How to Apply Kohl Eyeliner

by Jessica Alberto
Published: Last Updated on
How To Apply Kohl Eyeliner

What’s the secret to a sultry, smokey, smudged eyeliner look? Simple, it’s kohl eyeliner. Also known as kajal eyeliner, this intensely pigmented makeup product dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was made famous by none other than Cleopatra herself.

Traditionally, kajal liner was made by grinding charcoal. However, kohl contains lead, a heavy metal that isn’t approved for cosmetic use in the United States. That said, the kohl pencils you can find in stores today don’t actually contain this ingredient. Rather, it refers to the signature grey-black charcoal color of its precursor.

Kajal liners have super creamy, pigmented, and blendable formulas, which makes them perfect for outlining your eyes, tightlining, and creating a smokey eye. Are you ready to try out these eye makeup looks?

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to apply kohl eyeliner in 10 easy steps.

Step 1: Choose an eyeliner

Choose an eyeliner

Although kajal eyeliner is traditionally dark grey-black in color, many makeup brands have created kohl liners in different hues, retaining its ultra-creamy application and pigmented finish.

A black kohl pencil is perfect for creating a super intense eyeliner look, but it can look quite harsh on fair skin. If you want something that looks more natural, opt for a brown pencil. It’s perfect for creating a subtle, “no makeup” makeup look.

There are also different eyeliner formulas out on the market. You can find anything from vegan to cruelty-free to vitamin-infused liners.

Step 2: Warm up your pencil eyeliner

A kohl pencil that’s too cold or waxy won’t glide smoothly on your skin. This can be pretty frustrating, as it can make your lines look chunky and uneven, hindering you from successfully applying eyeliner. A simple solution to this dilemma is to warm up the tip of the pencil, and there are three ways you do this:

  1. Rub the tip of the eyeliner pencil on your hand until it softens
  2. Roll the point of the liner between the tips of your fingers
  3. Very quickly heat the tip of the liner under a flame, then let it cool down for a few seconds before applying it to your lids

Step 3: Draw dashes along the upper lash line

If you struggle creating a straight line, you’re not alone. Thankfully, professional makeup artists have uncovered the secret to smoothly applying eyeliner on the upper and lower lashes.

Using your non-dominant hand, gently pull on the outer corner of your eye until the skin is taut. Then, draw a few dashes along the upper lash line, starting from the inner corner of your eye and working your way outwards. Once you’re halfway, angle your pencil so that you’re drawing with the wider side of it. This will help you create a tapered line that gets thicker towards the outer corners.

Step 4: Connect the dashes

Once again starting from the inner corner, connect the dashes. Draw a thin line, then apply increasing pressure as you work your way towards the outer corner of your eye to achieve a thicker line. And voila, you’ve got yourself a perfect line!

Step 5: Repeat on the lower lash line

Line the lower lash line

There are many ways to line the lower lash line. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can apply eyeliner on the entire lash line or keep it to the outer thirds of your eye. Lining the upper and lower lash lines with a kohl pencil will give you a super intense gaze, but it can make your appear eyes smaller.

First, draw dots along the lower lash line but this time, starting from the outer corner and working your way inwards. Then, connect the dots with decreasing pressure as you work your way into the inner corner.

Step 6: Rim the waterline

Applying black eyeliner on the waterline, a technique known as tightlining, will create the appearance of fuller-looking lashes and creates a sexy look that’s perfect for a night out. To do this, it’s best to use a sharpened waterproof pencil. Gently pull up the upper lid and apply eyeliner on the waterline. You can do this for both the upper and bottom waterline.  For a more in-depth guide, read our step-by-step tutorial here.

Step 7: Smudge it out

Smudge the eyeliner

Smudging your eyeliner is a super easy way to create a sultry smokey eye, and a kohl pencil is the best choice for the job. The thicker the pencil, the better.

Take a clean cotton swab and dip it in a bit of moisturizer or eye cream. Then, carefully swipe through the line of dashes to blend them together.

Step 8: Clean up any mistakes

Applying eyeliner is tricky, even the most seasoned makeup artist can make a few mistakes from time to time. So if your line turns out uneven, rough, or smudges, don’t worry. This can easily be fixed. Dip a cotton swab in a bit of eye cream or moisturizer, then carefully wipe off any mistakes.

Step 9: Set it with eyeshadow

Penciled eyeliner looks fantastic when it’s freshly applied in the morning, but it tends to melt into a mess throughout the day. If you want to avoid panda eyes, applying eyeshadow over your liner will set it in place. First, choose a matte eyeshadow in a shade that’s similar to your eyeliner. Then, take an angled eyeshadow brush and load the bristles with product. Run it along the lash line and waterline, applying it over the eyeliner.

Step 10: Apply mascara

Apply mascara

A gorgeous eyeliner look wouldn’t be complete without mascara! Grab your favorite waterproof formula and apply a few coats on the upper and lower lashes.

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