In this article we take a look at how to apply eyeliner with some tips on achieving some great effects.

One stunning effect that can be achieved easily and a favorite of such well-known actresses from Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe to Gwyneth Paltrow, is rimming the eyes with either a white or beige eye pencil. This has the effect of enlarging the white of the eye to create a seductive, alluring look.

To apply the eye pencil, pull your lid away from the eye very gently using one or two fingers and draw a line along the inner eye rims. Do the same with both the upper and lower lids. To make a sharpened pencil softer and easier to apply, you can draw a few lines first on the back of your hand. This will soften the tip and get the color flowing.

Kohl can be applied in the same way with sensational effect. The use of kohl goes back to ancient Egyptian times and is characteristic of eye makeup in the Middle and Far East. Apply your kohl pencil as described above to both the upper and lower rims, from corner to corner. Then, using either a sponge-tipped applicator, eyeshadow brush, or even your fingertip, blend the color by smudging it to create a smoky effect.

Once you are satisfied with the appearance, you will need to set it by using a light application of loose powder. For an even stronger, more intense effect, apply your preferred color around the eyes in either cream, liquid or powder form.

If you want to use liquid eyeliner, once you’ve mastered the technique of applying it, this can be a quick method of achieving a stunning and sophisticated look. But applying liquid eyeliner can take a little practice.

To begin, it’s best to be in front of a good magnifying mirror, so that your eyes are magnified sufficiently to see very clearly what you are about to do and ensure a smooth application of the liquid eyeliner. Then, using your free hand, start by pulling the eyelid taut. If you’re right-handed it’s probably easiest for you to start applying the liquid from left-to-right, as if you are writing, and vice versa if you are left-handed. Draw across in a single continuous fine line. If you want a thicker line then, at the end of the run, simply retrace.

A tip when applying liquid eyeliner is to apply it as close as possible to the eyelashes, even running into the eyelashes. This will avoid you getting that annoying white line effect between the lashes and the liner when the two don’t meet.

Applying liquid eyeliner does take some practice, so have a bottle of makeup remover to hand until you are confident in the technique. As they say: “practice makes perfect”, and with a little perseverance and a steady hand you’ll soon be achieving some great effects.