Eyeliner is a versatile makeup tool that can enhance the shape and appearance of your eyes in various ways. Whether you prefer a subtle, natural look or a bold, dramatic style, there are numerous eyeliner techniques to choose from. In this guide, we’ll explore different types of eyeliners and provide tips on how to find eyeliner styles that complement your unique eye shape and face shape.
Types of Eyeliner
Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner offers precise application and is ideal for creating sharp, defined lines. It usually comes with a fine brush tip or felt-tip applicator, allowing for intricate designs and winged looks.
Pencil Eyeliner
Pencil eyeliner is a versatile option that is easy to use and blend. It comes in a variety of colors and textures, making it suitable for both subtle everyday looks and bold, dramatic styles.
Gel Eyeliner
Gel eyeliner typically comes in a pot or tube and is applied with a brush. It offers long-lasting wear and intense pigmentation, making it perfect for creating bold, graphic looks.
Powder Eyeliner
Powder eyeliner can be applied with a brush or an angled eyeliner brush. It provides a softer, more diffused effect compared to other types of eyeliner and is great for achieving a smoky eye look.
Pen Eyeliner
Pen eyeliner features a felt-tip applicator and offers the convenience of a marker-like design. It is easy to control and is perfect for creating precise lines and intricate designs.
Determining Eyeliner Styles for Your Eye Shape
Before experimenting with different eyeliner styles, it’s essential to determine your eye shape. Identifying your eye shape will help you choose the most flattering eyeliner techniques to enhance your natural features.
Different Eye Shapes
- Almond-shaped eyes: Oval-shaped with a slightly upswept outer corner.
- Round eyes: Circular with a visible crease.
- Hooded eyes: The eyelid crease is not visible when the eyes are open.
- Monolid eyes: Flat eyelids without a defined crease.
- Upturned eyes: The outer corners of the eyes are lifted.
- Downturned eyes: Outer corners of the eyes angle downwards.
Eyeliner Styles for Various Eye Shapes
- Almond-shaped eyes: Classic winged eyeliner helps accentuate the natural shape of almond eyes.
- Round eyes: A smoky eyeliner look can elongate round eyes and add definition.
- Hooded eyes: Tightline eyeliner along the upper waterline can make hooded eyes appear more open.
- Monolid eyes: Graphic eyeliner designs can create the illusion of depth and dimension on monolid eyes.
- Upturned eyes: Cat eyeliner with a subtle flick can enhance the upward lift of upturned eyes.
- Downturned eyes: Winged eyeliner with an upward flick can lift and elongate downturned eyes.
Eyeliner Styles for Different Face Shapes
In addition to considering your eye shape, it’s essential to take your face shape into account when choosing eyeliner styles.
Oval Face Shape
Oval face shapes are well-balanced and versatile, allowing for various eyeliner styles. Classic winged eyeliner and smoky eyeliner looks complement the natural symmetry of oval faces.
Round Face Shape
To elongate round faces, opt for eyeliner styles that create the illusion of length and definition. Tightline eyeliner along the upper lash line and extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner of the eyes.
Square Face Shape
Soft, rounded eyeliner styles can help soften the angles of square faces. Experiment with puppy eyeliner, which features a subtle downward curve at the outer corners of the eyes.
Heart Face Shape
Heart-shaped faces typically have wider foreheads and narrower chins. Focus on accentuating the eyes with bold eyeliner styles like graphic eyeliner or double-winged eyeliner.
Diamond Face Shape
Diamond-shaped faces have narrow foreheads and pointed chins. Create balance by opting for eyeliner styles that emphasize the eyes, such as floating eyeliner or glitter eyeliner.
Step-by-Step Guide: 10 Eyeliner Styles
1. Classic Winged Eyeliner
- Start by drawing a thin line along the upper lash line, extending it slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye.
- Create a small flick upwards from the outer corner of the eye.
- Connect the flick to the rest of the eyeliner, forming a triangle shape.
- Fill in the triangle with eyeliner to complete the winged look.
2. Smoky Eyeliner
- Apply pencil eyeliner along the upper lash line, smudging it with a brush for a soft, smoky effect.
- Use a darker eyeshadow to blend the eyeliner along the outer corner of the eye.
- Apply a lighter eyeshadow to the inner corner of the eye to brighten the look.
3. Tightline Eyeliner
- Gently lift the upper eyelid and apply pencil eyeliner along the upper waterline.
- This technique adds definition to the eyes without creating a noticeable line along the lash line.
4. Cat Eyeliner
- Draw a thin line along the upper lash line, extending it slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye.
- Create a small flick upwards from the outer corner of the eye, angling it towards the end of the eyebrow.
- Connect the flick to the rest of the eyeliner, forming a winged shape.
5. Graphic Eyeliner
- Use liquid eyeliner to create bold, geometric shapes on the eyelid.
- Experiment with lines, angles, and negative space to create a unique design.
6. Double-Winged Eyeliner
- Start by drawing a classic winged eyeliner along the upper lash line.
- Create a second winged line parallel to the first one, starting from the middle of the eyelid and extending towards the outer corner.
7. Puppy Eyeliner
- Draw a thin line along the upper lash line, extending it slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye.
- Create a subtle downward curve at the outer corner of the eye, mimicking the shape of a puppy’s eyes.
8. Floating Eyeliner
- Apply eyeliner above the crease of the eyelid, following the natural shape of the eye.
- This technique creates the illusion of larger, more open eyes.
9. Glitter Eyeliner
- Apply liquid eyeliner with glitter particles along the upper lash line for a glamorous, sparkling effect.
- Layer the glitter eyeliner over a base of black or colored eyeliner for added intensity.
10. Colored Eyeliner
- Experiment with bold, vibrant colors to add a pop of color to your eyeliner look.
- Choose shades that complement your eye color and skin tone for a flattering finish.
Experiment with different eyeliner styles to find the ones that suit your style and preferences. Whether you prefer a classic winged eyeliner or a bold graphic design, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating stunning eye looks with eyeliner.