Makeup 101: Eye Liners

Eye liner can easily add drama to a blah eye look.

Eye liner is used to accentuate, shape, and draw attention to the eyes.  In ancient Egypt it was also used as sun protection for the eyes in a similar way to how a football player uses eye black.

Types of Eye Liners*

Powder-based eye pencils are eyeliner in a wood or plastic pencil form. It is generally available in dark matte shades.

Wax-based eye pencils are softer pencils and contain waxes that ease application. They come in a wide variety of intense colours as well as paler shades such as white or beige. Wax-based eyeliners can also come in a cone or a compact with a brush applicator.

Kohl eyeliner is a soft powder available in dark shades. It is most often used in black to outline the eyes. It comes in pencil, pressed powder, or loose powder form. This type of eyeliner is more likely to smudge.

Liquid -an opaque liquid that is applied with a tiny brush or felt applicator. It creates a sharp, precise line. Because liquid eyeliner looks a lot heavier, it is often only applied to the upper lashline.

Gel eyeliner is a soft liner that can be easily applied with an eyeliner brush. It can be precisely applied and is much softer than Kohl.

*Information from Wikipedia

Of course there are hybrid eye liners as well such as cream to powder, kohl pencils and crayons.  You can also use deyeshadow to line your eyes.

In the picture above are three types of eye liner from left to right: gel, liquid, and kohl pencil. You can see how the different types adhere to the skin and the different effects they produce.

Shown on my arm are three of my favorite drugstore eyeliners including:

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner - Black

Jordana Fabuliner Liquid Eyeliner - Black

Rimmel London Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner - Brown

Buying an Eye Liner

Make sure that you choose an eyeliner that does not pull or tug on the delicate eye area.  Do not sacrifice quality for price.  That being said, there are many excellent drugstore varieties.  Take it home and try it out to see how it will wear on you.  If you are unhappy with it for any reason, many stores allow cosmetic returns with a receipt.

Waterproof vs. Normal

Many people like waterproof eyeliners because they resist sweat and oil therefore lasting longer on the lids than normal eyeliner.  They are necessary for applying liner to the waterline and tightlining, otherwise the liquid from your eyes would cause them to rub off and make a mess.  However, some people have adverse reactions to waterproof eye liners.  If you have sensitive skin and eyes it is best to stick to normal eye liners.

Choosing colors

Neutral and brown colors are best for natural and everyday looks while wild colors are best left for fun occasions rather than work or school.  This does not mean you can't incorporate color into your everyday look, just make sure to balance it out with neutrals.

Add a soft cat eye, called a kitten eye, to neutral work makeup for something fun and different.

Add a pop of color to your neutral school makeup by using a bright colored eyeliner on your lower lashline.

Areas where you can apply eye liner

Upper Lash Line - above the upper eyelashes

Lower Lash Line - under the lower eyelashes

Waterline - the inside of the lower eyelid (just on the inside of your lower eyelashes)

Tightline - the inside of the upper eyelid (just on the inside of your upper eyelashes)

There are infinite possibilities for applying eye liner, just do a Google search for the look you want to achieve.