Gel eyeliner

[CardiCorgi]

On the Bobbi Brown thread there is much raving about her gel eyeliner, I even have some but am far too chicken to try it out. After all it says it stays on for ages, which I assume means that my mistakes will also stay on for ages. Any tips for the clumsy?
One of the BB make-up artists did a demo on me and I actually found the line a bit heavy, in fact what was left the next morning (after failed attempts to shift the stuff) was more like what I really wanted - a subtle defining line, is it possible to get this from the beginning.

A last question - I've seen that Maybelline do a similar gel eyeliner but much cheaper and it comes with a brush, has anyone out there compared the two.

[whojimmyflip]

BB eyeliner, like MAC is very good and much thicker and less watery than the cheaper versions. That said I buy mine from eyes lips face as I go through so much and after a few uses it seems to thicken up a bit. This is probably too technical sorry! It helps if it's thicker - it just goes on better and sets faster so that you dont get transfer on to upper lid.

In terms of thickness of line, the BB brushes are quite thick, specialist pro makeup brushes are thinner. So try cocktail cosmetics or MAC for a thin eye liner brush

To get the thin defining eye line you want just be brave and practise. No one can just do this straight off so give it a go and arm yourself with makeup remover and cotton buds.

Also, black eyeliner is quite a harsh look- best suited for the flick. I often prefer using A dark brown such as BB espresso.

[chipstick10]

I agree that BB brushes are not gr8 for a thin line i prefer mac and also Laura Mercier does a good one. I put my mirror (mirror on a stand) so its turned upward and i have to look down if that makes sense. I usually start in the centre and work outward. You dont have to do fancy flicks, just do a basic line until you get a little more confident. Personally i like a thicker line.

[bafanatheSober]

Cardi

I could have written your post 6 months ago. I just practiced practiced practiced. and now I get pretty even results very quickly. I had the benefit eyeliner first, and was scared to then move to the gel, but I have to say that it is much easier once you get used to it.

I am also blind in one eye, so makes doing the other eye tricky, but the brush kinda rests on my lashes giving me a line to follow, I also start from the inset of my eye, move to the middle, and then start at the other side and join them together iyswim. Have finally discovered why I need cotton buds!!

[SueNarmy]

cliniquesofter imo

[QuinnFabray]

I have tried both BB and Maybelline. I prefer Maybelline. The gel has more staying power for me, the BB smudged by the end of the day, but the Maybelline stayed put. I also prefered the Maybelline brush.

I always use a little oil to remove eye make up. Not all over my face, but just on eye lashes, for mascara and eyeliner. Rub it in with a finger, wipe of easily with a flannel.

[CardiCorgi]

Thanks everyone. I shall just have to be brave and give it a try. The idea is to get some definition and not a "full-Middleton".
I have no idea where this sudden interest in makeup has come from, something to do with not quite fitting into all of my pre-pg clothes perhaps.

[Iatemyskinnyperson]

You should try a small flat or angled brush- this way you kind of 'stamp' the colour on rather than draw it on, it's much more idiot-proof, and I am including myself among the idiots! I tried and tried and always got it wonky, smeared or uneven. This way is much easier. Lots of tutorials on YouTube

[teahouse]

I'm 45 and have never used eyeliner but I wonder if I could get away with it at my age (was thinking to define my eyes); don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb though

[bafanatheSober]

Teahouse, I am 38, and have only just started, I think that it takes years off me!! Am looking better than I have in years, just practice lots before trying first thing in the morning when you need to get out of the house in a rush.

Give it a try

[QuinnFabray]

I've only worn make up the last couple of years, and I'm 36. I'm totally addicted now, I love it. Learned most of what I know from youtube videos.

I wouldn't use gel liner on your lower lashes. I use it on my upper lash line ( not every day, some days I just wear mascara ). On my lower lash line, I apply a line of eyeshadow with a flat brush, only half the way along, from the outer corner. Usually a brown or a grey colour. Quite subtle, but makes a huge difference.

[willybreeder]

Nah, won't make you look older teahouse. Just try other shades (from black) - as suggested dark brown and my favourite the BB violet one, it seems to suit most eyecolours. I have a few different brushes (I'm a m/up artist) One of my favourites to get a thin line is a Body Shop lip liner brush. Enjoy!