by Cassandra Rae Ferguson

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: February 05, 2009

Where to draw the eyeliner line? That is the question!

The issue of where to apply eyeliner has been debated for decadesto the inner rims of the eyes or along the lash lines? Each person has their own opinion and their own preference; including makeup artists!

I have always been of the opinion that there is no need to be limited by others' makeup rules. What feels best for you usually is best for you. However, eyeliner can have a dramatic effect on the eyes and, depending on where and how you apply it, this effect can be positive or negative! Therefore, it is recommended to learn the know-how in order to make up your own mind.

Often a part of makeup application that intimidates, eyeliner can be much easier to use than people think. However applied, eyeliner adds definition to the eyes. Depending on technique, it can open up, lengthen, elongate, widen, shorten, or close up the eyes. It can be applied to both the top and bottom lids.

Applying eyeliner along the lash line; that is on the outside of the lashes, will help to enlarge the appearance of your eyes. It does this by opening up and defining the eye, drawing the upper lashes upward and the lower lashes downward.

Tip: Lifting the liner up at the outer corner of the upper lids will open up the eyes

Tip: For close-set eyes, applying eyeliner along the upper lash line starting at the middle of the eye and extending out toward the outer lashes can make eyes appear wider.

Tip: Down-turned eyes can be lifted up by applying eyeliner from the inner corner to the centre of the eye along the upper lash line, then sweeping outward and up away from the lashes toward the outer corner.

Using a pencil liner on the inside rim of the eye will close the eye up, so keep this in mind. This is particularly important if having photographs taken, as the eyes will already appear smaller when you smile.

Tip: if you wish to wear eyeliner on the inner rims of the eyes, extend it down along the lash line also, to reduce the risk of making the eyes look smaller.

Eyeliner colours

White pencil eyeliner is an exception, as it is used differently to other eyeliner colours. Rather than add definition, it highlights. Therefore, it is recommended for use on the inner rims of the eyes.

Tip: applying a white pencil to the inner rims of the lower lash line brightens the eyes and opens them up. To apply, gently pull lid down with fingers and draw on.

Blue is no less wearable than any other colour as an eyeliner. It is a cool, calming colour and makes the whites of the eye look brighter; therefore it is ideal for use on tired eyes.

Green is ideal for disguising redness and exudes calm.

A cool-toned purple will help to tame tired eyes.

At the end of the day, it is up to you whether you choose to draw the line inside or out. Remember though, that outside will lift and elongate; inside will close up and shorten.

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