5 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Applying Liquid Eyeliner—and How to Avoid Them

Liquid eyeliner is the shining star of essential makeup items, yet the process of achieving a perfectly lined look often feels like a pipe dream. Seriously, think about all those times you used eyeliner and drew a crooked line, smudged what was drawn before it had a chance to dry, or just royally messed up and had to start from scratch. Liquid eyeliner application is a tricky game to play—lucky for you, we asked professional makeup artists which faulty techniques to avoid when applying the product so that you don’t have to make the same mistake twice.

Why Liquid Eyeliner?

Liquid eyeliner isn’t just the perfect finish to an already stunning eye makeup look—it also changes the look of your face, according to celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey. “When lined closest to the lash line, it gives the eyes more shape and definition,” she explains. “Whether it’s used slightly, or a bold line is applied, liquid eyeliner is a statement for eyes.” Unlike pencil eyeliner, which is dry and typically applied to the bottom lash line, liquid eyeliner is reserved for the top lid. It can be worn on its own, with eyeshadow, or even an assortment of liners.

Common Liquid Eyeliner Mistakes

Drawing the Edges Too Far Out or In

Winged eyeliner is a go-to for many dramatic makeup looks, but not everyone gets it right at first. It’s easy to draw the wing too far out or too close to the lid. “This mistake can make your eyes either look set too close together or far apart,” explains Dempsey. Instead, it’s better to go slowly and find the perfect middle ground to land your winged liner. 

Applying Liquid Eyeliner Last

Is liquid eyeliner the last step in your makeup routine? Moving it to the front of the line might help. “Most liquid liners are water-resistant or waterproof, making them difficult to adjust once they start to set,” says celebrity makeup artist Sloane Casper. When those inevitable adjustments are needed, it’s better to wipe away at a clean face than to ruin your airbrushed foundation.

Not Allowing the Product to Dry Completely

Most liquid eyeliners dry pretty fast, but they’re not made of magic. Not allowing liquid eyeliner to properly dry can lead to smudging and product transfer, says celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray. Instead, apply liquid eyeliner as a first step, do the rest of your makeup, and then go back to the eyes to curl and apply mascara to the lashes.

Correcting Your Mistakes with More Liner

“When you make a mistake, continuing to apply more liner can cause it to dry on the applicator, which makes it chunky and difficult to work with,” says Casper. Rather than using the liner itself, Casper recommends using a precision brush with moisturizer, oil, or micellar water to clean up any errors.

Trying New Techniques on a Tight Schedule

Feeling inspired is a natural part of the makeup application process, but when you’re under a time crunch, trying new techniques isn’t the best idea. Makeup should be an enjoyable and stress-free activity, says Sloane. “You’re unlikely to master a new trick in the 20 minutes you give yourself before heading out the door.”

How to Successfully Apply Liquid Eyeliner

Now that you know which liquid eyeliner mistakes to avoid, you may be wondering what you should do. Don’t panic—we’ve got you covered.

Start with the Natural Contour of Your Upper Lash Line

The natural contour of your upper lash line will help gauge how to move your liner, says Dempsey. Use your finger to identify your lash contour—the angle between your top lid and eyebrow—before tracing an outline. 

Tightline the Eyes

Once you identify your lash line’s natural contour, use your liquid eyeliner to tightline the eyes. Start by looking upwards and tracing the liner across your upper waterline, then look down and trace the lower waterline. Tightlining the eyes will help create a template for the liquid liner.

Move Outwards from the Middle

“Lightly start on the top of your upper lash line and gently sketch from the middle towards the edge of your eye and stop,” says Dempsey. “Repeat this on the other eye so you have consistency.” Once both eyes are complete, take a step back to look at your eyes and complete the look by adding a thin line near the front of your lid.

Sharpen the Wings

Winged eyeliner looks best when it’s as sharp as a knife. “Use a tiny angled brush with a small amount of product—micellar water, paint pot, or concealer—to clean up and sharpen the edges of your liner,” says Casper. For a smoky look, allow the liner to dry before using a pencil brush to blend in some eyeshadow.

Remember That Practice Makes Perfect

Applying liquid eyeliner is an art that takes time and effort to master. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts at using liquid eyeliner end in tragedy—even professionals mess up sometimes. Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you keep at it, the better you’ll get.