How To Put On Eyeliner: Your Complete Guide For A Perfect Look

Prof. Rickie Hammes II 16 Aug 2025

Learning how to put on eyeliner can seem a little bit tricky at first glance, but we’ve assembled a helpful guide for giving yourself a really nice look. It's truly a skill many people want to pick up, and you know, with some practice, anyone can get the hang of it. We're here to show you how to put on eyeliner in a way that feels easy and gets you the results you want.

Applying eyeliner can seem challenging if you've never done it before, but we promise, it’s much more straightforward than it might appear. You might be wondering, how to put on eyeliner the right way? Well, this guide has the best methods and tips to help you get the eyeliner that makes your eye shape look its best, so you can feel good about your appearance.

Once you've got your proper eyeliner method down, the options are truly limitless. This guide will be your go-to for how to put on eyeliner in five different ways, offering you lots of choices for your daily style or for something more special. We’ll cover everything, honestly, from everyday looks to a dramatic cat eye, giving you the confidence to try new things.

Understanding Eyeliner Types
Prepping for Lasting Eyeliner
The Basic Eyeliner Application
Five Ways to Put on Eyeliner
Eyeliner for Different Eye Shapes
Expert Tips for a Polished Finish
Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Eyeliner Types

When you are figuring out how to put on eyeliner, knowing your tools is, you know, a really good first step. We’ll tell you when to use liquid, gel, cream, or pencil, because each one gives a different effect and has its own way of being used. It's pretty cool how many options there are, honestly.

Pencil Eyeliner

Pencil eyeliner is, in a way, often the first choice for many people just starting out. It's quite forgiving, meaning it's easier to correct mistakes. You can get a soft line with it, or you can smudge it out for a smokier effect. This type is generally good for the lower lash line, too, and for a subtle look.

Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner gives you a very sharp, precise line, which is great for a bold look or a cat eye. It comes in a little pot with a brush or in a pen-like form. This one, you know, takes a bit more steadiness to apply, but the results are really striking. It's definitely a favorite for those wanting a crisp finish.

Gel Eyeliner

Gel eyeliner usually comes in a small pot and needs a separate brush for putting it on. It offers a smooth application and can be used for both sharp lines and smudged looks, which is pretty versatile. It dries fairly quickly, so you get a lasting finish. Many people find it a nice middle ground between pencil and liquid, actually.

Cream Eyeliner

Cream eyeliner is quite similar to gel but often has a slightly softer texture. It's also applied with a brush and gives a rich color. It's good for creating a more intense line or for blending out. You might find it, like, really easy to work with for a variety of styles.

Prepping for Lasting Eyeliner

To make your eyeliner stay put all day long, a little preparation goes a long way, you know. It's not just about how to put on eyeliner, but also about setting it up for success. This simple step can really make a difference in how your look holds up.

Begin by applying some primer on your eyelids, for instance. This creates a smooth base and helps your eyeliner stick better, preventing it from smudging or fading. It’s a bit like preparing a canvas before painting, so your colors stay true and vibrant.

Then, think about using waterproof eyeliner, especially if you need your look to last through a long day or in humid conditions. Waterproof formulas are designed to resist moisture, which means less worry about your eyeliner running. After you've put on your eyeliner, you can use a setting spray or translucent powder to set it. This step, honestly, helps lock everything in place, making your eyeliner practically bulletproof for hours.

The Basic Eyeliner Application

Ready to learn how to put on eyeliner like a pro? The basic technique is actually quite simple once you get the feel for it. It's all about control and starting small, you know, building up your line bit by bit. This method works for most eyeliner types, too.

Get close to the mirror, obviously, so you can see what you are doing clearly. Then, trace a line from the inner corner of your eye to the outer corner. Always keep the line as close to the root of your lashes as you possibly can. This creates the illusion of fuller lashes and makes your eyes look more defined.

You can do this in small dashes or by drawing a continuous line, whatever feels more comfortable for you. The goal is a smooth, even line. If you make a small mistake, you know, a cotton swab with a little makeup remover can clean it right up. Practice really helps here, as a matter of fact.

Five Ways to Put on Eyeliner

This guide has the best techniques and tips to achieve the eyeliner that best highlights your eye shape, and it includes how to put on eyeliner in five different ways. You can choose a look for any occasion, from a subtle everyday style to something much more dramatic, you know. Each style offers a unique way to frame your eyes.

Natural Lash Line

For a natural eye makeup look, you want to keep the line very thin and close to your upper lashes. Use a pencil or a gel liner for this, as they are easier to control. Just trace along your lash line, making sure there are no gaps between your lashes and the line. This look, you know, just makes your lashes appear thicker without looking like you have a lot of makeup on.

The Classic Wing

The classic winged eyeliner is, honestly, a popular choice that adds a touch of glamor. Start with your basic lash line. Then, from the outer corner of your eye, draw a small line upwards and outwards, aiming towards the end of your eyebrow. Connect the tip of this line back to the middle of your lash line, forming a triangle. Fill in the triangle, and there you have it, a lovely wing. Liquid or gel liner works really well for this style.

Tightlining for Fullness

Tightlining is a subtle trick that makes your lashes look fuller without obvious eyeliner. To do this, you lift your upper eyelid slightly and draw a line on your upper waterline, right at the base of your lashes. A waterproof pencil eyeliner is, like, perfect for this. It’s a quick way to add depth to your eyes, and you know, it’s almost invisible.

Soft, Smudged Look

For a softer, smokier look, apply a thicker line of pencil or cream eyeliner along your upper lash line. Then, immediately use a smudging brush or a cotton swab to gently blend the line upwards and outwards. This softens the edge and creates a diffused effect. You can also apply a little bit to your lower lash line and smudge that too for a more complete look, in a way.

Double Wing for Drama

If you want something really bold, try a double wing. Start with your classic winged eyeliner on the upper lash line. Then, draw a second, smaller wing just below the first one, following the curve of your lower lash line. This creates a striking, artistic look. It’s a bit more advanced, you know, but definitely makes a statement.

Eyeliner for Different Eye Shapes

We tapped three professional makeup artists to help teach us how each eye shape should approach their eyeliner. Remember though, these are only suggestions, as there are no strict rules. It's more about what you feel looks good on you, you know, and what you like.

Almond Eyes

Almond eyes are considered very balanced. You can pretty much try any eyeliner style. A thin line that gets slightly thicker towards the outer corner works really well. A classic wing also looks great, honestly, enhancing the natural shape.

Round Eyes

For round eyes, the goal is often to make them appear a bit more elongated. Extend your eyeliner past the outer corner of your eye with a longer wing. This helps to stretch the eye shape horizontally. Applying eyeliner only to the outer two-thirds of your lash line can also be effective, you know.

Hooded Eyes

With hooded eyes, the eyelid skin folds over, sometimes hiding the eyeliner. For these eyes, a thin line that gets thicker as it goes outwards can work. You might need to draw your wing a little higher and more straight out so it's visible when your eyes are open. Tightlining is also a fantastic option, as it adds definition without taking up lid space, too.

Monolid Eyes

Monolid eyes typically have no crease. A thicker line of liquid or gel eyeliner can be really striking here. You can also try a "floating" crease line just above your lash line to create the illusion of a deeper set eye. A bold wing, you know, can also look amazing on monolid eyes.

Expert Tips for a Polished Finish

Ready to learn how to put on eyeliner like a pro? Beyond the basic application, a few tricks can make your eyeliner look even better and last longer. These are tips that makeup artists often use, so you know, they really work.

For a steady hand, try resting your elbow on a table or flat surface while applying. This helps to reduce wobbling and gives you more control. You can also use a small piece of tape as a guide for a super sharp wing. Just place it at the angle you want your wing to be, and then draw your line along the edge. It’s pretty clever, honestly.

If you make a mistake, don't worry about it too much. A small, angled brush dipped in a tiny bit of concealer can clean up any smudges or uneven lines, making your eyeliner look perfect. This is a common trick, actually, for getting a really clean finish. Practice is, like, the most important thing here. The more you do it, the better you get, obviously.

With video tutorials and tips on how to put on eyeliner, this is all the information you need to tackle a natural eye makeup look or a dramatic cat eye. There are so many helpful resources out there, you know, that can show you different angles and techniques. You can learn more about makeup essentials on our site, which might give you some ideas for other products. For more inspiration, you could also check out various eye makeup looks to find what suits your style best.

You can also find lots of helpful visual guides online, like those from "Beginners eyeliner makeup tutorial | how to apply eyeliner themakeupchair 1.52m subscribers subscribed." These videos can really show you the motions and help you grasp the technique. Seeing someone actually apply it, you know, can make all the difference. For more general beauty advice, you might find useful information on sites like Byrdie's eyeliner tips, which offer a broad perspective on beauty techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the easiest way to put on eyeliner for beginners?

For beginners, starting with a pencil eyeliner is usually the simplest way. It’s more forgiving than liquid or gel. You can draw small dashes along your lash line and then connect them, which is a bit easier than drawing one long, continuous line. Plus, if you make a mistake, it’s quite simple to clean up, you know, with a cotton swab.

How do I make my eyeliner stay on all day?

To make your eyeliner last all day, begin by applying some primer on your lids. This creates a good base. Then, use a waterproof eyeliner, as it resists smudging and fading. After you've applied it, you can use a setting spray or translucent powder to set the eyeliner, which really helps to lock it in place, as a matter of fact.

Which type of eyeliner is best for a winged look?

For a classic winged look, liquid eyeliner is often considered the best choice because it gives a very sharp and precise line. Gel eyeliner with a fine brush is also a great option, offering similar precision with a bit more control for some people. Both types, you know, help create that crisp, defined wing.

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