How to Apply Pencil Eyeliner

Co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo

Last Updated: August 7, 2024 Fact Checked

An old proverb holds that eyes are the windows to a person's soul. One of the ways to enhance your eyes is by applying eyeliner, a cosmetic that originated in Egypt in the 15th century and has since been used all over the world. Eyeliner comes in many forms, including pencils, and it defines and highlights your eyes. Applying it can seem tricky at first, but it just takes a bit of practice.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Choosing a Pencil Eyeliner

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1
Consider what type of pencil eyeliner to use. There are many different types of eyeliner that come in a pencil form, each of which has a different consistency and texture, application, and effect.
- Powder-based pencils, sometimes called kohl, offer less intense color.^{[1]
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  Research source} They're also a good option if you want to smudge the eyeliner for a “smoky eye” effect. You can make the color appear more dramatic by wetting the tip before you apply the eyeliner.^{[2]
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  Alicia D'Angelo
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- Gel- or cream-based pencils offer simple and excellent application. These pencils apply a rich and intense color. They're a good choice if you want to apply a winged, or cat eye, look.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alicia D'Angelo
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.} You can also purchase gel or cream eyeliners that come in a pot and can be applied with a tapered brush applicator.
- Liquid eyeliner pencils offer the most dramatic and intense application. Many liquid liners come in pen form (though it more closely resembles a felt marker), making application fairly simple. However, mistakes are very visible and difficult to correct because of the deep color, so you must have a steady hand during application. Tips range from very thin to thick depending on how intense you want the look or if you want to apply a cat-eye or winged look.^{[4]
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  Alicia D'Angelo
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
2
Consider the eyeliner formula. Most companies offer different eyeliner formulas for different needs including sensitive eyes and organic, animal-friendly products. Some even offer formulas that include serums to elongate your lashes.
- If your eyes are sensitive because you wear contact lenses, or if you suffer from allergic reactions to certain formulas, certain companies (like Almay) make non-allergenic (also called hypoallergenic) makeup, including eyeliner.
- If you prefer an eyeliner that is ethically produced, made of organic materials, and is not tested on animals, for example, companies including, Aveda, NARS, Arbonne, The Body Shop, and Josie Maran Cosmetics offer these products.
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3
Choose an eyeliner color. Pencil eyeliners come in a broad range of colors from electric blue and emerald green to traditional colors like black and brown.
- A good rule of thumb is to apply shades such as black, dark brown, deep plum, or grey if you want a more natural look.^{[5]
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  Research source} You can intensify or soften these colors as you like to achieve your desired look.
- Unusual colors such as electric blue, orange, or emerald green will really stand out against your eyes and eyelids, so it's a good idea to use them for special, non-professional occasions. If you want to tone down these colors for an everyday look, pair them with a darker, neutral-colored liner.
- Different eyeliner colors highlight each eye color differently. For example, plum eyeliner makes green eyes “pop,” while grey eyeliner looks great on blue eyes. Purple-toned liners can enhance brown eyes, and black is a good choice for any eye color.
4
Buy your eyeliner. Once you've decided on the color, format, and formula, you are ready to purchase the pencil or pencils either at a store or online.
- Eyeliners vary greatly in price. They can cost as little as 99 cents and as much as 50 dollars or more.
- You can buy eyeliners at retailers including drugstores such as CVS, stores like Target or Walmart, or department stores such as Macy's or Saks Fifth Avenue. Sephora, a large French makeup retailer with stores across the world, is another excellent place to purchase eyeliner.
- Most vendors, including CVS, Target, Macy's, and Sephora, also have websites where you can purchase your eyeliner.
- If you want to try out different colors or types of eyeliner, visit the makeup counter at your favorite retailer and ask about samples. They may provide you with samples to take home, or they may apply the eyeliner to your eyes so you can see how it looks.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Preparing to Apply Pencil Eyeliner

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1
Wash your face. Eyelids are the greasiest part of your face. If your skin and eyelids are clean, your eyeliner and any other eye makeup you apply will last longer.^{[6]
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- A clean face also helps reduce the chances that you will accidentally get bacteria in your eye, which can cause infection.
2
Apply foundation before you put on your eyeliner. Your foundation forms a base for your makeup, so it should be applied first. Start by applying foundation to your nose, then work your way out until your entire face is covered.
- Foundation will help keep your eyeliner from running or fading.
- If you're not wearing foundation or just want extra staying power, use an eyelid primer, which will help keep your eyeliner in place. Simply blend the primer across your eyelid, then let it dry for 10 seconds before continuing to your next makeup application step.^{[7]
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3
Make sure you have good lighting. Pick a room with lots of bright, direct light either from the sun or a lamp.
- Having a light that shines evenly across your face allows you to evenly apply the eyeliner on both eyes.
4
Have your tools ready. There are a few products to have handy that will soften your look or fix mistakes.
- Brushes. A small-tipped brush in natural or synthetic fibers is the best way to soften your eyeliner line. They are also an easy way to apply gel or liquid liner.
- Q-tips or cotton swabs. These are another great way to soften the look of eyeliner. Cotton swabs also effectively fix mistakes when paired with eye makeup remover.
- Eye makeup remover. Many companies, including Neutrogena and Clarins, offer eye makeup remover that effectively and gently removes eye makeup and fixes mistakes in your application.
- Pencil sharpener. You need to sharpen powder/kohl shadows for best application. This is also a way to clean your pencil, as you're shaving off the surfaces that may have been exposed to bacteria.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Applying Your Eyeliner Pencil

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Rest your elbow on a flat surface to steady your hand to ensure even application.^{[8]
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2
Blend primer or concealer across your lid, if you haven't already. Primer and concealer both keep your eye makeup from running or fading. Use your finger or a clean brush to lightly blend the primer or concealer across your eyelid. Let it dry for at least 10 seconds before you continue.^{[9]
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3
Apply a matte base eye shadow. This creates a great canvas for your eyeliner by removing any discolorations and evening out your skin tone.^{[10]
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- It's a good idea to use a matte, skin-toned cream eyeshadow as your base. This will allow for more even application of your eyeliner.
- However, cream eyeshadows can also lead to smudging or creases throughout the day. It is important to set any cream-based eyeshadows with a powder-based shadow or translucent powder before you apply eyeliner.
4
Lightly hold the outer corner of your eye. This will also help you apply eyeliner evenly.
- Make sure not to tug the lash line as this can make the line appear smeared. It is also bad for the delicate skin around your eyes.^{[11]
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5
Apply eyeliner to your upper lid. Place the pencil as close to your lash line as possible and slowly draw a thin line from the outer corner to the inner corner.^{[12]
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Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- Keep the line thin to start. A thinner line will create a more natural look.^{[13]
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- Start at the outside corner of your eye. You want to deposit the least amount of pigment on the inner corners of your eye.^{[14]
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- You can thicken this pencil line as you like, for instance, if you want to apply your eyeliner in the cat eye or winged style.^{[15]
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- If you're interested in doing winged or cat eye style liner, you'll also want to thicken the eyeliner line. Then, draw a line at a 45 degree angle from the corner of your eye. Start from the bottom of the outer edge of your eye and extend upward. You can make this line as long or as short as you wish.
- Some makeup artists suggest making dots or dashes along your lash line and then connecting them if you aren't steady with drawing a continuous line.^{[16]
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6
Apply pencil liner to your lower lid. Place the pencil as close to your lash line as possible while avoiding the rims of your eyes. Slowly and gently draw a thin line from the outer corner to the inner corner.^{[17]
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Expert Source

Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- The eyeliner on your lower lid should be much softer than on your upper lid or else you can look harsh. A good rule of thumb is that it should be one third the size of the line on your upper lid.^{[18]
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- Your eyes will look larger if you only line the outer 2/3rds of your eyelid instead of going all the way to the inner corner.
7
Connect the lines only on the outside corner of your eye. Use the tip of your eyeliner to join your upper and lower lines. Be careful not to apply too much eyeliner in the corner, which might smudge.
- Avoid a complete circle of eyeliner around your eyes, which looks harsh and smears easily from your tears.^{[19]
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8
Soften the lines on your upper and lower lids. This will make the look softer and give the liner a “lived in” look.^{[20]
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- Use a brush, Q-tip, or even your finger to soften the line.
- Another option for a softer look is to apply brown eyeshadow over the liner on your lower lid using a small, tapered brush. This works particularly well to soften black liner.
9
Highlight your eye. If you want to make your eyes “pop” more, applying a little white eyeliner or shadow at the corners of your lids is an excellent trick.^{[21]
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- This trick will also help you look more awake.
Make the same size lines on the other eye so that your eyes will match. Refer back to your first eye as you apply the eyeliner so the finished look will be symmetrical.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Finalizing Your Look

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1
Compare your eyes to make sure they look the same. It can be tricky to apply your eyeliner the same way on both sides. Check your work to make sure your eyes don't look different. If they do, try to make them even.
2
Correct any mistakes. If you made any mistakes in your application, go back and correct them with a little eye makeup remover and a cotton swab.
- A brush can also help blend out mistakes, depending on how serious they are.
- You can also use a little foundation on a Q-tip to correct mistakes. This decreases your risk of removing too much of your work.^{[22]
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3
Seal your look with eye shadow. Properly sealing your eyeliner will ensure that it lasts for a long time and doesn't run.^{[23]
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- Use a thin coat of powder eye shadow in a similar color to your eyeliner to seal your eyeliner look. This will also give your eyes a little more of “pop” effect.^{[24]
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- Eye shadow can also help you create a specific look, such as a smokey eye.
4
Apply mascara. Applying a coat of mascara to your eyes will highlight your eyeliner and enhance your eyes even further.
- Make sure to apply mascara only after you've applied all of your eye makeup, including your eyeliner.^{[25]
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A makeup setting spray will keep your makeup in place. Although it's optional, a setting spray will help your makeup last longer.

How Can I Keep Eyeliner From Smudging Or Smearing?

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Question

How do you apply eyeliner on small eyes?

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

Apply it only to the outside two-thirds of the top lid, not to the bottom lid. You can also use white liner on the waterline.

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Question

What is the easiest eyeliner to apply?

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

Pencil is the easiest because it can be smudged and blended. Liquid liner shows every imperfection and is very unforgiving.

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Question

How do you do winged eyeliner with pencil?

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

To create a winged effect, draw along the lash line and the at the corner of the eye, draw up, creating a line that points toward the outside corner of the eyebrow. You can fill in the wing by drawing a line from the tip of the liner to the center of the eye and filling it in.

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Tips

Make sure you have a clean area in which to apply your eyeliner. Makeup can carry germs, especially the longer you have it. Using makeup in an unclean space only increases the chance of an infection.

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As pencils age, liner can get stuck. Heat up the pencil with a blow dryer, which will make it easier for the ink to come out.

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Once you have the basics down, practice more detailed applications like cat eyes and winged tips.

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Warnings

Be aware of signs of irritation, like red eyes and rashes. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop using the eyeliner and notify your healthcare provider.

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Be careful to not apply eyeliner or makeup remover in your actual eye.

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