Eyeliner. It’s a staple in most makeup bags, capable of transforming your look from everyday to extraordinary with a simple flick of the wrist. However, this powerful tool can also be your worst enemy if applied incorrectly. Knowing where not to put eyeliner is just as crucial as knowing how to apply it flawlessly. This guide delves into the areas to avoid, the reasons why, and provides alternative techniques for achieving stunning eye makeup.
Understanding the Anatomy of Your Eye
Before diving into the “don’ts,” it’s important to understand the different parts of your eye and how eyeliner interacts with them. The shape of your eye, the spacing, and even your skin type can all influence how eyeliner looks.
The eye area is incredibly delicate. The skin is thinner and more sensitive than almost anywhere else on your body. This means it’s more prone to irritation, stretching, and showing signs of aging. This is why certain eyeliner placements can exacerbate wrinkles or even create the illusion of premature aging.
The waterline, that inner rim of your eyelid, is also a delicate area, and its health is paramount. Misusing eyeliner here can lead to discomfort and potential eye health issues.
The Cardinal Sins of Eyeliner Placement
Let’s explore the most common eyeliner mistakes and understand why they should be avoided.
The Inner Corner Conundrum
Applying dark eyeliner heavily in the inner corner of your eye can drastically change your appearance, and not always for the better.
Why to Avoid It
Dark eyeliner in the inner corner can make your eyes appear smaller and closer together. This is especially true if you have close-set eyes already. The darkness closes off the eye, diminishing its natural brightness and sparkle. It can also make you look tired or even appear somewhat severe. It tends to accentuate any darkness or redness in the inner corner, further drawing attention to imperfections.
The Brighter Alternative
Instead of dark eyeliner, consider using a touch of shimmery, light-colored eyeshadow or a light, skin-toned eyeliner in the inner corner. This will brighten the area, making your eyes appear wider and more awake. Think champagne, ivory, or even a pale gold. This small detail can make a world of difference, opening up the eye and creating a more refreshed look. Focus on just a small dot or dab rather than a heavy line.
The Lower Waterline Warning
Ah, the infamous lower waterline. While seemingly a go-to for some, applying eyeliner here can present several issues.
Potential Problems
Applying eyeliner to the lower waterline can block the meibomian glands. These tiny glands are located along the edge of your eyelids and are responsible for secreting oils that keep your eyes lubricated. Blocking these glands can lead to dry eye, irritation, and even infections like blepharitis. Dark eyeliner on the lower waterline can also make your eyes appear smaller and more closed off, similar to the inner corner issue. It can also migrate and smudge, creating a messy and unflattering look. This is particularly true with cream or gel liners.
Safer Alternatives
If you want to define your lower lash line, consider using a soft eyeshadow smudged just beneath your lower lashes. This creates a softer, more natural look that’s less irritating to your eyes. You can also use a nude or white eyeliner on the lower waterline to make your eyes appear larger and more awake. This is a classic trick used by makeup artists. Just be sure to choose a product specifically formulated for the waterline and replace it regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
Skipping the Tightline if you have Hooded Eyes
For those with hooded eyes, where the upper eyelid covers a significant portion of the mobile lid, applying eyeliner without considering the hood can lead to some frustrating outcomes.
Hooded Eye Hazards
Applying a thick line of eyeliner on the upper lid without tightlining can often result in the liner disappearing when your eyes are open. This can be a waste of product and effort. This is because the hood folds over and obscures the liner. Trying to compensate by applying an even thicker line can make your eyes appear smaller and heavier.
Tightlining Tips
Tightlining involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, right at the base of your lashes. This adds subtle definition without taking up any visible space on your lid. It’s a great technique for hooded eyes. Use a waterproof and smudge-proof eyeliner pencil or gel liner applied with a very fine brush. Be gentle and avoid pressing too hard.
Ignoring Your Eye Shape
One size does not fit all when it comes to eyeliner. Ignoring your unique eye shape can lead to less-than-desirable results.
Generic Liner Woes
Blindly following trends without considering your eye shape can be a recipe for disaster. For example, a thick winged liner might look stunning on someone with almond-shaped eyes, but it could overwhelm smaller eyes or make hooded eyes appear even heavier.
Tailoring to Your Shape
Consider your eye shape when choosing your eyeliner style. If you have round eyes, a thin line that gradually thickens towards the outer corner can elongate them. If you have downturned eyes, a lifted winged liner can create the illusion of an upward lift. If you have close-set eyes, focus on applying eyeliner to the outer corners to create the illusion of wider spacing. Experiment and see what works best for your unique features.
Overdoing the Lower Lash Line
While a little definition on the lower lash line can be beautiful, too much can create a harsh and unbalanced look.
The Harsh Lower Line
Applying a heavy, dark line on the entire lower lash line can make your eyes appear smaller and drawn down. It can also create a “raccoon eye” effect, especially if the eyeliner smudges. This is particularly aging. It can also accentuate dark circles and fine lines under the eyes.
Soft and Subtle
Opt for a softer approach. Use a smudged eyeshadow or a very thin line of eyeliner on the outer third of your lower lash line. This will add definition without being too harsh. Consider using a lighter color, such as brown or gray, for a more natural look. Always blend well to soften any harsh lines.
Neglecting Your Skin Type
Your skin type can significantly impact how your eyeliner looks and wears throughout the day.
Oily Skin Issues
If you have oily skin, your eyeliner is more likely to smudge and fade. Cream or pencil liners may not have the staying power you need. The oil breaks down the formula, causing it to transfer to your upper lid or smudge under your eyes.
Dry Skin Challenges
If you have dry skin, some liquid eyeliners can crack or flake. They may also emphasize any fine lines or wrinkles around your eyes. The dryness can also make it difficult for eyeliner to adhere properly, resulting in uneven application.
Choosing the Right Formula
Choose an eyeliner formula that suits your skin type. For oily skin, opt for waterproof gel or liquid liners. Look for long-wearing formulas that are specifically designed to resist smudging. For dry skin, consider using a creamy pencil liner or a gel liner. These formulas tend to be more hydrating and less likely to crack or flake. Always prime your eyelids before applying eyeliner to create a smooth base and improve longevity.
Not Blending Properly
Harsh lines are rarely flattering. Blending is key to creating a seamless and professional-looking eyeliner application.
The Unblended Blunder
Leaving your eyeliner unblended can create a harsh and unnatural look. It can also accentuate any imperfections in your application. A stark, unblended line can appear dated and unflattering.
Blending is Your Friend
Use a small, angled brush or a cotton swab to gently blend your eyeliner. This will soften the line and create a more seamless transition. Blending can also help to diffuse the color, creating a more natural look. If you’re using eyeshadow as eyeliner, blending is especially important.
Ignoring Your Lashes
Your eyelashes play a crucial role in framing your eyes. Ignoring them when applying eyeliner can throw off the entire look.
Lash Line Disconnect
Leaving a gap between your eyeliner and your lash line can make your eyes appear unfinished. It can also make your lashes look sparse. This is especially noticeable if you have light-colored lashes.
Connecting the Dots
Make sure your eyeliner is applied as close to your lash line as possible. This will create a seamless connection between your lashes and your eyeliner. You can use a technique called “tightlining” to fill in any gaps between your lashes. Consider using an eyelash curler and mascara to further enhance your lashes and complete your eye makeup look.
The Bottom Line: Experiment and Adapt
Ultimately, the best way to learn where not to put eyeliner is to experiment and adapt. What works for one person may not work for another. Pay attention to how different eyeliner placements affect your eye shape, skin type, and overall appearance. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and find what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Where should I absolutely avoid putting eyeliner to prevent my eyes from looking smaller?
Avoid applying eyeliner thickly on the lower waterline. While it might seem like a way to define the eyes, it actually closes them off, making them appear smaller and more compact. This is especially true if you have smaller eyes to begin with. A dark line along the waterline will visually shrink the area of your eye, reducing its perceived size.
Instead, consider using a nude or white eyeliner on the lower waterline to create the illusion of larger, brighter eyes. If you're determined to use a darker color, opt for a very thin line smudged along the lower lash line, rather than directly on the waterline. This will provide definition without sacrificing the overall size of your eye appearance.
Is there a specific area on the upper eyelid where eyeliner application should be avoided?
Avoid applying extremely thick eyeliner across the entire upper eyelid, especially if you have hooded eyes or limited lid space. This can completely cover the eyelid, making your eyes appear smaller and heavier. A thick, solid line can also overwhelm your features, particularly if you're going for a more natural or subtle look. The limited visible lid space essentially disappears, giving a closed-in appearance.
Instead, try a thinner line that gradually thickens towards the outer corner of the eye. This technique provides definition without completely covering the lid. Alternatively, consider tightlining, which involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, for a subtle definition that enhances the shape of your eyes without reducing visible lid space.
What's the issue with applying eyeliner too far into the inner corner of the eye?
Bringing your eyeliner all the way into the inner corner of your eye can make your eyes look closer together and smaller, particularly if you have close-set eyes. This technique draws attention inwards, emphasizing the proximity of your eyes. Applying dark eyeliner in this area can also make you look tired or create a harsh, unnatural appearance.
To avoid this, start applying your eyeliner slightly away from the inner corner, leaving a small gap. This helps to open up the eyes and create a wider, more balanced look. You can also use a light-colored or shimmery eyeshadow in the inner corner to further brighten and widen the eyes.
Can applying eyeliner to the lower lash line make you look older?
Yes, heavy or harsh eyeliner on the lower lash line can sometimes accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, making you look older. As we age, the skin around the eyes becomes more delicate, and applying dark eyeliner directly on the lower lash line can draw attention to any imperfections in this area. This effect is amplified if the eyeliner is not properly blended or if it smudges easily.
Instead of a harsh line, opt for a softer, smudged eyeliner on the lower lash line. Use a brown or gray eyeliner instead of black, and blend it well with a brush or cotton swab. You can also skip the lower lash line altogether and focus on defining the upper lash line for a more youthful and lifted appearance. Remember, less is often more when it comes to lower lash line eyeliner.
Is it a bad idea to use dark eyeliner if you have very light skin?
Using very dark eyeliner with very light skin can create a stark contrast that can appear harsh and overwhelming, particularly for daytime looks. This contrast can draw attention to any imperfections or unevenness in the eyeliner application, and it can also make your eyes appear smaller and more intense than desired. The stark contrast can also make the whites of your eyes appear less bright.
Consider using softer shades of eyeliner, such as brown, gray, or plum, to complement your light skin tone. These colors will provide definition without being as harsh as black. Alternatively, you can use a black eyeliner, but apply it sparingly and blend it well for a softer, more natural look. Experiment with different shades to find what works best for your complexion and desired effect.
What are some common mistakes with winged eyeliner application that should be avoided?
One common mistake is creating a wing that is too thick or too long. An overly thick wing can overwhelm the eye, making it appear smaller and heavier, particularly if you have limited lid space. A wing that extends too far outwards can drag the eyes down, giving a droopy or tired appearance. In addition, uneven wings are a very common mistake that distract from your overall makeup look.
Practice is key to achieving perfect winged eyeliner. Start with a thin line and gradually build up the thickness and length until you achieve the desired look. Use a guide, such as a piece of tape or a business card, to help create a clean and symmetrical wing. Always check the symmetry of both wings before finalizing your look. If you're struggling, try a winged stamp for an easier application.
Should you avoid using certain types of eyeliner in specific areas around the eyes?
Yes, it's generally advisable to avoid using liquid eyeliner on the lower waterline. Liquid eyeliner is prone to smudging and transferring, which can irritate the eyes and create a messy appearance. The delicate skin around the eyes is particularly susceptible to irritation, and liquid eyeliner can easily seep into the tear ducts, causing discomfort. Furthermore, the liquid formula can dry and crack on the waterline, leading to further irritation.
For the waterline, opt for a creamy, waterproof pencil eyeliner that is specifically designed for use on the inner rim of the eyes. These pencil eyeliners are typically more gentle and less likely to smudge or transfer. They also glide on smoothly and provide long-lasting definition. Always ensure that the eyeliner is ophthalmologist-tested and safe for contact lens wearers if applicable.