Line those eyes!

One thing I REFUSE to live without is my eyeliner, it can transform from plain/natural to sultry siren within minutes I swear! I wear eyeliner everyday without fail and I still know that the reason I started wearing it was because of Cleopatra...I love the Egyptian style of makeup; glowy bronzed skin, with strong eyes and brows...ohhh yeeeeee. I have always been complimented on my liner application and now I feel to share my tips with you guys :)

So you're probably wondering what the difference is between all the liners on the market today, am I right? The answer I think to this is suitability and personal convenience....whilst the pencil gives an obvious dry pencil look and is amazing for creating a soft smokey khol eye, the others look more glossy and precise but can dry out quite quickly.

For years, I used pencil eyeliner, nothing in particular; Rimmel, L'Oreal, Bourjois, MAC, Benefit, Collection 2000 and this was fine for me, however not so good for creating flicks at the corners of my eyes, so I started to create the base with pencil then use a liquid liner for my flicks and then go over the pencil to improve intensity. Now, I dont know whether its because Im not always touching my face throughout the day but this did not ever budge no matter what brand I used. 

And then came along the gel liner mmmmm, when used with the right brush like the ones above you CANNOT go wrong!

These are my reasons for upgrading to gel liner:

* Colour intensity is like whooooaaa, so youre eyes will really pop against the black (or whatever colours you choose)

* The designs you can make with the brushes! Allow using pencil and liquid liner together you can do it all with gel liner, for this reason its also a great time saver

* The pots can last you aaaaages, jus make sure you always seal them tight so they dont dry out

* They are smudge and disaster proof! They set on your skin, dry really quick and last for hoursss

* Theyre suitability - contact lense wearers, sensitive eyes can wear these - bonus for me

*The gels I recommend*:

MAC Fluidline - gives the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Its designed to go on easy in a simple dip-and-strock action. It will last you hours and is smudge-proof! Whaaaay. It gives you time to build the intensity, but doesnt crumble! This gel liner is a little pricey at £13.50 but is really good, especially if youre doing high profile clients or brides - they dont wanna see you pulling out a cheaper brand for the price theyre paying! But for everyday wear that still looks really good and professional we have.......

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner - this beauty does exactly what it says but just for a little cheaper, well I say cheaper its £7.99 at Superdrug, which is still alot compared to pencils and liquids...BUT its worth it. Okay ladies here is what its offering:
    
• An oil-free formula that holds highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base
• Smudge-proof and waterproof for 24 hours                                      
• Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested
• Contact lens safe

I wear this constantly and I think its value for money especially if you want to start trying it out. I have sensitive eyes and its been good to me :) The best and most convenient thing about this one is that it comes with a 'foolproof' brush and it is reeeeally good and handy so you dont have to fork out even more £$£$£$£ for a brush to work it with ;)

What Ill do is show you the difference between the two gels on either eye and then liquid and pencil when my camera is up and running :)

Its best to apply gels with an eyeliner brush; I personally like the Benefit 'Get Bent' Brush or the MAC 219 Pencil Brush - its like the Maybelline one.

How to draw the perfect line:

1. To get a precise line I tend to get my left hand and gently pull my skin outwards.
2. I apply the line with my right hand. Remember to pull gently, if you pull too much, youll create a great line but let your skin go and it looks all wrinkled and uneven.
3. Useful tip: Dont think you have to get it right in one swoop!! Take your time and gradually build the line, or for thicker lines draw a light line and fill it in and make it clean.
4. For dramatic flicks/designs always remember to keep checking where youre going to apply the line with your eyes OPEN - Everything looks good with youre lid closed.
5. Now try with all the colours available to really make those eyes pop!