Photo by John Falocco

Good Afternoon Jennifer,

I saw you on the local news earlier this week and I was hoping you could answer a question.

What is the correct or most flattering way to apply eyeliner? The reason I ask, is because I’ve heard so many conflicting things. For instance, for the upper lids I’ve heard to apply close to the lash line but I also heard to apply to the inside rim. When applying liner to the bottom, I’ve heard to start with the middle of the lash line to the outside corner, I also heard to apply to the inside rim and also to apply to both the lower lash line and the inside rim. Confusing!

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank You!

Jill Horvath

Lehigh Valley, PA

Hi Jill,

Glad you caught the show, thanks for writing. You have a very good question.

With the upper lids, you are correct. You apply the liner right at the lash line. Then, make the liner thicker at the outside corners of the eye and thinner as you go inward. Next, use a pencil brush (a very firm short brush) to smudge it into place. Smudging eye liner sets it into place and makes it appear softer, which is ultimately more flattering to the eye.  Sometimes, a couple layers of liner are required to get the amount just right. I personally do not apply liner inside the rim of upper lash lid.  I don’t think the effect is strong enough to suffer the discomfort.

For a natural look, I do not put liner (or mascara) on the bottom lash line. I either leave it completely bare OR I add a soft smoldering layer of eye shadow under the outer half of the bottom lash using a flat firm brush.

A smokey eye technique requires a few easy steps. Place eye liner in the bottom inner rim of the eye. (Be sure and dip your pencil in isopropyl alcohol first, keeping your pencil free of bacteria. You can pick up isopropyl alcohol at the grocery store for .99.) Next, apply black shadow (using a firm pencil brush) right at the root of the lash. This is followed by applying your crease color UNDER the root of the lash. This creates a soft gradient effect, making it look “smokey” and flattering. I would never put eye liner on the bottom lash without these steps; otherwise you will close up the eye. It’s also a very dated look.

Now go have fun with makeup!

Warm Regards,

Jennifer