By Sheila Arkee
When it comes to liner brushes, there are a couple that I tend to prefer -
… the slanted brush,
… and a thin, straight brush.
An alternative to both of these types of brushes is the flat definer brush, which is great if you find yourself having a bit of trouble with either a slanted brush or thin, straight brush. The flat brush is a lot easier to manipulate and is a fantastic tool for learning how to use gel or cream eye liners.
The one I’m using in this example is the 212 brush by MAC. Here it is, naked.
Here it is loaded with color.
Just a little dab will do! I usually dip the brush into the liner, wipe the excess off on the back of my hand, and apply to the lash line.
Just as its name would suggest, this particular brush is wide, and flat, allowing you to directly hit the lashline and deposit color where you desire. I tend to use a stippling motion when I’m applying liner with a flat brush.
Place the brush at the lashline and “push” in the color, and slowly move along your lashline. You can control the width and make it as thick or as thin as you’d like. I used this technique for day 126/365 Days of Eyeshadow.
If you have an artistic hand and want to try something different, you can also use the brush to create an extended cats eye. Lay the brush on its side and slowly drag it along the lash line to create a thicker line, and then flick out the line at the end.
What kind of brush (if any) do you use to line your eyes?
I use a very small angled liner. It’s actually an art brush, and is only 1/8″ wide. I tried thin straight brushes, but couldn’t get the hang of them.
Ok, I’ll ‘fess up: I don’t use the ‘right’ brush to line my eyes. I use the E.L.F Essentials Concealer brush. Makes a perfect line and is the best one for me. I’m no good with true eyeliner brushes. So there’s my secret!
I use a very small version of the flat brush that I found at the craft work. It’s supposed to be used for very fine detail work in painting but works great for gel liners.
I bought this same brush last year but I stopped using it after a while because I couldn’t seem to glide it correctly. Thanks for the tutorial, I bought some eyeliner from a regular drug store and I love it because it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing anything.
Faye – You’re welcome!
Leticia and Wendy – art brushes are so great!
Jean – that is awesome. I’m going to check out that brush right now.
I always mean to buy one these brushes because I feel like it’ll make me seem like I have some semblance of skill with gel liner, but I never do XD