How to Apply Gel Eyeliner

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Co-authored by Devorah Kuperland

Last Updated: June 11, 2024 References

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Application

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Different Effects

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Other Tips

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How Do You Achieve Symmetrical Eyeliner?

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Video

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Gel eyeliner is a long-lasting eyeliner that creates a dramatic and noticeable effect. This type of eyeliner often comes in a small jar, and is applied with a brush. The finer the brush, the more control you'll have with the makeup. Gel eyeliner can simply be applied to the upper lid to line the shape of the eye, or it can also be used to create special effects, such as the winged look that helps extend your eye.

Part 1

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Application

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1
Choose the right product. While it's not necessary to buy the most expensive cosmetics, read reviews about the product you're considering buying to find out whether it's worth it.
- Gel eyeliner typically comes in a pot, and you'll need an angled brush to apply it.^{[1]
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  Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
- A thick brush will create thick, dark lines. A thin, angled brush will give you more control and allow you to make finer lines.^{[2]
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  Research source} Look for a brush that has a bit of stiffness to it.
Use a gentle cleanser and your favorite moisturizer. You want to ensure your skin is free of dirt and oil so that you have a fresh canvas to work with.^{[3]
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Research source} Don't use an overly oily moisturizer, or the eyeliner will have trouble adhering to your skin.

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3
Apply concealer or primer as a base layer. A good base layer will give the gel eyeliner something more to stick to, will help it last longer, and will make it more apparent. Avoid using a setting powder underneath your liner, though, as this could cause clumping.^{[4]
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- Opt for a matte primer that's either transparent or that has very little tint so it won't affect the color of your eye makeup.^{[5]
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  Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
- If you don't have eye primer, you can use a thin layer of concealer, instead.
4
Dip the brush into the eyeliner. Only dip the brush bristles in, and wipe them on the sides to remove excess eyeliner. Start with less rather than more, as you can always add more eyeliner if necessary, but taking it away will be much more difficult.
- Using too much eyeliner at once can lead to globs and smearing.
Tilt your head to point your chin up and out, so that you can see your entire eyelid more easily.
Don't point the brush perpendicular to your eye so you can't see what you're doing. Instead, hold the brush at an angle so you can see the tip touching your eye and can follow as you work.
Using your other hand, place a finger on your face between your temple and the eye you're going to apply eyeliner to. Very gently pull the skin taut toward your temple. This will help you apply the eyeliner in a straight line.^{[6]
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8
Apply a basic line. Close the eye you are going to apply eyeliner to, but not so tightly that you're squinting. You can even squint so that your eye is mostly closed, but you can still see what you're doing. On your top lid, start about 1/4 of the way out from your inside corner. Use the tip of the brush to gently and smoothly follow the lash line and trace the natural curve of your eye with the eyeliner.^{[7]
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Research source} Try to do this in one stroke, keeping the eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible.
- If you find it difficult to trace the lash line smoothly, mark points along the way first with the eyeliner, and then connect the dots with a single stroke of the brush.^{[8]
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Different Effects

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For a more dramatic effect, thicken the line by retracing the original line with a thicker one. Make sure the line is thinner at the beginning and end of the eyelid, and slightly and gradually thicker toward the corner.^{[9]
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Extend the basic line beyond the corner of your eye slightly, angling it gently upward with the natural curve of your eye.
Apply eyeliner only to the corner of your eyes. Start in the middle of your eyelid and draw a line toward the outer corner. Make the line thicker as you approach the corner. Do the same on the bottom lid, and connect the eyeliner lines in the corner of your eye.
4
Create a wing. The wing, or cat eye look, will extend your eye and create a more dramatic effect.^{[10]
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Research source} Create the wing by using the brush tip to draw a triangle that naturally extends the corner of your eye. The triangle should taper and come to a point that points toward the tip of your eyebrow, and should get thicker as it approaches your eye.
- Angle the triangle slightly upward toward your temple. The wing should follow the line that connects the bottom of your brow with your nose.^{[11]
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- Make the triangle no longer than the halfway point between the corner of your eye and your eyebrow.
- Fill in the triangle shape with eyeliner, and smoothly connect the triangle with the original line you drew to trace your lash line.

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Other Tips

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1
Clean smears and mistakes immediately. Use either a cotton swab or makeup sponge wipe up any mistakes right away, before the eyeliner dries. If necessary, dip the cotton swab in baby oil or makeup remover first.
- Remember that if you use makeup remover, it will also wipe away your primer, foundation, and any other makeup in the area, so you may need to do some touchups.
An unsteady hand can make for a rough or uneven eyeliner line, which will make your makeup job look sloppy. If necessary, rest your elbows on a counter or table as you apply the eyeliner.
Wash it with soap and warm water and let it air dry before your next use. This will prevent bacteria from growing, and it will keep the brush clean, which will make your makeup easier to apply.
This is especially true for things like lipstick and eyeliner that can transfer bacteria into your body through your mouth or eyes.
Applying makeup with the same brush over and over again can cause bacteria to grow, which can lead to infections. Cosmetics can also degrade and go bad over time, especially once they're open. Depending on your eyeliner, you should probably use it within three to six months.^{[12]
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How Do You Achieve Symmetrical Eyeliner?

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Is gel eyeliner easy to apply?

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist
Devorah Kuperland is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Glam By Dev, a New York City-based business specializing in bridal, special events, and editorial campaigns. Devorah has over five years of professional makeup consulting experience and her work has been featured in New York's Bridal Fashion Week.

Devorah Kuperland

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Gel liners are better for beginners because they have a creamy texture that doesn't stick as a pencil eyeliner would. You can easily create subtle looks and play with different colors.

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What are the best gel eyeliners?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

I like the gel liners made by Bobbi Brown and Marc Jacobs. Best is always relative. Both of these products are darkly pigmented, which may not be right for you.

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Can I use gel liner on my waterline?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

There are a few brands that make gel liners designed to be used on the waterline, and those are safe. With these exceptions, it's not a good idea and could irritate your eyes.

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Tips

Due to its consistency, gel liner should go on before mascara and eye shadow. This will help keep it from clumping and give you the most payoff for your look.

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Gel eyeliner can stain clothing, so have a special face towel ready to clean up spills or smears.

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Remember that it takes both patience and practice to master the art of applying gel eyeliner, so don't be discouraged if you don't immediately get the results you want.

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