Versatility of White Eye Liner

Most people pass up a white or light colored eye liner because it's not your basic black or brown they are used to, but there are so many uses for a white liner that far outgo just lining the eyelids.


First off we should look at the two kinds of pencil liners. The Jumbo pencil and the basic eyeliner pencil. The jumbo pencil is usually labeled as an eyeshadow pencil. They have a softer formula and work really well as a base for powdered eyeshadows. The barrel of the pencil is fatter and shorter and the product inside is larger than a standard pencil. A basic eyeliner pencil is long and skinny and the formula is more waxy and last much longer alone on the eyelid. Both can be made of wood or plastic that needs sharpening or they can have a plastic twist up barrel.

Here are two of the ones I use most often. They are both drugstore brands and are great quality pencils. The jumbo pencil is by LA Colors in the shade Sea Shells, it retails for about $1 at most drug and dollar stores. It is one of the best brands and I think it is similar to Milk by NYX. The other is Wet n' Wild in 656A White. Most of us have used this brand since we started wearing makeup!

Jumbo pencils make great primers for eyeshadows. The colored ones can be used to coordinate with the powdered shadow to help it last. However, a white jumbo pencil can be used on the lid to make colors really stand out especially if you are using bright colors! They spread easily and can be smoothed all over or just on the lids. You apply it where you want it and then use your finger or a brush to pat it into place and even it out.

White jumbo pencil applied to the lid.

Bright shadow over the white base.

A basic white liner can be used along the lower waterline to not only make the eyes look larger and more open but also to hide the fact that you have been up all night with a two year old with a cold! A white liner (or even a nude skin colored one) can be applied along this waterline to help conceal the redness of allergies. With any look from a plain natural to an extremely colorful one the white liner along the waterline can help open up the eyes. You can also use this pencil to draw a thin line under the lower lash line to use as a base to blend out colored shadows to create a colorful look to go with the top lids that is less harsh than applying a darker color or colored liners.

White liner along the waterline and under the lower lash with shadow on it. 

White liners can be used to change a subtle colored look into an eye popping bright look by giving a white base for the colors to really show up on. But it can also be used to conceal red irritated eyes or to help them look more open and larger. (You can also apply dark brown or black liner to the waterline for an opposite effect to make larger eyes smaller)

You can also use the liners along your top lip to create a nice highlight, especially along the cupids bow area. This will make your lips look fuller and when lipstick is applied over it the liner will blend into the lipstick to create a natural looking highlight. Just gently blend the line with your finger or a brush to soften it. I use this trick to help even out my lip line because I have a scar on one side that makes them uneven. It creates a bright fuller area unlike a dark lip line that can make the lips smaller and harsh looking.

White liner along the top lip.

Any liners used on the lips should be sterilized before being used on the eyes to keep any bacteria from the mouth from causing an eye infection. To do this either sharpen or, for twist up liners, trim the end of the liner and then dip it in rubbing alcohol.

Even though I used the white liner to make the colors really stand out this look isn't really overpowering. By just using the colors on only the eye lid and keeping the crease and brow bone areas natural it helped to keep the look under control. Adding just a bit of color to the lower lash line helps the eyes stand out without a harsh line. In keeping all the colors light it subtly helps the eyes to pop without  being too harsh. This is a great idea for a nice bright springtime look and can help to hide the red irritation of springtime allergies.

If you are wanting to go for a nice colorful look for spring but are afraid of stepping out, pair a nice bright lid look with a neutral or nude lip and cheek. I hope this helps you to look at eyeliner in a whole new way for your daily makeup. Don't be afraid to play with the colors. What's the worst that could come of it? If you mess it up or you don't feel comfortable in it just wash it off! The easiest way to find comfort putting makeup on is to play with it, see what you like and don't like, then take a risk step outside with it. Hold your head up and if you don't point it out maybe no one else will either! Or maybe they will with a compliment!

Love,
Mom