This 4-Step Tightlining Tutorial Will Help You Master the Tricky Eyeliner Technique

STEP 1: Curl Your Eyelashes

First, you’re going to want to prep your eyelashes by curling them. This step ensures lashes are lifted and out of the way when you go in with your eyeliner. Next, go ahead and apply your mascara. 

STEP 2: Lift Your Eyelid

Once your eyelashes are lifted and out of the way, you’re going to take your non-dominant hand and lift your eyelid. Lift the eyelid enough so that you can see the base of your upper lash line, as that is going to be where you’re applying the eyeliner. Make sure you have a good grip, so you don’t end up poking yourself in the eye. 

STEP 3: Apply Eyeliner to the Upper Waterline

Using a white or neutral pencil for instantly bigger-looking eyes or a black pencil for a smoldering effect, press the product directly onto the waterline, right underneath your eyelashes. Using short, gentle strokes, wiggle your eyeliner back and forth to work the product into the underside of your lash line. The closer you get the pigment to the base of your eyelashes, the more voluminous they’ll look. Pay special attention to sparser areas —you don’t want to have any gaps at the root. 

STEP 4: Apply Eyeliner to the Lower Waterline 

To amp up your glam even more, use eyeliner on your lower lash line as well. A black or colored shade will bring the drama, while a white eyeliner will make your eyes appear larger, fuller and brighter.

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