5 Easy Steps to Achieving Stunning Graphic Liner Looks

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 6 min read

Gone are the days when you had to be a professional makeup artist to pull off a stunning graphic liner look. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can achieve an easy graphic liner style that is sure to turn heads. In this blog, we'll walk you through five simple steps to help you master and perfect these popular makeup trends.

Step 1: Choose the Right Graphic Liner

First things first, you need to find the perfect graphic liner that suits your needs and preferences. This can be a game-changer in creating those bold and precise lines that make your eyes pop.

Popular Brands

There are numerous makeup brands that offer fantastic graphic liners, but some of the most popular ones include:

NYX Professional Makeup – Known for their affordable, high-quality products, NYX offers a variety of liners that can help you achieve your desired look.
Stila – With their Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, Stila has become a go-to choice for many makeup enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-use and long-lasting product.
Kat Von D – The Tattoo Liner from Kat Von D is a cult favorite for its precise brush tip and intense pigmentation, perfect for creating those dramatic, defined lines.

Liner Types

Graphic liners come in various types, each with its own set of advantages. Here are some of the most common types you can choose from:

Liquid liners – Known for their precision and intensity, liquid liners are perfect for creating sharp, clean lines. They usually come with a fine brush tip or a felt-tip applicator.
Gel liners – Ideal for a smooth, creamy application, gel liners often come in a small pot and require a separate brush for application. They're great for creating both thick and thin lines, as well as blending for a smudged effect.
Pencil liners – If you're looking for a more forgiving option, pencil liners can be an excellent choice for beginners. They're easy to correct if you make a mistake and can be used to create a softer, more subtle look.

Now that you've chosen your ideal easy graphic liner, it's time to move on to the next step: preparing your eyelids for the magic to happen.

Step 2: Prepare Your Eyelids

Before you start drawing those eye-catching lines, it's essential to prepare your eyelids to ensure a smooth, even application and longer-lasting results. Let's take a look at how you can do this.

Primer Application

Applying an eyeshadow primer is a crucial step for maintaining the vibrancy and longevity of your easy graphic liner look. Here's how you can apply primer:

Using your finger or a brush, gently apply a small amount of primer to your entire eyelid, from the lash line to the brow bone.
Blend it evenly with your finger or a brush to create a smooth canvas for your liner and eyeshadow.
Allow the primer to dry for a few seconds before moving on to the next step.

Eyeshadow Base

Although not always necessary, applying an eyeshadow base can enhance your graphic liner look by adding depth and dimension to your eyes. Here's a simple guide to applying an eyeshadow base:

Pick a neutral or light-colored eyeshadow that complements your skin tone.
Using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, sweep the eyeshadow across your entire eyelid, focusing on the crease to create a subtle contour.
Blend the eyeshadow evenly to avoid any harsh lines or patchiness.

With your eyelids primed and prepped, you're now ready to start mastering the basic techniques for creating stunning graphic liner looks.

Step 3: Master the Basic Techniques

Now that your eyelids are ready, it's time to get down to the fun part – mastering the basic techniques for creating easy graphic liner looks. Let's break it down into two fundamental skills: maintaining a steady hand and drawing precise lines.

Steady Hand

Having a steady hand is crucial when applying graphic liner. Here are some tips to help you achieve a steady hand:

Rest your elbow on a flat surface, such as a table, to keep your hand stable.
Hold your eyeliner brush or pen close to the tip for better control.
Relax your hand and take a deep breath before starting. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Drawing Precise Lines

Drawing precise lines is the key to achieving a stunning graphic liner look. Follow these steps to draw clean, sharp lines:

Start by drawing small, light strokes along your lash line, gradually building up the thickness and intensity of the line.
Use a small, angled brush to clean up any mistakes or smudges with a bit of makeup remover or concealer.
Patience is key! Take your time to perfect your lines, and don't be afraid to start over if needed.

Now that you've got the basic techniques down, it's time to experiment with different styles and let your creativity shine.

Step 4: Experiment with Different Styles

With the basic techniques mastered, you're ready to explore the world of easy graphic liner styles. There are countless ways to create eye-catching looks, but we'll focus on three popular styles to get you started: the classic wing, the floating crease, and the double wing.

Classic Wing

The classic wing is a timeless and universally flattering style that adds a touch of elegance to any look. Here's how to create a classic wing:

Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, extending slightly past the outer corner of your eye.
Next, create a small upward flick at the end of the line. This will be the base of your wing.
Connect the tip of the flick back to your upper lash line, creating a small triangle.
Fill in the triangle and smooth out any rough edges with your liner brush or pen.

Floating Crease

A floating crease is a modern and trendy twist on the traditional cut crease. To achieve this easy graphic liner look, follow these steps:

Identify the natural crease of your eyelid by gently pressing your finger along the socket.
Using your graphic liner, draw a line along your crease, starting from the inner corner of your eye and stopping just before the outer corner.
For an added touch, you can extend the line slightly past the outer corner, mimicking the shape of a classic wing.

Double Wing

The double wing is a bold and dramatic style that's perfect for making a statement. Here's how to create a double wing:

Begin by drawing a classic wing on your upper lash line, as described earlier.
Next, draw a second, smaller wing on your lower lash line, starting from the outer corner of your eye and extending downward.
Connect the tips of the two wings using a diagonal line, and fill in any gaps to create a cohesive look.

Now that you've tried these styles, keep practicing and experimenting to find the perfect easy graphic liner look for you.

Step 5: Practice and Perfect Your Look

As with any skill, practice is key to becoming an expert in creating easy graphic liner looks. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out perfect — even the most experienced makeup artists had to start somewhere! Let's explore some tips to help you refine your technique and expand your creativity.

Practice Makes Perfect

Set aside some time each day to practice your graphic liner skills. You can try recreating the styles mentioned earlier or experiment with your own designs. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes — they're part of the learning process. Here are a few pointers to improve your technique:

Use a small mirror to get an up-close view of your work.
Rest your elbow on a stable surface to help steady your hand.
Keep makeup remover and cotton swabs nearby to quickly fix any errors.

Experiment with Colors

Once you've mastered the basic techniques and styles, it's time to add some color to your easy graphic liner repertoire. There's a whole world of colored liners available, from bright neon shades to shimmery metallics. Don't be afraid to mix and match colors or layer them for unique, eye-catching effects. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Try a bold, contrasting color for your floating crease or double wing.
Layer a metallic liner over a darker shade for a subtle, shimmery effect.
Create a gradient effect by blending two or more colors together.

With practice, patience, and creativity, you'll be well on your way to achieving stunning easy graphic liner looks. Remember, makeup is an art form, and there are no limits to what you can create. So go ahead, have fun, and let your imagination run wild!

If you enjoyed this blog post, we highly recommend attending the workshop 'Line Work in Comics' by Agamsujenkins. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques on mastering line work in your comic art, helping you take your illustrations to the next level.