Close up studio shot of a beautiful brunette woman with glowing skin. Holding hands near her face.
Cover Close up studio shot of a beautiful brunette woman with glowing skin. Holding hands near her face. (Photo: Getty Images)

Here’s how you can finally perfect applying eyeliner on your own

It is perhaps one of the trickiest—if not the trickiest—parts of everyone’s makeup routine. While some opt out of this makeup product for various reasons, others are determined to perfect their winged eyeliner no matter what.

Read more: All the Eyeliners That Tatler Editors Swear By

While it does take years of practice, it would also be helpful to get advice from leading makeup artists who have had to apply eyeliner on thousands of clients. Once and for all, we’ve turned to the experts to find out what it takes to apply a cleaner or sharper eyeliner.

Read on below to find out how makeup artists apply eyeliner:

Juan Sarte

Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram / @juansarte
Above Photo: Instagram / @juansarte

Juan Sarte has been the go-to makeup artist of many esteemed personalities and celebrities, including Alice Eduardo, Vicki Belo, Hidilyn Diaz, and Lea Salonga, for 28 years.

Layering different eyeliner products gives a more expensive finish. 

To create the black winged eyeliner, I start with the old-fashioned cake eyeliner and water combo because it’s easier to erase if I make a mistake. Once I have perfected the shape, I layer the more long-wearing eyeliner like wax, gel, pencil, or ink on top.

For a softer look, you can layer another colour and smudge.

Ria Aquino

Tatler Asia
Photo: Courtesy of Ria Aquino

For 12 years, many have turned to Ria Aquino's talents to achieve the chic glam look when needed.

Tightlining makes a clean liner look. Sometimes it helps to gently hold the lid as you draw the line on your eye for a smoother application.

See also: Upgrade Your Skincare Routine: 5 Indie Beauty Brands to Watch in 2022

Justin Louise Soriano

Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram / @justinlouisesoriano
Above Photo: Instagram / @justinlouisesoriano

Justin Louise Soriano is a celebrity makeup artist of 6 years. He has played a role in his muse Heart Evangelista's many iconic fashion moments.

Use tape as a guide when you are really having a hard time perfecting it or use a dark eyeshadow powder to trace it. Remember to follow your natural crease—dont cut the eyelid fold because it will make your eyeliner look weird. 

Johnson Estrella

Tatler Asia
Photo: Courtesy of Johnson Estrella

With seven years spent doing makeup for models, brides, and celebrities, Johnson Estrella knows how to bring out anyone's natural glow.

The eyeliner highlights the features of the eyes regardless of the eye shape.

[To achieve a natural look, go for] cat eye, angel wings, and straight (all depending on the eye shape). I start from the middle, work my way out, and slowly glide from the inner corner to meet the line in the middle. To create a winged liner, follow the lower lash line and connect it.

Personally, [I think it would be better] to create one or two looks—if time permits—and let the client decide. If the client allows me to style it, I would then choose the best option to make the client’s eyes smile to achieve the “Smeye effect”.

The best tip I can share is what I usually do, which results in a stable and perfect line. I slightly press the pinky finger against the cheekbone so I have much control to apply the liners. In doing so, I avoid unnecessary movements which could mess up the line. 

Read more: How to Match Makeup to Your Dress Like Emma Stone

Justine Navato

Tatler Asia
Photo: Courtesy of Justine Navato

Justine Navato, a makeup artist of 8 years who has constantly worked with Pia Wurtzbach, truly knows how to highlight one's best features.

The best way to apply eyeliner is by looking down and trying your best to tight line first before you wing your eyeliner on your upper eyelids.

Choose a product that you can easily manoeuvre, may it be a pencil, pen, or cream eyeliner. Use a [cotton swab] with makeup remover to sharpen the wing.

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