How to Apply Under-Eye Eyeliner: 6 Tips for Under-Eye Makeup

Under-eye eyeliner is eye makeup that lines the lower lid, lower lash line, and waterline. Eyeliner is generally black or brown, and it is available as pencil eyeliner, liquid eyeliner, or gel eyeliner. The best eyeliner option depends on your skill level and the desired effect. Lining the bottom lash line is critical for achieving particular eyeliner looks, such as a smoky eye or a dramatic cat-eye.

Follow this step-by-step tutorial to apply eyeliner to your bottom lid:

1. 1. Begin with your upper lid. Starting from the center of your eye, draw a straight line as close to the upper lash line as possible, following the curve of your eye to the outer corner of your eye. Then, draw a line from the inner corner to the center of your eye.
2. 2. Line your lower lash line. Line the eye from the outer corner to the inner corner. Apply liquid eyeliner or eye pencil in short strokes to draw a line from the outer corner to the center of the lash line. For a bolder look, trace the line two or three more times.
3. 3. Complete the line. Fully lining your bottom lash line is optional. Simply draw a line from the center of your lash line to the inner corner of your eye.
4. 4. Tightline your eye. You can also apply eyeliner to your waterline—a process known as tightlining—to make your lashes appear bolder. The waterline is the area between your eye and the lower lash line. Pull the skin under your eye down to fully expose the area to line your lower waterline. Use a pencil eyeliner or gel eyeliner to tightline; liquid liner will not adhere. Carefully trace your waterline, letting your eyeliner touch your eyelashes.

Consider these makeup tips for applying under-eye eyeliner:

1. 1. Finish the look with mascara. Apply mascara to your upper lid and lower lid after applying eyeliner to pull your entire look together.
2. 2. Line your bottom lid when appropriate. Lining your bottom lid can overpower particular eye looks, such as a daytime eye look or a natural eye look. Use an under-eye eyeliner when you are going for a bold look.
3. 3. Apply a lighter color. Black eyeliner under your eyes can make your eyes look smaller, especially if you have a smaller eye shape. Instead of using black under-eye eyeliner, apply a lighter color such as browns, golds, or greys to make your eyes appear bigger. You can also apply a light eyeshadow with an angled brush or an eyeliner brush.
4. 4. Tightline with white liner. Use a white eyeliner pencil on your waterline to make your eyes pop and look more prominent.
5. 5. Use waterproof eyeliner. If you get teary, your under-eye makeup can easily run. Use a waterproof eyeliner to prevent your makeup from smearing.
6. 6. Clean up smudges. If your under-eye makeup is too thick or streaks, you can dip a cotton swab in makeup remover and wipe the makeup off.

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