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

What is Tightlining?

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 of Tightlining 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.  Many recommend even pushing it down into the line or even making little dots in between the lashes.  You want to avoid the wetline – it can irritate your eye – if you get some on that area blot it off with a Q-tip.  The 2 keys to getting a perfect tightline are practice and the right product.  Because it is so close to the eye, you need a waterproof eyeliner.  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!

Technorati Tags: Eyeliners, Smashbox

Tags: Eyeliners, Smashbox

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