The Benefits of Wearing Eyeliner Below the Eye. Lower lash line eyeliner can brighten the eyes, create a seductive, dramatic smoky appearance, or enhance definition. On the other hand, if it is done to excess, this style can create the impression that the eye is puffy and sagging.
"Keep the liner to the top lid for a more lifted, youthful effect." If you really, really want to go after your bottom lash line, Stiles recommends using a lighter color there than you're using on the top. "This will still give you definition, but feels softer and more flattering," she adds.
Wearing eyeliner along your lower lashes is a surefire way to make your eyes look smaller, but if you want them to appear even smaller, there's a slight adjustment you can make. Rather than pressing the eyeliner into your lashes, apply it slightly above, along your waterline.
Line the eye just above the lash line on the top lid and just below on the bottom lashes. The key is connecting the liner at the outer corner. A pencil or liquid eyeliner works well as it won't shift from the outer corner where it can get damp from your eyes natural moisture.
A makeup artist once told us that harsh, thick eyeliner will age you like no other, especially if you only apply it to your bottom lash line.
Despite what you may have heard, it's not the best idea to apply dark eyeliner to your bottom waterline because this can actually shrink the appearance of your eyes. Instead, apply your go-to eyeliner just below your lower lashes to help make your eyes look bigger.
As it turns out, it's probably not the safest idea. Applying eyeliner on the waterline increases your risk of contaminating your eye. Any bacteria or contaminants on the tip of your eyeliner have the potential to travel into your eye and cause discomfort, irritation or redness to those with sensitive or dry eyes.
The way to apply eyeliner to make the eyes look bigger is by drawing a very thin line, black or brown, just above your lashes. Once you reach the last third of the lashes, taper the eyeliner outwards in a straight line and draw back in to create a flick.
“Swap your black eyeliner (especially for day) for brown, navy or plum. Sometimes black eyeliner can be very harsh on mature eyes and draw attention to dark circles and lines around the eye. Experiment with colour for a softer look that compliments your eye or hair colour.”
DON'T line your whole eye.
Drawing your eyeliner from outside corner all of the way to the inside corner of your eye, on top and bottom, is just a whole lotta eyeliner. It's harsh and unflattering, and makes your eyes appear smaller. It also makes it look like you wear a studded black belt over your Billabong t-shirt.
A statement color, glowing skin, and graphic eyeliner are not going out of style anytime soon. And don't forget to add on your face gems–they're a must-have (trust us).
Adding eyeliner to your waterline is an easy way to change up your eye makeup. It can add darkness to a smoky eye, brighten up tired/red eyes, make smaller eyes look bigger, and big eyes look smaller.
Keep Your Lines Thin. Keep eyeliner on the lower lid thin and inconspicuous. The obvious pitfall of bottom eyeliner is that it can create the impression of dark circles beneath your eyes, which no one wants.
"Contour eyes with a medium to medium deep shadow to the crease and outer crease of eyes," suggests the pro. "Contouring gives eyes depth and definition, making them look bigger, bolder, and perfectly shaped. Use one color for the entire crease and then go darker with a shade on top to the outer corner."
Winged eyeliner can also help create the illusion of bigger eyes. If you have smaller eyes it's better to avoid heavy eyeliner on your upper lid, as this can make it look smaller.
"When makeup is applied to the area known as the waterline, it can potentially block the glands known as meibomian glands that release an oily substance that contributes to the tear film, which can subsequently lead to dry eye or irritation," Garshick said.
As an incredibly sensitive area, the waterline requires a special type of eyeliner. (Just imagine the red and watery eyes brought on by irritation from a generic black eyeliner or worse, a liquid liner!) “I look for silicone-based liners that are longwearing and waterproof,” says celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman.
White eyeliner is a makeup artist trick for brightening up the face and making your eyes look bigger and more awake, particularly when used on the bottom waterline. When using a dark color on the bottom lash line, it can make eyes look smaller and drawn-down, but white has the reverse effect.
Brown eyeliner will give a soft dimension to your eyes while still making them appear rich and intense. However, if you want a sharp and sleek look, black eyeliner is always an excellent choice. To make your brown eyes appear brighter, go for colored eyeliner in contrasting shades.
Women of any age can wear eyeliner. There is no age limit to apply eyeliner.