Read My Lipgloss: Liner Love

Okay ladies, get ready to channel your inner-diva, cause it’s time to dish about the most daring and defined liner on the market - liquid liner. Now before we go any further, let’s be real – liquid liner is intimidating. We steer clear of it at the cosmetic counter. If we had the nerve to actually buy it, we avoid it like the plague in our cosmetic cases, and we just become overwhelmed at the thought of application, almost as if someone just put a paintbrush in our hand and said “okay Van Gogh recreate Starry Night.” We just feel so out of our liner league.

But admit it, when you flip through the latest copy of your fashion mag of choice, you can’t help but adore the look liquid liner leaves. Its precision, definition, and overall drama are just unparalleled. So if you’re down for a little make-up application outside your comfort zone, take off the eyeliner training wheels and read on, because I know you can do it!

The key to liquid liner success is finding an applicator with which you are most comfortable. Most often liquid liners come with a pointed-tip sponge applicator or an ultra-thin brush applicator. In my experience, the sponge tip applicator will provide you with a thinner line than the brush, however, it is also a bit more challenging to use. Make sure if you decide on a sponge tip applicator that you find one that has some give. In other words, make sure the sponge will give a little as you apply it. The give eases the application when you get to lining the curved part of your eye. Regardless of which application tool you use, be sure to use the side of the tool and use the point as your guide, just as if you were using a paintbrush.

Just like all the liners we have discussed in this three-part series, liquid liner may be applied above your eyelid lash line and/or underneath your eyes. No matter what you choose (sponge tip v. brush), I would suggest starting on the outside corner of your eye and work your way in. Be sure to get plenty of liquid on the applicator and wipe off any excess liquid on the sides before applying. Once you get to the half-way point of your eye, you will most likely need more liquid. So dip again, wipe off any excess, and then either start from the inner corner of eye until the line connects in the middle, or continue at the mid-point until you get to the other side. I find it easiest to start from the outer corner, get more product, and work your way in from the inner corner. But you choose what is most comfortable for you.

Since most liquid liner has incredible staying power, like house guests that have overstayed their welcome, you’ll want to have your eye make-up remover and Q-tips handy until you get super comfortable with the application process. If you slip up (it’s okay!) and your line becomes a bit too thick or squiggly, simply put a few drops of remover on the Q-tip and clean up the mess. You’ll want to make sure that the eye surface is completely dry and free of the remover before trying the liner again. You can speed up this process by using the other side of the Q-tip (the dry side) to go behind yourself and sop up any remaining remover.

So all in all, it takes some getting used to. I wouldn’t advise that you make your first attempt at liquid liner while prepping for a cocktail party to which you’re already 15 minutes late. When you have a free night at home and The Bachelorette isn’t on, take some “you time” to get comfortable with the product. Even if you decide to reserve the dramatic look solely for dates and cocktail parties, it’s nice to have a liquid liner in your repertoire to take your look to the next level. So if you’re looking for a little drama in your liner life, introduce yourself to liquid liner…because who knows? You might just fall in liner love.

My Favs:

MAC's Liquidlast Liner
$16.50 USD
More colors available at MAC