Eyeliner Makeup Tips: The Guide for Every Age and Eye Shape

Eyeliner is a makeup essential that has the power to completely transform your eyes, making them look more defined, larger, or even more dramatic. However, applying eyeliner can be tricky, especially when it comes to different eye shapes, ages, or wearing glasses.

Whether you’re a makeup novice or someone looking to perfect their eyeliner technique, this guide will provide you with the best eyeliner makeup tips and tricks for every occasion.

Table of Contents

1. Eyeliner After 50: Makeup Tips for Mature Eyes

As we age, the skin around our eyes loses elasticity and the eyelids may droop. This can make eyeliner application more challenging. However, the right technique and product choices can enhance your eyes beautifully, making them look brighter and more youthful.

Tips for applying eyeliner after 50:

Keep it thin: For mature skin, thick lines can draw attention to fine lines or creases. Opt for thin, well-defined lines along the upper lash line to enhance the shape of your eyes without weighing them down.

Avoid heavy eyeliner on the lower lash line: Thick eyeliner on the lower lash line can make the eyes appear smaller. Instead, use a light pencil or eyeshadow to line the lower lashes.

Use waterproof products: As we age, our eyelids can become oilier, which may cause eyeliner to smudge. Waterproof formulas are a great choice to ensure your eyeliner stays put throughout the day.

Focus on lifting: When drawing a wing, focus on creating a lift that follows the natural angle of your eye, extending slightly upward.

Product Recommendation: Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner is perfect for mature skin, offering a gel liner for easy application and a liquid liner for sharp, defined wings.

2. Perfect Winged Eyeliner Hacks

The winged eyeliner look is timeless, but creating the perfect wing can sometimes feel like an art form. Here are some helpful hacks to master winged eyeliner.

Winged eyeliner tips:

Use tape as a guide: To achieve a clean, sharp wing, place a piece of tape along the outer corner of your eye at an angle. This will give you a perfect guideline for your wing.

Start with small strokes: Rather than drawing one long line, use small strokes to build up your wing. This gives you more control and helps create a smoother, more precise line.

Create a guideline with a pencil: For beginners, use a pencil liner to create a subtle wing shape, then go over it with a liquid liner for intensity.

Make the wing proportionate: The size of your wing should be in proportion to the shape of your eyes. Larger eyes can handle a more dramatic wing, while smaller eyes benefit from a shorter, more subtle wing.

Product Recommendation: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner is famous for its precision and ability to create clean, sharp winged lines that last all day.

3. Makeup Tips for Eyeliner: Beginners Edition

If you’re new to eyeliner or just want to simplify your routine, starting with the basics is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering natural eyeliner for beginners.

Step-by-step beginner eyeliner tips:

Choose the right eyeliner: Start with a pencil liner for a softer, more forgiving application. Gel or liquid liners can be trickier for beginners, so practice with a pencil first.

Line close to the lash line: For a natural look, apply the liner as close to your lash line as possible. This creates a definition without being too harsh.

Start small: Don’t try to perfect a wing right away. Begin by simply lining the upper lashes and gradually build up.

Practice your hand stability: Rest your elbow on a flat surface to keep your hand steady while applying eyeliner.

Use a Q-tip to fix mistakes: Don’t stress if you make a mistake! A cotton swab dipped in a makeup remover can clean up any uneven lines.

Product Recommendation: NYX Professional Makeup Slide On Pencil is a great beginner-friendly option that glides on smoothly and is easy to blend.

4. Eyeliner Tips for Glasses Wearers

Wearing glasses can sometimes make it challenging to apply eyeliner that stands out, especially if you wear larger frames. But with the right techniques, you can create a flattering look that enhances your eyes.

Eyeliner tips for glasses:

Use a thin line: Thick eyeliner can get lost behind the frame of your glasses. A thin, defined line along the upper lash line is more noticeable and won’t overwhelm your features.

Lift the eyes: When applying eyeliner, focus on lifting the outer corner of your eye to help open up the eyes, especially if you wear frames that can make your eyes appear smaller.

Experiment with eyeliner colors: If your glasses have bold frames, try using colored eyeliner like blue, green, or purple to create contrast and make your eyes pop.

Go for a winged look: A subtle wing can help elongate the eyes and draw attention to the eyes without clashing with your glasses.

Product Recommendation: Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Liner is great for glasses wearers due to its easy-to-use applicator and long-lasting formula.

5. Cat Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes: Makeup Tips

Hooded eyes can pose a unique challenge when applying eyeliner, especially when creating a cat-eye look. The goal is to avoid the eyeliner disappearing under the hood and making the eyes appear smaller.

Tips for cat eyeliner on hooded eyes:

Keep the liner thin: Apply a thin line along the lash line to avoid making your eyes appear smaller. You can gradually build up the line towards the outer corner.

Lift the wing: For a classic cat-eye look, make sure the wing is angled upwards and outwards, following the natural shape of your lower lash line.

Avoid thick liner: A thick, heavy line can weigh down your eyes and emphasize the hood. Stick to a finer line and focus on creating a clean, crisp wing.

Use a pencil for soft definition: If you’re worried about smudging, start with a pencil eyeliner and gently smudge it for a softer look.

Product Recommendation: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is ideal for creating sharp, defined cat eyes that won’t fade or smudge throughout the day.

6. Eyeliner Tips for Deep-Set Eyes

For deep-set eyes, eyeliner can help bring out your natural eye shape by accentuating the lash line and creating balance.

Tips for deep-set eyes:

Line the upper lash line: Focus on defining the upper lash line without extending the eyeliner too far. A bold line along the upper lash line can bring more attention to your eyes.

Don’t line the lower lash line: Avoid eyeliner on the lower lash line, as this can make deep-set eyes appear more recessed. Instead, stick to defining the upper lash line and blending the eyeliner upwards.

Opt for soft eyeliner: Instead of harsh lines, use a softer pencil eyeliner to create a more natural, blended look.

Product Recommendation: MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil offers a smooth, soft pencil that’s perfect for deep-set eyes, allowing you to create a blendable line without it looking harsh.

7. Permanent Eyeliner Makeup Tips

Permanent eyeliner, also known as eyeliner tattooing, is a semi-permanent makeup option that can save you time in your daily routine. However, it requires careful consideration and proper aftercare.

Tips for permanent eyeliner:

Choose a professional: Always have your permanent eyeliner done by a licensed, experienced professional. Research reviews and see before-and-after photos before making an appointment.

Start with a subtle design: If it’s your first time, consider starting with a soft, subtle eyeliner look. You can always adjust the intensity later.

Follow aftercare instructions: After the procedure, follow all aftercare instructions carefully to avoid infection and ensure optimal healing.

Product Recommendation: While permanent eyeliner doesn’t require traditional products, you may need a soothing ointment like Aquaphor Healing Ointment during recovery to keep the skin hydrated.

Conclusion

Eyeliner is a versatile tool that can enhance any makeup look, from simple everyday styles to bold, dramatic eyes. By following these makeup tips, you can find the perfect eyeliner technique for your eye shape, age, and personal style.

Whether you’re a beginner or a makeup pro, these tips will help you master the art of eyeliner and achieve flawless eye makeup every time.

Eyeliner Makeup Tips: The Ultimate Guide for Every Age and Eye Shape