How to Apply Eyeliner for Beginners

Step 1: Pick an eyeliner you love

Whether you choose pencil, gel, or liquid, each has its own special application and skill level. An eyeliner pencil is perfect for an everyday look and is arguably the easiest to use. Just make sure to regularly sharpen your pencils (if needed) to achieve a clean, precise line.

Gel eyeliner typically comes in a pot and is applied with a brush. These can be a little trickier because you need to pick up the right amount of product to apply. Gels have a creamy consistency that lets them glide across the eyelid easily. You can also find gel eyeliner pencils, which combine the ease of a pencil with the rich, pigmented color payoff of a gel.

The most advanced liners fall into the liquid category. They can be unforgiving if you make mistakes, but once you master the precision needed for proper application, liquid eyeliners are unparalleled for creating cat eyes and other dramatic eye shapes.

Step 2: Prime your lids

Regardless of the eyeliner formula you choose, an eyeshadow primer will prep your lids and create a smooth, even base for your makeup application.

Step 3: Draw the line thin and close to your lash line

When drawing your eyeliner, focus on applying it right against the lash line. Many find success by gently holding down the lid to create a smooth surface for application. You can always build it up later to create a thicker line, but it helps to have your base down first. To elongate your eyes, try keeping the line thinnest at the inner corners of your eyes and gradually thickening it as you reach the outer corners.

Step 4: Don’t forget to blend

If you’re using an eyeliner pencil, blend it out for a more natural look. A dual-ended pencil with a sponge attachment at the end makes this process a lot easier, but you can also blend your liner with your finger or a smudger brush. The pressure you apply will determine if your line is slightly softened or completely smoked out.

Step 5: Fix any mistakes with a cotton swab

If you messed up, don’t worry—it happens to the best of us. Instead of starting from scratch, dip a cotton swab in makeup remover or micellar water and use it like an eraser to carefully remove any mistakes.

Step 6: Finish off with a setting spray

Once you take the time out of your morning to apply that cat eye, you don’t want it rubbing off a few short hours later. Make sure it stays put by finishing off your look with a few spritzes of a setting spray.