Eyeliner has been the one makeup skill I’ve been completely putting off. Not because I don’t love how it looks, but because every time I’ve tried, it’s been… a mess. Crooked lines. Smudges. Eyes watering. And somehow, no matter what I do, I end up looking more raccoon than refined. So I decided it was time for a real beginners guide to eyeliner. Something I could learn from, and maybe you can too.
This post? It’s as much for me as it is for you. I’m finally sitting down to learn eyeliner—really learn it. Because if I want to understand how eyeliner can feminize my face, open up my eyes, and actually work on my features, I need more than another quick tutorial. I need to get why it matters, how it works, and where I’m going wrong. This beginners guide to eyeliner is my deep dive.
Beginners Guide to Eyeliner: What Is Eyeliner (And Why It Matters)
Eyeliner is exactly what it sounds like—a line drawn along the edges of your eyelids to define your eyes. But it’s more than just a line. Done right, eyeliner can completely change the way your eyes look. It can make them seem bigger, softer, lifted, sharper, or more dramatic. It can thicken the appearance of your lashes or subtly change the shape of your eye.
For anyone exploring feminization—whether through makeup, crossdressing, or transition—eyeliner becomes a power tool. Feminine eyeliner isn’t about harsh black lines circling your eyes. It’s about lift, softness, and emphasizing the natural beauty of your eye shape. The right technique can make your eyes appear larger, your lashes fuller, and your expression softer. It’s one of the quickest ways to shift your face from masculine-coded sharpness into something softer and more delicate.
And yes, that applies even if you’re not naturally feminine-featured. Especially then. This beginners guide to eyeliner will help you see why.
How to Choose the Right Eyeliner for You
There’s a reason every eyeliner tutorial starts with product choice—it matters. A lot. This is a key part of any solid beginners guide to eyeliner.
Pencil Eyeliner
Best for beginners. Easy to control, forgiving if you make a mistake, and perfect for smudging. Choose a creamy pencil that glides without tugging. Look for mechanical twist-up pencils to avoid sharpening.
Liquid Eyeliner
Gives a sharp, precise line—ideal for wings or bold looks. Harder to master because once it’s on, it’s on. Use a felt-tip pen for better control or a brush tip for finer lines. Liquid works best for top lash lines, not waterlines.
Gel Eyeliner
Comes in a pot, applied with a small angled brush. It offers a balance of control and intensity. Great for soft wings or creating a bolder lash line. Gel gives you more time to smudge or correct before it sets.
Waterproof Options
Ideal if your eyes water, you have oily lids, or need long wear. But waterproof liners are less forgiving—you’ll need a good makeup remover. Start with regular formulas while you practice.
Color Choice
Black is classic but can be harsh, especially for daytime. Brown or dark grey offer a softer, more natural look. Navy and plum can subtly enhance your eye color. These options will come up often in your beginners guide to eyeliner journey.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Eyeliner
Upper Lash Line Application
Rest your elbow on a table for a steadier hand.
Start at the outer corner of your eye, working inward in tiny strokes.
Keep the tip of your pencil or brush right against the lash roots—think of it like filling in the base of your lashes.
If you want a thicker line, build it up gradually instead of trying to draw it all at once.
Tightlining the Upper Waterline
Tightlining means lining the inside edge of your upper eyelid—the waterline—right beneath the lashes.
This creates the illusion of thicker lashes without obvious eyeliner.
Use a waterproof pencil or gel formula.
Gently lift your eyelid just enough to see the waterline. Glide the pencil gently along the base of your lashes.
Blink a few times after applying to help it set.
How to Apply the Perfect Wing
Draw your upper lash line first.
From the outer corner, flick the liner slightly upward toward the end of your eyebrow. The angle should follow your lower lash line’s natural upward curve.
Don’t worry about making it long—short, subtle wings lift the eye without looking overdone.
Connect the tip of the wing back to your lash line, forming a small triangle.
Fill in the triangle and refine with a pointed cotton swab or concealer if needed.
Lower Lash Line Techniques
Use a soft pencil or a smudgeable gel.
Apply lightly along the outer third of your lower lash line.
Smudge with a brush or cotton swab for a softer effect.
Avoid lining the full lower lash line unless you want a dramatic look.
Feminine Eyeliner Techniques to Try
Tightlining — This subtle technique adds depth to your eyes by darkening the lash base. It makes your lashes look fuller and gives a barely-there definition that enhances femininity without harsh lines.
Soft Flick — A small upward flick at the outer corner can lift the eyes and soften masculine angles. It gives a natural, youthful lift, especially on downturned or straight eye shapes.
Smudged Pencil — Smudging softens the harshness of a defined line. A gently smudged upper lash line with pencil gives your eyes a soft, approachable look that still reads feminine.
Winged Liner for Hooded Eyes — Hooded eyes can make eyeliner tricky. Keep the line thin on the inner half of your eye. Start the wing slightly lower, and angle it up to avoid losing the flick under your lid fold. Use a mirror with your eyes open to check placement.
Avoiding the All-Around Line — Circling your entire eye with dark liner tends to make eyes look smaller and harsher. Focus on the upper lash line and outer third of the lower lash line for a more open, lifted look.
Common Eyeliner Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Pulling Your Eyelid Tight — Seems helpful, but it distorts your skin. Your line won’t sit right when you let go, and it increases smudging.
Starting with Liquid — Pencil gives you room for mistakes. Liquid requires a steadier hand.
Going Too Thick Too Fast — You can always build up, but too thick too soon can overwhelm your eyes.
Leaving Gaps at the Lash Line — Always check up close for tiny gaps between your liner and your lashes.
Skipping Practice — Eyeliner is a skill that gets better with repetition. You’re not failing—you’re learning.
Final Thoughts on Learning Eyeliner
Hopefully this beginners guide to eyeliner has been helpful. Eyeliner isn’t just a makeup technique—it’s a practice. It’s a little frustrating at first. Actually, it’s a lot frustrating. But once you get the hang of it, even a simple line can make you look and feel different in ways that mascara or eyeshadow just can’t.
Lately, I’ve been grabbing twenty minutes whenever I can and just practicing eyeliner. I’ll line my eyes, clean it off, and try again. Some days I get one eye right and totally botch the other. Sometimes I smudge it on purpose just to see what happens. It’s actually kind of calming. I’m not great yet, but I can tell I’m slowly getting better.
If you’re learning eyeliner like I am, give yourself grace. Start with pencil. Work your way up. Smudge it. Clean it off. Try again. The more you practice eyeliner, the more confident you’ll get—and that’s when the magic starts to happen.
I’ll be right there with you, figuring it out one shaky line at a time.
0 Comments