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Ah, eyeliner. It can be a game-changer—lifting, defining, and making your eyes pop. But let’s be honest: what worked in our 20s and 30s doesn’t always feel the same now. Lids get a little less taut, lines show up where they didn’t before, and suddenly that jet-black wing you swore by feels a bit… harsh.
The good news? Eyeliner is still very much your friend—you just need the right approach. Here are some tried-and-true tricks to make your liner work with your features, not against them.
1. Swap Harsh Lines for Soft Definition
Does that sharp, graphic liner look? It can sometimes accentuate fine lines instead of enhancing your eyes. Try a softer approach:
- Use a creamy pencil or gel liner instead of liquid—it’s easier to smudge for a more forgiving finish.
- Smudge the line gently with a brush or fingertip to soften the edges.
- Brown, taupe, or deep plum shades look less stark than black while still defining the eyes beautifully.
2. Lift, Don’t Drag
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror after applying eyeliner and thought, Why do my eyes look droopier?—you’re not alone. A tiny shift in application makes all the difference:
- Instead of lining the entire upper lid, start at the outer third and flick slightly upward. This creates a lifted effect.
- Avoid heavy liner on the lower lash line. If you want definition there, stick to a soft smudge of liner or eyeshadow—nothing too harsh.
3. Tightlining: The Secret to Fuller Lashes
If your lashes feel a little sparse these days (happens to all of us!), tightening is a game-changer. It’s when you apply eyeliner right on the upper waterline, filling in the gaps between lashes. This makes your lash line look naturally fuller without an obvious “lined” look.
Pro tip: Use a waterproof gel pencil so it stays put all day without smudging.
4. Rethink Liquid Liner (Or Use It Sparingly)
Liquid liner can still work, but it needs a little finesse. Instead of a thick, dramatic wing, go for:
✔ A micro-flick at the outer corner for a subtle lift.
✔ A super-thin line close to the lash line to add definition without overwhelming the eye.
✔ A felt-tip or brush-tip liner, which gives better control than a flimsy liquid wand.
5. Eyeliner + Hooded Lids? No Problem
If you have hooded lids, eyeliner can sometimes disappear when your eyes are open. A few tricks:
- Apply the liner with your eyes open to see where it will be visible.
- Try a soft smoky effect instead of a sharp line—it’s more forgiving and won’t get lost in the fold.
- Experiment with half-liner—stopping at the center of the eye instead of lining all the way in.
6. Finish with Mascara (Because It Ties Everything Together)
A great eyeliner look is only half the equation. Mascara completes the effect, adding that final bit of lift and definition. Curl your lashes first, use a lengthening formula, and—if your lashes have thinned—try a lash primer or serum to add fullness over time.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, makeup isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about what makes you feel good. If you love your black winged liner, rock it. If you want to switch things up, experiment with softer tones and smudged edges.
