Dear Mary,

- Claudia

Eyeliner can really help to make your eyes stand out and show off their color. When applied correctly, it can add a new dimension of beauty and depth to your eyes that they never had before.

Before You Start
First, a couple of tips before you begin. To avoid smudging, eye liner should be applied after eye shadow but before mascara. Also, sharpen your eyeliner pencil every time you are going to use it to remove any possible bacteria. (But don't over-sharpen it; you don't want to scratch your eyes!) And finally, make sure that you have adequate light and a mirror. You will have a much easier time and do a much better job if you can see what you are doing!

You're eyeliner should also go well with the color of your eye shadow, and it should complement your eye color. Generally, dark blue and black shades go well with lighter-colored eyes, while brown goes better with brown eyes.

One more caution: Though eyeliner can really add depth to your eyes and help them to stand out and be noticed, don't overdo it. You don't want to end up looking scary with raccoon eyes!

Applying Pencil Eyeliner
To apply pencil liner, begin by slightly tilting your head back so that you can more easily apply the liner and at the same time see what you are doing. Then, beginning at the inner corner of your eye, draw a thin line across your upper eyelid, just above the eyelashes, so that there is no gap between the lashes and the liner. Use light, feather-like motions so that you can more easily control the pencil and so that you do not scratch (or poke!) your eyes. To line the lower lids, begin at the outside corner of your eye, and then work your way in. Again, use light, gentle motions, and don't apply as much liner to the bottom lids as you did to the tops so that you can keep your eyes looking natural and beautiful.

After you have finished applying the liner, to create a softer look, gently smudge the line created with a cotton swab, tissue, or if one of these two options aren't available, your fingertip.

Applying Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner is often more difficult to apply than pencil liner, but some women prefer it because they feel that it stays on better and that it is easier to achieve a more dramatic look. When using liquid eyeliner, tilt your head slightly back, as mentioned above, but apply the liner only to the top lid above the eyelashes and use a single stroke, rather than many small strokes. After applying the liquid liner, keep your eye closed until it has dried to avoid getting liner on the top part of your eyelid.

Final Tips
When you first begin putting on eyeliner, take your time. Don't be in a rush. Be patient, and keep trying. If you make a mistake, you can always remove it and start over. Just keep doing it, and you will soon be amazed at the end result!