What You'll Need

Before you get started, you'll want to make sure you're working with the right type of eyeliner. "A gel waterproof eyeliner applied with a synthetic brush is best for executing this technique," says Thompson. "It's guaranteed to last and it’s very gentle on the eyes, avoiding tension to the eye area. Using a waterproof liner also ensures that it won’t smudge or bleed."

BOBBI BROWN Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is a pigment-packed, waterproof gel formula that will work flawlessly for this technique. Apply it using a precise eyeliner brush like the BOBBI BROWN Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush. 

Gel pencils (like the TARTE Double Duty Beauty™ Easy on the Eyes Clay Liner) are another great option if you’re looking for more control. Just be sure to apply it super gently along the waterline so you can avoid any aggressive tugging.

How to Tightline Your Eyes

Step 1: Lift Your Lashes

The first step is to locate your upper waterline (standing in front of a mirror in a well-lit space helps for this part) with freshly washed hands. Gently lift up your eyelashes on one eye until the gaps between each eyelash on your top lash line are visible from underneath–this is where you’ll place your eyeliner.

Step 2: Sweep the Eyeliner Close to the Root

Take your eyeliner in one hand and carefully sweep it across the lash line, from the outer corner to the inner corner, until the lash line is fully filled in.

Very little pressure or tugging is required here. In fact, for the lightest touch, try dabbing or gently dotting the liner along the lash line instead of drawing one fluid line. We recommend having a Q-tip and some makeup remover handy in case you need to clean up any potential smudges.

Step 3: Line Your Lower Waterline

Many people stop after the upper lash line, but for a more intense tightline look, you can line your lower lash line as well. All you have to do is pull your lower lashes gently downward to reveal the spaces between each of your bottom lashes. Take your eyeliner and fill in the space from the outer corner of your eye to the inner corner, with one gentle sweep or several little dabs.

Beauty Tips to Make Your Tightline Last

Once you’ve achieved your ideal tightlined look, you'll want to make sure all your hard work lasts all day without smearing or smudging. Here are some pro tips for how to keep your tightline looking flawless for hours.

Tip #1: Set the Eyeliner with Eyeshadow

"If your eyes tend to water, try applying an eyeshadow on top of the gel eyeliner in the same shade as the last step," says Thompson. "This will set the liner for extra-long wear protection."

THEBALM COSMETICS Meet Matt(e) Trimony Matte Eyeshadow Palette offers the perfect matte black shade (and any other shade you’d ever want to match with) for setting your eyeliner in place.

Tip #2: Curl Your Lashes for Easy Application

Another way to keep your lashes perky and upright (so you can better tightline the area beneath them) is to use an eyelash curler right before starting step one in this tutorial. This will help separate each lash and add even more definition to the final result. Some people even like to use mascara on their lashes before applying their tightline so they can see exactly what blank spaces should be filled in with eyeliner for a perfect tightline.

Want to experiment with more classic eyeliner techniques? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get in on the IPSY Glam Bag fun. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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