Learn Eyeliner Tightline for a Lifted Eye Look
Alyssia Chang
- Published
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Featured Image: @geniebeautyproducts
Struggling to define your eyes like a pro?
We have the perfect solution!
Keep reading to learn how to apply the eyeliner tightline technique that gives the illusion of thicker lashes and more pronounced eyes.
Key Takeaways
Tightlining is a makeup game-changer—line your upper waterline with eyeliner to make lashes appear fuller and make your eyes look bigger!
Know what tools and products you need to get this look—gel eyeliners like Bobbi Brown and precision brushes like MAC’s 212 brush create easy eyeliner lines!
Master tightlining with these pro tips: Use the right color for your eyes, apply with a light hand, learn how to sanitize your eyeliners!
Get to Know The Basic of Tightlining
The magic of tightlining lies in its ability to create the illusion of a thicker lash frame, making your eyes appear bigger and more open.
How is this achieved, you ask? The secret lies in lining your upper waterline with a waterproof eyeliner pencil or gel eyeliner. This area, where your eyelids meet, is touching point where you want to apply the liner.
Tightlining involves applying eyeliner so close to the base of your lashes that it appears as part of your natural lash line, giving the focal point a more defined look.
For a natural look, use a brown eyeliner, but feel free to explore with different colors as different shades can help to enhance or change the color of your eyes!
The result? Your eyes pop, your lashes appear thicker, and your eye shape is subtly enhanced.
Essential Tools for the Perfect Tightline
The perfect tightline requires the use of the right products and tools. We’re talking about the best eyeliner for your eye type and a soft, yet firm precision eyeliner brush.
With these tools, you can easily navigate the delicate lash line and deposit the right amount of color for a perfect tightline.
Choosing Your Eyeliner
The right eyeliner is fundamental to effective tightlining.
You need a product that is easy to apply, long-lasting, and comfortable to wear. This is where gel formulated eyeliners shine: Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Eyeliner, Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, and MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Fluidline Eye Liner and Brow Gel are some of the top gel pot picks for tightlining.
Some great gel eyeliner pencils to try are:
MAC Cosmetics Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eye Liner: super pigmented and smudge-proof.
COVERGIRL Perfect Point Plus Ink Gel Eyeliner: a vegan formula with a ink-like finish, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof.
GXVE BY GWEN STEFANI Line It Up Clean 24-Hr Gel Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner: clean beauty formula with full coverage color payoff and has a waterproof formula.
So, whether you prefer a waterproof pencil or gel liner, there’s a product out there that’s made for you!
Picking the Best Tightline Eyeliner Brush
The brush you use for tightlining is equally significant as the eyeliner itself.
Use a square flat top brush such as the 212 Synthetic Flat Definer Brush from MAC Cosmetics or an angled eyeliner brush are some of the best brushes for tightlining.
You want to look for a soft yet flexible density to create precise application and control.
Having something flat will allow you to easily reach under the lashes and effortlessly apply liner in that delicate area of the skin.
For quick fixes, a Q-tip can come in handy. Simply use the tip of the end to go along the upper waterline gently to remove any unwanted color.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Tightlining
With the right tools at hand (literally), it’s time to learn HOW to tightline.
Tightlining may seem a bit daunting at first, you might feel like your poking out your eyes, but with the right guidance and a bit of practice, you’ll be a pro in no time! Here’s an easy to follow guide to help you master the art of tightlining with gel or pencil eyeliner.
Preparing the Eye Area
Prior to using your eyeliner pencil, the eye area needs to be prepared. This makes it easier but isn’t essential, if you’re a beginner then you’ll want to incorporate these steps!
Start by curling your lashes, once at the base of the lashes while looking down for a few seconds then half way. This helps by moving the lashes out of the way so that your liner doesn’t hit your lash hairs making you blink a lot.
Next, consider the color of your eyeliner. Black and dark brown shades are staples, while choosing colors that provide contrast to your eye color will make them pop. Here are some suggestions:
For brown eyes, earthy browns, amber, and midnight-blue tones are great.
Blue eyes pop with copper or orange-based shades.
Tight Line Application Techniques
Here is a quick and easy technique you can use to apply a light coating of tight liner. Which is perfect if you are a beginner, wear glasses and have a hard time seeing, or have watering eyes:
Paint the rubber pad of your eyelash curler with a pencil eyeliner or gel liner before curling.
Then curl your lashes right at the base, making sure to press a few times into the lash line to get the color pressed into the skin.
Applying the eyeliner for tightlining requires a handful of simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
Start by applying the product to your brush or sharpening your pencil eyeliner.
Lift up your chin while looking in the mirror, open your eyes wide while lifting your eye brows up to expose your upper water line.
Gently use back and forth, little movements with the brush or pencil against your upper waterline, moving from the outer to the inner corner of the eye.
Use short, controlled strokes to deposit color and achieve precise lining.
Feel free to apply a few optional coats of your favorite mascara.
Also, blink when you have to! You know when you’re about to blink, so lift the applicator away from the eye before you close your eyes to avoid an unwanted smudge.
Warm the product on the back of the hand before you start if you notice that the pencil or gel liner isn’t applying smoothly on the upper waterline skin
Sanitization: Keeping Your Eyeliner Clean
Similar to other makeup tools, regular cleaning and disinfecting of your pencil eyeliner is super important to your eye health and the performance of your liner. Neglecting to do so can put you at risk for:
Eye irritation.
Swelling.
Eye infections.
So, how do you sanitize your pencil eyeliner? The most effective methods are using a 70% rubbing alcohol and simply sharpening them. Depending on how often you use your eyeliner pencils, it is recommended to sanitize them at least once per week.
Keeping your eyeliner clean is a small step with big benefits for your eye health and makeup results, as any celebrity makeup artist and other makeup artists would agree. Even if it’s just for yourself.
Advanced Tips for Mastering Tightline Eyeliner
The mastery of tightlining extends beyond lining your upper waterline. There are ways to enhance your tightline technique even further. Ever considered extending the line to the outer corner or making the inner corner pop? Here are some advanced tips to consider.
Wing the Tight Line Outwards
Creating a seamless line from outer corner can add a lifting effect to your tightline.
To do this, start by tight lining your upper lash line. Then, flick the liner out from the eye, about a couple millimeters.
Using your pointed finger nail to drag out the tip to form the “wing”.
Remember, common mistakes include winging out the eyeliner with closed eyes, which can misshape the wing, and extending the eyeliner too far beyond the outer corner. To avoid these, begin your wing at the outer corner and be cautious not to overextend.
When aiming for a minimal makeup look, keep in mind that a thin line of this “invisible” eyeliner is recommended, ideally extending into a subtle wing at the outer edge to complement the tightline. To achieve this look, tightline your eyes for added definition and a polished appearance.
Tightline Halfway to Make Your Eyes Pop
Making the inner corner of your eyes stand out can create an illusion of wider and more open eyes.
To achieve this, start at the ends of your upper waterline and stop tight lining when you get halfway across the eyes.
You can add a touch of highlighter or use a light-colored eyeliner to the inner corners to enhance the look.
Aftercare and Touch-ups
Once you’ve perfected the art of tightlining and achieved your desired look, the next step is maintaining it throughout the day!
One way to make sure your tightline stays put is by setting the eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow or a setting powder. Dab your eyeliner brush into the powder and tap off any excess. Then, press it onto your tightline to set the eyeliner.
Despite your best efforts, tightline makeup may fade throughout the day and require touch-ups. To fix tightline makeup quickly, dip a Q-tip in eye makeup remover and lightly swipe it along the tightline area to clean up any excess product. This way, you can make your tightline stay perfect all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tightlining your eyeliner?
Tightlining is the technique of applying eyeliner to the area just underneath your upper lashes, also known as the upper waterline. It’s a makeup trick that lifts your eyes up, defines your eye shape, and make your lashes appear fuller.
What is the difference between tightlining and waterlining?
Tightlining is when you apply eyeliner below the upper lash line, while waterlining involves applying eyeliner just above the lower lash line. Tightlining makes your lashes look thicker while waterlining enhances your lower lash line to create a sultry effect.
Does Tightlining make eyes look bigger or smaller?
Yes, tightlining makes your eyes look bigger by defining the lash frame and creating the illusion of a fuller, thicker lash base. It’s a great way to enhance your eye makeup!
What are the essential tools for tightlining?
To achieve a perfect tightline, you need the right eyeliner and a precision eyeliner brush, such as a gel or pencil eyeliner with a quality synthetic flat definer or angled eyeliner brush! So, get the tools and rock that tightline look!
How do I prepare my eye area for tightlining?
To prepare your eye area for tightlining, curl your lashes, sharpen your eye pencil, and choose the perfect eyeliner color to make your eyes pop! And that’s it, you’re all set to go!
