BEGINNERS GUIDE TO EYELINER

The incomparable Audrey Hepburn once proclaimed, “the beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.” Yves Saint Laurent takes the marriage between beauty and love seriously; understanding the importance of eyeliner in enhancing that portal towards the heart. Whether you’re an entrant into the dazzling world of makeup or a seasoned professional, this beginners guide to eyeliner will help you master the art of accentuating your eyes with supreme confidence. Let YSL step you through how to apply eyeliner in this makeup guide, imparting expert tips and tricks, and offering must-have product recommendations.

Can you wear eyeliner with eyelash extensions?

Before diving into application techniques and other expert advice, let’s first address a common concern: can you wear eyeliner with eyelash extensions? In short: yes – but tread cautiously. It's best to use the correct type of product, such as a liquid or shadow-based eyeliner which is easier to remove (rather than a pencil, gel or cream eyeliner). This is because the problem lies not in the application, but in the removal.

YSL’s Couture Liquid Eyeliner is the perfect suitor to your eyelash extensions. Its extra slim felt tip allows you to draw the perfect line every time, while its smudge proof, long wear formula glides onto the lid with high colour intensity. To apply eyeliner, cleanse and dry the face and lashes, and gently apply above the lash line, drawing from the inner to outer corner. To remove, use a water-based solution (free from silicone or wax), and press and dab with a soft cloth.

How to apply eyeliner perfectly?

Perfect eyeliner application requires precision, practice and a steady hand. This beginners guide to eyeliner has three steps to achieve an impeccable look:

Step 1: Prepare. begin by cleansing your eyelids to remove any oil or residue, creating a clean canvas for your eyeliner of choice.

Step 2: Pick. select the eyeliner that suits your style and preference. For example, liquid eyeliner offers sharp lines but can be tricky for beginners, while gel and pencil eyeliners are easier to control.

Step 3: Paint. begin by drawing small dots or dashes along your lash line. Then, apply eyeliner by connecting the dots with a smooth line, working from the inner corner to the outer corner of your eye.

Step 1: Prepare

As with most beauty regimes, preparation plays a key component in the success of application. Before you come to apply eyeliner, it's important to create a flawless makeup base – this involves meticulous eyelid and facial care. Begin by gently cleansing your eyelids, removing any oils, grime or residual makeup. This ensures that your eyeliner adheres smoothly and flawlessly.

Enriched with walnut tree leaf extract, YSL’s Top Secrets Foaming Cleanser refreshes, softens and cleanses the skin, leaving your complexion to glow with soft radiance after each and every use. This illuminating cleanser gently eliminates impurities and makeup – leaving you ready to apply eyeliner.

Step 2: Pick

After successfully preparing your skin and eyelids, and before you apply eyeliner, it's time to strategise about which product is most suited to both your style and skill level. Liquid eyeliners offer bold, sharp and perfect lines, and are the answer to the age-old question, “can you wear eyeliner with eyelash extensions?” – but it also carries a steeper learning curve if you’re only just beginning your eyeliner journey.

Gel and pencil eyeliners are more forgiving and easier to control. YSL’s Crushliner is the dream companion to any beginner's guide to eyeliner. Infused with luscious and fresh pomegranate extract, this long wear retractable eyeliner guarantees wear for 24 hours and is both water and smudge resistant. The Crushliner comfortably glides onto the eyelid for a flawless and stress-free result.

Step 3: Paint

You’ve prepared and picked – now it’s finally time to paint; apply eyeliner. This beginners guide to eyeliner will step you through for expert application:

1. Begin by marking a dot at the desired endpoint of your eyeliner.

2. Next, starting with your upper lid apply eyeliner as close as possible to the lash line. There should be no gap of visible skin between your lashes and liner.

3. Draw a line from the outer corner of the upper lid, to the inner corner of the eye. Applying in this direction is more forgiving as it avoids liner “skipping” across the delicate skin of the eyelid.

4. Use a similar technique for the lower lid. Lining around two-thirds of the lower lid will make the eyes appear larger, while fully lining it may work to make the eyes look more sultry.

5. Allow sufficient time to dry.

With its smudge-free and long-lasting makeup formula, YSL’s Crushliner is the perfect instrument for effortless, elegant application.

Eyeliner tips to refine your application

Now that you’ve successfully mastered how to apply eyeliner, you can begin to refine your application and experiment with different styles and product combinations. Here are some tips to consider:

Tailor the shape to your features: no two faces are alike, and your eyeliner should be as unique as your features. The shape of your eyeliner should complement your unique qualities.

Look straight forward when applying: to apply eyeliner, symmetry is victory – but is, admittedly, difficult. The key to even eyeliner is to look straight forward throughout the application.

Different formulas give different effects: the world of eyeliner offers an array of formulas, each with its own unique effects. The eyeliner formula you choose can dramatically affect and alter your look.

Tailor the shape to your features

Beauty doesn’t come in a single size or application, so take the time to consider how the shape of your eyeliner might complement and work with your unique features.

●  Almond-shaped: those with almond-shaped eyes benefit from versatility – but the classic cat eye always works wonders. Apply eyeliner with a thin line on the inner corner, thickening it as you work your way out. Lift to create a flick towards the end.

●  Small eyes: apply eyeliner thinly to the upper lid just above the lash line. Line only a third of your lower lash lid. Finish off with YSL’s Lash Clash Mascara to accentuate the eyes.

●  Large eyes: apply eyeliner to the upper lid with the same thickness throughout, cutting it off at the end of your lash line. To intensify the effect, softly line both the upper and lower waterline.

●  Wing it: add a dash of drama and sophistication to your eyes with a winged look: apply eyeliner by extending the line slightly beyond your outer corner and angle it upwards for a classic winged effect.

Look straight forward when applying

Achieving that elusive eyeliner symmetry is a sign of clear victory in the game of beauty – but it’s not always simple or forgiving. An expert tip in mastering this symmetry is to fix your gaze straight forward when you come to apply eyeliner. Take a few deep breaths and try to keep your eyelids relaxed and your hand as steady as can be. If you find that your shaky hands are betraying you, consider leaning your elbow on a stable surface to grant you added precision and control.

Mistakes happen: do not panic. A cotton swab dipped in makeup remover can help correct smudges or uneven lines. Remember to only use water-based solutions (free from silicone and wax) if you’re wearing eyelash extensions.

Different formulas give different effects

After learning how to apply eyeliner to suit your personal features, liberate yourself from expectation and experiment with different formulas to shake up your look.

Liquid eyeliners, such as YSL’s Couture Liquid Eyeliner, are supreme for sharp, bold and dramatic lines – promising fiery passion and unapologetic intensity.

Gel eyeliners, like YSL’s Crushliner, are known for their creamy consistency and ultimate versatility. They can be traced for a softer look or built up for a much more intense effect. Consider pairing the Crushliner with YSL’s Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils and Couture Colour Clutch Eyeshadow Palette Saharienne. This iconic trio will work meticulously to create your new favourite smokey look; YSL Le Smokey Eye.

Now that you’ve learned how to apply eyeliner like a professional, discover how to embrace minimalism in your makeup routine.