How to: Bigger Eyes with Just an Eyeliner

 

Lesser and lesser people are wearing makeup nowadays.  “Why bother?” They would say as half of our faces are covered with face masks - thank you OMICRON for coming into our lives this 2022!  #Nothanks

But that does not stop me from using brow products and eyeliner.  Eyeliner was the first makeup tool I used in college (after lipsticks)  and I remembered looking like a fool as I applied it so darkly shaping my whole upper and lower lashline.  

If you studied makeup artistry, you would know that is a huge NO - NO!

To my dear friends who have the same small eyes as I do.  Here’s a trick on how to enlarge your eyes without the need for eyeshadow.  I just used a waterproof pencil liner in dark brown.  Yes, the color makes a huge difference, go for Dark Brown or Dark Gray instead of black!  Black could appear too harsh on a bare eye makeup look!  

I’ll stop blabbling, here’s the half face look.

Can you see the difference on my eye shape and size?

More importantly, it appears like I have eyeshadow on because you need to blur out harsh lines from the eyeliner making it appear smoked out.  So the quality of the eyeliner is very important.  I used SilkyGirl Perfect Stay 20 Hour Dark Brown Eyeliner Pencil for this particular look.

And for you to better understand the trick on how to do it, videos are better right?  Here’s a quick IG Reel I did!  I hope you learn something from me and practice is all you need.

Pop of Blue

 

A few weeks ago, I held a makeup workshop online for Beginners and it was a mix of kids to adults (adults 50’s above!)  It was a mix with huge age difference so I wanted to create a simple makeup look for beginners that both the young and old would appreciate.

One of the Raffle Sponsor Ready.Set.Glow sent me a box of their bestselling goodies and I gave it a try during the workshop and was floored!  Their Gel Eyeliner Pencils are the bomb! 

Highly pigmented, very creamy and smooth during application and sets really well.  Yes, my eyeliner stayed this way after workshop, cooking and household chores!

Here’s my take on using colored eyeliners because I felt colored eyeliners aren’t getting the spotlight like 10 years ago!  There are so many colors to choose from —- Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Pink, White!  You can check out their products on their official website.

I will try their other products but so far, I am happy with the quality of these liners and highly recommend this for any age!

Ameera Beauty Wing It! Stamp and Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

 

So I recently posted on my Instagram page a quick stamp-type winged liner pen!  

I tested this for a week plus and I am finally ready to share my thoughts on this nifty “gadget”.  Yeah, I call this a gadget as I can’t believe such product was invented when I strongly remember how much difficult it was for me to practice on the wing liner technique a decade ago!

The Ameera Beauty Wing It! Stamp and Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is priced locally at Php495.00 locally distributed at BeautyScoutPH

The pen has 2 sides, the liquid linere felt tip side to draw the liner as usual and a stamp “winged shape” on the other side.

According to Ameera Beauty this product can make eyes look visibly larger, lasts up to 24 hours, waterproof and quick drying and hugs the lashline.

Subtle Eyelining Tip

 

Hi AMW Friends!

Today, I will share a quick subtle eyelining tip that most Korean Drama stars do that ends up looking like they are not wearing any makeup at all!  I have studied and tried this tip so many times and decided to share this after (finally) perfecting it! 

All you need to do is 1 product - a good Eyeliner Pencil that is smooth and pigmented yet waterproof and smudgeproof.

I can tell you off the bat a higher end brand and a drugstore brand that works.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes

And a new found drugstore brand which I used in this tutorial.  REVLON Cream Eyeliner Pencil.  I used the Brown shade for a more natural effect.

Tightlining is key for natural-looking liner but it is really scary to do so especially when you watch tutorials done by professionals!  I put myself in the shoes of someone who isn’t a professional and are scared to have sharp pencils poking in their eye and finally made this.  See the effect?

Left eye facing you with Eyeliner, right eye facing you is the bare eye!

Please watch this video and see if this is workable.  I would love to hear from you!  Thanks for watching and visiting this post!  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

Make Up For Ever #AquaResist Challenge

 

I was sent Make Up For Ever's newest Aqua Resist products which includes they're newest Smoky Shadow Sticks and Liners!  

These are marketed as ultimate waterproof and long lasting range of products tested in extreme condition, guaranteed staying power.  24 hours long lasting waterproof, smudge-proof, humidity-proof, climate-proof, sports proof, sweat proof, endurance tested and best of all, ophthalmologist tested so safe for sensitive eyes!  YAY! 

I chose a specific day that I knew I would be busy  It was a Saturday and my day consists of playing with my son, cleaning up his play area, washing the dishes, folding clothes, cooking, exercising and a whole lot more in between walking between our place and in-laws!

As you all know, the weather was turning hot once again so this was the best day to test the products out.

Watch this video to see how these Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist products did.  Do you think they'll pass or fail my test?

Here are my thoughts after wearing #AquaResist products for 6-7 hours:

Absolute New York Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Review

So this is the time for me to test the products that are laying on top of my "Products To Review" table!  I had a hard time testing on eyeliner pencils whenever I go out as I'm scared if the pencil liner fails me!  How could I go around with smudging eyeliner?  (Well, looking back, I did!  SO MANY TIMES!)  

Since my day is still packed with schedule and it gets more intense by the day, I tested the Absolute New York Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil for a full week!  So yes, I am walking around the house with ---

1. Tightlined eyes

2. Winged-liner

3. Natural looking eyeliner

Yup!  Done them all!

Absolute New York Waterproof Gel Eyeliner 

Php399.00

A waterproof gel eye pencil that's designed to comfortably define your lash and waterline with a formula that's tug-free, long-wearing, and pigmented.Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, Phthalate Free, Fragrance Free

When you go on Absolute New York International website, you'll find different shades availability making this a PRO makeup product.  Then, my eyes went straight to Cruelty-Free and Vegan which made me happy!  These are Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Phthalate Free and Fragrance Free making this a nice product to use especially for the sensitive eye area.

Unboxing and First Try: Cathy Doll Beauty To Go

End of February, I received the newest products from Cathy Doll called Beauty To Go, which consists of mini versions of important makeup items - eyebrow pencils, eyeliner, lip and cheek color!  These are honestly enough to look at least made-up if you are on-the-go!  

I've tested this for weeks now, with the Lockdown Period in Metro Manila, I even got more chance to play around with makeup and I'm ready to share my thoughts on these new makeup items! 

(Disclaimar: Products are sent for review, opinions are 100% mine!  This is NOT a sponsored post)

That's ME wearing ONLY Cathy Doll Beauty To GO Makeup Products (except face powder!)

Housed in a cute "mini" version of the usual sized makeup, the line can complete a whole look and you can even do various looks with it!  Watch out my video for an added tip if you are an eyeliner pencil girl!

The Best Pencil for Tightlinging (ver. 2019)

If you've joined any of my makeup workshops and probably ended up talking about eyeliners, I've said it a couple of times I am quoting myself: "Do not tightline if you live in the Philippines, MOST or almost ALL eyeliner pencils will smudge!"

And I still stand by my statement until I tried the newest Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eyeliner Pencil in shade M-60.  I am talking about this particular color because in this particular shade I was able to test the product in all sorts of circumstances.  Other shades may use other pigments or ingredients (for colors) so I really can't vouch on all the colors as a whole  So let's stick to this gorgeous M-60 shade shall we?

M-60 is also known as a Matte Dark Brown Shade.  I got drawn to this shade immediately because it isn't the usual warm-tone brown that you get in most eyeliner pencils that has the name "Brown" to it.  Matte Dark Brown is a Rich cool-tone brown that looks so nice if used on the eye with or without makeup on!

As for ANY pencil, you have to make sure the tip is sharpen to be able to create a nice liner look.  Since the Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil is highly pigmented and glides smoothly, resharpening is needed along the way!  So invest in a good eye pencil sharpener as well!

Mineral Fusion Liquid Mineral Eyeliner in Valley Review

I haven't used liquid eyeliner in gazillion years!

Well, that's how I felt as I have been super comfortable going out without eyeliner lately - start of 2019 to be exact...or shall I say, when I start going to the gym and realized I love going around without makeup?  Or tamad na lang ako? hahaha

But truth be told, the liquid eyeliners I have been using on rotation are --- K-Palette and Kate.

If you checked out both reviews, they are the pen-type liquid liner!  For me, it is the easiest liquid liner packaging and most convenient to use since the brush is flexible and has a sharp tip which are the 2 ingredients to a nice winged liner recipe!

Then I saw Mineral Fusion makeup at Healthy Options and I was intrigued with their Liquid Eyeliner.

But before that, I did a little research about the brand and learned that this cosmetics brand was established in 2006 and prides in creating products that are Leaping Bunny-certified (not tested on animals meaning cruelty-free!).  Eco-friendly and free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances and are 100% vegetarian and most are 100% Vegan.

So if you are the type who have allergic reactions on all sorts of makeup brands you've encountered, you may want to check Mineral Fusion out!

Mineral Fusion Liquid Mineral Eyeliner

Shades: Ebony (Black) and Valley (Brown)

Long-wearing Liquid Eyeliner Pure mineral color glides on smootly with a precise felt tip applicator.

Easy on the Eyes Formulated with Chamomile, Rosemary, Grapefruit, Aloe, and Vitamin E to soothe delicate skin around eyes. 

Formula Purity  Gluten Free :: Cruelty Free :: Paraben Free :: Artificial Color Free :: Fragrance Free :: Talc Free ::  Hypo-allergenic :: Phthalate Free

Shade on review: VALLEY (brown)

SilkyGirl Perfect Stay 20 Hr Eyeliner Review

My favorite eye liner pencils have been smudging on me lately.  It must be the fact that this writer (who used to be super dry skin) is now turning to have normal and sometimes oily skin from all the skincare products I've been using - Hello Hyaluronic Acid!

So I am back, on the quest to finding another great eyeliner pencil that would work for our country - humid and hot!

I recently tried SilkyGirl's Perfect Stay 20HR Eyeliner pencils.

SilkyGirl says ---

With the unique technology of a combination of volatile silicones and siliconic resin, this eyeliner is build to have long-lasting properties as it adheres to the eyelid and is transfer resistant. The high coverage, creamy formula with rich and intense color ensures that the eyeliner glides easily on eyelids. The eyeliner is waterproof and smudge-proof, and comes with a build-in sharpener.

AMW says ---
Pros

• Retractable pencil, comes with sharpener located at the bottom.
• Waterproof and smudge-proof (to certain extent)
• Does not smudge on me.
• Available in 2 most used shades or most useful shade of eyeliner (in my humble opinion).
• The pigmentation is really good. One swipe you get opaque color!
• No need to tug your eyes as it glides like a dream!
• Inexpensive

Cons

• It isn't 20HR wear for me, it does not smudge but some areas tend to disappear (especially on the waterline).

Overall

I love the fact that there is a pencil liner that is inexpensive that works!  It stays on my eyelid and waterline for good 5-6 hours without smudging or smearing (as long as I don't use it on workouts!  Who does?)  I used this on normal occasion - running errands, take my son to and from school and so far so good.  It stayed and by end of 6th hour, I find some areas to be disappearing but that is better than having Panda eyes!

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Gel Liner Review

It's been a while, I started Blogging with my love for GEL Liners, in fact, I reviewed so many gel liners I can't keep track how many in total!  All I know is that, I've always been a fan of these brands when it comes to gel liners ---

• Stila Smudgepots
• Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner
• MAC Pro Fluidline

Yes, mostly on the pricier range.  Because gel liners are tricky, they could really make OR break a look and I don't want to even TRY to use other brands especially on my clients.

But, that doesn't mean I don't try drugstore brands, in fact, I tried a LOT of gel liners from brands like Revlon, Coastal Scents and a whole lot more!

Today, I am finally reviewing another drugstore brand, this has been sitting on my "to review" basket for the longest time and I only get to really try this out when I found myself ready to wear gel once again!  Because for the year 2018 - it was all liquid liner!

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Gel Liner

Shades: Blackest Black and Brown

Php399.00

The most intense line for lasting drama. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner holds highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base, so color is more intense and lines resist wear for 24 hours.

Benefits:

• Ophthalmologist tested
• Safe for sensitive eyes
• Contact lens safe
• 24 hour wear
• Smudge-proof and waterproof
• Intense color from highly concentrated pigments

Benefit Roller Liner Eyeliner Review

I've worked with Benefit a couple of times for workshops.  One thing you'll always hear from me is: "When will you guys come up with a liquid liner?"

They always give me back that mysterious look: "Soon".

And that "soon" came latter part of 2018.  Though it was crazy busy month for me, I had to be there to witness the unveiling of Benefit's Roller Liner Eyeliner.

Benefit Roller Liner Eyeliner

Php1,460.00

Available in Black and Brown

Glide on a natural-looking, fine line with Roller Liner! Our matte liquid eyeliner features a precision felt tip for sharp controlled lines and a super-smooth application that won’t drag or smudge. The quick-dry, waterproof* formula lasts 24 hours**. It doesn’t fade, flake or smudge so you can let the good times roll all day & night!

K-Palette Real Strong Eyeliner Review

I can't believe how K-Palette can keep on improving their 1Day Tattoo Eyeliner when for me, they are already one of the best in the makeup world! 

But of course, I always welcome change, and when change is for the better, who am I to complain right? 

K-Palette came up with their waterproof and better version of their Liquid Eyeliner called Real Strong Eyeliner!  And why, thank you K-Palette for always creating a Brown Black shade which I absolutely love!

K-Palette 1Day Tattoo Real Strong Eyeliner

Php945.00

Available: https://shop.beautyboxcorp.com

The packaging is absolutely LOVE!  The best because of the soft metallic finish!  Black for Super Black and Bronze for Brown Black.

Product description in English

Palladio Waterproof Eye Liner Review

I have been on a lookout for waterproof pencil liners for as long as I remember.
At the back of my head, there are a few that passed my standard when it comes to "TRUE WATERPROOF QUALITY"

1. Make Up For Ever Aqua Liners
2. L'Oreal Superliner (which is phased out by the way!)

Will Palladio get into my top 3 list?  Scroll further down for my in-depth review!

Palladio Waterproof Eye Liner 

Php350.00 (approx $7.00)

Palladio Waterproof Eye Liner Says ---

• Slim crayon-like eye pencils
• Easy to apply
• No sharpening required: simply twist when the produc dulls
• Unique water-proof formula for no-run, all-day wear
• Palladio does not test its products or any of its ingredients on animals

Natural-Looking Eye pencil For Everyday!

I know a lot of you are relying on either gel liners or liquid liners, as for me, when I'm rushing, there are days I really wanted the soft effect of an eyeliner pencil.

The big question is, are there pencils that can hold on to our humid weather?  

Well, the answer is NONE, but, I've found one that is closest to almost NO SMUDGING!  I say CLOSEST because it may not smudge on me but users with droopy lids may find ALL eyeliner pencils to smudge on them, and that is not the fault of pencils but it is more of the reality of makeup.

Now, my favorite K-Palette Real Lasting EyePencil created a shade that works so well for me!  I love it that it is pigmented enough yet it gives a nice touch without the obvious "drama" (Drama na nga sa buhay pati pa naman sa eyeliner?)

The Brown Black of 1Day Tattoo is my go-to shade!

K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyepencil In Brown Black

Php795.00

This newly reformulated eyepencil is now super waterproof, smudge-proof and longer- lasting. It comes with a blending tip to widen the makeup looks you can create and it has a retractable soft pencil tip so you don’t need an eyepencil sharpener! Super Black is shade if for bigger, defined, sharp eye makeup look. Infused with beauty essences.

Catrice Calligraph Ultra Slim Eyeliner Pen Review

Let me ask you a question --
"Are you comfortable in applying liquid liners?"
"Can you apply liquid liner even in a moving car?"

Okay, the second question was just there to catch your attention but my answer is YES!  Thankfully, I am at this stage of extreme comfort in applying liquid liners (all types and kinds) because I do so on a daily basis!

And when I thought I've tried everything, I've chanced upon a different brush liquid liner -- it's not just slim, it's longer than most liquid liner brushes I"ve tried. 

Catrice Calligraph Ultra Slim Eyeliner Pen 

The latest trend from Asia – an extremely fine eyeliner.Thanks to the felt tip, application is simple and accurate with the Ultra Slim Eyeliner Pen. Its deep black colour is long-lasting yet easy to remove. For an extremely effective eyeliner look. Paraben free.

Sometimes I Like You, at Times I Don't....

And I'm not talking about my husband, as I love him at ALL times.  *naks*  

I'm talking about makeup of course!  I got the Holika Holika Magic Pole Eyeliner 2X through Althea just because I didn't know we have it locally at that time I ordered online.  It was sitting in my "liquid liner" box for the longest time and I can't put my finger on either I love this product or not liking it at all!  

Let me tell you more about my confusing by sharing some photos on the product itself.

Holika Holika Magic Pole Eyeliner 2X

Shade: Black

Php500.00 at Althea

Description on Box

A Subtle-Looking Liner that Stays

I was asked a couple of times on Instagram #AskAMW on my pencil recommendations that would keep your eyes looking wide without looking like a wide-eyed Panda.

I can totally relate.  We live in a humid weather country and using just eye pencil for the eyes is almost impossible (spoken by a liquid and gel liner lover!)

But there will be days I"m too lazy to wing my liner just because I'm just sending my son to school, as much as I would love to just leave my eyes as is, it looks puffy and "tired" without liner so I always opt for a liner pencil.  

One of my favorite brand is Make Up For Ever and I also have another one from Estee Lauder if I wanted a pencil that can be "smudged" and sets like a tattoo.

 A long wearing eyeliner to shape the eyes. Gives precise line and stay-put color for 24 hours. Creamy texture and smoothly glides on. Delivers different makeup effects from a simple line to a sultry smoky eye. Smudge free and resistant to water, sweat, heat and humidity. Features a soft smudge tip and built-in sharpener.

The Estee Lauder Double Wear Waterproof eyeliner pencil comes with retractable pencil on one side and a smudger tip on the other side.  I was using this for a good 1 month before realizing it comes with a sharpener.  The sharpener is actually vital if you want to create a define line.  Just pull the smudger tip and the sharpener is happily hidden there.

Eye Of Horus Rubian Brown Goddess Pencil Review

I have always been a liquid liner + pencil liner combo user!  I use Liquid Liner for upper lashline and pencil liner for the waterline! That has been the best way for me to brighten up my eye.

I have my own favorites yet I always strive to look for the best in the market.  One brand that caught my attention is the Eye Of Horus and they created Goddess Pencil inspired by Egyptian Goddess, I mean, who has better-looking liner than Egyptian right?  

Eye Of Horus is a brand that uses ingredients used during the ancient times --- Ancient Moringa Oil, Ancient Malachite and a whole lot more.  I may not be knowledgeable with all the ingredients but all I know (and is thankful for) are the products are all cruelty-free!

Eye of Horus Dual Brow Perfect Says ---

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencils is a pencil eyeliner with a waterproof, longwearing and creamy formula. It is formulated with beeswax, organic moringa oil and carnauba and candelilla waxes. It features a smudge tip for blending colour. The eyeliner is paraben-free, non-irritating and suitable for sensitive eye areas. Available in: Smokey Black, Teal Malachite, Bronze Amulet, Scarab Sapphire, Emerald Tabula, Charcoal Obsidian, Nubian Brown, Sultry Serpentine, Lazuli Blue, Jewel Amethyst and new shades, Selenite White and Sahara Nude.

CLIO Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner review

I remembered the time colored pencils were a thing in the Blogosphere.  Everyone wanted the most colorful liners!  I remembered hoarding from brands like NYX, Urban Decay (247) then Make Up For Ever!

The love for colored liners died down for the past years and I found myself opting for the subtle ones --- blacks, browns, grays and beige!  

Then the Korean craze arrived our shores and the colors are coming back!  As much as I used to love colored liners, I feel most of them don't last and tends to smudge!  So thankfully, I found an alternative!  The brand that came from where else?  K-pop land!  The CLIO Gelpresso liners are not only eyeliner pencil pens --- they are GEL in a Pencil Liner format!

CLIO Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner

Php620.00 each

I got 5 shades to try, they are mostly shimmery because --- ahmm.... K-POP?

L-R 01 Pink Shine, 04 Maple Bronze, 05 Power Play, 

13 Golden Black and 14 Emerald Lagoon