Some Amazing Ways to Fix Smudged Eyeliner!
Learn how to fix eyeliner mistakes in a jiffy with these amazing hacks!
Nothing is more frustrating than spending time perfecting our cat-eye only to have it go haywire within hours. Despite clever tape tricks and business cards as guides, the perfect wing never lasts. The once-crisp line starts to separate and fade, or it smudges like we've been crying. It's an annoying beauty issue we don't realize until we look in the mirror at the end of the day.
An eyeliner that has been smudged or smeared looks not only extremely unattractive but is also highly embarrassing. If you struggle with this on a regular basis, then you're in luck! In this article, we discuss ways to prevent smudged eyeliner and then how to fix eyeliner mistakes if you still end up making them. Get ready for the ride.
Tips to Keep Eyeliner from Smudging
We're all familiar with the saying "prevention is better than cure," and it holds true here as well. Before we discuss how to fix smudged eyeliner, let's discuss some tips to prevent eyeliner from smudging at all.
Don’t Skip a Primer—It’s All about That Base
Having a good base is key to making your eyeliner last. You must use a primer before applying eye makeup to achieve a smooth, smudge-proof base.
Applying a little primer to your lids before applying eyeliner gives the liner a great foundation to adhere to and prevents smudging. It also smooths out your lid so that the liner glides on smoothly. When you're in a bind, a concealer will do the trick.
Invest in a Waterproof Eyeliner Formula—Make Sure It Stays in Place
Kohl and cream eyeliners aren't usually waterproof. Although these liners are great for applying and blending easily for an intentional smudged eyeliner look, they aren't ideal if you desire your precisely applied eyeliner to stay in place during the day and night. This is especially true if you're applying eyeliner to your waterline.
The solution is easy—make sure you buy waterproof eyeliner. Invest in a liquid eyeliner with a smudge-resistant formula that lasts all day.
Seal the Look with Eyeshadow—Prevent It from Moving
The eyeliner can still budge even when you're wearing a waterproof formula—especially if it's applied near the waterline. It's important to set your eyeliner in place in order to prevent it from moving. It is similar to setting your foundation with a translucent face powder.
To set your eyeliner, use a long-lasting eyeshadow in the same color as your liner. You should apply the eyeshadow over your eyeliner using a small flat-top brush.
Use a Makeup Spray—Set Your Look
Using a setting spray is essential if you want your eyeliner—and all your makeup—to remain in place and last all day.
After finishing your makeup, spray a setting spray all over it. Spritz it on your face in an "X" and "T" motion to maintain that "just applied" look all day long.
Apply Eyeliner after Curling Your Lashes—Follow the Right Order
Consider switching up your eyeliner and lash curling routine if you typically apply eyeliner and then curl your lashes. Using a curler after applying eyeliner can lift pigment away from the eyelashes, thereby reducing the lasting power of the eyeliner.
So, the next time, apply eyeliner after curling your lashes. Your lashes will be perfectly curled and your eyeliner will remain completely intact.
Use Oil Absorbent Sheets—Eliminate Greasiness
This trick is especially beneficial for people with oily skin. The area around your eye and t-zone areas of the face may appear shiny and greasy within an hour after applying makeup.
In order to prevent your eyeliner from creasing and slipping, use oil-absorbent sheets and blot on the area.
Go Light with Eye Cream—Let It Sink In
There's no doubt that eye creams are a savior for those of us who struggle with puffy eyes and dark circles. When you're applying eye makeup, however, do not go overboard with them.
Just use a little bit, if needed, before applying makeup. Make sure you wait until your skin has fully absorbed all that nourishment before applying your makeup.
Ways to Fix Smudged Eyeliner
It seems that you missed one of the tips above, and your liner ended up smudged. Now, what do you do? Well, we have just the solution. Simply follow these tips to fix smudged eyeliner:
Let It Dry First—Then Brush Away
Have you ever gotten eyeliner flakes on your cheeks while you were applying it? You don't need to worry—just let it dry. You will only get a big, black smear if you touch smudged eyeliner while it's still wet. By sweeping a fluffy brush over dry flakes, you will be able to easily remove them easily.
Clean with Makeup Remover—Make Your Mistakes Disappear
Smudged eyeliner or mascara can be cleaned up with a cotton bud or a small makeup brush dipped in makeup remover. Use a water-based makeup remover rather than an oil-based one.
Oil-based removers may make the rest of your makeup smudge. Another good choice would be to use a bi-phasic makeup remover that works both ways—oil that removes stubborn waterproof makeup, and water that wipes off the oil.
Turn Smudged Eyeliner into a Smoky Eye—Accept Your Flaws
An accidental makeup blunder can sometimes inspire a new look. The best way to fix smudged eyeliners is to apply brown eyeshadow over them and smudge them more with an eyeshadow brush.
After that, apply some highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes. It's amazing how much bigger and brighter your eyes now look!
Spot Concealing—a Savior
The purpose of concealer is not just to hide blemishes and circles, but also to conceal problem areas.
Using a fine brush or a narrow applicator, concealer can be layered on top of eyeliner if the line ends up too thick or smudged. No one will know!
The Bottom Line
It's super frustrating when you mess up your liner—but don't stress out! You don't have to start from scratch with these fix smudged eyeliner hacks.
Take advantage of these tricks the next time you wear your liner, and you'll be glad you did. Let us know what hack you like best in the comments!
