We all love the look of eyeliner. In fact, it tops many a women’s lists of beauty products they wouldn’t want to give up. But for many, a common complaint we hear over and over again is that eyeliner always seems to smear, disappear or gather at the inner corners of the eyes.
Lining the lids gives great definition, but if you’re not using something waterproof or gel-based, which is less apt to shift or fade, and prepping the skin first, your results may not last. “Creamy and highly pigmented pencils migrate, but gel liners give good intensity and ‘lock in’,” says Sarah Lucero, celebrity makeup artist and director of education for Stila Cosmetics. Try Illamasqua Eye Liner Cake in Mislead ($23).
Celebrity makeup artist Nicole Bryl of Make-Up New York also says the best way to keep your eyeliner in place and smudge-free is by priming your eyes. “Apply a good concealer under and over the lids. Then, lightly dust translucent powder over them using a small powder brush to lock it in place. This gives your eyeliner something besides bare skin to adhere to.” Even though it’s meant to be worn under the eyes, Covergirl Fresh Complexion Under-Eye Concealer ($6) adds an extra layer of protection. Plus, the lightweight and easy-to-blend formula contains skin-brightening pigments so dark areas won’t show through.
Finally, you can lock in liner with Senna Cosmetics TransFix Eyeliner Sealer ($16). It is like a secret trick to slip-proof makeup. Apply a drop of the sealer to the cake liner (before applying) to set your color and look all day.
