If you’ve ever been in the makeup aisle at a store, you’re likely already familiar with the wide variety of eyeliner and eyeshadow products available.
From liquid eyeliner and gel liners, to cream eyeshadows and metallic shadows, understanding the different types and when to use them is essential for achieving the perfect eye look.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the benefits of eyeliner, the benefits of eyeshadow, answering the question of should you apply eyeliner or eyeshadow first, and sharing tips on how to get the best results from your mascara, liquid eyeliner, gel liner, and blending brush.
Eyeliner
If you’re looking for a bold, defined look, eyeliner is a key component. Whether you prefer a classic liquid liner, a kohl-like gel liner, or even a smudgy look with a blending brush, eyeliner can add a dramatic flair to any eye look.
Start with a thin line, gradually building up the shape and intensity until you reach the desired finish. Remember to use a waterproof mascara to keep your eye look in place all day. With a steady hand and a little bit of practice, you’ll be creating the perfect eyeliner look in no time.
What is Eyeliner?
Eyeliner is a cosmetic regularly used to define the eyes. Whether you go for the classic black liquid liner, or the more modern gel liner, or even pencil eyeliner, eyeliner can give you a dramatic look in minutes.
Not to be confused with mascara, liquid eyeliner provides a thin and precise line while gel liner is more smudge-proof and requires a blending brush to soften the eye makeup look. You can even opt for the timeless winged eyeliner look, depending on your eye shape.
How to Apply Eyeliner
Applying eyeliner can be an intimidating process for even the most skilled makeup lover. But with the right tools and a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful eye makeup look that’ll last all day long. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying eyeliner like a pro.
Start by prepping your eyes. This step is crucial to ensure your look lasts. Clear away any makeup residue or dirt on your eyelids with a gentle eye cleanser and apply a moisturizing eye cream.
Pat your lids dry and let the cream sink in for a few minutes. Apply an eyeshadow primer as a base for your eye makeup products, and is a step you never want to miss in your makeup routine.
Next, choose the eyeliner you want to use. There are many options available, such as liquid eyeliner, gel liner, eyeliner pencils and even mascara. Decide which one will work best for your look and get ready to apply. If you’re using a liquid liner, make sure to shake the container before application.
Once you have your eyeliner, begin by lightly drawing a thin line from the inner corner of your eye to the outer corner. Use a light hand and try to draw a smooth line as you go. If you’re using a liner pencil, make sure to lightly smudge the line with a blending brush, to soften the edges.
For a more dramatic look, thicken the line as it extends towards the outer corner of the eye. You can also add a small flick to the end of the line to make your eyes look bigger. If you’re unsure on your eyeliner application, check out some of the amazing celebrity makeup artists on YouTube, sharing makeup tutorials and tips on the best eyeliner application.
Once you’ve finished drawing the line, you can use a cotton swab to gently smudge the line and make sure it’s even. You can also use a pencil liner brush to blend the liner into the eyeshadow for a more natural look.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow is my favorite eye makeup product, and it can transform your entire makeup look, with just a few swipes of an eyeshadow brush.
If you want a more natural makeup look, you can opt for matte eye shadow, for adding depth and dimension to your eyes. Or, if you prefer something a little more dramatic, you could choose glitter eyeshadow or loose pigments for a high-shine effect on the eyelids.
What is Eyeshadow?
Eyeshadow is one of the most important components to any makeup look, and can make all the difference in your final look. Eyeshadow is a type of cosmetic product that is applied to the eyelids and can come in the form of powder, cream, liquid, loose pigments or gel.
It is usually applied with a brush and can be blended with a variety of other products, including mascara, liquid eyeliner, gel liner, and a blending brush to create different looks.
Eyeshadow is most commonly used to define the eyes and accentuate the shape and color of the eyes. With the right technique, eyeshadow can be used to create anything from a bold, dramatic look to a soft, subtle look.
How to Apply Eyeshadow
When it comes to eyeshadow, there are a few tried-and-true makeup application steps that can help you achieve a flawless finish. To begin, select your eyeshadow shades.
Choose two to four complementary shades, and make sure to pick a base shade, a transition shade, and an accent shade. A base shade is meant to provide an even base for your look, while a transition shade will help blending. An accent shade can be applied to the lid or inner corner for a pop of color.
Using a blending brush, start by applying the base shade to your eyelid. Beginning at the outer corner, work your way up to the crease. Then, use the transition shade to blend the two colors together. You don’t want any harsh lines, so make sure to blend them as best as you can.
Once you’ve blended together your base and transition shades, it’s time to add the accent shade. Take your brush and dip it into the accent color. Starting at the inner corner of the eye, lightly brush the accent color across the eyelid until you’ve reached the outer corner. You can also use your accent color to add definition to your crease.
Once you’re done with your eyeshadow look, you can then add in your black eyeliner – be it liquid liner, pencil liner or a gel liner, and of course, mascara to complete the look. Make sure to blend your liner and mascara with the eyeshadow, as this will help to create a seamless look.
Should You Apply Eyeliner Or Eyeshadow First?
One of the most common makeup questions is: should you apply eyeliner or eyeshadow first? With so many products on the market, along with different techniques and techniques available, it can be difficult to decide which is the best option.
When it comes to which should you apply first, eyeliner or eyeshadow, it depends on what look you are going for and what type of eyeliner and eyeshadow you are using.
If you are going for a subtle, everyday look, it is best to apply the eyeshadow first. This will provide a natural base for the other products and will give your eyes a finished, uniform look.
If you are looking for a MORE dramatic look, you can opt for the application of eyeliner first. This will create a bolder look and make the eyeshadow more noticeable.
In order to apply eyeliner or eyeshadow first, you will need to have the right products. For eyeliner, you can use a mascara, liquid eyeliner, or a cream eyeliners.
For eyeshadow, you can pick any type of powder or cream eyeshadow. Regardless of the types of eyeliner you choose, if you are trying to create a blended look, you will need a good blending brush.
If you are looking for a subtle, everyday look, it is best to apply the eyeshadow first. If you are going for a dramatic, statement look, it is best to apply the eyeliner first. Having the right types of products is essential for achieving the look you want.
What Is the Difference Between Eyeliner and Eyeshadow?
To understand the differences between eyeliner and eyeshadow, it’s important to first be aware of the different types of eyeliner available: liquid eyeliner, gel liner, and mascara. Liquid eyeliner tends to be a waterproof, long-lasting formula that’s applied to the upper lash line using a special applicator.
Gel liners are thicker, creamy formulas that are applied with an angled brush, while mascara is a glossy formula that is applied to the natural lashes with a mascara wand
Eyeshadow, on the other hand, usually comes in powder form and is applied to the lids with a blending brush. Eyeshadow is used to add color and dimension to the eyes and is often used to enhance a smoky eye look. While liquid, gel and cream eyeliners are used to create more precise, bold lines, eyeshadow is used to fill in the gaps and create subtle effects.
Once you’ve applied the eyeshadow, you can use an eyeliner to define the eyes further and to enhance the eyeshadow effect. Mascara is usually the last step in your makeup application, as it helps to create an eye-opening effect.
Do You Apply Mascara Before Eyeshadow and Eyeliner, or After?
Should you apply mascara before eyeshadow and eyeliner, or after? The answer isn’t always clear-cut, as it depends on the look you’re trying to achieve, and what type of mascara and eyeliner you’re using.
If you’re using a liquid eyeliner, then it’s best to apply it before the mascara, to prevent it from smearing and smudging when you add the mascara. Although, if you do end up with smudges, you can reach for a makeup remover, and a q-tip, like you would to clear up a smudged lip liner.
On the other hand, if you’re using a smudge-proof or waterproof eyeliner, then it’s best to apply it after the mascara, to prevent it from clumping or streaking when you add the mascara.
When it comes to applying eyeshadow, it’s also important to consider the type you’re using. If you’re using a cream eyeshadow, then it’s best to apply it after the mascara, as cream eyeshadow will often smudge and melt away when mascara is applied first.
If you’re using a powder eyeshadow, then it’s best to apply it before the mascara, as powder eyeshadow won’t be affected by the mascara.
Can You Use Eyeliner As Eyeshadow?
Yes, you can use eyeliner as eyeshadow! In fact, many expert makeup artists use eyeliner as eyeshadow on the regular basis. Eyeliner can be used as eyeshadow to create a variety of eye looks, from classic smoky eyes to colorful and glittery effects.
To start, take the eyeliner of your choice and apply it to the eyelid. For best results, use a light hand and layer the color lightly.
Make sure to blend the eyeshadow colors together and use a makeup brush or makeup sponge to help with blending. For a more dramatic look, you can also use a thicker line along the crease of your lid or as an accent color in the corners of your eyes. Then you can finish your look with a pair of fake lashes.
Summary
So, how does one decide which product– eyeliner or eyeshadow – to apply first? The answer for this depends on the look and style of makeup you’re going for.
For example, if you want to create a more dramatic and defined makeup look, you may want to opt for eyeliner first to outline and define your eyes.
Then, you can move onto eyeshadow and blend in the colors to line and shape your eyes. However, if you want a more subtle and natural look, you may want to start with eyeshadow.
In this case, you’ll want to use a light eyeshadow to add a subtle pop of color and definition to your eyes. Then, you can move onto eyeliner to add a more dramatic definition and shape.

Hi! My name is Gemma, and welcome to Miss Makeup Magpie, a UK based lifestyle blog sharing varied content to cover all genres.