6 Myths About Eyeliner, Debunked

Eyeliner is a staple in most of our beauty routines, and whether you're partial to liquid eyeliners, gel eyeliners or even using eyeshadow as eyeliner, once you’ve gotten your eyeliner application down it's easy to stick with your process. So while you may think you know everything you need to know about eyeliner, there are some persistent myths out there that need to be be put to rest, including how best to apply eyeliner to how long liner can last on your shelf at home. Keep reading to find out about six eyeliner myths you can let go of.

1. Waterproof Eyeliner Doesn’t Need Primer

When you're using a waterproof, transfer-proof, and smudge-proof eyeliner it's easy to think that you don't need to prime or prep your eyes before applying it because of its staying power. But even when you're using a long lasting liner, it's important to prime your eyes to make sure you get the most wear out of your eyeliner. You can do this by using a dedicated eye primer that will help with the longevity of all eye products, including your eyeliner, for a seamless and even base. 

2. Mature Women Should Skip Eyeliner

One common eyeliner myth is that as you get older, you should refrain from using eyeliner so that it doesn't make your eyes look small or highlight any fine lines or wrinkles you may have around the eyes. We're happy to report that this myth is totally untrue, and getting a great eyeliner application on mature skin is going to rely on two things: your skin care prep and your eyeliner product.

To make sure that your skin is hydrated and plumped, be sure to keep a consistent skin care regimen tailored to your skin’s needs. After doing your skin care routine in the morning, give yourself about ten minutes for all of your products to set in. Then, apply your favorite eyeliner as usual before taking an eyeliner brush and gently smoking out the edges of your liner. This way, you’ll still get a defined line, but the soft and smokey look won’t place focus on any wrinkles. 

As for color, black eyeliner can work, but it’s usually best to opt for shades of brown or gray so your eyes won’t look heavy or pulled down. Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Brown Denim or Taupe Grey for long wear and intense color payoff, and the pointed tip easily glides across the skin without skipping or dragging.

3. You Have to Close An Eye When Applying Eyeliner

While your default eyeliner routine probably involves closing one of your eyes and drawing on your liner, you may be surprised to hear that applying your eyeliner with your eyes open may be easier. When your eyes are closed, you can't properly see your crease and your lash line gets a bit scrunched as you hold your eye closed. Instead, keep both of your eyes open and look straight in the mirror to get the best view of your lash line. This is especially important if you have hooded eyes or monolids so you can see exactly where you’re placing your liner and avoid having the line disappear once your eyes are open.

4. Eyeliner Is Best Stored in the Freezer

You’ve probably heard that keeping your eyeliner in the cold climate of your freezer will prolong its shelf life and make application easier, but unless your product explicitly says you should keep it in the freezer, it's best to keep your eyeliner at room temperature to avoid any changes to the formula. If you do notice that your eyeliner gets a bit melted on warm days, you can stick it in the fridge or freezer for about five minutes, but nothing more.

5. Black Eyeliner Is the Best for the Waterline

Black is a popular eyeliner color for the waterline because of the way it defines the eye and adds drama to an eye makeup look, but it isn’t the best choice if you want to make your eyes look more open or awake. To highlight your eyes and make them appear even bigger, you should go for a lighter colored eyeliner in a shade like nude, white or bronze. Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Bronze to get the look.

6. Pencil Eyeliner Doesn’t Expire

Unlike foundation or other face makeup products, eyeliner won’t really have any physical changes that will let you know that it's time to replace it. However, that doesn't mean that eyeliner doesn't expire, and as the Mayo Clinic reports, liquid eyeliners are typically considered safe to use for three months after opening, while pencil and gel eyeliners can be used for up to a year. If you notice any distinct changes in your eyeliner's formula or smell, then feel free to throw it out before the expiration date and get a new one — and at only $12, the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner is a great choice if you need to restock on eyeliner and don't want to feel it in your wallet.

Next: How to Apply Gel Eyeliner

Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier