Reflecting on my formative years in secondary school, it becomes clear that my makeup application skills were quite rudimentary. The only insights I gleaned came from reading Sabrina’s Secrets Magazine, a glossy publication that introduced me to the world of beauty but didn’t quite prepare me for the artistry of makeup. At the tender age of 14, I ventured into a rock chick aesthetic, heavily influenced by Avril Lavigne and her signature kohl-lined eyes. Each day, I scribbled black eyeliner onto my waterline, only for it to betray me, smudging beneath my eyes by morning break. Despite the frustration, I remained undeterred, sticking with my look until liquid eyeliner arrived on the scene around 2008 and transformed my makeup routine.
Fast forward to today; as a seasoned observer of makeup trends, I recently watched model and It girl Gabbriette Bechtel share her everyday makeup routine. In her casual, confident manner, she declared her love for waterline eyeliner, stating, “I don’t like myself without black eyeliner. It looks really nice and hot with blonde hair.” Through her eyes, I saw the resurgence of a trend I’d left behind—waterline eyeliner was back and making a bold statement.
Gabbriette’s ardent support for waterline eyeliner piqued my curiosity and challenged my preconceived notions. Despite having shunned this application technique due to fear of looking fatigued or drained—issues often perpetuated by critics—her embrace of the look resonated with me. In line with her sentiments, Princess Kate has historically favored the appearance, even sporting the style on her wedding day. These endorsements signify a powerful shift: waterline eyeliner can be elegant and sophisticated, challenging the stereotype of being overly dramatic or aging.
Renowned makeup artist Aimee Connolly emphasized that while eyeliner on the lower waterline can enhance the eyes, it can also create the illusion of smaller eye shapes. The juxtaposition of beauty icons like Gabbriette and Kate juxtaposed against common critiques offers a compelling narrative on the fluidity of beauty standards.
Intrigued by Gabbriette’s confidence, I dove back into the world of waterline eyeliner, armed with insights from professional makeup educators rather than my adolescent self-taught methods. Lisa Caldognetto, a celebrated makeup artist, suggests striking a balance when using liner on the waterline. One common misstep is applying liner solely to the waterline. Instead, she advises letting some product touch the lash roots and smudging it out for a more seamless transition. This technique essentially opens up the eyes rather than making them appear closed off.
According to Aimee, dark liners enhance eye color and intensity, heralding their use by seasoned makeup enthusiasts. Yet, for novices, experimenting with softer tones like browns or greens is recommended to avoid overwhelming the look. In line with this, Lisa suggests a mid-tone color such as bronze for an airbrushed finish, making application quick and effortless.
While embracing darker options, caution is essential—colors with red undertones, like burgundy or mahogany, can inadvertently create a fatigued appearance. Instead, opting for a neutral shade on the lower waterline can brighten up the eyes and evoke a fresh, youthful radiance; a technique famously employed by Victoria Beckham, who swears by white liner for a wide-eyed effect.
Frustratingly, the challenge of eyeliner smudging is often present due to natural eye moisture. Aimee suggests delicately drying your waterline using a tissue, on the condition that you are comfortable engaging near the eye area. For a setting strategy, using translucent powder or a brown shadow beneath the lash line can enhance longevity. She also advises selecting waterproof formulas—gel or long-wear liners are ideal, as traditional pencils tend to smudge.
Lisa also emphasizes preparation by warming the pencil on the back of your hand before application. This step prevents dragging and allows for a smoother application along the waterline. Many professional artists recommend starting the eyeliner application early in the makeup routine and blinking hard to set the color effectively.
With insights gained from both Gabbriette and skilled makeup artists, I felt a surge of confidence to embrace waterline eyeliner again. I have thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with different products that cater to my preferences, with L’Oreal’s **Infallible Grip 36h Gel Automatic Eyeliner** and **Kosas’ Soul Gazer** among my top choices. The versatility of shades has allowed me to play with color in a way I never dared to before.
In retrospect, what began as a tumultuous journey through eyeliner use has transformed into a delightful and expressive avenue of self-identity. The evolution from my secondary school struggles to confidently wielding eyeliner reflects not only a personal journey but also the dynamism inherent in beauty standards and self-expression. As I navigate this ever-evolving landscape of beauty, one thing is certain: the right eyeliner can be transformative.
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