Expert Eyeliner Tips

Expert eyeliner tips make the difference between getting noticed from across the room to being passed right by. Whether you use liquid eyeliners or pencils, you can learn how to apply eyeliner like a professional and give your eyes that extra dimension that looks ultra sexy and super chic.

Start by choosing the right shade of eyeliner. It's easy to jump to the conclusion that jet black is the way to go, but that isn't always the case. If you have light hair and a light skin tone, you should try a brown or even a green eyeliner rather than the stark black that can look over done.

Try both pencils and liquid eyeliners to see which one works best and looks most natural on you. Even though your eyes do not naturally have eyeliner on them, when it is applied properly eyeliner gives you a pop without looking costume-ish.

For expert eyeliner, the trick is to apply the liner as close to your lash line as possible. Use short strokes rather than one long sweep. Don't extend way out past the corner of your eye, unless you are going for the cat-eye look. On your lower lashes, don't put the eyeliner on the inside of your eyelid. This will get the makeup in your eyes and can lead to infection. Also, leave the liner off the inside corner of the lower lid for a softer look.

If you use a pencil eyeliner, make sure you keep it well sharpened. If you use a liquid, keep the line as thin as you can, unless you are going for the smoky eye look. In that case, thicker is definitely better.

There are other options as well, including gel, cake and powders. You can use an eyeshadow as well, applied with a thin brush. Wet the brush so the shadow goes on almost like a liquid and let it dry after applying. You'll get a soft look without the harsh line liquid eyeliners can cause.