Penny's Pesky Problem - Eyeliner Run

Penny here. I have often been asked about keeping eyeliner in place. I too struggle with this problem, no matter how 'long wearing' the brand claims to be.  How many of you have had the following issues?

1. You apply your eyeshadow primer, your eyeshadow, and your eyeliner, but half way through the day you notice black smudges underneath your bottom lashes and you look like you had a good cry at lunch. WTH? (This can happen whether you lined your upper lid or your lower lash line). 

2. Or how about those of us with oily lids, heavy lids or monolids; when the eyeliner transfers to the upper part of the eyelid.

These things can be a nuisance for Penny. Especially when the rest of the look has come together nicely. LOL!  So I've researched and tried a few of the following tips: (read full story...)

• Start all your eye make-up looks with an eyelid primer. If you have oily lids try not to use anything with silicone as it could make the surface more slick allowing for transfer. [Penny's fav primer is Sephora Tricks-of-the-Trade, $6-$12; Trying NARS' Smudge Proof Eyeshadow base now; verdict not out yet].
• Smudge the eyeliner along the lash line (upper or lower lash line). You may also smudge eyeshadow below the lower lash line. These are very popular looks as they give the appearance of a softer line; also used when creating a smokey eye. Try Sephora Collection Smudge Brush #14 ($13) or MAC's Pencil Brush #219 ($24.50).
• Use waterproof eyeliner (gel or cream work best; there are waterproof pencils as well). This is especially true for folks with watery/teary eyes. [Penny's fav is Bobbi Brown's Long-wear Gel Eyeliner, $21]
• Set your eyeliner with powdered eyeshadow in the same color. This keeps waxy pencils from slipping.
• Use an eye make-up sealer like Benefits She-Laq ($30) which is pricey but the most popular. There are other less expensive brands as well: BareMinerals I.D.Weathering Everything Liner Sealer ($16); and Urban Apothecary Liquif-Eye Eyeliner Sealant ($12).  [Please read product reviews as Penny has not yet tried any of these products].  

For Penny, using a primer has helped with upper lid transfer. Waterproof gel liner has also proved to have staying power. But I sometimes still get transfer below my lower lashes when I use pencil liner set with powder, so now I wonder if that's from mascara and not eyeliner. Penny may have to do some experiments to test this theory. LOL! My favorite eyeliner pencil is Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide Eye Pencil ($18).

 

Please let me know if you have any other tips or experience with any products that can help eyeliner to stay put. Hope this helps.

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
P