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Going deeper into the world of eye makeup than just using mascara can seem daunting, especially when it comes to eyeliner. Liquid versions don’t leave much room for error, and pencils can smudge easily. After speaking to many top makeup artists over the years, I’ve learned that all eyeliner techniques usually involve a little trial and error—even if you’re just getting a straight line. Here, celebrity makeup artists give us their best eyeliner tips for beginners, those with mature skin, and more.
Selected experts
- Robin Black, celebrity makeup artist, photographer and Sisley Artist in Residence
- Tomy Rivero, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Tomy Rivero Beauty Lab
If you’re new to eyeliner in general…
“Mastering eyeliner application can seem intimidating, but with a few pointed cotton swabs and a little practice, it’s one of the most powerful makeup techniques,” says celebrity makeup artist Robin Black. Perhaps the easiest way to start is with an eyeliner pencil. Black says a pencil (rather than liquid) is a better option if you prefer a soft, subtle eyeliner look. “Drag it along your lash line and quickly smudge it a little with a small, dense, round brush,” she says. Some eyeliners also have a built-in smudge tool on one end for this reason. “You can apply layers of eyeliner pencil to build up the color.” Black says one of her favorite eyeliner pencils is Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Satin Kajal Liner ($32), which comes in matte, satin, and jewel-toned shades.
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Celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero recommends having dry cotton swabs handy for on-the-go touch-ups. “Use dry cotton swabs because they won’t ruin the rest of your eye makeup and will allow you to get right back to applying eyeliner.”
If you want to try liquid eyeliner…
If you’re new to using liquid eyeliner, Black has a few tricks to make it easier. “First, try holding a business card flat from the edge of the nose to the outer corner of the lashes,” she explains. “It should create a sharp angle with an upward/outward tilt. Draw your liquid eyeliner across the card, using it as a stencil to create a cat-eye effect. Then flip the card over and repeat the process on the other side.”
Here’s a tip if you prefer a more subtle look. “Start in the center of your lash line and gradually thicken the line toward the outer corner of your eye,” explains Black. “Use a pointed cotton swab or dense, pointed brush to ‘line’ the outer corner of your eye and create a cat-eye look. I love the new Sisley Paris Ligne-Noire Eyeliner ($83). Its tip is precise, but not so small that it’s difficult to work with. The formula is smooth and super black, plus it’s long-lasting. And like all Sisley products, it has a skin-conditioning effect. After four weeks of use, it improves the look of your lashes.” If you’re looking for a little more spice, try a colorful liquid eyeliner like MAKE Beauty Liquid Line ($23), which Black also recommends.
If you have mature skin…
Rivero says, “The best eyeliner for women over 50 is a pencil that is soft — not draggy — glides on and lasts a long time.” He likes the Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil ($25), which conveniently has a built-in sharpener. “Keep the tip sharp and fresh — the wax can get a little hard if the cap isn’t on,” Rivero says. “Glide it over where you want your eyeliner and use a smudge brush to soften the edges.”
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Another option Rivero recommends is Revlon’s ColorStay Micro Hyper Precision Gel Eyeliner ($10). “Apply this rounded-tip liner as close to your lash line as possible for an ultra-fine and natural eyeliner look.” And last but not least, if you have oily eyelids or droopy lids, his pick is ByTerry Crayon Blackstar ($29). “A hybrid between a wax and cream pencil, it goes on very smoothly,” explains Rivero. “Once it dries, it doesn’t budge. It’s great for women with oily eyelids or those whose skin is sunken and saggy and touches and wrinkles. It has bulletproof sticking power.”
One of Black’s favorite eyeliner tricks for mature lids is to swap out the usual black and brown for a more unexpected color. “Try a subtle purple, golden khaki, deep navy, or even a soft gray,” she says. “Instead of drawing a precise shape, draw the liner along your lash line and then quickly blend it out. Apply a second coat near your lash line for more impact.”
Black also has a tip for making eyes look bigger and younger. “To avoid ‘closing’ the eye shape, try applying eyeliner only on your upper lash line,” she says. “Or, if you want extra definition, line your lower lash line from the outer edge of your iris to the corner, then smudge slightly toward the center.”
If you want to try tightlining…
Black is also a huge fan of tightlining with eyeliner. “This is a technique developed decades ago by legendary makeup artist Laura Mercier specifically for Sarah Jessica Parker,” she explains. “Tightlining works for all ages and is really simple. Apply a liquid eyeliner or gel liner in black or dark brown—whichever you’re more comfortable with—under your lashes and gently press it upward. You want to fill in the space between your lashes to create definition and the illusion of thicker lashes.” One of Black’s favorite pencils for this is the Haus Labs Optic Intensity Eco Eyeliner ($22), which the brand says is safe to use on the waterline.
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