How To Apply Eyeliner In Style

Eyeliner is one of those make-up tools that can make or break your look. Perfectly applied liner can open up your eye are and make your eyes sparkle. The flipside is that being a bit too heavy-handed can mean your look ends up less Audrey Hepburn and more panda bear.

This is probably whey so many women are too nervous to try, but to help you get it right, I will tell you how to line in style.

What is the best type of eyeliner if you're 40 or over? Avoid any eye make-up that has a shine. Our eye area gives away our age. Light reflecting eyeliner can highlight lines and wrinkles, so always use a velvety, longwearing eyeliner. Lighter intensity eyeliners make the eyes look larger and brighter, so choose brown instead of black.

How should I apply liner? For the top lid you should start at the inner corner of the eye. Use short feathery strokes and stay as close to the lash line as possible. To line the bottom lash line, start at the outer corner. Taper the line about two thirds of the way in, then use an eye lining brush to soften it. For a more defined line, apply liner after applying eyeshadow. For a softer look, line the eyes before applying eyeshadow and smudge with your eyeliner brush.

What will stop the eyeliner from sliding into my wrinkles? Prepare the eye area by dotting a light reflecting concealer under the eyes, but don't use too much product. Once you've applied eyeliner, set it by applying a touch of eyeshadow or powder.

How can I stop eyeliner from 'puckering' the skin as I draw? Many of us find applying eyeliner tricky, but practice makes perfect. Lean on your elbow to steady your hand as you apply liner and use your other hand to gently pull your lid taut.

What are the important eyeliner do's and don's?

Don't borrow someone else's eyeliner. It can spread bacteria. Don't try to use liquid liner in a hurry. And do ensure that your eyeliner pencils are always sharp and smooth to avoid scratching the eyes.

How can I use eyeliner to 'bring out' my eyes as opposed to 'closing' them and making them appear smaller?

The smaller the eye, the less eyeliner should be used. If your eyes are small, try lining just the lashline and not the inner rim. Focus on the outer corner only, stopping two thirds of the way in.

Whenever I try to do the smouldering eye make-up technique, I just end up looking dirty or my eyes look sunken and tired. Where am I going wrong?

Line your eyes with soft pencil. Apply eyeshadow first and then gently smudge the eyeliner with your eyeliner brush. Don't be in a hurry. Start with less and as you get more confident, apply more soft pencil and smudge over the eyeshadow.

I've always used black eyeliner. Should I change, and if so, what color should I be using?

Light skin tones should use light eyeliners like natural brown and darker skin tones should use black eyeliner. However, black can overwhelm very pale eyes, so use sparingly.