Q & A | Applying Eyeliner - Before or After?

Q: Do I apply eyeliner before or after eyeshadow? Before or after mascara?

A: The answer to this is easy....do both! I apply eyeliner as my first step and as my last step always...and here's my rationale (you can decide if it's actually rational):

1. Applying eyeliner first lets me get as tight to the lashes as possible, without having to worry about smudges that may imprint and ruin other make-up I have applied. If it smudges at the beginning of my routine - then no biggie - I can target the smudge and easily remove with a q-tip.

2. Applying eyeliner at the very end of your eye make-up routine gives the look a fresh and professional polish. When you apply it at the end, you can refine the line and fill in any gaps where the application of your eyeshadow/mascara you applied may have dulled it.

At the end of the day, the answer to this question is a really a matter of personal preference! If you only have so much time and prefer to apply eyeliner a maximum of one-time, apply it at the very end for a stronger look. If you prefer a less-is-more make-up approach, use a pencil liner first and then blend it with your eyeshadow to lightly define the eyes. If you like working with liquid liner, apply it as a last step always to preserve its intensity. (If you apply liquid liner first, make-up that gets applied over top of it tends to dull its intensity or cause breaks in your line! Always apply liquid liner last and spare yourself the grief!)

Whichever method you choose, you want the line to be continuous and smooth for a professional finish! Hope that helps!