How many times have you been just eyeliner away from a great face day only to botch it and have to start all over? You’re not alone. Eyeliner application is a feat for all but a handful of women and one of the leading causes of early morning rage in bathrooms across the globe. To add insult to injury, we continue to see these perfectly lined models and celebrities flaunting their impeccable cat eyes and flawless liquid-lined lids. Well their secrets are out – not the least of which is that someone else does it for them. These are the tips that make the experts, the experts. After a few tries, you’ll find yourself the envy of onlookers as you let your blinks last just a moment longer so they can get a better look.

Begin by choosing the type of liner that will work best for you. Traditional pencils that you sharpen with a sharpener may seem like the easiest choice, but that’s not always true. They can be dry and that makes it difficult to create a smooth line. If these are your choice, look for brands that contain moisturizers to make them softer and creamier.

Mechanical pencils that self sharpen are usually softer and may solve the problem of the dry traditional pencil while still providing the control you like. However, if a sharp edge is what serves you well. Stick with traditional pencils.

Liquid liners are perhaps the most difficult to apply, but they are the longest lasting of the eye liner family. The difficulty usually lies with the applicator tip. Most are long brushes that separate or bend making it hard to maintain a clean, straight line.

Cream and gel liners are the most intense. They go on very opaque and, by nature, are thicker than other types of liner. These are best for evenings when you want more color and can go wider with the overall lines you create.

Powder liners are the easiest to blend, but offer the least staying power – which may not be a big deal if you have time for touch-ups because they are also the simplest to re-apply. Powder liners, as well as gels and creams, are applied with a stiff, angled brush that makes it easier to create the look you want.

Now that you’ve chosen the right product, let’s talk application. One of the most helpful tips from the pros is that this is a two-handed job. Keeping the skin around your eyes taut without pulling or stretching it makes a much more cooperative surface.

Begin by sweeping a light, translucent powder across your lids with an eye shadow brush. This will help set the liner and create a smooth transition into other colors you apply to your lids.

If you’re using a traditional pencil, sharpen it and then wipe it along a tissue to remove any jagged edges. For liner applied with a brush, dab the brush to a tissue before applying to remove any clumps before they end up on your skin.

Place your finger on your brow bone and gently lift the outer corner of your eye toward your temple. Beginning at the outer corner of your upper lash line, sketch (not draw or paint) the liner toward the inside of your eye. Stop just before the inner corner. Sketching helps the liner to look more natural and professional. Fill in any gaps. To sketch the lower lashes place your finger on your check bone just below the outer corner and gently lift the lower lashes out and up toward the outer edge of your eyebrow. Start at the outer corner and sketch the liner in just past the iris of your eye.

Step back from the mirror 6 – 12 inches and have a look. Use a makeup sponge to soften any harsh lines or smudges.

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