Mastering the art of smudging eyeliner is a valuable makeup skill that can elevate your everyday look. The technique creates a soft, smoky effect that frames and defines your eyes without appearing too harsh or dramatic. However, it’s just as easy to go awry and end up with an unflattering raccoon-like appearance. To avoid this, you need to know the right techniques and tricks for achieving perfect smudged eyeliner every time.
Fortunately, there are several simple methods to ensure a flawless finish.
Use Pencil
When it comes to smudging eyeliner, pencil formulas are generally the easiest to work with. Liquid eyeliner can sometimes result in a flaky, choppy appearance if smudged incorrectly. Gel and cream eyeliner formulas are designed for smudging, but they can be messy and difficult to control. Pencil eyeliner, on the other hand, is easy to blend and smudge smoothly, staying put without running or melting down your face.
One great option for a pencil eyeliner that’s perfect for smudging is Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($20.00). Its soft formula applies like a velvety cream, blending easily and then hardening within thirty seconds to provide a long-lasting finish that won’t budge unless you want it to. Plus, this pencil is available in a wide range of colors, from shimmering turquoise to deep black, making it easy to find the perfect shade for your look.
Add Color
Opting for a colored eyeliner can be a game-changer when it comes to achieving a smudged look. Not only does it add a pop of brightness to your makeup, but it’s also more forgiving than traditional black liner. If you accidentally apply too much liner or it smudges outside the desired area, the results are far from disastrous.
Plus, colored eyeliner looks surprisingly natural when applied farther up the eyelid or below the bottom lash line, giving the illusion that it was intentionally placed there. The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is an excellent choice for this look, boasting effortless smudge-ability and a range of forty colors and finishes to choose from.
Squeeze Your Eyes Shut Tight
A secret to achieving effortlessly smudged eyeliner lies in a surprisingly simple technique: squeezing your eyes shut tight after application. This trick, favored by celebrities like Chloë Grace Moretz, allows for a more natural-looking smudge without requiring much effort. To apply the liner, draw smooth lines on both top and bottom lash lines. Immediately afterward, scrunch your eyes shut as tightly as possible, allowing them to water slightly.
Next, open your eyes and use a Q-tip to blend and extend the liner until it reaches an even, smooth finish.
Set Your Eyeliner
To effectively apply smudged eyeliner, a crucial step often overlooked is setting it to prevent premature smudging. The irony of setting eyeliner to keep it from smudging is not lost on anyone, but the benefits far outweigh any initial confusion. A well-set smudged eyeliner can withstand even the most intense of daily activities without losing its shape or definition.
Achieving this level of longevity begins with applying translucent finishing powder after the smudge has dried and hardened for about a minute. Using your finger or a concealer brush, liberally dust the setting powder over the liner to create an invisible barrier that repels moisture and prevents budging throughout the day. For exceptional results, consider Tarte’s Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Setting Powder ($33.00), a reliable choice in the world of loose setting powders.
Use An Angled Brush
While experimenting with different tools is encouraged, investing in a small angled brush can be a game-changer for those new to the art of smudged eyeliner. The unique combination of firmness and strategic shape allows for precision control, making it easier to soften even the most stubborn liner without irritating your eyelid. A great option to consider is the Urban Decay Perversion Angled Brush ($16.00), which can help you achieve a smooth and smoky finish with ease.
By mastering the technique outlined in this post, beginners can learn how to smudge their eyeliner seamlessly, resulting in a unique and artful look that’s perfect for everyday wear.
