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We have certain expectations of our makeup: we wear it to bring out the radiance in our complexions, draw attention to certain features, and, when it comes to eyeliner, to define our eyes and sometimes even give off an intriguing and fierce look. The last thing our makeup should do is age us, but if you're making these five eyeliner mistakes, you aren't doing your beautiful self justice.
[Photos: Shutterstock, TamiraJarrel.com]
Lining only your lower waterline
As we age, our features tend to droop slightly. You can use your eyeliner pencil to create a line that lifts the eye upward, which is flattering and youthful, or you can make the mistake of lining only your lower waterline, which drags your face south and makes the eyes appear smaller. "Using eyeliner only on the bottom of the eye can age you — it makes your eyes seem small and bottom heavy," says Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artist Rob Harmon. "You should wear eyeliner on the top to open your eyes but not too thick or that can age you as well."
Applying eyeliner with a heavy hand
Often times a heavy-handed application makes you look older — which is great when you're 17 and want to appear 29, but not so appealing as you age. Instead of lining the entire eye with a kohl pencil, start your line in the middle of your upper eyelid, working your way out and thickening it slightly as you go. If you want to line the bottom of your eyes, try applying eyeliner only to the outer part of your waterline.
Using the wrong eyeliner formula
Liquid eyeliner is meant to be used on your top lid. If you use it on the bottom of your eye you are almost assuredly creating a smudgy mess that looks too inky and harsh and will add years to your appearance. Save gels, creams, and liquid for your eyelid and lightly run a pencil eyeliner along your bottom lashes.
Not taking advantage of nude or champagne eyeliner
Black and brown eyeliners aren't your only options — and they aren't even your best options when it comes to lining your waterline. To really open up your eyes and make them pop, line your bottom lashes with a nude or champagne eyeliner and reserve darker colors for your upper lid.
Not priming your eyes first
No matter what your age, your eyelids will benefit from a primer before you apply eyeliner. If you don't prime your eyes first and apply liquid or pencil liner directly on your upper or lower lids, you are pretty much asking for your makeup to smudge and create dreaded raccoon eyes and unflattering shadows on your lid. Primer is a necessary step that takes just one extra minute but makes a world of difference.
