Eyeliner is one of those makeup essentials that can completely transform your look with just a few simple strokes. Whether you prefer a subtle, barely-there line or a more dramatic wing, the right eyeliner technique can help define your eyes, enhance their natural shape, and create a brighter, more lifted appearance. But certain application habits can have the opposite effect, making eyes appear smaller, heavier, or more downturned than they actually are.
Sometimes, all it takes is a small adjustment to your technique to make a noticeable difference. From choosing the right placement to softening harsh lines, makeup artists have plenty of tricks for creating the illusion of lifted, more open-looking eyes at any age. And while there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to beauty, knowing which techniques might be working against your desired look can help you make the most of your makeup routine. Here are four common eyeliner mistakes that can visually drag down your eyes, along with easy, expert-inspired alternatives that create a beautifully lifted effect.
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1. Black Liner on the Waterline
Applying black eyeliner to your lower waterline can create a dramatic, defined look, but it can also make your eyes appear smaller and more closed off. Because dark colors visually recede, a thick line of black along the waterline can emphasize the lower part of your eyes rather than creating the lifted, wide-awake effect you may be hoping for.
Instead, try swapping black eyeliner for a nude or beige pencil along your lower waterline. This simple trick can help your eyes appear brighter, larger, and more refreshed. If you love the definition of darker eyeliner, consider applying a soft brown pencil along the outer third of your upper lash line instead.
2. Dark Eyeliner Below the Lower Lashes
Applying dark eyeliner beneath your entire lower lash line can add definition, but it can also create a shadowy effect that makes your eyes appear heavier or more downturned. A thick, harsh line beneath the eyes can emphasize puffiness, draw attention to the lower part of your face, and make your eyes look smaller. For a softer, more lifted effect, consider skipping dark eyeliner along the lower lashes altogether and focusing your definition on the upper lash line instead. If you prefer a little color beneath your eyes, use a soft brown eyeshadow and a small blending brush to gently define just the outer third of your lower lash line. The result is a more diffused, flattering look that enhances your eyes without weighing them down.
3. Downward-Sloping Wing
Winged eyeliner is a classic makeup technique that can beautifully elongate and define your eyes, but the direction of your wing makes all the difference. If your eyeliner extends downward past the outer corner of your eye, it can visually pull your eyes down, creating a more tired or droopy appearance. Instead, try angling your wing slightly upward toward the tail of your eyebrow to create the illusion of a subtle lift. Start with a thin line along your upper lashes and extend it outward and upward, keeping the wing short and delicate for a flattering everyday look. This technique can be especially helpful for hooded or mature eyes because it creates definition without adding unnecessary heaviness.
4. Thick Black Liner on the Lid
A thick swipe of black eyeliner across your upper eyelid can look bold and glamorous, but it can also make your eyes appear heavier, particularly if you have hooded or slightly drooping lids. When eyeliner takes up too much visible lid space, it can create the illusion of smaller eyes and draw attention downward rather than upward. For a more lifted appearance, try applying a thin, precise line as close to your upper lashes as possible. You can even use a dark brown or charcoal pencil for a softer, more natural-looking effect. Concentrating the definition along the outer portion of your upper lash line can help elongate your eyes without overwhelming them.
