Applying eyeliner can be one of the most difficult parts of putting on makeup. The liquid eyeliner can easily be smeared if you don’t let it dry completely. While pencil eyeliner can cause you to poke your eye if your hands are shaky. Even gel eyeliner isn’t safe, it can be clumpy and hurt sensitive eyes. If you like the look of eyeliner but have given up hope on ever applying it, here are some tips to make it easier:

1. Use a primer

When you apply your foundation, you are supposed to use a facial primer. You should do the same thing when applying eyeliner. By applying eye primer, you are creating a smooth and even surface for your eyeliner to go onto. This will make your liner last longer and when it wears off it will not be splotchy.

2. Learn your eye shape

There are six standard eye shapes. They are monolids, downward and upward turned eyes, round, almond, and hooded eyes. There are plenty of pictures and graphs online that will help you determine your eye shape. Once you have figured out what the shape of your eye is, then you can figure out what the best way is to apply your eyeliner. Since each shape takes a different skill, it will require more practice.

3. Use a magnifying mirror

Eyeliner is one of the most precise things when it comes to makeup. When you are doing anything that is precise, the better that you can see, the better of a job you will do. That is where a magnifying mirror comes into place. If you can get it right while you are using a magnifying mirror, then it will look phenomenal when you put the mirror away.

4. Use paper or connect the dots

If using a mirror still isn’t cutting it, then you may want to use paper, tap, or dots as a guideline. That way all you have to do would be to connect the dots. The tap or paper is also a good idea, just make sure it does not ruin any facial makeup that you have one.

5. Use mascara in a pinch

If you have followed these tips and started to love the way that eyeliner looks but don’t always have time for it, then you may consider mascara. As long as you aren’t looking for a super elaborate winged eyeliner, mascara will give you the look that you are going for. All you have to do is apply your mascara like normal. The only thing that you should do differently is to hold the wand on the rim of your eye for an extended period of time. This is going to darken up where your liner will be. To add even more depth you can move your wand side to side on your lid. This is going to apply to more products.

6. Practice, practice, practice

Just like anything else in life, the more you practice it, the better you become. So, take the time to practice your eyeliner when you have spare time, not when you are in a rush out of the door. Just make sure that you don’t get discouraged and you will be drawing the perfect winged eyeliner on with ease.