Before my makeup obsession escalated to where it is now, my eye makeup was limited to well-curled lashes with what I refer to as the best eyelash curler for Asian eyes, and any random mascara.
I didn’t know why my mascara smudged even when I used waterproof mascara. Now I do. (Read: Difference between smudgeproof and waterproof mascara )
Eyeliner was reserved for special occasions when I had to amp up the look or when I was feeling exceptionally vain that day.
When I did have eyeliner on, there was always this inconspicuous line of nude skin between the eyeliner and eyeball.
Like this.
That ‘flaw’ always made my eye makeup look half-finished. But I didn’t know what caused it, and never thought something SO EASY would make A WHOLE LOT of difference. That something, my friends, is what we call TIGHTLINING.
Read on to find out more about tightlining!
What is Tightlining?
Tightlining is a simple trick used to create the illusion of thicker eyelashes and bigger eyes. The underside of the upper lashes is drawn with an eye liner, usually in black or dark brown. The emphasis is subtle, the effect intense.
What do I use to Tightline?
A good, soft and creamy pencil eyeliner.
The best eyeliner I’ve used for tightlining is Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in Zero because it’s a super buttery matte black. It smudges if I wear it on my upper lashline, lower lashline and lower waterline but it works well on my upper waterline.
A worthy alternative is L’Oreal HIP Chrome Eyeliner in Black Shock, an ultra-dark black that works just as well but at a fraction of the price. The L’Oreal HIP Chrome Eyeliners are known to be dupes of the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. I have the L’Oreal HIP Chrome Eyeliners in Silver Lightning and Violet Volt. Alas, as beautiful and creamy as they are, some chemical in these pencils leave me with irritated eyes so I use them only on the upper lashline.
Some people like to use gel eyeliners like MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, Stila Smudgepot or Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Liner, but my waterline is sensitive to gel eyeliner so it’s a no-no for me.
Now… How to Tightline?
During eyeliner application – I mostly use gel liners coz they last a long time – I apply the eyeliner as close to the eyelashes as possible. The Sonia Kashuk bent eyeliner brush comes in extremely handy here because your view is not obstructed by your own hand or the brush handle.
Just as you would during eyeliner application, look into the mirror and tilt your head back. But this time, tilt more to reveal the base of the lashes.
Then use a pencil eyeliner and start drawing on the roots of the lashes to cover the gaps between lashes and carefully, on the underside of the lashes (the white space that would be visible without tightlining).
And... end of tutorial for tightlining! That’s all there is to know about how to tightline your waterline.
Why you should tightline your waterline
Contrary to the effect dark eyeshadow colors create, tightlining actually opens up the eyes and makes them look bigger and eyelashes thicker.
On days when you want to hide dark eye circles or are just too lazy to work on complex eye makeup, pair tightlining with a pair of geek-chic glasses and you’re ready to face the world! I love tightlining on days when I wear my specs because I cannot wear mascara with specs. I have a non-existant nose bridge, which results in having the lenses very near to my eyelashes. The mascara will only dirty the lenses and irritate me with EVERY blink.
Tightlining is my favourite elegant ‘no makeup’ makeup look. For people who prefer nude makeup or light makeup, but still want to appear awake with deep eyes, tightlining is the way to go!
Also check out 5 useful tips for tightlining!
Ever since I discovered Tightlining, I haven't gone on a day without it! I love the effect T H A T M U C H ! ! ! =D
Get Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in Zero here
Get L’Oreal HIP Chrome Eyeliner in Black Shock here
Have you tried tightlining before?
What do you think is the best pencil or gel eyeliner for tightlining?
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