by Yve Goodwin

Created on: March 12, 2009

Eyeliner has been drawn as dark lines around women's eyes to define, create emphasis, and to beautify the eye area ever since Egyptian times. The most traditional form of eyeliner is available in liquid form and comes with an application brush. When correctly applied to the eyes, the brush can create a very precise (and defining) outline of color. This can sometimes be very difficult to accomplish, especially for beginners. Unfortunately if eyeliner isn't applied properly, it can look terrible and ruin your entire appearance.

Liquid eyeliner is difficult to work because it can very easily splatter messily onto the eyelids, or on top of the cheeks. Although some women prefer the stunning looks that they can create with liquid eyeliners, most women prefer to use a pencil applicator instead.

When using your eyeliner pencil, always draw a line as close as possible on the outer rims around the upper and lower eyelashes. It's important to keep your eye pencils sharp, in order to create a precise line and to avoid dragging the skin. An automatic eye pencil doesn't require any sharpening and is a great alternative to the basic eye pencil. It's important to avoid applying eyeliner underneath your lower eyelashes if you look tired, or if there are any creases in this area. Any color that you apply will only accentuate your tired look, and will further emphasize your creases.

If your eyes are small, avoid lining the full length of the upper and lower eyelids. This will only make them appear smaller. Instead you can create the appearance of a wide-eyed look by lining the first third area of the outer eyes (upper and lower lids). Applying white eyeliner on the rims of the lower eyelids (slightly above the lashes and beside the eyeballs) also helps to make your eyes appear larger.

For daytime looks, the best eyeliner colors to use are classic brown, charcoal and grey; while black adds more definition and drama for evening glamour. Using the wrong color of eyeliner can also greatly increase the appearance of your age; therefore it's best to avoid using colored eyeliners at anytime, unless you're very young.

Your eyes are one of the most expressive features on your face; so even if you don't wear any other eye make-up, mascara is the most important item to use. Mascara finishes the look of the eye; it also helps to make the eyes appear naturally wider and more attractive by thickening and lengthening the lashes. It's one of the most popular make-up items, because it's quicker and

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