When it comes to makeup trends that have stood the test of time, doe-eyed eyeliner remains a beloved classic. This timeless beauty technique has the power to transform your eyes, giving them a wide, innocent, and captivating appearance that echoes the gentle gaze of a doe. Whether you’re going for a soft, romantic look or aiming to make a bold statement, mastering the art of doe-eyed eyeliner is a skill every makeup enthusiast should have in their repertoire.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of doe-eyed eyeliner, break down the different techniques to achieve this look, and offer tips on how to adapt it for various eye shapes and occasions. We’ll also delve into the best products to use, as well as common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting the doe-eyed look, no matter your makeup experience level.
The Origins of the Doe-Eyed Look
The doe-eyed look has been a staple in beauty history, often associated with the wide-eyed innocence of iconic stars from the 1960s, such as Twiggy and Brigitte Bardot. However, its roots go even deeper, tracing back to the 1920s when silent film actresses like Clara Bow used eyeliner to exaggerate their eye shapes, creating a dramatic and expressive gaze that was perfect for the silver screen.
In the decades that followed, the doe-eyed look evolved, becoming synonymous with femininity and grace. It was a go-to style for women seeking to enhance their natural beauty without resorting to heavy makeup. The allure of the doe-eyed look lies in its ability to make the eyes appear larger, more open, and more youthful, all while maintaining a sense of elegance and simplicity.
Understanding the Anatomy of Doe-Eyed Eyeliner
To master the doe-eyed eyeliner look, it’s essential to understand the anatomy of the style. The goal is to create the illusion of larger, rounder eyes with a focus on the upper lash line. This is achieved through careful application of eyeliner, often accompanied by other makeup techniques such as highlighting and contouring.
Key Elements of Doe-Eyed Eyeliner:
Soft, Rounded Lines: Unlike the sharp, dramatic wings of a cat-eye, doe-eyed eyeliner emphasizes soft, rounded lines that follow the natural curve of the eye. This helps create a more open and innocent appearance.
Focused on the Upper Lash Line: The majority of the eyeliner is applied along the upper lash line, with a slight extension at the outer corners to lift and widen the eyes.
Subtle Lower Lash Line: While the upper lash line is the star of the show, a light touch of eyeliner or shadow along the lower lash line can enhance the effect, but it should be kept subtle to avoid overpowering the look.
Highlighting the Inner Corners: To enhance the doe-eyed effect, a touch of highlighter or light eyeshadow in the inner corners of the eyes can make them appear even larger and more open.
Techniques for Achieving the Doe-Eyed Look
Now that we understand the key elements of the doe-eyed eyeliner style, let’s explore the different techniques you can use to achieve this look. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned makeup pro, these techniques can be adapted to suit your skill level and desired effect.
1. The Classic Doe-Eyed Look
For those new to doe-eyed eyeliner, starting with the classic look is a great way to get comfortable with the technique. This style is perfect for everyday wear and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Steps:
Prime the Eyelids: Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to your lids. This will ensure that your eyeliner stays in place all day without smudging or fading.
Choose the Right Eyeliner: For a soft, doe-eyed look, opt for a pencil or gel eyeliner in a dark brown or black shade. These formulas are easy to work with and provide a softer finish than liquid eyeliner.
Line the Upper Lash Line: Begin at the inner corner of your eye and slowly draw a line along your upper lash line, following the natural curve of your eye. Keep the line thin near the inner corner and gradually thicken it as you reach the outer corner.
Extend Slightly: Once you’ve reached the outer corner of your eye, extend the line slightly upwards, following the natural curve of your lower lash line. This will create a subtle lift that opens up the eyes.
Soften the Line: Use a smudging brush or your fingertip to gently soften the line, creating a more diffused and natural look.
Highlight the Inner Corners: Apply a small amount of highlighter or light eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten and enlarge the eye area.
Mascara: Finish the look with a few coats of mascara on your upper lashes, focusing on the outer corners to further enhance the doe-eyed effect.
2. The Dramatic Doe-Eyed Look
If you’re looking to make a statement, the dramatic doe-eyed look is a stunning option for evenings out or special occasions. This style incorporates bolder lines and additional eye makeup to create a more intense effect.
See Also: What Is the Best Eyeliner for Very Sensitive Eyes
Steps:
Prime and Set: Start with an eyeshadow primer, followed by a light dusting of translucent powder to set the primer and prevent creasing.
Use a Liquid or Gel Eyeliner: For a more defined and dramatic look, choose a liquid or gel eyeliner in a rich black shade. These formulas provide precision and a bold finish.
Line the Upper Lash Line: Begin at the inner corner and draw a thicker line along the upper lash line, gradually building up the thickness as you move towards the outer corner. For a dramatic effect, extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner and angle it upwards.
Double Line the Lower Lash Line: For added intensity, lightly line the lower lash line, keeping the line thin and close to the lashes. You can use the same eyeliner or opt for a slightly lighter shade to create dimension.
Add Eyeshadow: To enhance the dramatic effect, apply a neutral or smokey eyeshadow to the crease of your eyelid, blending it outwards for a seamless transition. This will add depth to the look and draw more attention to your eyes.
Highlight and Contour: Highlight the inner corners and under the brow bone with a shimmery eyeshadow, and contour the outer corners with a darker shade to create a more sculpted appearance.
Falsies or Volumizing Mascara: Finish with volumizing mascara on both the upper and lower lashes, or add a pair of false lashes for an even more dramatic effect.
3. The Natural Doe-Eyed Look
For those who prefer a more understated and natural appearance, the natural doe-eyed look is a beautiful choice. This style is perfect for daytime wear and can be achieved with minimal makeup.
Steps:
Prime with a Neutral Base: Apply a neutral eyeshadow primer or a light, matte eyeshadow to your lids to create a smooth base.
Use a Brown or Taupe Eyeliner: Choose a brown or taupe eyeliner pencil for a softer, more natural effect. These shades are perfect for enhancing your eyes without looking overly done.
Line the Upper Lash Line: Draw a thin line along your upper lash line, starting from the middle of the eye and extending slightly past the outer corner. Keep the line soft and natural, avoiding any harsh edges.
Skip the Lower Lash Line: For a truly natural look, skip lining the lower lash line altogether, or use a very light touch of eyeliner along the outer third of the lower lashes.
Subtle Highlight: Apply a subtle highlighter or light eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten the area without drawing too much attention.
Mascara: Finish with a light coat of mascara on your upper lashes, focusing on the outer corners to maintain the doe-eyed effect.
Adapting the Doe-Eyed Look for Different Eye Shapes
One of the great things about doe-eyed eyeliner is its versatility. However, different eye shapes require slight adjustments to achieve the best results. Here’s how you can adapt the doe-eyed look to suit your unique eye shape:
1. Almond Eyes
Almond eyes are naturally symmetrical and well-suited for the doe-eyed look. To enhance your almond eyes, focus on emphasizing the outer corners with a slight wing and keep the line relatively thin near the inner corners.
Tip: Avoid extending the wing too far, as this can make the eyes look elongated rather than wide.
2. Hooded Eyes
For hooded eyes, where the eyelid crease is not visible when the eyes are open, the key is to keep the eyeliner close to the lash line and extend it upwards at the outer corners to create the illusion of lifted eyes.
Tip: Avoid applying too much eyeliner on the lower lash line, as this can make the eyes appear smaller.
3. Round Eyes
Round eyes are naturally wide and open, making them perfect for the doe-eyed look. To enhance your round eyes, draw a soft line along the upper lash line and extend it slightly past the outer corners to elongate the eyes.
Tip: Be careful not to make the line too thick, as this can overwhelm the natural shape of your eyes.
4. Monolid Eyes
Monolid eyes, which lack a defined crease, can still achieve a beautiful doe-eyed look with the right technique. Focus on creating a thin, smooth line along the upper lash line, and use a smudging brush to soften the edges for a natural appearance.
Tip: Use a lighter shade of eyeliner for the lower lash line to avoid making the eyes look smaller.
5. Downturned Eyes
For downturned eyes, where the outer corners dip slightly, the goal is to lift the eyes by extending the eyeliner upwards at the outer corners. This will create a more balanced and lifted appearance.
Tip: Avoid applying too much eyeliner to the inner corners, as this can accentuate the downturned shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when applying doe-eyed eyeliner. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for, along with tips on how to avoid them:
1. Overdoing the Eyeliner
One of the most common mistakes is applying too much eyeliner, especially on the lower lash line. This can make the eyes appear smaller and detract from the wide-eyed effect.
Solution: Keep the lower lash line soft and subtle, and focus on building up the upper lash line for the best results.
2. Uneven Lines
Achieving symmetrical eyeliner can be challenging, but uneven lines can throw off the entire look.
Solution: Take your time and use small, controlled strokes when applying eyeliner. You can also use a piece of tape as a guide to ensure even wings.
3. Neglecting the Inner Corners
The inner corners of the eyes are often overlooked, but adding a touch of highlighter here can make a significant difference in achieving the doe-eyed look.
Solution: Always finish your eyeliner routine by applying a small amount of highlighter or light eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes.
4. Using the Wrong Tools
The tools you use can make or break your doe-eyed eyeliner look. Using an eyeliner that’s too dry or difficult to work with can result in uneven or patchy lines.
Solution: Invest in high-quality eyeliner products that glide on smoothly and are easy to blend. A good smudging brush is also essential for softening the lines.
Best Products for Doe-Eyed Eyeliner
Choosing the right products is crucial for achieving the perfect doe-eyed look. Here are some top recommendations for eyeliners, mascaras, and other tools that can help you master this classic style:
1. Eyeliners
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: This creamy, long-lasting eyeliner is perfect for creating soft, rounded lines that stay put all day.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner: For a more dramatic doe-eyed look, this liquid eyeliner offers precision and bold color payoff.
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner: This gel eyeliner is easy to apply and provides a smooth, intense finish that’s perfect for both classic and dramatic looks.
2. Mascaras
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: This volumizing mascara is ideal for creating full, fluttery lashes that enhance the doe-eyed effect.
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara: A great drugstore option, this mascara adds volume and length to your lashes, making your eyes look larger and more defined.
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara: Known for its lengthening and curling properties, this mascara is perfect for achieving wide, doe-like eyes.
3. Tools
Real Techniques Shading Brush: This versatile brush is perfect for smudging and softening eyeliner for a natural, diffused look.
Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler: A good lash curler is essential for opening up the eyes and enhancing the doe-eyed effect.
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil in “Milk”: This creamy white pencil is great for highlighting the inner corners of the eyes and making them appear larger.
Conclusion
Doe-eyed eyeliner is a timeless beauty trend that has captivated women for decades, and for a good reason. Its ability to make the eyes appear larger, more youthful, and more expressive is unmatched, making it a must-try technique for anyone looking to enhance their natural beauty. Whether you prefer a classic, dramatic, or natural look, mastering the art of doe-eyed eyeliner will add a touch of elegance and femininity to your makeup routine.
By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect doe-eyed look. Remember to experiment with different products and methods to find what works best for you, and most importantly, have fun with your makeup! The doe-eyed look is all about embracing your natural beauty and enhancing it in a way that feels true to you. So go ahead, give it a try, and let your eyes do the talking.
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