If an eye is a window to someone’s soul, then eyeliners are the frame of that window. From basic to advanced, a good eyeliner can change how the outside world perceives you. Do they think those eyes look deadly, or maybe they look like any other people walking in the street? It all depends on that fine and creative line.

So today we will explore four famous eyeliner styles, how each gives a distinct look to those eyes and creates a perfect face that goes beyond simply using makeup.

Types of Eyeliner Styles

Winged

Winged eyeliner, or Cat Eye, always gives a polished or elegant look that is universally loved. The sharp flick breaks the laws of eyeliner, moving beyond the shape of the eye and creating an elongated, feline look that just speaks classic.

The rise of anime and Korean media gave this style a huge boost. But it existed long before that, all the way back in the Egyptian era. It was later revived in the 50s, when famous actresses made it popular, driven by the invention of liquid eyeliners.

Cat eye has a long history. Which is why it is loved and adored by ladies around the globe.

How to Style:

  1. Look straight into the mirror and find your flick. Imagine the upward motion of the bottom eyelash on the top one; that’s what you are looking for.
  2. Now start drawing a line on the bottom corner and extend it to that same flick line.
  3. Do the same with the top side, but instead of extending, just connect the line where it naturally ends.
  4. Then draw a straight line from the end of the flick towards the upper line. It will form a triangle.
  5. Now fill the triangle.
  6. Adjust the upper part of the triangle as needed to smooth the wing.

Tightlined

Tightlined or invisible eyeliner is one of the simplest eyeliners of all. Instead of decorating the eyelids, it only targets the middle part between the upper lash line and the roots of the eyelashes. This is more visible when looking down in the mirror.

That bare skin is a free canvas to add some instant contrast to the eyebrows within just a minute. Indians have been using this same style for generations now. Kajal was the main eyeliner back in the days before newer waterproof formulas came. 

These also helped with the strange feeling that the first application gives. Somewhat dry, which made many uncomfortable. Overall, Tightlined is a great way to enter into the eyeliner world before trying the other more popular designs.

How to Style:

  1. Look down in the mirror while lifting the upper lid upward.
  2. Take your sharpened waterproof kajal or gel pencil and press it across the line.
  3. Try not to press both eyelids closed. Resist for 4-5 seconds and blink minimally.
  4. Now close the eyelid as you please.

Smokey

The first two in our list were all about drawing a fine line. But smokey eyeliner, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. Instead of creating art, we make a mess. And that mess turns into a smoky haze that is actually a popular style.

Female rock bands, party girls, and beginners love it because it doesn’t punish mistakes. It instead rewards a subtle gradient look that can be achieved even in a moving bus. Crooked lines don’t exist here, only fine style.

How to Style:

  1. Get a soft pencil liner. Pick any color.
  2. Now draw a line across the upper lash. It can be uneven, crooked, or any new creation. As long as it goes from one side to another, it’s good.
  3. Get a small, dense pencil brush, and rub it across the line back and forth in a horizontal motion. This will create that hazy look.
  4. Optional: Apply matching eyeliner powder over the hazy eyeliner to lock the cream in place. This will enhance the gradient even further.

Graphic

If the other three were about following a particular script, this one is about breaking them. The graphic eyeliner is the modern take on eyeliner where a particular style isn’t followed. Instead, the user uses her imagination to create a masterpiece.

The entire eyelid becomes a sketchpad. But that freedom also comes at a cost. It makes graphics a challenging design to master. High precision and professional training are required for it to be shaped the right way. But once that’s in the past, the complete control over the brush makes other eyeliner styles in the list look like child’s play.

How to Style:

  1. Look straight in the mirror and make sure both eyelids look uniform.
  2. Now take a nude pencil or light eyeshadow and draw the lines where liquid eyeliner will go. Do it slowly and blink as needed.
  3. Then pick your liquid eyeliner pen and slowly create small dots or lines in segments. Make sure it’s not too far apart.
  4. Now connect those lines or dots gently. Precision matters here, and do not try to draw the entire line in one stroke.
  5. Repeat on the other side, and that’s it.

Conclusion

Difficulty ranges from easy to complex, even in eyeliners. And depending on the look that the client wants, this can turn into a nightmare. But it’s fine. Artists love a challenge, and it’s also a good chance to grow their knowledge. We hope this article helped you in a similar way. And if it really did, make sure to come back to StyleSpeak for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply eyeliner perfectly?

Ans. To apply eyeliner perfectly, make sure not to rush it. Take time, do it in small segments, and avoid it entirely if the hand is shaking or unstable. 

When to use an eyeliner liquid?

Ans. The eyeliner liquid is best for long wear where reapplying is not an option. It dries up quickly and creates a fine film that can last almost a day.

Why do people like Lakme eyeliner so much?

Ans. When it comes to Lakme eyeliner, it’s all about pricing and a nostalgic feeling. It is easily one of the best-known brands in India, and thanks to a low price tag, anyone can afford it.