Elevating your look with eyeliner is an art form that can instantly change your appearance. The way you apply it and the shades you choose can give you an edgy vibe or make you look innocent and doe-eyed, mysterious, or put-together. However, when eyeliner goes wrong, it has the power to make you appear tired or older, or even a combination of both.
Celebrity makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy, with over two decades of experience in high-pressure studio environments, has mastered the art of creating eye looks that photograph beautifully under intense lighting while still looking natural and balanced in person. She has worked with A-list talent and led makeup teams on major television productions such as “American Idol,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” and “America’s Got Talent.”
According to Hussainy, one of the biggest eyeliner mistakes to avoid is using too much product. Applying black eyeliner with a heavy hand can overpower the eyes instead of enhancing them. Instead of framing the eyes, a thick line can make the eye area appear smaller or harsher. Hussainy recommends using eyeliner as a subtle enhancer that follows the natural lash line rather than dominating the entire look.
Black eyeliner is a staple in most makeup bags, but it’s also easy to overapply. The deep pigment can quickly take over the entire eye area, especially in natural or daytime makeup looks where softer definition is often more flattering. Hussainy suggests starting with a thin line and gradually adding depth to create more control and prevent the eyes from looking overly harsh.
Choosing the right eyeliner shade is crucial, as it can significantly impact your overall look. The right shade can make your eyes pop, while the wrong one can make them appear smaller or dull. Warm browns and bronzes can enhance lighter eyes, while deeper jewel tones can make darker eye colors stand out. The key is to select shades that brighten the eyes rather than flatten them.
Hussainy believes in the mantra that less is more when it comes to eyeliner. Unless you’re intentionally going for a dramatic look, eyeliner should enhance your natural eye shape without overpowering it. A well-controlled liquid liner applied precisely along the lash line can create definition without overwhelming the rest of your makeup.
Even professionals make mistakes when applying eyeliner, but correcting them doesn’t have to mean starting over. Keeping a cotton swab on hand can help clean up edges or soften a line. A small brush can also help blend the liner for a softer, diffused finish.
Perfecting eyeliner takes practice, so Hussainy suggests starting with a fine-tip liquid liner and working in small strokes to build the liner gradually. This approach gives you more precision and control over the application, ensuring that the eyeliner defines your eyes without overpowering them.
In the world of eyeliner, restraint is key to achieving a polished look. Hussainy’s philosophy is simple: eyeliner should enhance your eyes, not overpower them.
Observation: The art of applying eyeliner is a delicate balance between enhancement and overpowering the eyes.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.