A definitive, in-depth guide on applying eyeliner for monolid eyes: techniques for definition.
The Monolid Eyeliner Masterclass: Precision, Definition, and Lasting Impact
For those with monolid eyes—a beautiful and unique eye shape characterized by the absence of a visible crease—eyeliner can feel like a formidable challenge. The common complaint is that the meticulously applied line vanishes the moment the eye opens. However, this isn’t a flaw in your technique; it’s a matter of adapting your approach to your specific eye shape. This guide isn’t about conforming to a Western beauty standard; it’s about celebrating your eye shape and using eyeliner to create stunning, visible, and lasting definition. We will delve into specific, actionable techniques that move beyond the basics, ensuring your eyeliner game is always strong, visible, and tailored perfectly for you.
Section 1: The Essential Toolkit – Choosing Your Arsenal
The right tools are half the battle. Before you even think about technique, you need to assemble a kit that will support your goals. Using the wrong product or tool will lead to frustration, smudging, and a disappearing act every time.
1. The Eyeliner Formulas: Your Strategic Choices
- Liquid Eyeliner: This is your best friend for sharp, precise lines and creating the classic wing. For monolids, a liquid formula with a fine-point brush or felt tip is ideal. The key is its opacity and staying power. Opt for waterproof or long-wear formulas to prevent transfer and smudging, which are common issues due to the lack of a crease. Example: Use a matte black, waterproof liquid liner for a sleek, defined wing that won’t budge.
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Gel Eyeliner: Gel liner, housed in a pot and applied with a separate brush, offers the perfect blend of control and blendability. It’s fantastic for creating thicker lines, smoking out the lash line, or building up color. The texture allows you more time to work before it sets. Example: For a softer, smokier look, use a dark brown gel liner and a flat, angled brush to press the color into the lash line.
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Pencil Eyeliner: While often associated with smudging, a good waterproof gel pencil can be a secret weapon. Use it for tightlining (applying eyeliner to the upper waterline) to create the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes without a visible line on your lid. Example: To add depth without a prominent line, use a black or brown waterproof pencil to tightline the upper waterline.
2. The Brushes: Precision is Power
- Fine-Point Brush: Essential for liquid and gel liners, a fine-point brush allows for incredible precision, enabling you to draw a thin, controlled line right at the base of your lashes. This is crucial for building thickness without a bulky, disappearing line. Example: Dip a fine-point brush into your gel liner and stamp it along the lash line to create a guide before drawing the full line.
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Angled Brush: This is perfect for stamping, pressing, and creating a soft wing. An angled brush gives you more control and a straighter edge than a traditional pointed brush. Example: To create a soft wing, use the angled brush to stamp a small triangular shape at the outer corner, then connect it to your lash line.
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Smudge Brush: A small, dense, rounded brush is key for softening lines or smoking out a gel or pencil liner. It’s an indispensable tool for creating a softer, more diffused look. Example: After applying a dark brown pencil liner, use a smudge brush to gently blend the line upwards and outwards for a soft, smoky effect.
Section 2: Core Techniques for Visible Eyeliner
The disappearing eyeliner effect is a common frustration. The issue lies not in the monolid itself, but in the technique used. The traditional “draw a thin line and wing it” method doesn’t account for the lid’s unique structure. We need to focus on strategies that ensure the liner is visible when the eye is open.
Technique 1: The “Invisible” Liner or Tightlining
This technique is a game-changer for adding definition without a visible line. It’s perfect for a natural, “no-makeup” makeup look.
- How to do it:
- Using a waterproof gel pencil, gently lift your upper eyelid.
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Apply the pencil directly to your upper waterline, right at the base of your lashes.
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Wiggle the pencil between the roots of your lashes. This fills in any gaps and adds incredible density.
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Why it works for monolids: It defines the eye by darkening the lash line from the inside out. Since the product is on the waterline, it doesn’t get covered by your eyelid when your eye is open.
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Concrete Example: For a workday or a very natural look, skip the lid line entirely and only tightline with a black pencil. This makes your lashes look thicker and your eyes more defined without any visible liner.
Technique 2: The “Thick from the Start” Approach
The most common mistake is starting with a thin line. On a monolid, a thin line disappears into the fold of the lid. The solution is to draw a thicker line from the beginning, but with a specific strategy.
- How to do it:
- Using a liquid or gel liner, start with a line that is slightly thicker than you would normally draw.
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As you apply the liner, keep your eye in a relaxed, neutral position. Avoid pulling your lid taut, as this can distort the line.
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Build the thickness gradually. Start by stamping the liner right at the base of your lashes, then connect the stamps.
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Once you have a solid line, build it up vertically until you can see it with your eye open. The key is to check your work frequently with your eye open.
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Why it works for monolids: By building a thicker line from the start, you ensure that a portion of the line is visible above the lid’s fold. The trick is to find the perfect thickness for your eye shape so it’s visible without being overpowering.
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Concrete Example: Instead of drawing a razor-thin line, use a liquid liner to draw a line that’s about 2-3mm thick. Open your eye and check the visibility. If it’s still hidden, add another millimeter of thickness until the line is prominent.
Technique 3: The “Tapered” Line
This technique combines the best of both worlds: a subtle inner corner and a defined outer corner. It avoids the “heavy” look of a thick line across the entire lid.
- How to do it:
- Start your line from the middle of your eyelid, not the inner corner.
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Draw a thin line from the middle to the outer corner, gradually building thickness.
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For the inner corner, you can either leave it bare or use a very thin, precise line.
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The focus is on creating a thick, defined outer third of the line that is visible.
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Why it works for monolids: It focuses the attention and definition on the area that is most visible when the eye is open. It creates an elongated, lifted effect without the bulkiness of a thick line across the entire lid.
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Concrete Example: Using a gel liner and an angled brush, start your line from the center of your lid, making it thin. As you move towards the outer corner, gradually increase the thickness so that the outer third of the line is the thickest part.
Section 3: The Art of the Winged Eyeliner
The winged liner is arguably the most coveted and challenging eyeliner look for monolids. The main obstacle is the lack of a visible crease, which can make a traditional wing look distorted or crooked. Here’s how to create a flawless wing that lifts and defines your eye.
Technique 1: The “Looking Straight Ahead” Method
This is the golden rule for monolid wings. Applying eyeliner with your eye closed or pulling the lid taut is a recipe for a warped wing.
- How to do it:
- Position a mirror so you are looking straight into it, with your eye in a neutral, relaxed state.
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Place a small dot or mark where you want the tip of your wing to end. A good rule of thumb is to follow the natural upward angle of your lower lash line.
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Draw a small, upward stroke from the outer corner of your eye to the dot you just made.
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Connect the tip of the wing back down to your upper lash line, creating a small triangular shape.
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Fill in the triangle.
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Now, look at yourself in the mirror with your eye open. This is what the final product will look like. Adjust as needed.
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Why it works for monolids: By applying with your eye open, you’re accounting for the natural fold of your lid. You’re drawing the wing in the shape it will actually appear when you’re looking forward, preventing it from getting swallowed by the lid.
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Concrete Example: Look straight into the mirror. Use a felt-tip liquid liner to draw a tiny, straight line extending from the outer corner. This is the top of your wing. Now, connect the end of that line back to your lash line, forming a triangle. This ensures the wing’s shape is correct from the start.
Technique 2: The “Bat Wing” Technique
This is an advanced technique that solves the issue of the wing getting lost in the fold. It’s a slightly exaggerated wing shape that looks normal when the eye is open.
- How to do it:
- First, apply your eyeliner as you normally would, creating a thick line that is visible when your eye is open.
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Draw your wing using the “looking straight ahead” method.
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Now, close your eye. You will notice a gap or a “bat wing” shape between the top of your winged line and your lash line.
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Fill in this gap with your eyeliner. The final shape, when your eye is closed, will look like a bat wing or a sharp, downward-pointing triangle.
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Why it works for monolids: The weird shape you create with your eye closed is specifically designed to straighten out and become a perfect, seamless wing when your eye is open. It’s an optical illusion that works perfectly for the monolid shape.
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Concrete Example: Draw your wing as you normally would, looking straight ahead. Close your eye. You will likely see a V-shaped notch. Fill in that V with your liquid liner. When you open your eye, the notch disappears, and you have a smooth, straight wing.
Section 4: Advanced Techniques and Problem Solving
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start incorporating more advanced techniques to truly elevate your eyeliner game.
1. The “Cutout” or Negative Space Eyeliner
This technique is a trendy and creative way to wear eyeliner that is particularly striking on monolids. It involves drawing the wing but leaving a space between the wing and the lash line.
- How to do it:
- First, draw your wing using the “looking straight ahead” method.
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Instead of connecting the tip of the wing back to your lash line, draw a second line that runs parallel to your lash line, starting from the wing’s inner corner and extending toward the inner eye.
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The space between these two lines is the negative space.
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Why it works for monolids: It creates a bold, graphic look that doesn’t rely on the visible lid space, making it perfect for an eye shape where a traditional line can get lost.
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Concrete Example: Use a liquid liner to create a thick wing. Then, from the very top of the wing, draw a second line that extends into your inner eye, but leave a noticeable space between this line and your lash line. This creates a floating, defined look.
2. Correcting Mistakes: The Art of the Q-tip
Mistakes are inevitable. The secret is not to panic, but to have a plan. The Q-tip is your best friend.
- How to do it:
- Dip a precision Q-tip (the ones with a pointed end are best) into a micellar water or makeup remover.
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Squeeze off any excess product so it’s only slightly damp.
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Use the damp, pointed end to carefully clean up any smudges, straighten a wonky line, or sharpen the tip of your wing.
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Why it works for monolids: This is the most precise way to clean up mistakes without disrupting the rest of your makeup. It allows you to be a perfectionist without starting all over again.
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Concrete Example: If the tip of your wing is a little thick or rounded, use the corner of the damp Q-tip to gently swipe and sharpen it into a perfect point.
3. The Power of Primer
This is a step many people skip, but it is non-negotiable for monolid eyeliner. Primer creates a smooth, even canvas and, most importantly, helps the eyeliner adhere and stay in place all day.
- How to do it:
- Apply a thin, even layer of eyeshadow primer all over your eyelid, from the lash line to your brow bone.
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Let it dry completely for a minute before applying any eyeliner or eyeshadow.
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Why it works for monolids: It prevents the eyeliner from transferring to your upper lid, a common issue known as “stamping,” especially with liquid and gel liners. It creates a matte, grippy surface that locks your liner in place.
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Concrete Example: Before you do any other eye makeup, apply a small amount of primer to your lid. Tap it in with your finger and let it set. This simple step will dramatically increase the longevity of your eyeliner.
Section 5: The Finishing Touches: Enhancing the Look
Your eyeliner is a fantastic start, but a few final touches can take the look from good to extraordinary.
1. Mascara and Lash Curler:
- The Technique: Curling your lashes is a crucial step. It opens up your eye and makes your eyeliner look even more defined. Use a good quality lash curler and a waterproof mascara to hold the curl.
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Why it works for monolids: Lifting and separating your lashes prevents them from covering up your beautifully applied eyeliner. It creates a brighter, more open-eyed look.
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Concrete Example: After applying your eyeliner, use a lash curler at the base, middle, and tip of your lashes. Follow up with two coats of a volumizing, waterproof mascara.
2. Subtle Eyeshadow:
- The Technique: You don’t need a complex eyeshadow look. A single, matte shade can add depth.
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Why it works for monolids: A light dusting of a neutral eyeshadow in a shade like a soft brown or taupe, applied with a fluffy brush, can create a subtle shadow effect that makes your eyeliner pop even more.
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Concrete Example: Apply a neutral, light brown matte eyeshadow from your lash line to just below your brow bone. This creates a natural-looking depth that beautifully complements your liner.
3. The Inner Corner Highlight:
- The Technique: A touch of shimmer in the inner corner of your eye can brighten the entire look.
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Why it works for monolids: It draws light to the eye and makes you look more awake and refreshed.
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Concrete Example: Use your finger or a small brush to press a tiny amount of a champagne or pearlescent eyeshadow into the very inner corner of your eye.
The Ultimate Monolid Eyeliner Guide: A Final Takeaway
Mastering eyeliner for monolid eyes is not about forcing a traditional technique onto a unique shape. It’s about adapting, strategizing, and celebrating what makes your eyes special. The key takeaways are: Choose the right waterproof products, work with your eye shape in a relaxed position, and build thickness from the start. Experiment with the “looking straight ahead” wing method and don’t be afraid to try the “bat wing” technique. With a little practice and the right tools, you can create a defined, lasting, and stunning eyeliner look that is perfectly tailored to your beautiful eyes.