Ask A Beauty Blogger

March 28, 2013 by ellepottsie Leave a comment

Truthfully, today’s question had me stumped. I don’t wear much eye makeup [other than mascara] so any answer I could come up with would have been a shot in the dark. Luckily one of my closest friends applies liner on the regular and agreed to help me out on this one.

I am so thrilled to introduce to you [for the third time], beauty queen extraordinaire, Sarah! I know that once you’ve read this post you will be dying to hear more from her so head over to twitter where you can follow @sarahfisherxo.Since ellepottsie is more of a subtle eye makeup fan, she knew exactly who to ask when it comes to dramatic black liner. For years, a dark black line has been a staple in my makeup routine, adding a more drastic outer corner flick for night. After a while, it kind of becomes a signature, to the point where I begrudgingly have to respond to those “are you sick today?” concerns on days I’m sans my coated for days black mascara lashes and lined lids.

In my experience, the hierarchy of long lasting liner formulas for the greasy lidded gal (sorry, there’s just no cute euphemism) is as follows:

Eye shadow

Kohl pencil

Gel

Liquid

The ultimate: Liquid Waterproof

Having tried a multitude of tubes, pots, and crayons from high street to pharmacy, there is only one formula that I universally recommend.

Do not let the, ahem, less than luxe packaging fool you; this drug store ditty is the real deal. 

Maybelline New York Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black (the package is labeled Line Works).

My absolute favourite based on staying power, application, finish, and ease of wear, with no irritation for my sensitive, prone to watering eyes. It just so happens to beat out all pricey contenders – werk.

What I do suggest to compliment your new liner routine is a quality remover.

My favourite formulas being Lancôme‘s Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover or similarly L’Oreal’s Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover.

Always soak a cotton pad in remover and hold gently against the eye. Be careful not to press too hard or tug the delicate skin, as you can damage your lashes and irritate this sensitive area. If your makeup is not coming off, soak the cotton pad a second time and continue carefully dissolving. 

If you are still worried about residue and would like to stay away from waterproof, a couple tricks will help you on your quest for a clean line.Although eyelid primers are now produced by luxury brands and down, I find this product unnecessary (this is saying a lot for someone who justifies 5 red lipsticks). Apply a little concealer on your lids, using your ring finger or a brush, as this will help make a base for your lids to stay matte all day. When you dust your face with powder to set your face makeup, close your eyes and be sure to concentrate a dusting on your lids.

For anyone who is a liquid liner virgin, I leave you with a quote from my all time favourite style and beauty icon on how she gets her cat eyes so perfect: “they’re twins, but they’re not identical” – Dita Von Teese.

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Thanks again to Sarah for some awesome liner insight!

Hopefully these recommendations were helpful! I’d love to hear your feedback – and for sure let me know if you end up trying one of these products.

If you’d like your question answered next week, head over here to send me a request.

xo Lauren