Mistake #4: You only line your lower lash line
“Using a dark liner on the bottom without a liner on the top makes the eye feel unbalanced and bottom-heavy, dragging the eyes down,” explains Stiles. Plus, if you sweat or rub your eyes throughout the day, you could end up looking like one of Marc Jacobs’ goth girls. “Keep the liner to the top lid for a more lifted, youthful effect.” If you really, really want to go after your bottom lash line, Stiles recommends using a lighter color there than you’re using on the top. “This will still give you definition, but feels softer and more flattering,” she adds.
Mistake #5: Closing your eye when you’re drawing on a cat eye
Here’s the annoying thing about cat eyes: You can draw them perfectly on both eyes and then realize that they’re totally uneven. Much of this comes down to placement. The solution? Keep your eyes open. “When the eye is closed, you can’t see where the crease at the corner of the eye falls,” says Stewart. Assuming your eyes aren’t lopsided, this will help keep your liner even on both sides.
Mistake #6: Wearing black liner in your waterline
Lining the waterline is probably the most under-appreciated makeup trick ever. It’s an easy way to brighten up the eyes or get a super-precise look—but that’s only if you’re strategic with the colors. “I love a dramatic eye, but very often black liner in the waterline can make your eyes look smaller,” says Stiles. Instead, Stiles suggests using a softer color, like bronze, gray, or bronze, and swears by taupe. “It still gives you a sultry look without closing up your eyes and making them look smaller,” she explains. Another color that works? Pale gold, like how Gigi Hadid wore it.
Mistake #7: Winging it when you’re trying to wing your eyeliner
We know, we know: nobody’s got the time for a 10-step eyeliner application. But if you planning on being photographed or have a big event, it could be worth taking a more methodical approach to creating a dramatic look. Stewart suggests tilting your head back and looking into a mirror (with your eyes open!) to give you full visibility of your eyelid and keep your lashes out of the way. Then, line up a brush with the outer edge of your lower lashes at a 45-degree angle. Draw a dot as far as you want your wing to go. Then, connect the dot to your outer corner. You can then continue to draw the line towards the center of your lower lash line.
