Hey ladies! If you've ever felt like your eyes look a little droopy, hooded, or just plain tired, I've got a fantastic eyeliner trick that can make a world of difference. This technique is all about lifting the eye, and it's perfect for those of us with hooded, droopy, or aging eyes. Let's get this beauty started!
Before we dive into the eyeliner magic, I wanted to give you a heads-up about my newsletter. It's honestly the best way to stay in the loop with me. We've got exciting new product launches and restocks coming up, and sometimes we even have pre-orders. Being on the newsletter means you'll be the first to know, especially when popular items like the Gua Sha and Just Peachy Bottled Blonde come back in stock. You won't want to miss out!
Getting Started: The Base
To really make the eyeliner technique pop and ensure everything looks smooth, we need to prep the skin. I always start by refreshing my skin with La Roche Posay Micellar Water. I keep mine in the fridge for an extra cool, fresh feeling. Using Shiseido cotton pads feels so luxurious and gentle – no scratchy cotton here!
Next, I move on to priming. I've been using Bobby Brown's Face Base for years. It's a fantastic primer that deeply moisturizes and preps the skin for the rest of the makeup. It just makes everything sit so much better.
For the eye area, hydration is key. I love using a little Kjaer Weis Eye Balm. It's not greasy or heavy, but it really primes the eye area. If you find your concealer or eye makeup creasing or sitting on your skin, it might be dehydration. Make sure you're cleansing properly, exfoliating gently, and moisturizing well. I've tried many eye creams and balms, and finding the right one for your skin is so important. A hydrated eye area makes a huge difference in how awake and fresh you look.
Priming and Shadow Application
Now, let's prime the eyes. You might notice some discoloration on the lids, and that's where eye primer comes in. I apply it from the base of my lashes up to my brow bone. It helps to even out the skin tone and creates a perfect base for eyeshadow. Remember, less is more! You don't need a lot of product for this step.
I'm using the Strong Brew Eyeshadow Palette today, which has beautiful matte cocoa shades. It's important to have a lighter base if you're using darker or warmer tones, so the colors show up true to shade. If I were to put a brown shadow directly on my discolored lid, it wouldn't look as pretty. Someone asked if they could use a peach color corrector on their eyelid, and while it might seem like a good idea, the formulation is wrong. You need a specific eye primer for grip and to set your eyeshadow properly.
I start with the middle shade all over the lid. Then, I use the lightest color under the brow bone and blend everything together. Brushes are your best friend here! Using the right brushes, especially a tapered blending brush for the darker shade in the crease, makes all the difference. Pigmented shadows and good brushes mean you don't have to work too hard.
After applying the shadow, I like to take a clean pad and sweep upwards from the outer corner of my eye. This cleans up any fallout and gives a nice lifted effect. It’s all about that upward motion!
The Reverse Eyeliner Trick
Now for the main event: lifting the eyes with eyeliner! Before we start, a quick note on Lids By Design. If you have very heavy or droopy lids and struggle to see your lash line, these are a game-changer. They help hold the skin back and can make a huge difference. I've done videos showing how to use them, and they really work if applied correctly.
First, curl your lashes. Then, grab your eyeliner. I'm using a waterproof dark chocolate shade. Black can be a bit harsh, so a deep brown, navy, or even a mauve can be lovely. The key is to apply the liner into the lash line, not on the waterline. This makes your lashes look thicker and gives definition without taking up too much lid space.
Here's the trick: Instead of a traditional wing that goes outwards, we're going to focus on lifting. Find your very last eyelash at the outer corner. From that lash, draw a tiny line straight up, following the natural upward angle of your eye. You don't need a big flick; just a subtle lift. For hooded eyes, you might need to stop a bit short so the line doesn't get lost in the fold. The illusion is what matters – it makes the eye look lifted.
I use my cotton pad as a guide to ensure the line is short and angled perfectly upwards. It's a subtle change, but it makes a big impact.
Finishing Touches: Lashes, Brightener, and More
With the eyeliner lift in place, it's time for mascara. I like to use a lash primer first, especially if you have shorter or sparser lashes. It adds volume and helps the mascara grab better. Then, I apply my mascara, focusing on that last lash and pulling upwards to really emphasize the lift.
To further brighten the eye area, I use an eye brightener. I apply it like a concealer, blending it upwards into the darkness. Addressing that blue or gray tone under the eye can be a huge game-changer for a refreshed look.
I then go in with a lightweight foundation, buffing it into the skin. For setting, I use Nikita Banana Brightening Powder, focusing on my T-zone and under the eyes. It doesn't add much weight to the skin.
For a pop of color, I'm adding a cream blush in a warm apricot shade. It gives a lovely refreshed look. On the lips, I'm taking a bit of a risk with a bright coral lipstick. I'll tone it down with a gloss. You can also opt for a nude lip liner and a softer coral or even just a wash of color.
Key Takeaways
- Hydration is Key: Keep your eye area moisturized for smoother makeup application.
- Prime Properly: Use an eye primer to even out discoloration and create a base for shadow.
- Liner Lift: Apply eyeliner into the lash line and create a subtle upward flick from the last lash for an eye-lifting effect.
- Mascara Direction: Focus mascara on the outer lashes and pull upwards to enhance the lift.
- Brighten Up: Use an eye brightener to combat darkness and make the eyes look more awake.
- Embrace Your Eyes: Find techniques that work with your eye shape and aging process. Makeup is about creating illusions that make you feel good.
Ultimately, makeup is about creating illusions and making yourself feel comfortable and beautiful. Whether it's a subtle eyeliner lift, using Lids By Design, or a pop of color on your lips, find what works for you. Experiment, have fun, and feel amazing!
Until next time, see you later!
