How To Use Gel Eyeliner

by Jessica Alberto
Published: Last Updated on
How To Use Gel Eyeliner Like A Pro

Each type of eyeliner has its own unique look, finish, and application method. Beginners tend to gravitate towards pencil liners for their creamy, smudgeable formula and easy application, whereas more advanced beauty buffs prefer a liquid eyeliner for its sharp lines and precision.

Gel eyeliner falls somewhere in between the two. It has a creamy consistency that’s smoother than a pencil eyeliner but not quite as slippery as a liquid liner. You can use it to tightline the waterline for fuller-looking lashes, smudge it for a smokey effect, or create a winged eyeliner look.

Though gel eyeliners are a lot less popular than their pencil and liquid counterparts, they’re definitely worth investing in, especially if you love a bold cat eye look. And the best part? They’re actually easier to apply than liquid eyeliner!

Are you ready to take your makeup game to the next level? Keep reading for an easy step-by-step guide on how to use gel eyeliner.

Step 1: Wash your face

It’s always important to start with a clear base. Clean your eyelids with eye makeup remover, then pat it dry. Even if you don’t have any makeup on, this will ensure that your lids are free of any excess oil, dirt, and leftover makeup from the night before.

Prime Your Eyelids Before Applying Eyeliner

Step 2: Prime your eyelids

Applying an eye primer to your lids will create a smooth canvas for your eye makeup and give your gel liner more grip. This will prevent smudging, creasing, and fading throughout the day. A tinted primer may affect the color of your eye makeup, so opt for a transparent or sheer eye primer with a matte finish. Apply a small amount onto your eyelids and gently blend it out using your ring finger.

Pro tip: If you don’t have an eye primer on hand, you can use a concealer instead.

Step 3: Use the right brush

Unlike liquid liners, which come with a built-in brush or felt tip, gel liners require a separate brush for application. Half of the battle is choosing the right eyeliner brush, and this will depend on the look you’re going for. An angled brush is great for creating a winged eyeliner look, whereas a flat eyeliner brush is great for lining the upper and lower lash line. You can also use a smudge brush for a smokey, smudged eyeliner look. The finer the brush, the more control you’ll have when drawing.

Choose The Right Eyeliner Brush

Step 4: Coat your brush with product

When it comes to eye makeup, less is more. It’s much easier to apply more eyeliner than it is to remove it without ruining all your progress, so start with a small amount. Dip your brush into the eyeliner until the bristles are coated, then wipe off the excess product on the sides of the pot. You want enough product on your brush that you can draw fluid lines, but not so much that it forms globs and smears all over your eyelid.

Pro tip: You can draw a few practice lines on the back of your hand to get a better gauge of the texture and amount of product on your brush.

Step 5: Draw a line

First, tilt your head up slightly to get a better view of your upper lid, and gently pull the skin around your eye until taut.

For a basic eyeliner look, draw a line in the middle of the upper lash line. Use short, feathered strokes, brushing in one direction until you reach the outer corner of the lash line.

For a winged look, start drawing a line from the middle of the upper lash line to the outer corner of your eye. Following the shape of your eye, draw a flick that extends towards the tip of your eyebrow. This will create the angle of your wing. To ensure your wings are symmetrical, repeat this on the other eye before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Line the entire lash line

Starting from the inner corner of your eye, draw a line towards the middle of your lash line to connect your eyeliner. Try to do this in one stroke, following the natural curve of your eye. Stay as close to the lash line as possible and be sure to fill up any empty spots.

Pro tip: If you’re having a tough time lining the lash line smoothly, draw a few dots along the lash line, then connect the dots in a single stroke.

Apply Gel Eyeliner Throughout Your Lash Line

Step 7: Build up the shape

One of the best things about gel eyeliner is that you can add more layers to build it up. Once you’ve got the general shape of your basic or winged eyeliner look, you can apply more to make it thicker. Once you’re happy with the shape, draw one final line from the tip of the wing to the inner corner of the eye. This will smoothen the edge of your eyeliner, giving it a more refined look. Apply less pressure as you go inwards; you want to draw a thinner line as you approach the inner corners to get a tapered look.

Step 8: Smudge it out

What sets gel liners apart from liquid liners is their smudgeable nature, which is perfect for creating smoky eyes. Take a smudge brush and carefully blend the edges of your eyeliner to soften the look. Read our tutorial on how to blend out eyeliner for a smudged look.

Pro tip: Want fuller-looking lashes? Apply gel eyeliner to the waterline for a dramtic and noticeable effect.

Step 9: Let it dry

Although gel eyeliner doesn’t have as wet of a formula as its liquid counterpart, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to dry. Depending on how much product you apply, gel liner may actually need more time to fully dry! After applying gel eyeliner, give it a few seconds to dry before moving to the next step in your makeup routine. This will prevent any unwanted smears, especially if you have hooded eyes.

Set Gel Eyeliner with Eyeshadow
PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/thetaylorcherie

Step 10: Set it with eyeshadow

Most gel liners contain wax, which means they’ll stay put and last you through the night, especially if you get a waterproof formula. But its creamy consistency can still smudge, so it’s always a good idea to set it with eyeshadow or setting spray. Choose a matte eyeshadow in a shade similar to your gel liner. Using a clean brush, press this on top of your eyeliner. Alternatively, you can lightly spritz a setting spray. Finish the look with a few coats of mascara, and you’re good to go!

Learning how to apply gel eyeliner takes time, effort, and a lot of makeup remover, so be patient! With enough practice, you’ll master the art of applying gel eyeliner.

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