Eyeliner pencils are a staple in many makeup routines, offering a versatile and easy way to define the eyes and enhance their natural beauty. However, with so many types and techniques available, choosing the right eyeliner pencil for your eye shape can be a bit overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the world of eyeliner pencils, providing tips and tricks tailored to different eye shapes to ensure you achieve a nice look.
Understanding Your Eye Shape
Before diving into the types of eyeliner pencils and their application techniques, it's crucial to understand your eye shape. The more common eye shapes include almond, round, hooded, monolid, downturned, and upturned. Identifying your eye shape will help you select the more flattering eyeliner pencil and application method.
Types of Eyeliner Pencils
Eyeliner pencils come in various formulations, including traditional pencils, gel pencils, and mechanical pencils. Each type of eyeliner pencil has its unique benefits:
Traditional Eyeliner Pencils: These need sharpening and offer a precise line, making them ideal for detailed work. They are great for creating both subtle and bold looks.
Gel Eyeliner Pencils: These provide a creamy texture that glides on smoothly, making them suitable for smudging and creating smoky eyes.
Mechanical Eyeliner Pencils: These retractable pencils do not require sharpening, offering convenience and precision. They are better for quick touch-ups and on-the-go applications.
Choosing the Right Eyeliner Pencil for Almond Eyes
Almond eyes are characterized by their classic, symmetrical shape. Many eyeliner pencil styles suit almond eyes, but a cat-eye look is particularly flattering. To achieve this:
Use a Gel Eyeliner Pencil: The creamy texture allows for smooth application and easy blending.
Start with a Thin Line: Begin at the inner corner and gradually thicken the line as you reach the outer corner.
Create a Wing: Extend the line slightly past the outer corner, flicking it upward to create a winged effect.
Choosing the Right Eyeliner Pencil for Round Eyes
Round eyes are large and open, and the goal is often to elongate them. To achieve this:
Use a Traditional Eyeliner Pencil: Its precision helps in creating a defined look.
Line the Upper Lash Line: Start from the inner corner to the outer corner, making sure to extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner.
Avoid Thick Lines: Keep the line thin and close to the lashes to prevent making the eyes look smaller.
Choosing the Right Eyeliner Pencil for Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes have a crease that is not visible when the eyes are open. The aim is to make the eyes appear larger and more open. To achieve this:
Use a Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil: Its precision is suit for tightlining and creating thin lines.
Tightline the Upper Waterline: This technique defines the eyes without taking up lid space.
Create a Thin Line Above the Lash Line: Keep the line thin and close to the lashes to prevent it from disappearing into the crease.
Choosing the Right Eyeliner Pencil for Monolid Eyes
Monolid eyes lack a defined crease, and the goal is to create the illusion of depth. To achieve this:
Use a Gel Eyeliner Pencil: The creamy texture is easy to blend and smudge.
Create a Thick Line: Start with a thick line along the upper lash line, gradually thinning it as you reach the inner corner.
Smudge the Line: Use a smudging tool to soften the line and create a smoky effect.
Choosing the Right Eyeliner Pencil for Downturned Eyes
Downturned eyes have outer corners that turn downward. The aim is to lift and create balance. To achieve this:
Use a Traditional Eyeliner Pencil: Its precision is ideal for creating a lifted look.
Line the Upper Lash Line: Start from the inner corner and stop at the outer third of the eye.
Create an Upward Flick: At the outer corner, create a small upward flick to lift the eye.
Choosing the Right Eyeliner Pencil for Upturned Eyes
Upturned eyes have outer corners that tilt upward, resembling a natural cat-eye. The goal is to enhance this shape. To achieve this:
Use a Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil: Its precision and ease of use are better for enhancing the eye shape.
Line the Upper Lash Line: Start from the inner corner and extend the line slightly past the outer corner, following the natural upward tilt.
Enhance the Lower Lash Line: Lightly line the outer third of the lower lash line to add definition without closing the eye.
Tips for All Eye Shapes
Regardless of your eye shape, here are some general tips for using an eyeliner pencil effectively:
Keep Your Eyeliner Pencil Sharp: A sharp eyeliner pencil ensures precise application and reduces the risk of smudging.
Use Light Strokes: Applying the eyeliner pencil with light, short strokes gives you more control and allows for a more natural look.
Blend When Needed: Blending the eyeliner pencil can soften harsh lines and create a more seamless look.
Set Your Eyeliner: To prevent your eyeliner pencil from smudging set it with a matching eyeshadow.
Conclusion
Choosing the right eyeliner pencil for your eye shape can enhance your natural beauty and help you achieve a variety of looks. Whether you have almond, round, hooded, monolid, downturned, or upturned eyes, there is an eyeliner pencil and technique that will work better for you. Experiment with different types of eyeliner pencils and application methods to find the combination that accentuates your eyes and complements your overall makeup style. By understanding your eye shape and following these tips, you can master the art of eyeliner pencil application and achieve stunning results every time.