The first time I worked with our resident Make Up educator, Shawn, I got him pretty much to myself. He asked what I would like to focus on. I thought quickly: eyeliner. I had become so accustomed to having and utilizing only a single tool: the eyeliner pencil, that I never really stopped to look at my other options.
Though there are no rules when it comes to makeup, being versed in a variety of options can come in handy, especially if your go-to goes missing. So over the course of a couple days, I got a hand in learning about other options besides a pencil.
Gel
The first rule anyone needs to know about a gel liner is that it dries so fast, it will make your head spin. Being dainty, and taking your time do not apply here. Because it dries so quickly, gel is best suited for creating super sultry, smoky looks.. What’s great about it though, is you only need a tiny bit of product. Your biggest challenge is being fast enough to smudge it out. Shawn made me practice this over and over, I thought I would die. (I would then be the first person to die from practicing applying gel eyeliner).
Powder
Using a shadow for eyeliner is great for creating a natural, or soft smudgy look. Using a wet brush, you can create a nice, even, thin line. It really comes down to where and how you apply it. As I learned, lightly pushing it into the upper lash line enhances the eyes just enough. It’s a great trick for clients with more mature skin.
Though my lessons were brief, the wealth of information I learned will certainly help me in my future eyeliner endeavors.
Student resources
