How to Apply Eyeliner: Types, Tips & Techniques for All Eye Shapes

• Description: The most common and user-friendly type, available in traditional sharpenable pencils or retractable twist-up versions.
• Pros: Easy to control, great for beginners, excellent for smudged or smoky effects. Offers a softer line.
• Cons: Can sometimes tug on the eyelid; may not offer the sharpest line.
• When to Use: Ideal for everyday definition, creating a subtle lash line, or for a smudged, smoky eye. Perfect for beginners learning how to apply eyeliner.
• Product Spotlight: Many brands offer excellent pencil liners. For a rich, intense black, consider the Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal, which offers a smooth glide and long-lasting wear, perfect for both the waterline and lash line.

• Description: Typically comes in a pot and is applied with a separate brush (usually an angled or fine-tipped brush).
• Pros: Intense colour payoff, long-wearing, smudge-proof once set, offers good precision.
• Cons: Requires a steady hand and a separate brush; can dry out in the pot if not sealed properly.
• When to Use: Great for creating sharp lines, winged eyeliner, or intense definition. A good step up for those who have mastered pencil liners.

• Description: Available in a pot with a dip brush or as a pen-style felt-tip applicator.
• Pros: Delivers the sharpest, most precise, and often most opaque line. Excellent for bold looks and intricate wings.
• Cons: Can be challenging for beginners to control; mistakes are more noticeable.
• When to Use: Best for dramatic looks, crisp winged eyeliner, and creating a defined, striking eye.

• Description: A liquid eyeliner contained in a pen format with a felt tip.
• Pros: Combines the precision of liquid eyeliner with the ease of a marker. Excellent control, especially for beginners learning how to do winged eyeliner.
• Cons: Tips can sometimes dry out; may not offer the same intensity as pot liquid liners.
• When to Use: Ideal for beginners and those who want the precision of liquid eyeliner without the mess or steep learning curve.

• Description: Simply using a dark eyeshadow (black, brown, navy) applied with a damp angled brush.
• Pros: Very soft and natural look, easy to blend, versatile.
• Cons: Not as long-wearing as other types; can smudge easily.
• When to Use: For a very subtle, natural everyday look, or to soften a harsher pencil line.

• Description: Traditionally a soft, dark pencil designed for use on the waterline and tightlining. Often made with a softer, waxier texture
• Pros : Intense pigment, glides smoothly on the waterline, creates a smouldering look. The Lakmé 9 to 5 Eyeconic Kajal is a popular example of a kohl liner
• Cons: Can smudge more easily than other types; not ideal for sharp, precise lines on the lash line.
• When to Use: Perfect for tightlining, lining the waterline, and creating a dramatic, sultry eye look.

Always begin with a clean, well-moisturised eyelid. Apply an eye primer or a thin layer of concealer to create a smooth base—this helps the eyeliner last longer and prevents creasing or smudging.

Choose your eyeliner based on the look you want:

• Pencil for a soft, everyday definition
• Liquid for sharp, dramatic lines and wings
• Gel for a balance of precision and lasting power

Start at the inner corner of your upper lash line and work your way out using small, steady strokes. This technique gives you more control and helps avoid a shaky or uneven finish. A precise applicator like the Lakmé 9 To 5 Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner makes this process smoother, especially for beginners aiming for a clean, defined look.

To make lashes look thicker without obvious liner, gently lift your eyelid and apply eyeliner to your upper waterline. This adds subtle depth and definition to your eyes.

If you want to go bold, flick the liner upward and outward from the outer corner of your eye. Use a piece of tape or the edge of a spoon as a guide to get a clean, even wing.

Fix any slips or smudges using a cotton swab dipped in micellar water or makeup remover. You can also sharpen edges for a more polished finish.

Before you start, ensure your eyelids are clean and primed to help your eyeliner last longer. Knowing how to use eyeliner properly is key to achieving a flawless look that stays put throughout the day. Proper prep creates a smooth canvas, making application easier and preventing smudging.

Best for: Everyday wear, subtle enhancement, all eye shapes. Technique:

• Choose a pencil or felt-tip eyeliner.
• Start from the inner corner of your upper lash line.
• Draw small, connected dashes or dots along your lash line, getting as close to the roots of your lashes as possible.
• Connect the dots/dashes into a continuous line, gradually thickening it as you move towards the outer corner.
• For a softer look, gently smudge the line with a brush or cotton bud.

Best for: Making lashes appear fuller without visible eyeliner, natural looks, anyone. Technique:

• Use a waterproof pencil or kohl liner (like the Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal).
• Gently lift your upper eyelid.
• Apply the eyeliner to your upper waterline – the inner rim of your eyelid, just below your lashes. Wiggle the pencil between the roots of your lashes.
• This technique fills in any gaps and makes your lash line appear denser.

Best for: dding drama and lift, most eye shapes (with adaptations). Liquid or felt-tip liners work best. Technique:

• Start with a classic lash line (step 1).
• Map your wing : If you ever wonder—how do you do winged eyeliner, we have got you covered. Look straight ahead. Use a small dot or a tiny mark to indicate where you want the tip of your wing to end, aiming towards the tail of your eyebrow.
• Draw the lower line of the wing: From the outer corner of your lower lash line (where your top and bottom lashes meet), draw a thin, straight line upwards, connecting to the dot you marked.
• Create the triangle: From the tip of your wing, draw a line back towards the middle of your upper lash line, forming a triangle.
• Fill it in: Carefully fill in the outline you've created.
• Refine: Clean up any wobbles with a cotton bud dipped in micellar water or makeup remover.

Best for: Adding intensity, balancing the eye, smoky looks. Technique:

• Use a pencil or kohl liner.
• Apply to the outer two-thirds of your lower lash line for a softer look, or the entire line for more intensity.
• For a smoky effect, gently smudge the line with a small brush or cotton bud.
• For the waterline (the inner rim of the lower eyelid), use a kohl or waterproof pencil like Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal for definition.

• Line the upper lash line with a slight wing to accentuate your natural eye shape.
• Apply liner to the upper waterline (tightline) for subtle depth and fuller lashes.
• Gently smudge the lower lash line for a soft, balanced effect.
• Highlight the inner corners of your eyes to brighten and open up your gaze.
• This shape is super versatile, so feel free to experiment with different styles and intensities!
• A classic winged liner enhances their natural lift. Tightlining can make them pop.

• The crease partially covers the eyelid, causing eyeliner to disappear when eyes are open.
• Apply a thinner line at the inner corner, gradually thickening it toward the outer corner.
• When creating a wing, extend it more outward than upward to ensure visibility.
• Use tightlining to add definition without occupying lid space.

• Lack of a visible crease results in a flatter eyelid.
• A thicker eyeliner line works well since it won't get hidden in a crease.
• Try a "wedge" wing—a thicker, triangular wing that widens gradually from the inner corner outward.
• Use liquid or felt-tip liners for precise application.

• Eyes appear more open and circular.
• Extend the eyeliner outward at the outer corner to elongate the eye.
• Create a longer, horizontal wing for an almond-shaped effect.
• Avoid heavy lining of the entire lower lash line and waterline to prevent making eyes look rounder.

• Eyes are closer Eyes are closer together than the width of one eye.
• Focus eyeliner on the outer half of the lash line.
• Extend the wing outward to create the illusion of wider-set eyes.
• Keep the inner corners lighter or leave them unlined to avoid emphasizing closeness.

• Extend the eyeliner gently into the inner corners to visually bring the eyes closer together.
• Line the entire upper and lower lash lines for balanced coverage.
• Keep outer wings short and subtle to avoid making eyes appear wider apart.
• Use darker eyeliner shades near the inner lash line to enhance closeness.
• Tightline both upper and lower waterlines for extra definition.
• further apart than the width of one eye.

• Steady Hands: Rest your elbow on a table and use your pinky finger to anchor your hand on your cheek.
• Small Steps: Instead of drawing one long line, use small, connected strokes or dots.
• Cotton Bud Fixes: Keep cotton buds and micellar water or makeup remover handy for quick clean-ups and sharpening lines.
• Layering: For more intensity, apply a pencil liner first, then go over it with liquid or gel.
• Warm up Pencils: If a pencil is too hard, warm the tip between your fingers for a few seconds to make it glide smoother.
• Look Down, Not Up: When applying to the upper lash line, gently look down into a mirror, keeping your eyelid taut.

• Drawing a thick line at the inner corner: This can make eyes look smaller and closer together.
• Not getting close enough to the lash line: Leaves a gap between your liner and lashes, which looks unnatural.
• Uneven wings: Practice is key! Use the "dot and connect" method or tape for symmetry.
• Tugging on the eyelid too hard: Can lead to shaky lines and premature wrinkles. A gentle stretch is enough.
• Using non-waterproof liner on the waterline : It will smudge and disappear quickly. The Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal is a great waterproof option for the waterline.

Proper removal is crucial to prevent irritation, eye infections, and damage to your delicate eye area.

• Use a dedicated eye makeup remover: Choose a bi-phase (oil and water) formula for waterproof and long-wearing liners, or micellar water for lighter formulas.
• Soak a cotton pad: Saturate a cotton pad with remover.
• Press and hold: Gently press the soaked pad over your closed eyelid for 10-15 seconds. This allows the remover to break down the makeup.
• Wipe gently: Without rubbing, gently wipe downwards and outwards. Repeat until all traces of eyeliner are gone.
• Avoid harsh rubbing: The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate. Rubbing can cause irritation and wrinkles.
• Cleanse: Follow up with your regular facial cleanser to remove any residue.

Mastering eyeliner takes practice, but with these techniques and tips, you're well on your way to perfecting your gaze. Experiment with different types and styles to discover what best enhances your unique eye shape and personal aesthetic.