Reflecting on my teenage years, I cannot help but laugh at my lack of makeup application skills during secondary school. My knowledge of cosmetics was primarily derived from “Sabrina’s Secrets Magazine,” which sparked my aspiration to become a journalist, largely thanks to its glossy allure. At 14, I made a decisive shift from the glitzy pop star aesthetic I had once adored to the edgier rock chick style, heavily influenced by the likes of Avril Lavigne. My signature look became defined by heavily kohl-lined eyes, a daily ritual that, despite its initial clumsiness, filled me with an empowering sense of identity. However, the struggle was real — by morning break, my eyeliner had smudged into an unfortunate raccoon look. It wasn’t until liquid eyeliner gained popularity around 2008 that I learned to channel my inner rock goddess with more precision and finesse.
Flash forward to today, the beauty landscape is significantly influenced by celebrities who redefine classic looks. Recently, I came across Gabbriette Bechtel, a model and prominent figure in the fashion scene, filming her daily makeup routine. She unapologetically showcased her love for waterline eyeliner, claiming, “I use this every day; I don’t like myself without black eyeliner.” Her bold assertion made me rethink my earlier reservations about the association of waterline eyeliner with a drained or aged appearance. It’s a sentiment echoed by none other than Princess Kate, who opted for a similar look on her wedding day, despite critics labeling it as unflattering.
While some makeup professionals warn against the darker liner due to its potential to diminish eye size or impart an exhausted look, Gabbriette’s confidence and style remind us of the power of self-expression through makeup. Her preference for waterline eyeliner challenges traditional notions of beauty and invites a fresh perspective on this often-misunderstood method.
Delving deeper into the world of waterline eyeliner, renowned makeup artists offer crucial insights. Lisa Caldognetto, a professional makeup artist, emphasizes the importance of balance when applying eyeliner. She explains that solely applying liner to the waterline can sometimes result in a stark contrast that detracts from the eye’s natural beauty. The secret lies in allowing a bit of the product to blend into the lash roots, creating a seamless transition. This technique softens the look, elevating the overall aesthetic of the eyes.
While black eyeliner is undoubtedly striking, Aimee Connolly, another makeup expert, suggests that those new to the waterline look might consider softer shades like brown or sage green. These alternative hues can offer an incredibly flattering effect without overpowering the eye’s natural color. Lisa further adds that mid-tone shades, such as bronze, can provide an airbrushed finish, making the application quick and achievable for everyone.
Nevertheless, not all shades are advisable for the waterline. Shades with red undertones, like burgundy or mahogany, can create the illusion of fatigue. For a more refreshing look, Aimee advises using neutral tones on the lower waterline to brighten the eyes, a trick famously employed by Victoria Beckham. Smudging can also be a concern, as moisture on the waterline can cause traditional liners to run. One useful tip is to gently dry the waterline with a tissue prior to application or set the liner with translucent powder to help it adhere better.
When it comes to product selection, waterproof formulas are preferred. Gel liners or long-wear options often outperform standard pencils, which typically smudge due to their emollient composition. As Lisa advises, warming the pencil on the back of your hand before application can enhance the glide and overall ease of use.
To achieve a flawless application, maintaining a well-sharpened pencil is imperative for precision. For those using propelling pencils, it’s beneficial to keep the tip angled to create a fine point for detailed work. Many makeup artists, including myself, recommend popular products such as L’Oreal’s “Infallible Grip 36h Gel Automatic Eyeliner” or the “Brighten & Define Eyeliner Duo” from Sculpted by Aimee.
As I embark on my daily eyeliner application inspired by modern beauty icons and makeup gurus, I find myself rejuvenated by the versatility and impact of waterline eyeliner. This technique, once sidelined by misconceptions, has made a notable comeback in my beauty repertoire. With this fresh perspective and the wealth of expert advice available, it’s time to embrace waterline eyeliner and redefine its place in everyday makeup.
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