How To Apply Eyeliner Without Shaking

You’ve finally finished blending your eyeshadow like a pro, and all you have left to do is put the finishing touches on your makeup look—only to ruin your efforts with a wobbly line of eyeliner. The fact is, learning how to apply eyeliner without shaking takes some skill, but it’s not an impossible task. To help you navigate this common makeup frustration, we’re sharing five tips to help you stop shaking when you apply eyeliner.

Tip #1: Line Little By Little

Attempting to draw one long, fluid line in a single motion may seem easy enough after watching a few makeup tutorials, but when trying to create ultra-precise eyeliner, less is more. We recommend drawing short strokes along the lash line to create the base of the liner—this will allow you to get the desired shape. Then simply go over this base one more time to ensure the small lines are all connected and the liner looks seamless. The L’Oréal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Dip Eyeliner is perfect for achieving flawless eyeliner as it contains a short, precision applicator that allows you to get right up to the lash line. 

Tip #2: Use Helpful Tools

If you’re looking to create a winged eyeliner look, a piece of tape can go a long way. Simply place the piece of tape at an angle along the outer edge of your eye and draw on the liner using the tape as your guide for your wing. When you remove the tape, you’ll be left with a perfectly straight and sharp wing!

Alternatively, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner comes equipped with a convenient stencil for creating a cat eye. To use it, you’ll place the the stencil at the outer edge of the eye, laying it flat against your skin. Then, fill in the stencil to draw the wing and gently remove it from the outer corner of your eye. Continue to line across your eyelid, remembering to use short strokes or dots. 

Tip #3: Try Shadow Liner 

If you’re looking to define your eyes but the shakes are just too much to overcome, consider swapping out the eyeliner for a dark eyeshadow. Eyeshadow tends to be more malleable and forgiving than eyeliner, so your mistakes will be easier to fix. Grab a small eyeliner brush, dip into a deep eyeshadow, and create the line you desire. You can still implement the tape trick and the little by little application method when using shadow. 

Tip #4: Hold The Caffeine 

It’s no secret that caffeine can help give you a boost at the start of a long day, but it may not give you the boost you need for applying eyeliner. The fact is, sometimes caffeine can cause your hands to shake thanks to that extra dose of energy. So, hold the caffeine until after applying your eyeliner to avoid any mishaps.

Tip #5: Practice

Ultimately, there’s one undeniable way to learn how to apply eyeliner without shaking: practice! This may seem obvious but it’s worth saying; the more you run through your eyeliner routine, the easier it will be to keep a steady hand and achieve a seamless look. How do you think your favorite influencers got so good at creating that perfect single stroke line? Lastly, don’t be afraid to practice and experiment with various techniques and products until you find what works best for you. 

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

Next: A Winged Eyeliner Makeup Tutorial For Hooded Eyes