Fashion

How To Prevent Your Eyeliner From Smudging

by Emily McClure

If you find that your eyeliner tends to drift away throughout the day, then you're not alone. Many makeup wearers experience smudging, smearing, or fading with their eyeliner. It can be completely frustrating! However, before you ditch your eye makeup all together, learn how to lock your eyeliner in place. In fact, there are several makeup hacks for prevent eyeliner meltdowns. You just need to relearn a few makeup basics.

As any makeup wearer know, eyeliner tends to have a mind of its own. One day, it will slide off onto your cheeks, and the next it will completely fade away. What gives? Well, as it turns out there are several reasons that your eyeliner may not be staying it place. From wrong formulas to your own skin type, there can be more than one reason that your line could be jumping ship. If fact, it's best to tackle this problem head on as drifting eyeliner can cause potential eye infections. Keep your eyes looking their best by learning how to put your own eyeliner on lockdown. Here are seven tricks for locking your eyeliner in place, and preventing any smudging, smearing, or fading.

1. Prime & Set

Primer, $20, Amazon

When it comes to making your eyeliner last, it's all about that base. To give eyeliner lasting power, first apply an eyeshadow primer to your lids. Next, set the primer with either translucent powder or a flesh-toned eyeshadow. According to Real Simple, this dynamic duo will do wonders for the longevity of your eye makeup.

2. Reach For An Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow, $24, Amazon

If you tend to use gel or pencil eyeliner, you need to know about this trick. In order to give softer or gel-like liners more staying power, Marie Claire suggested to top off your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow. Not only does this give your liner a slightly smoky effect, but it also will set your liner for the rest of the day.

3. Use A Clear Sealant

Sealant, $5.50, Makeupmania

Here's a trick that professional makeup artists do all the time! For those with oily lids, watery eyes, or those expecting to be submerged in water, consider topping your eyeliner with cosmetic grade sealant. Essentially, this clear liquid creates a barrier around your liner to lock it in place, and make it resistant to water.

4. Curl, & Then Apply

Tarte Eyelash Curler, $33, Amazon

Stop curling your lashes after you apply your liner. The tool is just going to take the product right off! Instead, StyleCaster.com suggested to curl your lashes prior to applying your liner. That way you can guarantee that less smudging and removal.

5. Take Your Skin Type Into Consideration

Bobbi Brown Eyeliner, $27, Amazon

You already match your foundation to your skin type, so why not do the same with your eyeliner? According to AllWomensTalk.com, your skin type could be the reason that your makeup is running off. For women with more oily skin, you may want to stay away from softer formulated eyeliners like kajal pencils and even some whipped gel liners. These tend to smudge and smear when the skin isn't properly dry.

6. Spritz, Spritz, Spritz

Urban Decay Setting Spray, $24, Amazon

After applying your eye makeup, make sure to seal it in by spritzing your skin with setting spray. The spray acts as a barrier that will help lock in your eyeliner, and improve its overall wear-time, according to StyleCaster.com

7. Layer Your Products

Kat Von D Eyeliner, $20, Amazon

Another great way to enhance the longevity of your eyeliner is to layer your lining products. The Huffington Post reported that layering your eyeliners can actually improve the wear-time. For instance, you typically reach for pencil eyeliner, try layering a liquid liner on top to seal in the color.

See? Your eyeliner doesn't have to smudge if you don't want it too. With these handy tricks, that pesky liner won't be going anywhere.

Images: Courtesy Brands