Mastering winged eyeliner can definitely be a challenge (although there are all kinds of tricks on TikTok). But for those whose eyes are covered, applying eyeliner is much more difficult . Eyeliner (or any type of eye makeup) can get a little trickier when you can't see your eyelids. As a blindfolded close friend of mine once lamented, "Every time I open my eyes, all my beautiful work of mixing eyeshadow and eyeliner is basically hidden." (Of course, she still does eye makeup. makeup, because nothing could stop her from dressing up.) Instead, like many others who also have their eyes covered, she just changed her approach.
Covering the eyes can range from lightly covered to very covered, with almost all of the moving eyelids (the parts of the eyelids that move) covered. On top of that, cloudy eyes can also be a result of the natural aging process or fatigue.
One of the trickiest things to do with this feature is eyeliner because it can really change the look of your face depending on how covered your eyes are. If not handled properly, it can disappear completely or look more noticeable than you originally expected.
Below, makeup artists Erika La' Pearl, Min Min Ma, Kim Baker and Jamie Dorman bring you eyeliner tips to transform your eyes.
1. Find your ideal eyeliner
First, find the perfect eyeliner. Once you find a product you love that works for you, it can greatly speed up the application process while keeping you looking flawless. When looking for the perfect eyeliner, keep in mind how you want to apply it and what look you want to achieve. For example, if you're applying it to your lash line, eyeliner may be your best choice.
"When it comes to eyeliners, I love that they go on easily and are long-lasting," says Cardi B makeup artist La'Pearl. Her go-tos for coverage eye makeup include Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner and Be a 10 Be Magnetic Eyeliner.
2. Focus on the outside corners
When considering eyeliner, focus on the outer corners of your eyes. Using eyeliner or dark eyeshadow can make your covered eyes appear wider and larger, which can help hide your covered eyes. It will also help create a lining effect all over your lids, even if you only apply it on the outer corners.
3. Draw eyeliner on the upper waterline
Unlike other eye shapes, one of the challenges with blindfolding is the lack of visible eyelid space when the eyes are open. A good way to protect your cover is to place a liner against the water line, also known as a tight liner. For this technique, it's best to use a waterproof eyeliner, as liquid getting into your eyes can cause a big (or painful) mess.
Eyelash tightening will make your eyelashes look thicker and fuller. You can also lightly feather your lashes with eyeliner to enhance the effect.
4. Draw only half (or one-third) of the eyelids
For those with covered eyes, lining the entire eyelid can completely cover your lids. A good way to avoid this is to start the lining at the outer corner and then carefully taper inward, only about a third or half way. This is also a great tip when trying to create a winged eyeliner look, as you can still create winged eyeliner without having to line the entire eye.
5. Use gel eyeliner to draw wings
There is truly an art to creating the perfect wing, especially without the help of cosmetic tape. Liquid eyeliner is a popular choice because it gives you the best control and a smooth line. But for those of you who are blindfolded, if the eyeliner is still wet when you open your eyes, the liquid eyeliner may leave some unwanted smudges in places you didn't expect.
An equally good liquid alternative is gel eyeliner. Although it may take some getting used to, the gel still gives you the control you need to get your wings perfect—and it's less likely to leave streaks on your eyelids. The gel also lasts just as long as liquid eyeliner, so you don't have to worry about reapplying your makeup throughout the day. La' Pearl's choice? Pat McGrath PermaGel Eyeliner.
However, Glamazon Beauty founder Baker says there's no need to worry if your eyes are covered and you prefer liquid eyeliner. "Be sure to allow a little extra drying time. It requires you to close your eyes after applying and drying one at a time" — which is definitely a small price to pay for an incredible look.
These gel eyeliners are a great option for those with covered eyes.
PAT McGRATH LABS PermaGel Eyeliner Sephora
6. Create an elongated wing
When creating a wing on an eye, it can often be tedious to execute the perfect triangle and align it with the rest of the eyelid. Unfortunately, this technique is quite difficult when you're blindfolded - but that doesn't mean the wings can't be done. In fact, wings can create eye-opening effects.
Instead of having most of the liner on your lids, elongate it so that the wings are visible when you open your eyes and most of the drama is away from the lids. Just make sure the wings are pointing up, not down.
7. Avoid lower eyelids
Of course, this is more of a preference, but eyeliner on the lower lashline draws attention downward and may make your eyes look more droopy and closed. While there's nothing wrong with lining the bottom of your eyelids (and there are definitely ways to make it look subtle yet great), if that's your goal, focusing on the upper eye will make your eyes look fuller.
8. Use double eyelid tape or glue
MAGICSSTRIPES Eyelid Lifting Strips SmallREVOLVE
If you're really not in the mood (or don't have the time) for some techniques, use some eyelid tape or glue, which will open your eyes in a pinch. Beauty vlogger Michelle Phan offers a great step-by-step method for using double eyelid tape or glue. Using a tape like the Koji Eye Talk Double Eyelid Machine can temporarily create new creases to make your eyelids more defined, so you can apply makeup however you want.
But keep in mind that using eyelid tape for extended periods of time (or every day) is probably not a good idea: The skin on and above your eyes is very sensitive and delicate, so using tape or glue in that area may have negative results, like making your The eyes are even more blinded.
9. Keep eyeliner close to lash line
La' Pearl recommends applying eyeliner closest to your lashes. "One of my tips for using eyeliner on covered eyes is to keep the liner very close to the lash line so it doesn't interfere with the coverage," she tells Bustle, adding that it's all about "opening it up and reshaping the eye." shape". Eye. "
10. Use primer
To keep your eyeshadow and eyeliner in place for longer, apply a primer before applying your eye makeup. "I always make sure to use a primer so that the makeup I'm wearing lasts and doesn't crease," says La' Pearl. She recommends Be a 10 Begin 2 End Primer; these Bustle-approved picks are also a good choice.
11. Use a small brush
La' Pearl recommends that if you opt for gel eyeliner instead of pencil eyeliner, make sure you use a small eyeliner brush for the perfect finish. "I'd use a low-angle brush like the Morphe M432 Flat Liner Definer Eyeliner Brush or the Sigma Beauty E06 Winged Liner Brush," says the pro.
12. Consider non-black eyeliner colors
While it may be tempting to opt for classic black, Ma recommends other colors for those with covered eyes. "I love shades like espresso, mauve, or slate," the pro, who works with stars like Zosia Mamet and Grimes, tells Bustle. "Black is so intense that it often makes people close their eyes." Softer dark colors can give eyes definition while making them appear more awake, she adds. She particularly likes the Jane Iredale Mystikol eyeliners, "especially the amethyst, dark topaz and smoky quartz eyeliners, which are so gorgeous."
13. Don’t be afraid to add more
Don't be afraid to go a little thicker when drawing your lower lash line, Ma suggests. "The lining tends to sit in the folded skin and is often lost if it's too thin," she says. "Use your mirror and keep building up the shape and thickness you want." To achieve this, she points to the combination of Jane Iredale's Curved Eyeliner Brush and Mystikol Eyeliner Powder.
14. Give your lashes some extra care
Ma says a simple trick to accentuate your eyes is to focus more on your lashes. Apply two to three coats of mascara as close to the root of your lashes as possible, she says. “Don’t forget to curl and prime your lashes before applying mascara.”
15. Try the Reverse Smokey Eye
"One of my favorite tips for dark circles right out of my makeup bag is reverse smokey eyeliner," says Baker. The technique involves creating the illusion of eyeliner just below the lower lash line by extending it upward, "smudged with black eyeshadow to give the look of winged eyes." (Use a low-angle brush for this.) Her choice? Glamazon Beauty Eyeshadow in Galaxy, "The perfect matte black eyeshadow for the sexiest, smokiest eyeliner."
16. Know that sometimes less is best
For double eyelids, Baker likes to use the "invisible liner" technique, which involves applying eyeliner (preferably a liquid liner with a sharp felt tip, like Glamazon Beauty's Flawless Eyeliner) directly onto the upper lash line, then applying "The blackest of black mascara," she says. "I personally love this classic look; it's always a slam dunk, day or night."
17. Gradually increase liner size
Dorman recommends increasing the size of your eyeliner when applying it. Start thinning in the front two-thirds of the eyelid and then increase in thickness as you move toward the outer corners, she says. Flick up to finish. Even if you don't want dramatic wings, a slight flick can help lift the eyes.
"The areas where the lining is thickest draw the most attention. If you want to enhance the look, make sure the liner is thicker on the outside of the eye," she says. "If the eyeliner is thickest in the center of the eye, it will give the eye a rounder effect rather than a lifted look."
18. Try volumizing mascara
Grande Cosmetics GrandeDRAMA Volume Mascara Sephora
Dorman explains that applying a layer of volumizing mascara to your lashes can help fill in sparse spots and make the lash line look smoother, which is important if you're going for a defined look.
"If it doesn't create a smooth line when the eye is open, the eyeliner won't be flattering on closed eyes," she says. "If your eye shape doesn't create a coherent line when your eyes are open, you'll need to create an eyeliner shape on the visible eyelid and connect it to the line around the eye rim. Just be sure to make sure there are no gaps between the eyeliner and lashes."
19.Look straight ahead in the mirror
This may seem like a no-brainer, but for those whose eyes are blindfolded, it's especially important to make sure you're looking straight in front of the mirror when applying eyeliner. "Looking straight ahead while applying makeup can help you see the shape of your eyes, creating more shape and definition with makeup," explains Dorman. "Because the people you meet will see you with their eyes open, you need to know what they see when they look at you."
20. Choose a matte eyeliner that won’t transfer
The finish is a matter of preference, but if your eyes are covered, you may want to consider something matte rather than glossy if you want it to last. "Matte finishes are less likely to transfer, and people with covered eyes will want to consider which finish will wear the longest without leaving a mark on the upper eyelid," says Dorman.
She recommends long-wearing formulas like Westmore Beauty Wing Effects Liquid Eyeliner.
21. Use oil-blotting paper
Rare Beauty Blot & Glow Touch-Up KitSephora
Speaking of staying power, you also want to prep your lids before applying any primer and makeup to ensure zero transfer. This is where oil-blotting papers come in. "I recommend blotting your eyelids with blotting paper to prevent moisture from your skin from moving your eyeliner," says Dorman. "You may also want to dust the lids with a layer of translucent powder to prevent transfer throughout the day."
22.Take your time
Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughs shared a helpful step-by-step tutorial on IG. She recommends applying gentle pressure and applying slowly and carefully.
