Eyelining

I'm not really sure why various colors are sold for eyeshadow and eyeliner. In the end, the only color (in terms of the prism, I suppose it's technically lack of color) should be black. The deepest, darkest, richest black. 

If the ancient Egyptians felt no need to use anything other than kohl, one can't quibble. Cruel overlords yes, but really quite stylish.

 

The many following cultures didn't modify the hue of eyeliner, and I think it still stands as the most flattering.

I've noticed that many girls (BY or otherwise) are now using liquid eyeliner. The annoying thing about liquid eyeliner is that one has to be really good at putting it on, or else it looks amateurish. Unless one has the steadiest hands in the West (was that Wyatt Erp?) the recommended way to apply it is to stretch the eyelid to the side and hold it down, providing a neat line to paint.

Ladies, don't do it! Think of your future!

For a while I was sitting on the train with a middle-aged woman with sagging eyelids. Droopy, bag-like eyelids. 

Eeeeeew. 

My method of choice? One that has been touted as "idiot-proof."

Not exactly flattering, but I'll take what I can.

First, what's needed is an eyeliner brush. I like the Ecotools Eyeliner Brush, which is flat and slanted, but one doesn't have to be particular about the brand. 

It can be flat, slanted or unslanted, or thin with a pointy tip. There is a lot of wiggle room with "idiot-proof."

Next, powder eyeliner. I am currently using the Illamasqua Eye Liner Cake in Mislead, a pressed powder.  

I would also recommend Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Liner Shadow in Onyx, which is made from loose pigments. 

Thirdly, slightly moisten the brush. It took me a while to find the right ratio of color to water. I run it under the water then dab it once, lightly, on a tissue. Work the tip of the bristles into the liner,  making sure the color and water have blended sufficiently and . . . well, line.

I basically focus on my lower lash line, as if one is not a pro at applying it the upper lid, the eyes can end up looking smaller and oddly shaped—I've tried, unsuccessfully, although I can probably improve with practice (too lazy at the moment). 

A tip I picked up from Michelle Phan is to go underneath the upper lashes and press the liner into there, giving an effect of fuller lashes. For those of us gals who wear contacts (the frantic blinking reflex has been suppressed), it shouldn't be too difficult.

Some would recommend applying the liner to the waterline (the inner rim of the eye which tends to be damp) but I find that makes the eye look smaller. 

There is no need to hold onto the eyelid when applying powder eyeliner. If there are any boo-boos, a dampened q-tip can easily fix them.  

Powder eyeliner does not run the way other eyeliners do; before I tried this, I looked like an extra in a zombie movie before noon. This stuff stays put providing you don't bawl. And if one really needs it to stay on, I've got tips for that, too. That's a Shabbos Face post, comin' soon.