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Tightlining

Tightlining, a technique once only used by hardcore makeup mavens, is becoming more and more of a beauty trend as more companies are producing products to make it easier. It emphasizes your eyes without emphasizing your eye makeup. It is an eyeliner technique where the liner is applied to the lash line instead of outside of it. This is probably the look that many women desire when they want to use liner, but are unable to achieve it with traditional application. It can emphasize your eyes without looking overly made up.

This picture is a great example with an overall natural look.

What is it?

Tightlinig is an eye lining technique where eyeliner is applied into the lash line and in the area where the eyelid becomes the eye. The trick to a perfect tightline is to darken the lash line without getting liner in the 'wetline" where the eye membrane starts. The benefit is that it emphasizes the eyes without looking overly made up because it darkens the lash line. You can tightline on either the upper or lower lid or both and you can use eyeliner like you normally would along with your tightliner.

How to Tightline

To tightline the eye, apply the eyeliner right to the lash line. Gently pull your eyelid to expose the lash line (pull down on the lower lashes, up on the upper lashes). Apply liner into the lash line and just inside the eyelash line. You can push the liner down into the lash line or make tiny dots between the lashes. Work in the tiny area between the lashes and the eye membrane (the wet area). I know many people do "wetline" (apply eyeliner to the moist eye membrane), but this is not a good practice. It could irritate your eyes - if you get some on that area blot it off with a Q-tip. .

Always apply your tightliners before any other eye makeup, otherwise it will smudge when you tug on your eyelids.

You can tightline on either the upper or lower lid or both. If you want you can also use eyeliner like you normally would along with your tightliner.

The 2 keys to getting a perfect tightline are practice and the right product.

Best Eyeliner for Tightlining

Because it is so close to the lash line, you need a product that is waterproof. I have tried many different brands and types and I think Smashbox Jet Set is by far the best. I have very sensitive eyes and wear contacts and am able to use it without any problems at all - and it lasts all day. It is a gel that comes in a little pot (that lasts forever, since you use such a tiny amount). It is applied with a very small brush.

You can use a waterproof gel, liquid, powder or pencil. Here are some of the best eyeliners for tightlining:

Although I haven't tried them all (yet), my favorite so far is Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner. I have the liner and the brush and have found it very easy to apply and it has good staying power. It is a VERY thick cream/gel. I have it in the black, but want to try some other darker colors as well. If you tightline with a gel, cream, liquid or dry product, the correct brush is essential. Some people use a flat brush. I love the Smashbox brush because it is tiny and it is bent to make it easier to use. The Smashbox items are below - or you can usually find a deal on eBay.

Other gel waterproof eyeliners that consistently get good reviews are Stila Smudge Pots, MAC Fluidline and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Ink.

One new product that I am definitely going to try is Physicians Formula Eye Definer Felt-Tip Eye Marker (yes a Sharpie for your eyes!)

I haven't had much success with using eyeliner pencils for tightlining - but I have read some recommendations for Avon Waterproof Glimmersticks, Revlon Color-Stay, Stila Onyx Kajal and MAC Smolder Kohl.

What products do you use to tightline? Got any tips? Please leave your reviews and tips in the comments below! Thanks! Go From Tightlining to How To Apply Eyeliner

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