How to Master the Art of Applying Gel Eyeliner
By Lindsay Park | Jun 30, 2022
From intense color to seamless application, gel eyeliner is undoubtedly one of the most valued products in every makeup kit. Offering versatility at its finest, gel eyeliner allows you to enjoy a fierce winged eye, natural look, or sexy, smokey eye – all with a single swipe.
Before you learn to master the art of application, you’ll want to get your hands on the best gel eyeliner on the market. Our recommendation? Wander Beauty’s Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner. This creamy, long-wear eyeliner combines the intense pigmentation of a gel formula with the convenience of an automatic pencil for ultimate precision. Key ingredients include olive fruit oil to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from environmental pollutants, and jojoba oil, which contains vitamin E and antioxidants to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Our top tips for applying gel eyeliner
Ready to learn how to apply gel eyeliner perfectly every time? Here are nine of our best application tips for a variety of different eyeliner looks.
1. Choose your style
Whether you’re after a sultry cat eyeliner look or a smokey effect to make your eyes pop, you can use gel eyeliner to create a number of iconic eyeliner styles. You’ll want to base your choice of style on the aesthetic you’re going for and the shape of your eyes.
Elongate round eyes by gradually working in a line that ends in an upward flick… lift downturned eyes by leaving the lower lash line bare and starting your eyeliner from the highest point of the arch on the upper lid. Those with hooded or monolid eyes will want to get the liner as close to the base of the lash line as possible and apply a thick line to help the eyes appear more pronounced.
2. Start with a blank slate
Once you’ve chosen the look you’re going for, be sure to wash, moisturize and prime your face. We recommend applying eye makeup before doing your foundation, highlighter, and lips so that you can clean any smudges up without having to redo your whole face.
3. Get the order right
If you’re going for a sharp cat-eye, you’ll want to apply your eyeshadow before putting on eyeliner. If you’re going for a smokey eye, start with eyeliner, and then blend it into the eyeshadow.
4. Hold your eyeliner near the end
If you’ve ever wondered how to put on eyeliner correctly, you’re not alone. We’ve got this! Start by gripping the eyeliner near the end of the stick. Holding it too close to the tip creates too much pressure and can result in a jagged line.
5. Tilt your chin
With the mirror at chest level, tilt your chin up and look down into the mirror so that your eyes are half-closed. Though this may be the exact opposite of what you normally do, it creates the best angle for both good lighting and smooth application.
6. Short strokes for success
Of course, we all dream of having a solid enough hand to achieve a perfectly smooth line in a single swoop, but that’s not always the reality. Because gel eyeliner is more forgiving than liquid eyeliner, you can draw short dashes along your top lid and connect them into a solid line. This gives you the chance to draw a solid line without having to wipe everything off if you mess up.
7. Keep it clean
Because gel eyeliner glides across the lid, it’s basically mistake-proof. Even so, if you do need to refine the edges or correct a slight mishap, opt for a pointed cotton bud soaked in water. Be sure to do this as soon as possible, before the gel gets a chance to set.
8. Remember to tightline
Tightlining is every boss babe’s secret to perfectly polished liner. It involves lining the inner upper lash line for a naturally defined look. Gently lift the lid and apply the liner as close to the lash roots as possible. Though daunting at first, this application technique definitely gets easier with practice!
9. Give it a sec
Avoid unwanted smears by giving your gel liner a few seconds to set. Our recommended gel eyeliner is specially designed with a quick-setting formula, but you can also use a setting spray to ensure a perfect look all day (or night) long.
Complete your look
No eye makeup look is complete without a touch of mascara! Even the most simple eyeliner can be elevated to a sleek and striking look by using the best mascara. Our award-winning Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara is clump-free and smudge-proof, making it perfect for the last step of your eye makeup routine.
And just like that… you’re a master!
How to Master the Art of Applying Gel Eyeliner
From intense color to seamless application, gel eyeliner is undoubtedly one of the most valued products in every makeup kit. Offering versatility at its finest, gel eyeliner allows you to enjoy a fierce winged eye, natural look, or sexy, smokey eye – all with a single swipe.
Before you learn to master the art of application, you’ll want to get your hands on the best gel eyeliner on the market. Our recommendation? Wander Beauty’s Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner. This creamy, long-wear eyeliner combines the intense pigmentation of a gel formula with the convenience of an automatic pencil for ultimate precision. Key ingredients include olive fruit oil to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from environmental pollutants, and jojoba oil, which contains vitamin E and antioxidants to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Our top tips for applying gel eyeliner
Ready to learn how to apply gel eyeliner perfectly every time? Here are nine of our best application tips for a variety of different eyeliner looks.
1. Choose your style
Whether you’re after a sultry cat eyeliner look or a smokey effect to make your eyes pop, you can use gel eyeliner to create a number of iconic eyeliner styles. You’ll want to base your choice of style on the aesthetic you’re going for and the shape of your eyes.
Elongate round eyes by gradually working in a line that ends in an upward flick… lift downturned eyes by leaving the lower lash line bare and starting your eyeliner from the highest point of the arch on the upper lid. Those with hooded or monolid eyes will want to get the liner as close to the base of the lash line as possible and apply a thick line to help the eyes appear more pronounced.
2. Start with a blank slate
Once you’ve chosen the look you’re going for, be sure to wash, moisturize and prime your face. We recommend applying eye makeup before doing your foundation, highlighter, and lips so that you can clean any smudges up without having to redo your whole face.
3. Get the order right
If you’re going for a sharp cat-eye, you’ll want to apply your eyeshadow before putting on eyeliner. If you’re going for a smokey eye, start with eyeliner, and then blend it into the eyeshadow.
4. Hold your eyeliner near the end
If you’ve ever wondered how to put on eyeliner correctly, you’re not alone. We’ve got this! Start by gripping the eyeliner near the end of the stick. Holding it too close to the tip creates too much pressure and can result in a jagged line.
5. Tilt your chin
With the mirror at chest level, tilt your chin up and look down into the mirror so that your eyes are half-closed. Though this may be the exact opposite of what you normally do, it creates the best angle for both good lighting and smooth application.
6. Short strokes for success
Of course, we all dream of having a solid enough hand to achieve a perfectly smooth line in a single swoop, but that’s not always the reality. Because gel eyeliner is more forgiving than liquid eyeliner, you can draw short dashes along your top lid and connect them into a solid line. This gives you the chance to draw a solid line without having to wipe everything off if you mess up.
7. Keep it clean
Because gel eyeliner glides across the lid, it’s basically mistake-proof. Even so, if you do need to refine the edges or correct a slight mishap, opt for a pointed cotton bud soaked in water. Be sure to do this as soon as possible, before the gel gets a chance to set.
8. Remember to tightline
Tightlining is every boss babe’s secret to perfectly polished liner. It involves lining the inner upper lash line for a naturally defined look. Gently lift the lid and apply the liner as close to the lash roots as possible. Though daunting at first, this application technique definitely gets easier with practice!
9. Give it a sec
Avoid unwanted smears by giving your gel liner a few seconds to set. Our recommended gel eyeliner is specially designed with a quick-setting formula, but you can also use a setting spray to ensure a perfect look all day (or night) long.
Complete your look
No eye makeup look is complete without a touch of mascara! Even the most simple eyeliner can be elevated to a sleek and striking look by using the best mascara. Our award-winning Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara is clump-free and smudge-proof, making it perfect for the last step of your eye makeup routine.
And just like that… you’re a master!
