EYELINER 101

It is often said that eyes are the mirror of your emotions. And in makeup it’s all about the eyes.

Whether you want to enhance smaller eyes or just want to make them stand out; whether you’re channeling the smouldering smokey eyes or the sexy, winged-liner, there are a variety of tricks that can help you achieve the look. However, the basic and one of the most important step in eye makeup tips is finding the perfect liner.

There are numerous different forms of liners available in the market, which can be overwhelming not just for beginners but, at times even for some makeup junkies (why else do you think we took a tutorial from the makeup pro, Anu Kaushik?).

While all eyeliners in general are used, well, for drawing eyes; the uses, strokes or techniques vary , depending on the look you are trying to achieve. Choose the right one and it can transform your entire look.

Here’s your guide to find the liner best suited for you

1. Liquid Liner: Although, they can be a little tricky to apply, they’re the best when you want to shape and line the eyes – especially for the fabulous winged eyes. Try the Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Liquid Eyeliner.

2. Pencil Liner: Pencil liners are the most basic form of liners and very easy to use, especially, when you’re on the go. They are best applied on the waterline but you can also use it on the upper eyelid if you are aiming at a diffused or smudged-line look. For this, we recommend Stila Smudge Stick waterproof Eye Liner. Tip: Shade the entire upper eyelid with the pencil to create an eye makeup base. This trick helps the makeup last longer.

3. Gel Liner: Use this when you want your liner to last really long – it’s waterproof and weatherproof. It is quick drying, glides easily, colour is intense and hassle free. Make sure you apply the eyeliner promptly. We recommend Bobbi Brown Long Lasting Gel Eyeliner. Tip: Use an angle brush to get it right. With your finger gently stretch the outer corner of your eyes and with the angle brush draw a line inward till the middle of the upper eyelid. Now pull in the line from the inner corner of the eye to the center. Finally, go over the entire line so that it is one smooth stroke.

4. Cream Liner: A cream liner is usually used to smudge and blend the eye makeup. So if you want the perfect smokey eyes, where you need graduation of shades or an ombre effect, then this is the product you need. Since it is cream based it easily blends with powder eye shadow. Try the Sephora Waterproof Smoky Cream Liner.

We also caught up with celebrity makeup artist Anu Kaushik for tips to help you achieve the hottest look of the season. Here’s what the guru had to share:

Smouldering smokey eyes can be achieved by combining all form of eyeliners together. This is how I do it –

I start with a cream liner, blending it by finger tips over the eyelids. I follow it up with a thin line by gel liner using a small smudging brush just close to upper and lower lash line. Then I use the liquid liner to define and wing it up and finally a pencil liner to fill in the waterline. Viola…you are ready with glam in your eyes!