Updated date:

Nov 22, 2019

How to Apply Loose Powder Eyeliners

Author:

I have worked as a beauty therapist, a freelance makeup artist, and a retail store manager for a fashion, beauty, and crafts store.

powder eyeliner adds definition along the eyelashes which makes the eyes a more prominent facial feature.
courtney murray rhodes, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Eyeliners

If you are wondering how to apply eyeliner correctly, rest assured that it is not difficult when you use the right tools and methods.

There are many different types of eyeliners available commercially, including liquid eyeliner, gel eyeliner and pencil or kohl liners. Increasingly popular are the permanent liners or eyeliner tattoo.

Yes, the world of eyeliners has moved on since it was first worn thousands of years ago in the Ancient Middle Eastern countries in the form of black kohl heavily applied lining the eyes.

It was thanks to the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in the 1920s that eyeliner was discovered and why it has been a much-loved makeup essential for men and women ever since.

Feared and loved it is a cosmetic product that quite often divides public opinion.

Experiment With Eyeliner Color

applying a loose powder eyeliner gives you more color choices.
pumpkincat210, CC BY 2.0, via flickr

Eyeliner Styles

Whilst the traditional lining of the eyes remains, the different techniques through the ages have brought us some memorable eyeliner styles which have also become symbolic of an era, culture or fashion trend.

Where would Punk or Goth Fashion be without the heavy black eyeliner?

The 1950s saw the use of black eyeliner on the upper lid only and worn with a dramatic red lipstick. A stunning look that keeps coming back and is an iconic look.

The 1960s Mary Quant days of liquid black eyeliner would not have existed and subsequently not brought us so many iconic looks and fashion statements of that era that are legendary had it not been for this eye classic.

As a Make Up Artist, eyeliner (along with mascara) is my must-have, much loved cosmetic essential both on a professional and personal level.

I could live without the other color cosmetic products but for me, eyeliner and mascara work wonders for the eyes no matter what shape, size or eye color.

It’s all about experimenting and practicing.

Pick a look you are comfortable wearing.

All too often I have seen unhappy clients being made up like "a dogs dinner" in a makeup that does nothing for them and does not make them feel good. I have phone calls at the eleventh hour from a frantic friend or work colleague pleading with me to fix their disaster. No excuse is acceptable in my opinion of any beauty professional or make up artist who allows a client to leave unhappy.

You can create subtle eye makeup or a more dramatic look, the choice is yours and powder eyeliner will give you the versatility to change your looks easily and quickly.

First, let’s take a look at why we should use loose powder eyeliner.

Powder Eyeliner For a Natural Look

soft lines are created by minimum eyeliner and blending the product.
pumpkincat210, CC BY 2.0, via flickr

Advantages of Loose Powder Eyeliner

No special eyeliner needed, use powder eyeshadow.
It quickly turns into heavier and sharper liquid eyeliner when mixed with water.
No limitation on color choice.
You do not need to be an expert.
Cost Effective saves you money!
Even if you are a confirmed pencil or liquid eyeliner fan and have run out, this is a quick and effective way of having eyeliner without having to go for a mad late night dash to the store.
Great for soft natural looks and ideal for the novice eyeliner recruits.
Easier to fix any mistakes than gel, pen or liquid waterproof eyeliner.
Easier to apply if you have a shaky hand.
A great way of using up any dark powder shadows you may have unused in a set of colors. We all end up with at least one or two we feel we cannot wear, and they are usually the navy, black or dark grey.

Precision Eyeliner

create the winged effect eye liner by adding water to your loose powder which gives a dramatic intense color. Great for party looks.
pumpkincat210, CC BY 2.0, via flickr

How to Apply Eyeliner

To apply loose powder eyeliner you will need to start with a few tools at the ready. Remember, you do not need to be an expert or break into a cold sweat thinking of eyeliner. When applied correctly, it suits EVERYBODY!

Loose powder eyeshadow: Dark brown, teal, dark green, navy, grey and black are all great colors to use.
Eyeliner brush: My tip is to use the slanted tip eyeliner brush which has a smudger at the other end which I find the best and use the most. You can use the pointed precision tip brush if you prefer or are used to using it. Using an eyeliner brush is a must and is essential for a well-applied eyeliner. Looking after your eyeliner brush is easy with a homemade makeup brush cleanser which cleans all your makeup brushes easily, effectively and is chemical-free.
Q-tips: Good for smudging out eyeliner, picking up any loose powder that may fall onto the cheek and for fixing any minor mistakes.
Good Mirror: A bathroom mirror is great or else a good dressing table mirror that you will be able to get up close to. Make sure you have enough light.

Powder Eyeliner Application

Makeup Ideas From a Large Palette of Colors

the more eyeshadows you have the more color choices for eyeliner styles and eye makeup you have.
Just2shutter, via FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Applying Eyeliner

Remember the golden rule it is easier to add than it is to take off and build up color and intensity gradually. This will avoid overloading the brush and wasting product. Don't worry should you make any mistakes, we all do.

If wearing eyeshadow, apply it before your eyeliner.

Take your brush and lightly pick up your loose powder eyeliner. Tap off the excess into the eyeshadow container.

The top line:

With your eye closed, start at the inner part of the upper lid as close to the eyelash roots as possible.
Draw a line across in one go or in small dots across and then join up. Go over again and build up color intensity gradually.
Extend the eyeliner to just past the eye and finish in a flicked up line for a cat's eye look.

Under the Eye:

Place your brush about a third of the way across as close to the roots of the eyelashes as possible.
Apply eyeliner in one stroke to the outer corner of the eye or apply in 3 dots, joining up the dots.
Use your brush to spread and blend the shadow under the eye keeping it to a fine line.
Extend the line to where it meets the upper eyeliner.
Apply more eyeliner on the outer third of the eye if you wish to make a more dramatic thicker line for big eyes. Small eyes will look better with a thin line.
Avoid applying on the inside of the eye as it is unhygienic and will smear quicker.

Eye to Eye Poll ~

Full Spectrum of Color

be creative with eyeliner shades when you have a rainbow of choice in powder eyeshadows.
pumpkincat210, CC BY 2.0, via flickr

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

How to Apply Loose Powder Eyeliners Comments

yourhealthmatters on March 14, 2014:

I, too, am a fan of the powder eye liner - it so much easier to control than pencil liners and liquids. Loved all your excellent tips about makeup, will definitely be referring back to this article! Thank you, Suzie HQ