A Lesson In Smudging

eye

SOFTEN UP

Tutorial + Photography by Amy Nadine, Graphic Design by Eunice Chun

Some of us get stuck in the mind frame that we only use liner to line. A few months ago I showed you how to use Liner As Shadow, now I want to remind you of (or teach the newbies!) the simple and oh-so pretty smudging technique. It’s actually the genesis of the smoky eye before eyeshadow came along! Anyway, there’s something very modern and soft about a smudged liner. Here’s how: 

TOOLS:

• Your Favorite Kohl Pencil — I used my favorite, Chantecaille Gel Liner in Jet, because it glides on with ease and with an angled brush on the other end to smudge with. I also love the Covergirl Liquiline Blast Liner in Black Fire.
• Smudge Brush — I’m obsessed with Sephora’s Smudge #11 Brush because it really presses and works the liner into the skin.
• Nude Eye Shadow — whenever you use a non-waterproof liner, it’s best to first powder your lid with powder or eyeshadow so the pencil doesn’t transfer onto the crease.
• Mascara — pick one that really separates and coats each lash. I used Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara, an iconic line from London that coats each lash with fibers.
• Nude Shimmer Shadow (Optional) — I highlighted the inner corners with the classic Stila Eyeshadow Kitten.

STEPS:

1. Sweep the nude shadow all over the lid and crease.
2. Line the upper lashline with the pencil. Don’t worry about it being perfect.
3. Start with the smudge brush on the inner corner and sweep incrementally in short strokes as you work your way across to the outer corner.
4. Now turn around and go back from the outer corner to the inner corner. Take a quick study and see if you need to repeat.
5. Line the lower lashline however you choose (I did only 3/4′s from the outer corner, but you can certainly line the entire lashline).
6. Smudge the line like you did the upper lashline with short quick strokes.

You can leave it as is, or to finish the look, continue with an inner corner highlight and a couple coats of mascara. Then if you really want extra drama, go back and rim the inner waterline with the gel liner.

Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/k2un9b9

Black Makeup Brush 2 Eyeliner Gel + 8 Colors Eye Shadow Black Makeup Brush 2 Eyeliner Gel + 8 Colors Eye Shadow

Professional Brush Set with Lovely Pink Pouch - 22pcs Professional Brush Set with Lovely Pink Pouch - 22pcs

2 Magic Leopard Mascara/Fiber Eyelash Brush Eye Black Makeup 2 Magic Leopard Mascara/Fiber Eyelash Brush Eye Black Makeup

120 Colors Eyeshadow Pro Makeup Palette Cosmetics Kit P120 #2 120 Colors Eyeshadow Pro Makeup Palette Cosmetics Kit P120 #2

STEP BY STEP SMOKEY BROWN EYESHADOW TUTORIAL!

SMOKEY BROWN EYESHADOW TUTORIAL

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A brown smokey eye is a great look if you want a dramatic look, without being too dark. The pop of gold on the inner third of the eye really brightens up the eye and adds a bit of light to make the eyes really stand out. This look works really well on all eye colors - brown, hazel/green or blue. If you're light complected and don't feel comfortable with a look this dark, you can soften it up a bit by skipping the black liner and using a deep brown or charcoal - or you can skip the liner all together. If you have small eyes, black on the waterline can make the eyes appear even smaller, so to avoid this, make sure the eyeshadow on your bottom lash line is extra smokey and extended out and apply a good coat of mascara to the bottom lashes. Adding a flesh toned, ivory or brown liner to your waterline is also an option to open up the eyes. To keep this look more daytime appropriate, you can stop at Step 7 and finish off with mascara. 

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PRODUCTS USED:

Nars Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (used in step 1)
MAC Wedge Eyeshadow (used in step 2)
NARS Galapagos Eyeshadow (used in steps 3 and 5)
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow (used in step 4)

NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow (used in step 6)

MAC Chamomile Eyeshadow (used in step 7)

Urban Decay Perversion 24/7 Eyeliner (used in steps 8, 11, 12 and 15)

MAC Carbon Eyeshadow (used in steps 10 and 11)

Ardell #45 Eyelashes (used in step 13)

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara (used in step 14)

YOU WILL NEED:

• A matte, light brown eyeshadow
• A dark brown eyeshadow
• A shimmery brown eyeshadow
• A gold eyeshadow
• A light matte eyeshadow for the highlight
• A black eyeshadow
• A black eyeliner pencil
• Mascara
• False Eyelashes (optional)

Learn More At: http://tinyurl.com/ouam6co

88 Colors Eyeshadow blush Pro Makeup Palette Cosmetic-P88 88 Colors Eyeshadow blush Pro Makeup Palette Cosmetic-P88

Black Professional Eye Liner Eyeliner Gel Cream Makeup

Black Professional Eye Liner Eyeliner Gel Cream Makeup

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2 Magic Leopard Mascara/Fiber Eyelash Brush  Eye Black Makeup

2 Magic Leopard Mascara/Fiber Eyelash Brush  Eye Black Makeup

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tape trick-for perfect winged liner

Happy Monday to ya….hope y’all had a fabulous weekend!!!  A few posts ago, I made reference to something I call “the tape method” and I said that I would do a follow up showing how to do it.  Well…it is super easy and I probably just could have easily explained it using my words–but who doesn’t like pictures to go with?  This is simply going to show you another way to apply winged liner if you have a difficult time getting a “perfect” wing or if you don’t have steady hands.  A few considerations:  If you have sensitive skin, don’t put tape on it!  You can also do this by holding a business card or something with a hard edge up diagonally against your eye….I would have shown this instead of tape but it is a wee bit difficult to hold a business card up to your eye and photograph it at the same time :::only have so many hands:::.

products used:

Tape and Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Liner in “Blackest Black”.  Not pictured: Thin eyeliner brush

step 1:

Apply a piece of tape underneath the eye so that it is pointed towards the end of the brow.  If you want a less angled wing then angle it further down—it is up to you.  The placement of your tape is going to dictate the angle of your wing.  You may want to hold off applying your under eye concealer and foundation because the tape is going to take it off wherever it is placed.  Your piece of tape does not need to be this long-I was just showing it for effect.  Wherever you place it, make sure that it is pressed against your skin so that when you apply your liner none of it bleeds through.  It should look something like this:

step 2:

Apply your gel liner to the upper lash line from the inner corner to the end of your eye….don’t worry if it is a little messy-we are just getting the base and will even it out later.  Now apply the “Wing” part by following the line  that the tape created…don’t worry about making a perfectly straight line-that is what the tape is for..it is going to make one for you.  It will look something like this:

step 3:

Remove the tape.  Now “fill in your wing” –you can see how to do this by checking out step 5 of this tutorial.  Apply your fake eyelashes, (I used Kiss Ever Pro #05 lashes) and go over any excess glue with gel liner.  Apply some mascara to blend your real lashes into your fake lashes.  Your final product will look something like this:

and this:

As I said, if your skin is a little sensitive for tape, use something with a flat edge like a business card to place your wing.  Using tape can also create a killer eye look…I will do a post on that soon!!!  Hope this helps if you have had a difficult time creating the perfect wing!

Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/nl52hkk

HOW TO: WINGED LINER

Hey beauties! 

We asked and you answered...a ton of people requested a tutorial for winged liner. To start off - no matter how many tutorials you check out, winged liner is one of those things that really just takes practice. Don't get discouraged, yo. Moving along...

WHAT KIND OF LINER IS THE BEST? 

It's good to know how to use different types of formulas of eyeliners - mostly because that way you will find your fave. You may find some formulas easier to use than others, and everyone is different. Here's a break down on liners:

Liquid:  Requires a steady hand, applies the darkest and most intense, and has the sharpest lines. Use this for a very crisp liner. Takes slightly longer to dry, sometimes resulting in transfer onto the lid (the worst thing ever). Easiest to apply over top of glitter/textured eyeshadow. 

Our fave liquids: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liner  ($20)

                          Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liner ($7.50) 

Gel/Cream:  Easier to use than liquid for most people, with similar looking results. Dries fairly quickly and has awesome staying power for most. Can be blended out for a smokey look or applied normally to look crisp.

Our fave gels:  MAC Fluidline ($16)

                       Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner  ($10)

Pencil: Best for smokey liner, can be applied directly or with a brush. Offers a softer looking liner, staying power varies by brand. Sometimes tends to transfer on the lid. Pencils vary in softness, making it harder to apply the less soft/creamy they are. 

Our fave pencils:  Marc Jacobs Highliner ($25)

                           NYX Slide On Waterproof Pencils ($8)

I HAVE MY LINER. HOW DO I DO THE DAMN THING? 

A couple quick tips...

• When applying liner, look down into the mirror, rather than closing your eyes or pulling on your eye. Chin tilted upwards, look directly down into the mirror, rather than straight on.
• Your brush/pencil should be closer to parallel with your eye rather than perpendicular to it. If you find that you are having difficulties getting a straight line, this may be a big part of it. You basically want to use the edge of your brush/pencil rather than the tip to apply your liner. 
• Keep your liner brush clean for easier/smoother application.  

SHOW ME NOW. 

K.

Line your first mark up with your lower lash line, as if the first mark was an extension of the bottom lash line. Place your brush/pencil at the outer corner of the line, and in one smooth and slow movement, glide the pencil/brush upwards as high as you want. 

Starting at the top tip of your first mark, drag your brush/pencil down, toward the iris. This doesn't have to look perfect right now. 

Starting at the inner corner, apply your liner as close to the lashline as possible, meeting up with your second mark.

Fill in the empty area. Just fill that shit up.

Clean up any edges with concealer/makeup remover on a concealer brush.

Add lashes/mascara and call it a day. Fierce.

Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/o8jr46k

Winged Eyeliner Tutorial

I’ll admit it – I’m a HUGE fan of winged liner. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small wing or a dramatic wing… I’m all about it. That’s why I’m so excited that Ange asked me to share my technique with you all because it is SO easy. Seriously! If you’ve ever been intimidated by winged liner in the past you can officially get rid of those fears because I’m here to tell you that you can get it done with two lines. 

Yep! Only two lines. This tutorial follows the natural shape of your eyes so you get a perfect look each time. It can be customized as well but when I’m in a hurry this is the quickest, easiest, and most fool proof way I can create a dramatic eye look.

The first thing you want to do is draw a line up from the outer corner of your bottom lashes. How high you go will depend on the height of your “wing tip” so keep that in mind! I like to start with a shorter line because it helps to make sure that both eyes are even. By following the natural angle of your lower lash line you can reduce the chances that your wings will be unbalanced. For tutorial purposes we’ll go ahead and call this “Line #1.”

 

The second line (otherwise known as “Line #2”) is drawn from the inner corner of your eye straight out to meet the tip of line #1. It sounds crazy but by drawing a straight line you’ll naturally create a wing on the outer corner of the eye. Since the eye is oval in shape your wing will start where the oval starts to round down in the outer corner. Connect Line #2 to Line #1 and you’re done!

 

After connecting your lines fill in the triangle and apply mascara. You’ve officially mastered the winged eyeliner look!

 

As far as products go I personally LOVE to use an eyeliner pen stylo for winged liner because it’s a one stop shop. The pen is easy to hold and I don’t have to keep dipping my brush into a pot of product and disrupt my winged eyeliner mojo. My absolute favorite eyeliner pen is made by Alcone at Home and it’s awesome! It’s got a perfect formula, dark pigmentation and a perfect brush so it really makes this technique a breeze.

 

 

Are you a winged liner lover like myself? Have you been nervous to try this technique? Comment below and let me know!

Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/o3fnqf2

A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfect Winged Eyeliner In 2 Minutes!

In preparation for my future tutorials, today I will be showing you a simple, quick and effective way to achieve flicked, winged eyeliner. Scroll down for instructions and photos!

The use of eyeliner dates back to the Ancient Egyptians as early as 10,000 BC, where a black line of kohl was applied all around the eyes of both women and men. The eyeliner was used for not only cosmetic purposes, but to protect the sensitive skin of the eyes from the desert sun. It was also believed that lining the eyes with kohl (which was made from lead sulfide or antimony, among other ingredients) offered protection against the evil eye.

In the 1950s and 1960s the cat-eye, winged eyeliner look became extremely prominent. Glamour icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Andy Warhol’s muse Edie Sedgwick rocked the winged eyeliner. The trend is extremely popular today  with many celebrities favouring the look.

Let’s get started:

You will need two angled brushes, gel/cream/liquid eyeliner and some concealer.

To begin, add foundation, concealer and/or eyeshadow primer to the eyelid and around the eye. This eliminates any redness and creates a nice base for the liner.

Take one of your angled brushes and dip it into your gel/cream eyeliner. Apply an ample amount to the brush, and then use the back of your hand as a canvas to mould the tip of the brush into a sharp point.

Using your brush, make a line from the outer corner of your eye. This line will determine the size of your ‘flick’. Pull your eye taut to achieve a smooth line.

Go from the inner corner of your eyelid and apply the liner close to your lash line. Again, pull your eye taut to get a smooth, straight line.

Join up the eyeliner that goes along the top of your eye, to the line you created from the outer corner of your eye.

Fill in any gaps with some more eyeliner. Use small strokes, as they are easier to control than big, thick strokes. If you feel that you need a sharper flick, or you have made a mistake – use a clean angled brush with some concealer as an eraser.

Apply mascara and kohl eyeliner to the waterline (if you wish!)

Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/ptwpl62

HOW TO APPLY THE PERFECT WINGED EYELINER EVERY TIME!

Applying winged eyeliner is difficult, even for those who apply it every day. I've been winging my eyeliner since I was around 14 or 15 years old, and I still don't get it right on many days.

There are so many methods for applying winged eyeliner, but today, I'm going to over the way I typically like to apply pen style eyeliners. I find that when I use this method, my liner turns out perfect every time! And, it's super quick!

The eyeliner I'm using in this mini tutorial is my one of my favorite eyeliners - the Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum. It's incredibly easy to use, the tip is perfectly shaped for a thin, precise line and it never dries out or frays.

Step 1: In the first photo I started out with a clean eye. Typically, the ideal time to apply eye liner is after your eye shadow and before your mascara. (For the records, I'm wearing mascara for this tutorial, but it's much easier to apply eyeliner without mascara, as your lashes won't get in the way as much.) *If your eyelids are prone to getting oily, powder your lids and apply an eye shadow base.
Step 2: Examine where you want to start your wing. Use your bottom lashline as a reference. In photo #2 you can see the arrow going from my bottom lashline extending diagonally outward. You almost want it to look like a continuance of your lower lashline.
Step 3: With the tip of the liner touching the very end of your upper lashline, draw a thin diagonal line (45 degree angle) upward as shown in photo #3. It should be going in the direction of where your eyebrow ends.

Step 4: Now, with your one eye closed (the eye you're applying liner to), put your pointer finger (of your left hand if you're right-handed) on your brow bone and slightly pull your lid upward so your skin is slightly taut. With your other hand, starting from the top of the wing, draw a straight line ending at the middle of your lid. Think of it as there being an invisible ruler from the end of the wing that connects to the middle of your lashline. You want to trace that invisible ruler. (See in photo below.)

Step 5: Now, fill inside the lines as shown in photo #6.
Step 6: All that is left is continuing lining your full lashline. It's up to you if you'd like it to be thick or thin. I like drawing a thin line towards the beginning of my lashline, so it looks like the line is getting thicker towards the end of my eye.

That's it!

If you need to clean up the edge to make your lines crisp, use a small angled or liner brush and dip it in your favorite concealer (or makeup remover) and trace along the edges.

You can experiment as you'd wish in making the wing longer, curved or angled higher.

I sometimes like snipping some false lashes in half and applying them to the outer edges of my eyes to further elongate my eyes, giving the ultimate cat-eye look!

Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/poonxft