The order of applying eye black and drawing eyeliner can depend on personal preference and the specific effects you want to achieve, but generally, it is more common to apply eye black first and then draw eyeliner. Here are the reasons and details for each step:


Click on the image to jump to the product
Applying Eye Black First
- Creating a Base: Eye black, which is usually in the form of an eyeshadow or cream, can be used to create a base or primer on the eyelid. This helps to even out the skin tone, cover any discoloration, and provide a smooth surface for the eyeliner to adhere to.
- Enhancing Pigmentation: Applying eye black first can enhance the pigmentation of the eyeliner. The color of the eye black can act as a backdrop to make the eyeliner color appear more vibrant and intense.
- Defining the Shape: You can use eye black to define the shape of your eyes before applying eyeliner. For example, you can apply a darker shade of eye black in the crease of your eye to create depth and then use eyeliner to further emphasize the shape.
Drawing Eyeliner Second
- Adding Definition: After the eye black is in place, eyeliner can be used to add definition and emphasis to the eyes. It can create a more precise line along the lash line, making the eyes look more awake and prominent.
- Creating Different Looks: Eyeliner allows you to create various looks, such as a classic thin line, a winged look, or a smoky effect by smudging the liner. These effects are often easier to achieve and control when the eye black has already been applied and set.
- Highlighting and Finishing: Eyeliner can be used to highlight certain areas of the eye or to connect with other makeup elements. For example, you can use a white or metallic eyeliner to highlight the inner corners of the eyes for a brighter look after the eye black and main eyeliner are in place.
However, there may be some cases where you might want to draw eyeliner first, such as when you want to create a very sharp and precise line as the main focus and then build the eye black around it. But in most standard makeup applications, applying eye black first and then drawing eyeliner is the more common and recommended order.