everyone! Learning how to apply eyeliner can seem tricky at first, but we've put together a comprehensive guide to achieving the perfect look. We'll explain when to use liquid, gel, cream, or pencil eyeliner, then offer easy-to-follow instructions for each type. As a bonus, you'll find plenty of pro tips and even a tutorial for creating a stunning cat eye.

👉 What you need to know

• Use a pencil for a blended or natural look , or a liquid eyeliner for smooth, precise lines. Opt for a gel for bold, defined lines, and a cream texture for a soft, natural look.
• If you're just starting out , start with a pencil (or a cream eyeliner in pencil form). This is the easiest type of liner to use.
• Apply your eyeliner along the upper lash line , keeping it thinner at the inner corner of the eye and thicker towards the outer corner.
• Work in small strokes , then add more as needed to achieve a uniform, continuous line across the entire upper eyelid.

Tip #1: Choosing your Eyeliner

Eyeliner pencil:

Eyeliner pencils are ideal for beginners and can easily achieve a natural or slightly blended look. Pencils are easy to apply because they work like any other pencil. Apply lightly for a subtle, natural effect, or blend to create a smoky or more intense look.

• Unlike liquid eyeliner, pencil does not run into the eyes .
• It may be necessary to sharpen or blunt the tip depending on the desired effect: a blunt tip gives a more intense and blurred line, while a fine tip offers a lighter and more precise line.

Liquid eyeliner:

Liquid eyeliner allows you to create smooth, curved, and precise lines for a clean, elegant look. It comes in a felt-tip pen or a bottle with a brush . To use it, simply draw the desired line and then fill in any gaps with a second application. You can achieve a wide variety of looks: from fine, natural lines to more pronounced, dramatic styles.

• Liquid eyeliner can be tricky to master at first , so if you're just starting out, it's a good idea to start with a pencil (unless you enjoy a challenge!).
• Felt-tip pens are fairly simple to use, although they can be a little messier than pencils. With a brush and bottle , it often takes a little practice to get the right amount.
• Droopy eyelids tend to smudge liner because of the extra fold of skin, but a waterproof liquid eyeliner is a great option in this case.

Gel eyeliner:

Try gel eyeliner if you want to create bold, intense lines. Gel eyeliner comes in a small jar with a brush, and it's easy to use. Its thicker texture makes it perfect for dramatic looks, like cat eyes or bold comma lines .

• You can use other brushes with your gel eyeliner. An angled brush is often best for precise application.
• Remember to clean the brush regularly to avoid any risk of eye infection.

Cream eyeliner:

Opt for a cream eyeliner for a soft, natural look.
Cream eyeliner, like gel, often comes in a small pot into which you dip a brush. It can also be found in pencil form, making it a good choice for beginners who are more comfortable with a pencil than a brush. It's ideal for a soft, blended look and applies very smoothly.

• Many people use cream and gel eyeliners interchangeably , but the cream texture is more flexible and gives a more natural result.
• If you are aiming for a dark and intense smoky eye look, opt for gel instead, as cream will not give such a strong line.
• Cream eyeliner takes longer to dry and smudges more easily than others, so it may not be suitable for drooping eyelids , where extra skin rubs against the eyelid, promoting smudging.

💡Pro tip💡

Try graphic eyeliner for a bold look. This modern technique works well with almost any eye shape and allows for easy variation. Opt for a black graphic liner for a classic look, or go bold with color for a more original look. Pair this style with a neutral lipstick for a balanced, modern aesthetic.

Tip #2: Eyeliner Pencil Application

Sharpen or blunt your eyeliner pencil if necessary.
The sharpness of the tip will influence the rendering of your line. A well-sharpened pencil produces a thin, precise line, while a blunt pencil produces a thicker, rounded line.

• To sharpen the pencil, use a sharpener suitable for eyeliners until you achieve the desired fineness.
• To blunt the tip, gently rub it on a tissue until it reaches the desired level of roundness.

Warm or cool your pencil as needed to adjust its consistency.
For eyeliner to apply smoothly, it needs to be at the right temperature.
A cold pencil provides a softer, lighter application, while a warmed , more flexible pencil gives a more pigmented and intense line.
If your pencil seems too hard, warm it up slightly . If it's too soft, cool it down .

• To warm up your pencil, use a hairdryer on high and point it at the eyeliner for a few seconds. This will soften the tip to a gel-like consistency. Test it on your wrist before applying it to your eyes.
• To cool your pencil, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes before use. This helps prevent it from crumbling during application.

For a clean, natural eyeliner stroke , hold the outer corner of your eyelid and gently pull outward. This tightens the skin and makes it easier to draw evenly. Raise your eyebrows slightly to clear the lash line, and steady your hand by resting your elbow on a flat surface.

Always start from the outside of the eye and work inward , thickening the line on the outside and thinning it out towards the inner corner. Use short strokes for a seamless line.

💡 To open up your eyes , apply a light shade (like a cream eyeliner) to the inner corner, and a darker shade (like brown) to the outer corner. Blend the two with an angled brush for a subtle gradient.

For an ultra-natural effect , consider tight lining : apply the eyeliner only between the upper lashes. You can also do it on the lower lashes to enhance the intensity of your eyes without leaving any visible marks.

Finally, if you draw the bottom line:

• For an intense look, apply makeup along the entire line.
• For a light look, only paint the outer half with a soft shade (light brown).

Tip #3: Applying Liquid Eyeliner

Shake the bottle to mix the eyeliner well.
Make sure the cap is tightly closed, then shake the bottle for a few seconds. Then let it sit for a few moments for the liquid to stabilize, then unscrew the cap and remove the brush.

• If the brush is dripping with product (or has a clump of eyeliner ready to run onto your eyelid), gently wipe it on the rim of the bottle to remove the excess.

Apply eyeliner from the middle of your upper lash line outwards.
Start with your right or left eye, depending on your preference. Place the brush as close to your upper lashes as possible, then apply the eyeliner by drawing an outward line to the outer corner of your eye. The initial line may be a little uneven, but you can correct this by filling in the gaps later.

💡 Tip : If you're worried about getting an uneven line, first draw the line with an eyeliner pencil , then go over it with liquid eyeliner for a cleaner look.

Start by drawing the eyeliner from the center of the eyelid outward , along the upper lash line. Then, complete from the inner corner toward the center to create a continuous, even line. Use short, successive strokes for a clean finish.

💡 Tip: If you smudge, correct it with a cotton swab soaked in makeup remover oil.

For an intense look , add a wing by extending the lower lash line upwards from the outer corner. You can:

• Create a small comma for a subtle effect
• Draw a long wing for a dramatic look

For a perfect outline:

• Use a card or tape as an angle guide
• Trace both wings before filling them for a symmetrical result

Tip #4: Applying Gel Eyeliner

Apply the gel to one side of the brush only.
Gel eyeliner usually comes in a small jar and is applied with a thin brush . When you're ready to use it, unscrew the lid of the jar and dip the edge or tip of the brush into the gel so that you only get a thin layer.

• 💡 The gel can dry quickly , so close the jar tightly as soon as you are finished.
• If the texture seems a little dry or stiff, warm the jar slightly between your hands to make it easier to apply.

Start applying the eyeliner to the inner and outer corners.
First, draw the eyeliner from the inner corner of the lash line towards the center , without filling it in completely. Then, apply it from the center of the eyelid towards the outer corner .

• If your eyelids tend to cover the eyeliner line, draw an arc-shaped line . This will allow the line to remain visible even when your eyes are open.

Run the brush along the lash line to fill it in.
Once you've drawn your starting lines on the inner and outer corners, fill in the spaces in the center of your eyelid. Use small, gentle strokes to create an even line along your upper lash line. For a clean, defined result, go over the line several times.

• Refill your gel brush as needed. Depending on the initial amount, one eye may be enough, or you can refill a little.
• For a smoky or blended effect , apply a little eyeshadow along the eyeliner line, and for more tips, check out our blog on 2025 Trends: Eyeshadow

Tip #5: Applying Cream Eyeliner

Dip your brush into the cream eyeliner and blend until well coated.
Use a small, firm, angled brush for optimal application. Swirl the brush around in the jar until it is well coated.

• Since cream eyeliner tends to smudge more easily, cleanse your face and apply a primer to your eyelids before applying. Oily skin can make it more prone to smudging.

Apply your cream eyeliner to your upper lash line starting from the outer corner.
Using your brush, apply the eyeliner in small, even strokes to create a seamless line along your upper eyelid. Start at the outer corner and work inward, applying light touches of product .

• With cream eyeliner, a little goes a long way , but you'll often need to refill your brush more frequently than with gel.
• 💡 Pro tip: Tilt your head back slightly and look into the mirror through half-closed eyes. This naturally smooths the eyelid and gives you a better view of your lash line during application.

Reapply eyeliner if necessary to intensify the line.
Because cream eyeliner is so fluid, a single layer may appear undefined or flimsy . For a darker, more intense result, continue applying small strokes of liner until you achieve the desired intensity.

Conclusion

Whether you're a fan of pencil, gel, cream, or liquid liner, each type of eyeliner has its advantages for enhancing your look. Thanks to this complete guide, you now have all the keys to choosing the right product according to your desires and your level, but also to master each application technique, from the classic line to the bold cat-eye. Working in small steps , adjusting the pressure, using the right tools and, above all, taking the time to experiment, will allow you to obtain an impeccable result, adapted to your body shape and your style.