I just can't seem to make pencil eyliner look good, no matter what I do!?

Question

i've practiced a LOT, and I've tried everything! Sharpening, getting a great magnified mirror, getting really close-up. i've tried 2 different kinds of eyeliner, including waterproof and a "softer" one. but it just looks fake, unnatural, there's inevitably a "gap" (although it's small, it's there) between the lashes and the liner. and when i look really closely, i can see that the liner is made of little separate pieces of color on the skin, rather than a smooth line! ughhhh

is that just how it's going to be? should i work on mineral eyeliner wet, or maybe liquid? i thought *those* would be harder, but this pencil stuff is really ridiculous! does *everyone* have a hard time with pencil (well, with eyeliner in general?), or is it just me? i don't see how people can get it to work for them on a daily basis if it's this frustrating...

to "Maria": what's a median tip?

thanks for all the answers so far. please, if you recommend a "type," let me know the brand + product name? otherwise i'm totally lost and your answer won't help me. thanks. =)

Answer 1

I really love gel eye liner like MAC Fluidline or the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner for a straight line with a brush...yeah it takes some practice but I got the best results with it!

I always close one of my eyes and hold the lashes so there's a tension on my lid and then apply the Fluidline as close as possible to the lash line!

Answer 2

I would guess that you have lighter hair if this is a problem. (and lighter skin) You didnt say what color eyeliner you are using. If you have light skin/hair and are trying to use black eyeliner, that might be part of the problem. Try using a softer color, a brown or charcoal gray. I like Covergirl eyeliner pencils. They are easy to use. Look for the ones that have what looks like an eraser on the other side. Its a sponge used for blending. If not, you can use a q-tip to smudge the eyeliner gently.
When applying eyeliner, dont used a straight harsh line. Go slow and use several smallish strokes (almost dotting along your lashline, like this _ _ _ _ _ but overlapping a little. This will help give a more natural look.
Also, start at the inner corner of your eye by your nose. Gently (VERY GENTLY!) pull your eyelid with one finger outward. This flattens it out and makes it easier to get a clean line.
Same thing when applying liquid eyeliner (though this is more difficult)
A trick I learned for liner and mascara is get a hand held mirror, and hold it at chin level with one hand. Without moving your head down, look down with your eyes only. This closes your eyelids a little and allows you to work without hitting and leaving liner/mascara where you dont want it....all over your lids!
Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Using mineral eye shadows wet is a great way to get a good look. It really is not hard. You can also use it dry for a more subtle liner. As with any makeup application, you will have to practice a bit but you will probably get the look you want by using the minerals.

Create your own eye shadows using minerals by applying with an eye shadow brush! To use as a liner, wet a eye liner brush with water and dip into a multi-purpose mineral, blending the proper shade on the back of your hand. Then apply under and over your lashes for a dramatic look.

The only other suggestion I would have is try using a Q-tip to blend the pencil eyeliner or apply your liner first and then apply your eye shadow second. This will give you a more muted look to your liner but may help to blend the liner and make it look more natural.

Answer 4

Try a liquid eyeliner. Start with a brand like L'Oreal or Cover Girl. The liquid makes a big difference, and, I understand your problem. Initially I had a lot of trouble with eyeliner. Switching to liquid made it look a lot better, even when I didn't draw it great. Also, smudging the eyeliner might help until you get it down better. Other than that, I guess it takes practice... it did for me!

Answer 5

liquid is hard for some people but I use it and it's great. Use a liner that is the same color as your lashes for a natural effect and make it a thin line. Just fill in the empty space it's easy just pull down on your lashes and apply close to your lash line.

Answer 6

One of best pencils I've ever worked with is from Chanel. They cost a bit more money but are very soft and very very good. Keep on practicing you will become a master of your eyeliner and you will be proud once you do, it's one of the most important parts of your make-up...

Also check my site I think you might find some useful stuff there...
http://www.easynaturalyou.com

Answer 7

normaly i lick the eyeliner first and then i put it on really close to the eyelashes first then make it thicker(as thick as u want) or try a color that is closer to ur eyelash color :) and pull back the skin a bit for a smoother softer area to draw the line!!!:P

Answer 8

I thought so before but when I tried "softer" eyeliners, things were so much better. And don't do it when your hands are shaky. And draw it in a soft line. Just breathe and be natural.

Answer 9

It sounds like since the pencil was clumping up instead of going on smooth, it was old and dry. Sometimes they are already dried out even if you buy them new; make sure that you get a really good quality, smooth one. It takes patience to learn how to get it right when you put it on. :)

Answer 10

you should try the softer eye pencils from avon. pull you eyelid tight and if you have to put it right on the lash to get the perfect coverage do it and you can try blending it once its up there so its not so severe. good luck. for me.......you have to have the perfect hand to get it on good or you can end up making a mess of the whole thing. try avon and their new line called mark and they have great colors too.