Discovery

The Perfect Eyeliner: One Liner, Endless Looks

Good news for minimalists: you don’t need many products to create different looks. You also don’t need to be a makeup artist. You can create a variety of eye makeup looks—natural, trendy, classic, or dramatic—with just one product.

All you need is the perfect eyeliner.

With a versatile eyeliner, you can create a perfect cat-eye or a smoky eye. You can also master styles that match your eye shape. All you need are the right eyeliner techniques.

So what, exactly, are those techniques? Let’s explore some popular eye looks and eyeliner trends. We’ll also share eye makeup tips and eyeliner hacks from Claire Larsen, Global Master Educator at RevitaLash® Cosmetics. Learn how to create these looks using one product: our versatile Defining Liner.

So, what does that versatility look like in action?

Let’s take a look at the best eyeliner tips for using Defining Liner to create different eye looks:

Smoky Liner

Going for a smoky look? Defining Liner has got you covered.

Step 1: Line your upper and lower lash lines with the liner, focusing on making the lines thicker.

Step 2: Smudge the liner outwards to create a smoky effect. “After using a heavy hand to apply everywhere that you want to see color, the formula effortlessly blends and softens with the smudging tool,” says Larsen.

Step 3: Add liner to the waterline for a more dramatic effect. “You can use the sharpener to create a fine tip to make waterline application simple,” says Larsen.

Make sure to work quickly. You don’t want the eyeliner to dry down before you finish your look. If it dries, it will be harder to smudge. “Ensuring you work with it before it dries down, Defining Liner such a great option for creating a smoky eye,” says Larsen.

Can you really create a variety of looks with a liner?

First things first. Before we jump into the makeup tutorials, let’s address a question you might have if you’re unsure. Can you really create different looks using just eyeliner?

The answer is yes! With the perfect eyeliner—and the right techniques—you have everything you need to walk out of the door transformed.

Want a more natural look? Go with a lighter eyeliner application for that perfect “everyday eyeliner” look.

Going for a more dramatic vibe? Apply a thicker line—and then smudge up towards the crease for a smokier look. Want to give your eyes an extra “pop” but don’t want it to look like you’re wearing any makeup? No problem.

"You can still define your eyes beautifully by applying eyeliner to your upper waterline. This technique is called tightlining," says Larsen.

Also, when you use an all-day eyeliner, you don’t have to worry about reapplying. A smudge-proof eyeliner will last from morning to night.

So, can you create your perfect eye look with just a liner? Absolutely. If you want to add more color or depth, you can always round out your eye makeup routine with other makeup essentials—like cream or powder eyeshadow and volumizing mascara.

Eyeliner trends: Eyeliner application tips to recreate the look

Now that you see how versatile liner can be, let’s explore some popular eyeliner trends. We’ll also explain how to use our Defining Liner for each look.

Our Defining Liner is a richly pigmented cream precision eyeliner that offers a variety of benefits, including:

High-impact, stay-true color in three shades: Dark Brown, Black, and Slate
Smudge-proof wear
A moisture-locking formula that gently glides on without skipping, pulling, or tugging
Built-in sharpener and smudging tool
Vitamin E, which provides natural conditioning and powerful antioxidants

The Defining Liner provides everything you need to create your perfect eye look. Because it’s a pencil liner (not a liquid eyeliner or gel eyeliner), you can easily customize your look. You can choose a bold and dramatic style or a soft and natural one.

"My favorite thing about our Defining Liner is how versatile it is for creating different looks. This is thanks to the formula and the included tools," says Larsen.

Eyeliner for different eye shapes: Tips for how to create the best look for your eye

Now that you know how to use Defining Liner to create your perfect eyeliner look, let’s explore a few eyeliner tips to help you create the best look for your specific eye shape.

How To Make Your Eyes Appear Bigger

Do you have smaller eyes, close set eyes, or deep set eyes—and want them to pop? Avoiding black liner is a must.

“Think of painting a small room black versus white,” says Larsen. “If you use very dark shadows and liners, your eyes are going to appear smaller. A more conservative shade like a light charcoal or brown will still give the eyes definition—without closing them in.”

You can also make eyes pop and appear bigger with some strategically placed highlighter.

“I am a forever fan of adding a highlighter to the inner corner of eyes,” says Larsen. “It brightens the eyes up so beautifully!”

Hooded Eyes

“With hooded eyes, there is little visible lid space—and you risk your liner transferring to your eyelid,” says Larsen.

The good news? "You can still define your eyes beautifully by applying liner into your lash line. This technique is called tightlining," says Larsen.

So, how do you “tightline” hooded eyes in a way that complements the shape of your eye—without getting liner all over the place?

“My favorite look is to apply liner into the upper waterline, and/or between the upper lashes,” says Larsen. “It’s such a soft way to define your eyes without looking like you’re wearing makeup.”

Almond Eyes

An almond eye is shaped like an almond, which is oval. if you like variety in your eyeliner looks and you have almond eyes, you’re in luck.

“Almond eyes are able to pull off most any eyeliner application techniques,” says Larsen.

So, what are some looks that work for almond eyes? “I am always in favor of accentuating what you have rather than working against it,” says Larsen. "With almond eyes, it looks beautiful to tightline the upper waterline. This helps define the lovely shape. You can also create a mini wing to further accentuate it."

If you want to up the oomph and make your eyes pop, “you can even add a nude-colored liner in the lower waterline to make your eyes look slightly more open and brightened.”

Round Eyes

If you have round eyes, a winged liner look can be a good option—but how you apply the liner and create the wing is important.

“A popular application technique for round eyes is to create a winged eye with eyeliner. Just be sure not to bring the liner too close to the inner corners. This can accentuate your eyes’ roundness,” says Larsen.

The key to a winged liner look for round eyes is to focus on the outer part of your eyelid. "You can create a mini wing by focusing on the outer corner of your eye. Avoid the inner corner," says Larsen.

Winged Liner

Are you more interested in creating the perfect cat-eye or winged liner look? Defining Liner can do that, too.

PREP
Before you apply the liner, decide what type of winged look you want. This choice will affect the size and shape of the wing. For a natural look, just add a slight upward flick at the end of the lash line. If you want a more dramatic look, create a longer and wider wing.

Step 1: Draw a thin line on your upper lash line, starting at the inner corner and moving outward. Be sure to keep the line thin and close to the lash line.

Step 2: When you hit the outer corner, angle your eyeliner upward to create the “wing” effect—and draw your wing. If you’re unsure how to position the wing, use an eyeshadow brush. Angle it from the outer corner of your lash line to the outer corner of your eyebrow. Use this line as a guide.

Step 3: Connect the tip of the wing back to the lash line, forming a triangle.

Step 4: Fill in any gaps and blend where the wing meets the lash line.

These winged eyeliner tips can help you create the perfect wing. But with Defining Liner, there’s an even easier eyeliner hack to get the same look, just with less effort.

"My personal trick for an easy wing is to apply Defining Liner to the outer edge of my upper lid. Then, I use the smudging tool to flick out a wing and bring it inward," says Larsen. “You really can’t mess it up!”

Latte Eyes

Latte eyes are trending right now. They’re a great choice for those who want a natural look with Defining Liner.

“A classic brown will always be in style. Thanks to the latte trend, it’s a great choice for defining the eyes in a sophisticated, soft, and chic way,” says Larsen. “Our new Dark Brown is neutral in tonality so that it can equally flatter and complement all eye colors.”

Let's explore some tips for your perfect latte eyes look using Defining Liner:

Step 1: Begin applying Defining Liner in Dark Brown along the upper lash line, starting at the inner corner.

Step 2: Start by making the line thinner at the inner corner—and as you move outward, gradually thicken the line.

Step 3: Use the smudging tool to blend the liner up towards your crease. This will create the soft look that is important for latte eyes.

Step 4: Line the lower lash line with the same liner. Keep the line thin.

Step 5: Lightly smudge the liner along your lower lash line.

Cut Crease

Cut creases may seem difficult. But when it comes to this eye makeup look, “less is more,” says Larsen.

"You don’t need to fill your makeup bag with extra shadows. You can create a cut crease using just eyeliner. This will make your lids and eyes look larger."

Step 1: Apply concealer, eyeshadow primer, or a lighter shadow to the entire lid.

Step 2: Apply Defining Liner to the crease of the lid. “Contour the eye by applying liner across the middle crease of your lid—or a bit higher if you have a monolid,” says Larsen.

Step 3: Blend the liner using the smudging tool. “Blend and soften the line depending on how dramatic or conservative you want the cut crease to be,” says Larsen.

Step 4 (Optional): Use the liner to add a wing on the outer corner of the eye.

Use these eyeliner hacks to create the perfect eyeliner look

Eyeliner is one of the most versatile products in your makeup bag. You can create many different looks with your liner. In many cases, it’s the only product you need. Having one go-to product makes getting ready easier, less time-consuming, and less expensive. Now that you know how to use Defining Liner, you can create a look that speaks to your style and your eye shape. With this knowledge, you have what you need to make an eyeliner look that is perfect for you.

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