Applying eye black, also known as kohl or eyeliner, requires some skills and attention to detail to achieve a beautiful and natural look. Here are some tips:
- Consider Your Needs: Liquid eyeliners offer intense color payoff and a sharp finish, making them suitable for creating dramatic looks. Pencil eyeliners are more forgiving and easier to blend, ideal for beginners or those who prefer a softer look. Gel eyeliners provide a long-lasting and smudge-proof effect, great for all-day wear.
- Check the Color: Black is the most common color for eye black, but you can also choose dark brown for a more natural look or other colors like navy blue or dark purple for a creative twist. Make sure the color complements your eye color and the overall makeup look you're going for.
- Cleanse and Prime: Start with a clean and moisturized eye area. Use an eye primer to create a smooth base, which helps the eye black adhere better and stay in place longer.
- Tame Eyebrows: Shape and groom your eyebrows before applying eye black. This frames the eyes and gives a more polished look.
- Positioning: Sit in front of a well-lit mirror and look straight ahead. Tilt your head slightly back and use your non-dominant hand to gently pull the skin at the outer corner of your eye taut. This helps to create a smooth surface for applying the eye black.
- Starting from the Inner Corner: Begin applying the eye black from the inner corner of the upper lash line. Use short, slow strokes to build up the color gradually. For a natural look, keep the line thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken it towards the outer corner.
- Following the Lash Line: Follow the natural curve of your lash line closely. Try to get as close to the roots of the eyelashes as possible to make the lashes appear thicker. If you have sparse lashes, you can fill in the gaps between the lashes with the eye black.
- Creating the Wing: If you want to create a winged eyeliner look, start by extending a thin line from the outer corner of the eye at a 45-degree angle. Then, connect the wing to the rest of the lash line, filling in the space to create a smooth and even shape. The length and thickness of the wing can be adjusted according to your preference and eye shape.
- Lower Lash Line: For a more defined look, you can also apply eye black to the lower lash line. However, be careful not to make the line too thick, as it can make the eyes look smaller. A thin line along the outer half of the lower lash line can create a nice effect. You can also use a smudging tool to blend the eye black on the lower lash line for a softer look.
- Blend and Smudge: If you're using a pencil or gel eyeliner, you can use a small brush or cotton swab to gently blend and smudge the edges of the eye black for a more natural and smoky effect. This is especially useful if you want to create a more dramatic or evening look.
- Check for Symmetry: Step back from the mirror and check if both eyes look symmetrical. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the eye black is even on both sides.
- Set with Powder: To make the eye black last longer, you can lightly dust some translucent powder over the eyeliner using a small brush. This helps to absorb any excess oil and prevent smudging.
