Ever found yourself wondering why black eyeliner might not quite suit your style? You’re not alone. There’s more to it than meets the eye.
Factors such as your skin tone, eye color, eye shape, age and features, and even the technique you use can all influence how black eyeliner appears on you.
Eyeliner is like a magic wand for eyes. With a simple stroke, it has the power to define, emphasize, and transform the entire look. It’s a versatile tool that allows you to play with different styles, from a subtle enhancement to a bold and dramatic statement.
So, if black eyeliner doesn’t give you the desired effect, fear not. It’s all about finding the perfect makeup match that complements your unique features and makes you feel fabulous. Here, you will get the details.
How to determine eye shape?
Almond Eyes: Characterized by their elongated width and slightly upward outer corners, almond-shaped eyes feature a smaller eyelid. This shape creates an alluring and distinctive look.
Round Eyes: Look into the mirror and study your crease to determine if you have round eyes. The wrinkle is always perceptible in the context of round eyes.
Monolid Eyes: If your eyelids lack a prominent crease where they meet the skin beneath your eyebrows, it’s indicative of monolid eyelids.
Downturned Eyes: Employ the mirror as a crucial tool in determining your eye shape. Upon observing your eyes in the mirror, a downward slant of the outer corner indicates downturned eyes.
Hooded Eyes: Hooded eyes are incredibly prevalent; they exhibit a small flap of skin beneath each eyebrow that partially covers the mobile eyelid, resulting in a unique appearance.
The top reason why black eyeliner looks bad?
Firstly, consider your skin tone. The contrast between black eyeliner and your complexion carries substantial weight. Lighter or fair skin tones might find black eyeliner appearing harsh, owing to its stark contrast.
Conversely, individuals with medium to dark skin tones might navigate the terrain of black eyeliner more effortlessly, given the less pronounced contrast.
Moving on to eye shape, it’s essential to acknowledge that different eyeliner styles can harmonize with diverse shapes. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice. A style that beautifully complements one person’s eyes might not equally flatter another’s, underlining the necessity for tailored application.
Moreover, eye color also adds a layer of complexity. While black eyeliner can accentuate the allure of blue or green eyes, its effects on other eye colors might be less harmonious. Such nuances emphasize the interplay of color and perception.
Your personal style is a potent influencer, shaping how you perceive black eyeliner on yourself. If a makeup choice doesn’t resonate with your individual flair, a sense of disconnect could emerge.
The artistry of application technique bears significance. An uneven or heavy application, coupled with inadequate blending, can disrupt the overall balance and polish.
Age and features enter the narrative, with black eyeliner potentially accentuating lines and wrinkles that come with the passage of time.
Staying attuned to preferences and trends is paramount. The evolving landscape of makeup trends may not always align seamlessly with your tastes or unique attributes.
Furthermore, undertones cannot be overlooked. How colors interact with your skin, particularly the interplay of black eyeliner and undertones plays a pivotal role in the final outcome.
How To Do Your Eyeliner According To Your Eye Shape
Almond eyes:
Resembling the elegant curve of an almond, this eye shape boasts nearly symmetrical proportions, adorned with a gentle upward tilt. Regarded as the most coveted eye shape, it grants the freedom to explore an array of styles. From dramatic flair to understated charm, the cat eye and winged liner are the reigning champions for this shape.
Further, Both look initiated with delicate strokes near the inner corner of the eye, gradually evolving into more substantial lines as they journey outward. It’s prudent, however, to sidestep the allure of dark-hued eyeliner along the waterline. This measure prevents the inadvertent reduction of eye size, maintaining the openness and allure of your almond-shaped eyes.
Round eyes:
Characterized by their expansive and luminous appearance, round eyes have a distinct allure. When applying eyeliner to enhance this eye shape, you possess the opportunity to either accentuate its inherent charm or embark on a transformative journey. Both liquid eyeliner and eyeliner pencils are viable tools in this endeavor.
Moreover, The secret lies in crafting a visual illusion of increased width, a game-changer in shaping your gaze. To achieve this, the focal point rests on the outer eye region. Initiate your artistry with a delicate line, commencing one-third from the outer corner. Skillfully guide this line slightly past the corner’s border, culminating in a graceful flick. This technique imparts a widened appearance to the eyes while evoking the enchanting semblance of an almond shape.
Monolid eyes:
Monolid eyes are those with a single eyelid without a distinct crease. A bold liner is the greatest look when it comes to this eye shape.
Make a faint smokey eye by outlining your top lid with an eyeliner pencil and smudging it upwards. Applying it from the inside corner and extending the wing form upward is a crucial tip. When it comes to eyeliner, the thicker, the better for the monolid eye form.
Down-turned Eyes:
When you have eyes that are downturned, you want to elevate them with eyeliner. At the very end of your lash line, add a tiny 45-degree flick to get this. Simply trace a thin line from the inner corner to the middle of the eye, thickening as you come to the outer corner. Use your outer eye corner and the tip of your brow as a guide to gauge the length of your flick.
Hooked eyes:
Draw a thin line about a third of the way into your eye, and then join a thick vertical wing to the outside corner to get this. Use a fast-drying eyeliner with a precision tip for hooded eyelids to have more control.
Some Eyeliner Mistakes You Need to Stop Making
Pulling or tugging your eye when you draw on eyeliner
While it might seem logical to pull your skin tight, it can lead to bumpy and uneven results. Instead, use your fingers to steady your skin. Check out this handy GIF for a visual guide.
Using the wrong eyeliner formula
Liquid and gel liners dry fast, leaving little room for blending. For easier application and flexibility, go for a waterproof or long-wear pencil. Try products like the Fiona Stiles Beauty
Ultra-Smooth Waterproof Eye Defining Pencil.
Attempting to paint on the liquid liner with a brush applicator (and failing)
Experiment with different applicators—brushes or felt-tipped pens—to find what works best for you. Make Up for Ever Ink Liner is great for beginners.
You only line your lower lash line
Balancing is key. Line your upper lid as well for a lifted, youthful look. If you insist on the lower lash line, choose a lighter color.
Closing your eye when you’re drawing on a cat’s eye
Keep your eyes open to ensure symmetry while drawing cat eyes.
Wearing black liner on your waterline
Avoid black on the waterline as it can make your eyes appear smaller. Opt for softer colors like bronze or gray.
Winging it when you’re trying to wing your eyeliner
For a perfect wing, tilt your head back, keep your eyes open, and align a brush with your lower lashes’ outer edge at a 45-degree angle. Draw a guide dot, then connect it to the outer corner. Continue the line toward the center of your lower lash line.
Eye Makeup Mistakes That Are Secretly Making You Look Older
Eyeliner That’s Too Dark: First, Moving away from intense black eyeliner is a smart move. As our skin matures, adopting a softer approach is key. Opt for gentler shades like brown, which can beautifully enhance your eyes and bring out their natural vibrancy. As well as for blue eyes, consider a coppery brown; deep plum purple can accentuate green eyes, while a touch of navy blue complements brown eyes.
Skipping Your Brows: If over-plucking left your brows sparse, embracing their natural fullness is the way to go. Moreover, brows play a vital role in framing your face, and a dab of brow gel can make a world of difference. NYX Professional Makeup Microbrow Pencil helps fill gaps, and Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel brushed upwards, imparts a youthful and wide-eyed look without resorting to needles.
Lining the Waterline: Also, With the exception of nude eyeliner that brightens and enlarges the eyes, it’s advisable to steer clear of lining the waterline. Doing so can minimize eye size, add years to your appearance, and even dull your complexion.
The Wrong Concealer: Further, Address dark circles with color correction. Opt for a pink-tinted concealer for fair skin tones and an orangey-yellow tint for darker skin tones. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Treatment Concealer is a game-changer, and choosing a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone prevents a washed-out effect.
Heavy Liner: The era of heavy goth eyeliner is behind us. Simultaneously lining both upper and lower lash lines has lost its appeal. For a balanced look, consider using eyeshadow to subtly line the outer corner of the lower lash line. As for the upper lash line, opt for thin and subtle eyeliner to naturally frame the eyes without appearing overly dramatic.
No Primer: Similarly, Achieving long-lasting eye makeup is a coveted goal. Prepare with a hydrating primer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to establish a smooth canvas. Consider Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer for the face and Fenty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer for eyelids, ensuring your eyeshadow stays put.
Powder Eye Shadow: Introducing cream eyeshadow to your routine yields a hydrated and youthful finish. Powder eyeshadow can settle into fine lines and contribute to dryness. In addition, With a primer as your ally, cream eyeshadow maintains hydration and adherence. For a touch of subtle shimmer, explore Glossier Lidstar, a long-lasting choice.
Heavy Glitter: While excessive glitter may seem youthful, it can actually emphasize dry skin and fine lines. Opt for neutral tones or a palette with delicate shimmer to achieve a brighter complexion and retain a youthful appearance.
Eye Shape: In the end, Similar to selecting the right haircut for your face shape, aligning your eyeliner technique with your eye shape enhances their allure. Customizing your approach to accentuate your unique features results in captivating and youthful eyes.
FAQ
Why Does Black Eyeliner Make My Eyes Smaller?
Many people notice that black eyeliner can sometimes make their eyes appear smaller. This effect can be due to the stark contrast between the black liner and the white of the eyes. Exploring softer eyeliner shades might help mitigate this issue.
How Can I Avoid Black Eyeliner Looking Harsh?
To avoid a harsh look with black eyeliner, consider using a lighter touch and blending techniques. Experimenting with different eyeliner styles and shades can also help achieve a more flattering and balanced look.
Is My Eye Shape Responsible for the Unflattering Look?
Yes, eye shape matters when it comes to eyeliner choices. Black eyeliner might not suit every eye shape. Almond, round, hooded, monolid, and downturned eyes each have different recommended eyeliner techniques to enhance their features.
Who looks nice with black eyeliner?
People with dark skin tones typically prefer black eyeliner, which is the most common choice.
Do some individuals simply not look lovely using eyeliner?
Eye shape: The appearance of eyeliner might vary depending on the shape of the eyes.
Conclusion:
To sum up, In the world of makeup, not all colors or styles fit everyone perfectly. Black eyeliner might not look great on you due to various factors. Your skin tone, eye shape, and even personal preferences play a role.
Besides, Don’t worry though, makeup is about finding what suits you best. There are plenty of other eyeliner colors and styles to try. Makeup is about experimenting and feeling confident, so explore different options until you find what makes you feel amazing. Remember, it’s all about embracing your uniqueness and finding what brings out your natural beauty.