Making White Eyeliner Work for You

White eyeliner should be used with care. It can brighten the eyes or draw just the right amount of negative attention.

I was prompted to do this post by a reader who urged me to address those who where white liner in its starkest form-- a bright white line drawn across the upper lid (or bright white shadow under the brow) usually, applied with no real technique or consideration for shade or complexion.Unlike my dear reader, I am not completely opposed to the use white liner. As with anything, if used correctly, white liner can give the illusion of wider eyes and make the per son appear more alert.

Here's how to make white eyeliner work for your good...(I will only address eyes and brows, but there are many other uses)

To brighten the eyes

Lightly trace the inside of the lower rim (or the waterline) with the pencil (or on lower lash line). *For a more obvious effect, line the upper lash line as well. (Please be careful here, folks)

By lightly sweeping across the line with a cotton swab, sponge tip or pencil brush, you can tone it down. Using a white, pale gold or silver powder eyeshadow sets the pencil line to brighten the eyes.

As a base for eyeshadows

Using the liner underneath an eyeshadow provides longevity, keeps shadow colors true and makes colors more vivid.

As a highlight for the brows

By drawing a very thin line right under the eyebrow and stamping it afterwards, the liner can highlight the shape of the brow and give your face an illuminated effect. I recommend variations of pearl, pink-white or butter (again, depending on complexion and desired look)

As a base for the brows

If you ever want to change the shape of your brows without actually removing hair, a white eyeliner can camouflage the unwanted hair. Color over the area with the liner and go over with concealer or foundation.

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* Please consider the shade of the liner and whether it compliments your complexion. A pure matte white may be too distracting on certain skin tones. Consider MAC Fluidline Gel Liner in Frostlite (off-white shade with reflective hints of gold) like MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil Gilded White or other moderate gold-tinged whites, which work well on most skintones. Other options include beiges like Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Pearly Waterproof Eye Shadow Pencil in 13 Iridescent Beige , together with pale pinks such as Shu Uemura ME Pink, are nice options too.

DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN WHITE EYELINER TECHNIQUES? SHARE THEM WITH US BY LEAVING A COMMENT.