This Tightlining Tutorial Will Help You Master the Tricky Eyeliner Technique

May 19, 2020

By: Makeup.com | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Tightlining, also known as invisible eyeliner, is one of our favorite techniques for subtly enhancing your makeup look. With just a swipe of eyeliner along your upper waterline, your lashes instantly appear fuller, darker and thicker. The skill may seem a little intimidating at first, but trust us, it’s easier than you think. As long as you have the right products and follow our easy, step-by-step tutorial, you’ll master the tightlining technique and upgrade your eyeliner game before the end of social distancing.

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.

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

Press your pencil 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.

Our Favorite Eyeliners for Tightlining

1 / 5

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Satin Glide Eyeliner

If you’re tempted to try tightlining but want a product that makes the process as easy as possible, we recommend this L’Oréal Paris eyeliner. It literally glides onto your waterline and won’t drag or skip.

2 / 5

IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Gel Eyeliner

As the name suggests, this eyeliner is life-saving thanks to it’s super blendable formula. In just one swipe, you’ll cover the entire surface area of your lash line without harsh tugging.

3 / 5

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Your eyes are super sensitive, so it’s important to pick a formula that won’t flake off and get into your eyes throughout the day. This cult-favorite Urban Decay eye pencil is a no-brainer when you’re looking for a formula that dries down and stays put.

4 / 5

Maybelline New York Eye Studio Master Precise Skinny Gel Pencil

Looking for a fine tip and long-lasting wear? We recommend this Maybelline gel pencil. It has a super smooth, precise and seamless application with intense pigmentation. Plus, the small tip makes filling in any small gaps between lashes a breeze.

5 / 5

Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner

We love this pick if you're going for a smoky-eye vibe. The kohl pencil comes in six sultry colors that will bring automatic glam to your eye makeup look. For the best results, make sure you keep your pencil sharp.