What is eyeliner?
Liner — is a cosmetic product of liquid or gel consistency, designed to create clear, graphic lines along the contour of eyelash growth.
The main difference between a liner and a classic pencil is its texture and form factor. It features a special applicator (brush or felt tip) and quickly adheres to the skin after application.
The product is highly pigmented and requires no blending. It is used primarily for creating classic or fantasy eyeliner. The formula of most liners is friction- and water-resistant, preventing pigment from transferring to the upper lid throughout the day.
Main types
There are several formats of this product available on the cosmetic market, differing in application method and texture.
- Liner-felt-tip pen (marker). The most popular format is the felt-tip or brush-tip pen, which dispenses pigment automatically. This option is ideal for quick makeup applications and is suitable for beginners.
- Liquid eyeliner. It's a bottle containing liquid pigment and a thin brush built into the lid. It allows you to create extremely fine and elegant lines, but requires a steady hand and some skill.
- Gel liner. Available in small glass jars and applied with a separate angled brush, it provides a dense matte finish and allows a few seconds for fine-tuning before it sets completely.
- Dry (cake liner). A pressed pigment that is activated with a damp brush. Often used by professional makeup artists to create long-lasting, graphic makeup looks.
How to use
Before applying liner, the eyelid must be prepped. Apply an eyeshadow base or a light layer of powder to the skin to prevent the pigment from bleeding into the micro-relief.
To draw a straight line, the elbow of your working arm should be firmly supported. Your chin should be slightly raised, directing your gaze downwards into the mirror.
Beginners are recommended to use the "stamping" technique. First, fill in the space between the lashes with a pencil, then apply the liner along the lash line in small strokes that connect into a single line.
To remove long-lasting eyeliner, use two-phase oil-based lotions or hydrophilic oils. Regular micellar water often fails to remove waterproof polymer formulas.
