Eyeliner can be a game-changer in your makeup routine, giving your eyes definition, depth, and drama. However, getting the perfect line is easier said than done. Whether you’re going for a subtle look or a bold cat eye, there are some common eyeliner mistakes that can throw off your entire makeup game. Luckily, with a few tweaks, these mistakes are easy to fix!

Here’s a guide to the most common eyeliner mistakes and how to correct them for flawless results every time.

1. Uneven Wings

The winged eyeliner look is iconic, but getting those wings to match can be a struggle. Many of us end up with one wing pointing upward and the other veering off in a different direction.

How to Fix It:

• Start with a guideline: Draw the outline of your wings with a light hand before filling them in. Using a nude eyeliner pencil for the outline can make it easier to adjust before committing to the final look.
• Use tape or a business card: For a foolproof wing, place a piece of tape or a business card diagonally from the corner of your eye toward your eyebrow to use as a guide.
• Practice symmetry: Instead of drawing one full wing first, alternate between each eye as you go, building up both sides step by step for a more even result.

2. Eyeliner That Smudges or Transfers

If your eyeliner ends up smudged by midday or transfers to your eyelids, it can make your makeup look messy. This is especially common with creamy or gel liners and oily eyelids.

How to Fix It:

• Prep your lids: Start by applying an eye primer or a light dusting of translucent powder on your eyelids to absorb excess oil. This creates a dry base for the liner to stick to and reduces smudging.
• Use waterproof formulas: For long-lasting wear, choose waterproof or smudge-proof eyeliners. Gel liners can be great for this, but ensure they’re labeled as long-wearing or waterproof.
• Set with powder: After applying your eyeliner, lightly set it with an eyeshadow in a matching color. This adds an extra layer of protection against smudging and helps the liner stay in place all day.

3. Too Thick of a Line

Sometimes, your eyeliner ends up thicker than you intended, making your eyes look smaller or your makeup appear heavy. This happens often when trying to perfect your line or correct mistakes, but the line gets bigger and bigger.

How to Fix It:

• Start thin: Always begin with a thin line along the lash line. You can build up the thickness slowly if needed, but starting small gives you more control.
• Use a precision tip: Opt for a fine-tipped liquid liner or a thin pencil that allows for more precise application. Like the eyeliner of Cosm.Ethics Bar, with a fin point to make it extra easy to draw lines.
• Clean up with concealer: If you’ve already made the line too thick, use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water or makeup remover to clean up the edges. You can also sharpen the line by applying a bit of concealer along the edges with a small brush.

4. Gaps Between Liner and Lashes

Leaving a noticeable gap between your eyeliner and your lash line can make your makeup look incomplete. This often happens when you’re in a rush or trying to draw a perfect line without focusing on the base of the lashes.

How to Fix It:

• Tightline your eyes: To avoid gaps, try “tightlining.” This technique involves applying eyeliner directly to your upper waterline (the area just under your upper lashes). Use a waterproof pencil for this step to prevent smudging.
• Start from the lash line: When applying eyeliner, press the pencil or brush as close to the lash line as possible. Small, short strokes can help you get a more precise line, ensuring there are no gaps.
• Finish with mascara: A good coat of mascara will help blend any small gaps and add fullness to your lashes, making the liner look seamless.

5. Winged Eyeliner that Drags Down Your Eyes

When the wing of your eyeliner points downward or extends too far, it can make your eyes look droopy rather than lifted. This is a common mistake, especially when the angle of the wing is off.

How to Fix It:

• Follow your lower lash line: To get the perfect angle for your wing, imagine your lower lash line extending toward the tail of your eyebrow. That’s the angle you should follow to create a lifted effect.
• Use a small flick: If you’re new to winged eyeliner, start with a small flick rather than a dramatic wing. This will be easier to control, and you can gradually make the wings longer as you become more confident with the technique.
• Check your angles: Look straight into the mirror while applying eyeliner. This helps you see the natural curve of your eyes and ensures that both wings are angled upward rather than dragging down.

6. Overly Harsh or Heavy Lower Liner

Applying too much eyeliner on your lower lash line can make your eyes look smaller or give a harsh, overdone look. This can be particularly problematic with black eyeliner, as it tends to create a more dramatic effect.

How to Fix It:

• Use a softer shade: Instead of black, try using a brown or taupe eyeliner on your lower lash line for a softer, more natural look. These shades define your eyes without looking too harsh.
• Smudge it out: After applying liner to your lower lash line, use a smudging brush or your fingertip to gently diffuse the color. This creates a softer, smoky effect that is more flattering and less harsh.
• Keep it light: Instead of lining the entire lower lash line, focus on the outer third of your eyes. This keeps the look balanced and prevents your eyes from appearing smaller.

7. Uneven or Jagged Lines

If your eyeliner appears uneven or jagged, it can make your makeup look less polished. This often happens when you’re trying to draw a continuous line in one go or applying too much pressure with your pencil or brush.

How to Fix It:

• Apply in small strokes: Rather than trying to draw one continuous line, use small, controlled strokes to build up the line. This gives you more precision and reduces the risk of uneven application.
• Stabilize your hand: Rest your elbow on a flat surface and use your pinky finger to anchor your hand as you apply the liner. This minimizes shaking and helps you achieve a smoother line.
• Correct with a Q-tip: If your line looks uneven, dip a cotton swab in micellar water and carefully smooth out the edges. This will help refine the shape without needing to start over completely.

Final Thoughts: Master Your Eyeliner Game

Eyeliner can be tricky, but with practice and a few simple techniques, you can avoid common mistakes and achieve a flawless look every time. Whether you’re going for a classic cat eye, a subtle flick, or a smoky lower lash line, following these tips will help you perfect your eyeliner skills and ensure your makeup always looks polished.

By mastering these common fixes, you’ll soon be an eyeliner pro, confident in creating the perfect eye look for any occasion!