Tightlining is a method of applying liner that gives the illusion of fuller, thicker lashes. It involves a technique that’s different than applying liner the traditional way. It might take you some practice to get it right, but you’ll love how it looks, especially if you have thin or short eyelashes. Excited? Here are all the tips you need to get tightlining just right. Practice makes perfect, as they say, so use this information to master the art and you’ll love the way your eyes look any day of the week.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
The Liner Goes under Your Eyelid and among Your Lashes
Tightlining is tricky because you must be sure to apply the liner just under your lid and between your lashes. This helps make them look fuller and thicker without having to wear falsies or put on a ton of mascara. The first few times I tried, I had eyeliner everywhere, so don’t wait to give this a try right before a big night.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/24/b2df04o4ppn5yq5j6s8fmf_1080x1350.jpg)
Keep Your Liner Pencil as Sharp as Possible
The sharper your liner, the more precision you get when you put it on. Because you want to keep the liner confined to a small space, you need a thin point so you don’t get eyeliner in a thicker line than you want. Use a quality sharpener and be diligent about keeping your liner in tip top shape. You’ll be much happier with the results that way.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/88/gzs2tl0iv4somz04bykidi_1080x1350.jpg)
Tilt Your Head Back when Tightlining
Instead of pulling your lids so you can see the area you’re lining, try tipping your head back and holding a mirror with one hand and your liner with the other. This makes it easier to see where you need to put the liner and prevents the wrinkles and sagging that can occur with repeated tugging at your eyelids.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/37/i9rzw1rzmmpkd247h5fohi_1080x1350.jpg)
Use a Creamy Eyeliner Pencil Rather than a Dense One
The creamy consistency of these pencils makes it much easier to get a smooth, flawless line. Cheap eyeliners are often denser and harder so they break and get trapped in the skin on your lids. You’ll have to spend a bit more to get a good creamy liner, but you’ll be so happy with the results that it will be money well spent.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/92/uuzmgoc6dpspzswsowu1d8_1080x1350.jpg)
Make Sure You do Tightlining before You Put on Mascara
If you already have your mascara in place, tightlining is likely to smudge it all over the place. To prevent yourself the trouble, line your eyes before you pull out your mascara wand. The combination of liner and mascara will look fabulous, but it’s easier to get it right if you perform the techniques in the right order. Remember – liner, then mascara.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/88/wt4mi4b7glaabtvm45vji8_1080x1350.jpg)
Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Don’t Tightline with Your Eyes Closed
How can you see what you’re doing? It might be instinct to close your eyes when you apply liner, but when you’re tightlining, you won’t get the eyeliner in the right place if your eyes aren’t open. Since you want to spread it just under your eyelid, you need to keep your eyes open so you can get in there. Again, this will take some practice.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/62/rjm1vzop3rip77thfpf259_1080x1350.jpg)
Go Slowly and Use Short Strokes
Tighlining experts caution against going too quickly and using long strokes. Take your time and apply the liner in small strokes so that you get a flawless line and you don’t poke yourself in the eye. If you need more help, check out video tutorials on YouTube.
Have you ever tried tightlining? Do you have other tips to share?
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge