You're not alone. Lining eyes is one of the toughest parts of makeup application. It takes a LOT of practice to become adept!
When I use a pencil, I find the application depends on the consistency of the pencil. If the pencil is very creamy and color goes on (too) easily, dotting the lash line with the pencil then blending with a liner brush makes a very clean look. With regular texture pencils, you can draw mini-lines with short, dash-like strokes. Then blend with a brush. If your pencil is too dry, then it's either a dud or needs heating up with your fingertips. Gently squeeze the point for a few seconds to soften the tip up before application.
I highly recommend MAC Kohls or Powerpoint pencils, as well as YSL Long Lasting Pencils, and kohl pencils from Prestige, Lancome and Chanel.
If you want to line with eye shadow, choose a shadow that gives lots of pigment lift and goes on smoothly when dampened. NARS, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier (her cake liners) and Trish McEvoy have shadows that are either made for this purpose or shadows that are deep in pigment to make lining easy. If you go NARS, try ones from the Night series. Night Porter is my favorite BLACK!
Dampen your brush by stroking the bristles against a moistened hand. I don't like to add water directly to the brush because it can absorb too much liquid and make for a sloppy application. You can use Visine or a sealant from Paula Dorf or Trish McEvoy to make the shadow application last all day. If you use these to dampen your brush, take care not to get this all over your shadow cake. Just keep a "wet corner" since this will affect your shadow's ability to be used dry.
Brushes that work well are MAC 266, Japonesque eye liner (sold in Trade Secret), Bobbi Brown Fine Liner brush (not the ultra fine one). I think L'Oreal also makes one. You can also eye up these brushes and find a near identical version at the local art supply store. I recommend a taklon bristle since it blends liquid/oil/cream better than an animal fur bristle and holds it's shape longer.
I think I'll stop now...lol! My dissertation on liners is getting a bit much!
I'll be happy to go into further detail on any point I made, just ask away!
Originally Posted by
boygirltv2005 hi there,thanks for getting back to me.
well, i also love makeup. i really love lipsticks, but i also enjoy wearing shadows and
liners. i would love to get some tips from you since i always seem to have trouble drawing
a straight line. i seem to always smudge or not get a good liner. let me know how i could do this better. i love doing the whole eye. i love the look.
thanks.