Table of Contents
- What Is Eyeliner and What Does It Do?
- What Is Mascara and Why Is It Essential?
- Mascara vs Eyeliner: What Should Come First?
- How Does the Order Affect Your Final Look?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Layering Eye Makeup Products
When it comes to enhancing your eyes through makeup, the two most essential products are eyeliner and mascara. And the debate of what to apply first is a valid one. The order in which you apply eyeliner and mascara can change the way your eye makeup looks.
In this blog, we'll dive into the difference between eyeliner and mascara, when to use each and how the order affects your final look.
What Is Eyeliner and What Does It Do?
Eyeliner is the artist of your eye look. It defines your eye shape and adds drama to your eyes. A sharp wing makes you look bold and confident and smudged kohl eyeliner looks effortlessly chic. Eyeliner is versatile and playful and adds a personality to your look.
Eyeliner is an important part of your eye makeup, but applying it can be difficult. To apply eyeliner like a pro, you need to understand how to use it carefully. Eyeliner is applied above your lash line and on the outer edge of your eyes. Eyeliner draws attention to your eyes and makes them look larger. There are different eyeliner formulas like liquid, gel, and pencil. There are also many eyeliner colors and finishes, like matte and shimmer, available.
What Is Mascara and Why Is It Essential?
Mascara is the cherry on the cake. It’s the one product that takes your eye makeup from “meh” to mesmerizing. Mascara lifts, lenghtens and thickens your eyelashes. This helps instantly open up your eyes. Even a single coat of mascara makes you appear wide awake. Mascara is a non-negotiable in every woman's makeup pouch.
Mascara is made up of many things. Pigment to add color to your eyelashes, a polymer coat that seals in your lashes and a thickening agent that adds volume to your lashes. All these ingredients work together to enhance your lashes. The best mascara formula adds volume and length to your lashes without clumping and adding weight. There are different types of mascara, like volumizing and lengthening, available.
Mascara vs Eyeliner: What Should Come First?
Using both eyeliner and mascara together creates a complete eye makeup look. The golden rule is to apply eyeliner first and mascara next. Applying eyeliner first allows you to create a precise line without your lashes getting in the way. Mascara needs to be applied at the end of your eye makeup so that it stays free of any other makeup residue. By applying eyeliner first, you define your eye shape and then apply mascara to add drama to your eyes.
How Does the Order Affect Your Final Look?
The order in which you apply eyeliner and mascara is a game changer. Applying eyeliner first gives you a smooth and clean space to work on. This results in precise lines, sharp wings and no interference from the curled and lifted lashes that mascara provides. Once your eye shape is defined, mascara adds the finishing touches that make your lashes stand out against the liner.
On the other hand, applying mascara first can make liner application difficult because your lifted lashes will be in the way. Applying eyeliner after mascara will also cause your lashes to stick together and look uneven. This is why it's always eyeliner first and mascara second!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Layering Eye Makeup Products
Not letting eyeliner dry
If you don't wait for your eyeliner to dry before you apply mascara, it is likely to transfer onto your eyelid. Once you apply eyeliner, close your eyes for a few seconds and let the eyeliner dry down. Doing this will help avoid any smudge or transfer and your eyeliner will look clean and precise.
Using old products
If your eyeliner or mascara is dried out. Using them will result in an unpolished appearance. Dried eyeliner will create smudgy streaks instead of precise lines while old and dried-up mascara will cause clumps in your lashes.
Overusing makeup
Applying too much product is not ideal when it comes to doing eye makeup. Drawing an over-exaggerated eyeliner wing or applying 3 coats of mascara is ruining your look more than it's enhancing it.
Final Thought
Mascara and eyeliner are your eye glam besties. You can pick one over the other, but they work well when paired together in the right order. Eyeliner gives your eyes shape and definition and mascara adds a fresh-eyed appearance to your look. The magic happens when you understand the correct order of these products. Eyeliner followed by mascara ensures your eyes look sharp and lifted. So the next time, remember to define first and dramatize later.
FAQs
Should I use eyeliner or mascara?
You can use both eyeliner and mascara for your eye makeup routine. Eyeliner defines and shapes your eyes while mascara enhances and lengthens your lashes.
Can mascara be used as eyeliner?
Mascara can be used as an eyeliner in case of emergency. Dip a thin angled brush into some mascara and apply it on your lash line.
Is it okay if I wear mascara every day?
Yes, you can wear mascara every day, but make sure to remove it properly before you go to sleep. This will help prevent any lash breakage or eye irritation.
Is it okay to put eyeliner on your eyelashes?
No, eyeliner should not be applied on your eyelashes. It can, however, be applied on your lash line to give your eyes some definition.
Can I wear eyeliner without mascara?
Yes, you can wear eyeliner on its own but adding mascara can help complete your eye look and balance out the eyeliner.
Can I apply eyeliner over mascara?
Applying eyeliner after mascara is not ideal. The lengthened eyelashes can make it difficult to apply eyeliner and create uneven lines.
Does the type of eyeliner (pencil vs liquid) change the application order?
The type of eyeliner, whether liquid, gel or pencil, doesn't change the golden order of applying eyeliner first.
