You’ve probably seen it all over social media and fashion runways – that bold, eye-catching graphic eyeliner. But how exactly do you achieve that flawless look? Fear not, because in this article, we’ll be sharing some simple yet effective tips on how to master the art of a graphic eyeliner. Step-by-step instructions, product recommendations, and insider tricks await you, as we guide you through the process of creating a stunning, head-turning eyeliner style that will make you the envy of all. Get ready to upgrade your beauty game and embrace your inner artist with this must-try trend!
Choosing the Right Products
When it comes to achieving the perfect graphic eyeliner look, it all starts with choosing the right products. Consider your skill level and familiarity with applying eyeliner when selecting the products that will work best for you. If you’re a beginner, opt for products that are easy to work with, such as pencil eyeliners or gel liners that come with a brush. If you’re more experienced and confident in your skills, you can experiment with different types of eyeliners like liquid or felt-tip liners.
Consider Your Skill Level
Before diving into the world of graphic eyeliner, it’s important to assess your own skill level. If you’re new to eyeliner application, it might be best to start with simpler designs that are easier to execute. Gradually, as you become more comfortable and confident, you can challenge yourself with more intricate and complex designs. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out exactly as planned.
Select the Type of Eyeliner
To achieve a graphic eyeliner look, you have a few options when it comes to choosing the type of eyeliner. Pencil eyeliners are often the most beginner-friendly as they offer more control and precision. Gel eyeliners, on the other hand, are great for creating sharp lines and are more forgiving when it comes to mistakes. Liquid eyeliners provide a high-intensity finish and are ideal for creating bold, graphic shapes. Felt-tip liners offer the precision of a liquid liner with the ease of a pencil.
Choose Your Eyeliner Color
While black eyeliner is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors to create a truly unique and eye-catching graphic eyeliner look. Consider the colors that complement your eye color and overall makeup look. For a bolder look, opt for vibrant shades like cobalt blue or emerald green. If you prefer a more subtle approach, try using a soft, neutral color like brown or gray. Remember, the choice of color is entirely up to you and should reflect your personal style and preferences.
Prepping Your Eyes
Before diving into the process of applying graphic eyeliner, it’s important to properly prep your eyes to ensure a smooth and long-lasting application. Start by cleansing your eyelids to remove any oils, dirt, or makeup residue. This will create a clean canvas for your eyeliner. Follow up with a gentle moisturizer to hydrate the skin and ensure a smooth application. Allow the moisturizer to absorb fully before moving on to the next step.
Cleanse and Moisturize
To start the prepping process, cleanse your eyelids with a gentle eye makeup remover or a mild facial cleanser. Apply a small amount to a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your eyelids, removing any traces of makeup or oil. Be sure to be gentle and avoid tugging on the delicate skin around the eyes. Once your eyelids are clean, take a small amount of your favorite eye moisturizer and gently pat it onto your eyelids, ensuring they are well-hydrated and ready for the next steps.
Prime Your Lids
To ensure your graphic eyeliner lasts all day without smudging or fading, apply an eyeshadow primer to your lids. This will create a smooth and even base for the eyeliner to adhere to. Take a small amount of primer and apply it to your eyelids using your fingertips or a brush. Make sure to blend the product evenly across the entire lid, including the crease and inner corners of the eye. Allow the primer to set for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.
Set the Base with Powder
To further enhance the longevity of your graphic eyeliner, set the eyeshadow primer with a translucent powder. This will help absorb any excess oils and ensure that your eyeliner stays in place throughout the day. Take a fluffy eyeshadow brush and lightly dust a small amount of translucent powder all over your eyelids. Be sure to blend it well and remove any excess powder with a clean brush or tissue. Your eyelids are now prepped and ready for the next steps of creating your graphic eyeliner look.
Creating the Outline
Now that your eyes are prepped and ready, it’s time to create the outline for your graphic eyeliner. First, decide on the graphic shape you want to achieve. This could be a simple wing, a more complex geometric shape, or a double wing. Whatever shape you choose, make sure it complements your eye shape and overall makeup look. Once you’ve decided on the shape, it’s time to choose the right brush or pencil to create the outline.
Decide on the Graphic Shape
The graphic eyeliner look allows for endless creative possibilities. Experiment with different shapes and designs to find the one that suits your personal style and complements your eye shape. You can opt for a classic winged eyeliner look, a bold cat-eye, or even a cut crease design. The key is to choose a shape that showcases your creativity and adds a unique touch to your overall makeup look.
Use a Small Angle Brush or Pencil Brush
To create the outline for your graphic eyeliner, it’s best to use a small angle brush or a pencil brush. These brushes offer more control and precision, allowing you to create sharp lines and intricate details. If using a brush, make sure it is clean and free of any previous product. Dip the brush into your chosen eyeliner product and remove any excess by swirling it on the back of your hand or tissue before starting.
Start with Light, Gentle Strokes
When creating the outline for your graphic eyeliner, it’s important to start with light, gentle strokes. This will allow you to build up the shape gradually and make adjustments as needed. Begin at the outer corner of the eye and work your way inwards, following the natural shape of your eye. Keep the strokes short and precise, taking your time to ensure the lines are clean and even. If you make any mistakes, don’t worry. You can always go back and correct them later.
Adjust the Thickness and Length
As you create the outline for your graphic eyeliner, you have the freedom to adjust the thickness and length to suit your desired look. If you prefer a more subtle and natural look, opt for a thinner line. For a more dramatic and bold look, increase the thickness and length of the line. Experiment with different variations to find the one that enhances your eyes and complements your overall makeup look.
Filling in the Design
Once you’ve created the outline for your graphic eyeliner, it’s time to fill in the design and bring it to life. This step requires precision and patience as you work to achieve a seamless and intensified finish. Follow these steps to ensure a flawless and long-lasting result.
Continue from the Outline
To begin filling in your design, simply continue from where you left off in creating the outline. Start at the outer corner of your eye and work your way towards the inner corner, following the shape you’ve created. Use short, controlled strokes to fill in the design, gradually building up the intensity and color payoff. For more intricate designs, you may need to switch to a smaller brush or a finer-pointed eyeliner pen to ensure precision.
Use Short, Controlled Strokes
When filling in your graphic eyeliner design, it’s important to use short, controlled strokes. This technique allows for precision and helps prevent any mistakes or smudges. Keep the strokes light and gentle, gradually layering the product to achieve the desired intensity. If you make any errors or the lines aren’t as smooth as you’d like, don’t panic. There are ways to correct mistakes that we’ll cover later on in this article.
Layer the Eyeliner for Intensity
To achieve a bold and intensified graphic eyeliner look, layering the eyeliner is key. Once you’ve filled in the design with your chosen eyeliner product, go back and apply a second or even third layer if needed. This will enhance the color payoff and make the lines appear more vibrant and eye-catching. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next to avoid smudging or transferring of the product.
Perfecting the Wing
One of the most iconic elements of a graphic eyeliner look is the wing. Creating a perfect wing can be a challenging task, but with some practice and the right techniques, you’ll be able to master this eye-catching detail.
Outline the Wing
To begin perfecting the wing, start by outlining it. The wing should extend outward from the outer corner of your eye, following the angle of your lower lash line. Using the same brush or pencil you used to create the outline, carefully draw a thin line from the outer corner upwards towards the end of your eyebrow. Take your time and ensure the angle of the wing is symmetrical on both eyes.
Connect the Wing to the Upper Lid
Once you’ve outlined the wing, it’s time to connect it to the upper lid. Start from the end of the wing and draw a line towards the upper lash line, creating a diagonal connection. The length and thickness of this line will depend on your personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve. Experiment with different variations to find the one that suits you best.
Fill in the Wing
After connecting the wing to the upper lid, it’s time to fill it in. Using short, controlled strokes, carefully fill in the area between the outline and the upper lash line. This step requires precision and patience, so take your time to ensure a seamless and precise finish. If needed, go over the wing with an additional layer of eyeliner to intensify the color and make it more defined.
Creating Additional Details
To take your graphic eyeliner look to the next level, consider adding some additional details or embellishments. This will add a unique touch and make your design stand out even more.
Add Dots, Lines, or Shading
To create additional details, consider adding dots, lines, or shading to your graphic eyeliner design. These small elements can have a big impact on the overall look. Experiment with different techniques, such as using a fine-tipped eyeliner brush to create tiny dots along the lash line or drawing thin lines to create a geometric pattern. You can also incorporate shading by using a darker shade of eyeliner to create depth and dimension.
Experiment with Geometric Shapes
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different geometric shapes to create a truly unique and artistic graphic eyeliner look. This could include triangles, rectangles, or even abstract shapes. Remember to keep the lines clean and precise, and don’t be afraid to play around with different shapes and combinations. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating your own personal masterpiece.
Incorporate Negative Space
Another way to add interest to your graphic eyeliner look is to incorporate negative space. This involves leaving areas of your eyelids bare or creating gaps in the design to create a more dynamic and eye-catching effect. You can achieve this by carefully removing some of the eyeliner with a precision brush or cotton swab. This technique is especially effective when paired with bold colors or intricate patterns.
Correcting Mistakes
Even the most experienced eyeliner enthusiasts make mistakes from time to time. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to correct any errors and ensure a flawless finish to your graphic eyeliner look.
Use a Small Precision Brush
If you make a mistake or need to make adjustments to your graphic eyeliner, don’t panic. Use a small precision brush dipped in a bit of makeup remover or micellar water to gently erase any unwanted lines or smudges. Take your time and be patient, as rushing can lead to further mistakes. Once the area is cleaned up, allow it to dry before continuing with the rest of your makeup application.
Dab on Some Concealer
Another way to correct mistakes or clean up the edges of your graphic eyeliner is by dabbing on a bit of concealer. Take a small amount of concealer on a clean brush or your fingertip and carefully pat it onto the areas you want to correct or clean up. This will help create a clean and seamless finish, hiding any imperfections or uneven lines.
Cover Errors with Eyeshadow
If you’re dealing with minor mistakes or smudges, you can also use eyeshadow to cover them up. Take a small brush and dip it into an eyeshadow that matches your skin tone or the color of your eyeliner. Gently pat the eyeshadow onto the area you want to cover, blending it seamlessly into the surrounding skin or eyeliner. This technique works especially well for small errors or smudges that are difficult to correct with a brush or concealer.
Setting and Finishing
To ensure your graphic eyeliner stays in place and maintains its intensity throughout the day, it’s important to set it properly and complete your overall eye makeup look.
Set the Eyeliner with Translucent Powder
To prevent your graphic eyeliner from smudging or transferring, set it with a translucent powder. Take a small fluffy brush and dip it into a finely milled translucent powder. Gently tap off any excess and lightly dust the powder over your eyeliner, focusing on the areas that are prone to smudging or creasing. This will help lock the eyeliner in place and ensure it lasts all day without any fading or smudging.
Apply Setting Spray
Once you’ve set your graphic eyeliner with translucent powder, it’s a good idea to further enhance its longevity by applying a setting spray. Setting sprays help lock your makeup in place and prevent it from budging or melting throughout the day. Hold the bottle about arm’s length away from your face and mist it lightly over your entire makeup look, focusing on your eyes. Allow the setting spray to dry naturally before moving on to the final step.
Complete Your Eye Look
With your graphic eyeliner in place, it’s time to complete your overall eye look. Apply your favorite eyeshadows, mascara, and any additional eye makeup products to complement your graphic eyeliner. You can keep the rest of your eye makeup simple and neutral to let the eyeliner take center stage, or you can go all out with bold and vibrant eyeshadows. Experiment with different combinations to find the look that suits your personal style and the occasion.
Tips and Tricks
To make your graphic eyeliner journey smoother and more enjoyable, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Practice and Patience
Graphic eyeliner takes practice, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques until you find what works best for you. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself room to make mistakes and learn from them. With time and practice, your skills will improve, and you’ll be able to create stunning graphic eyeliner looks.
Experiment with Different Styles
The great thing about graphic eyeliner is that there are endless possibilities when it comes to style and design. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different shapes and patterns. Try out different thicknesses, lengths, and angles to find what suits your eye shape and personal style. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover your own unique signature look.
Use Tape as a Guide
If you struggle with creating clean and symmetrical lines, tape can be your best friend. Take a small piece of tape and place it at the outer corner of your eye, angling it towards the end of your eyebrow. This will act as a guide for your winged eyeliner, ensuring both eyes are symmetrical. Just remember to remove the tape gently after you’ve finished applying your eyeliner.
Removing the Graphic Eyeliner
At the end of the day, it’s important to remove your graphic eyeliner properly to keep your eye area healthy and free from any residue.
Start with Gentle Makeup Remover
To remove your graphic eyeliner, start by using a gentle makeup remover specifically designed for the eyes. Apply a small amount of the remover to a cotton pad or a q-tip and gently swipe it across the eyeliner, starting from the outer corner and moving towards the inner corner. Be gentle to avoid any irritation or tugging of the delicate skin around the eyes. Repeat this step until all the eyeliner is removed.
Use a Cotton Pad or Q-Tip
For more stubborn eyeliner or if you want to ensure a thorough removal, use a cotton pad or a q-tip soaked in makeup remover. Press the pad or q-tip onto the eyeliner and hold it for a few seconds to allow the remover to break down the product. Then, gently swipe the pad or q-tip across the eyeliner, moving from the outer corner to the inner corner. Repeat this process until all the eyeliner is removed.
Cleanse and Moisturize Your Eyes
After removing the graphic eyeliner, it’s important to cleanse and moisturize your eyes to remove any remaining traces of makeup and keep them hydrated. Use a gentle facial cleanser or a specialized eye cleanser to cleanse the area around your eyes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow up with a hydrating eye cream or serum to moisturize the delicate skin and protect it from dryness.
In conclusion, achieving a stunning graphic eyeliner look requires careful consideration of the products, prepping the eyes, creating the outline, filling in the design, perfecting the wing, adding additional details, correcting mistakes, and setting and finishing the look. With practice, patience, and experimentation, you’ll be able to create endless variations of graphic eyeliner looks that showcase your creativity and enhance your overall makeup look. Remember to have fun and embrace your individuality as you embark on your graphic eyeliner journey.
