Looking back at my teenage years, I can’t help but cringe at my limited makeup skills. With a mere reliance on what I gleaned from glossy magazines like *Sabrina’s Secrets*, I was a novice in the art of beauty. My obsession with makeup mirrored the obsession of many other young girls; I hardly ventured beyond a basic routine. My style transformation started around the age of 14, catalyzed by a strong desire to channel a rock-chick aesthetic rather than the sparkling, sugary pop princess look I once adored. My primary beauty inspiration at that time was undoubtedly Avril Lavigne and her iconic, heavily kohl-lined eyes. Armed only with a pencil liner, I drew a harsh black line along my waterline each school morning, only to witness it smudge before the first break. Yet, I held onto this look tenaciously, and it wasn’t until the arrival of liquid eyeliner that my relationship with eye makeup evolved.
Fast-forward to a recent video featuring the captivating model Gabbriette Bechtel, whose candid approach to beauty rekindled my interest in waterline liner. Her unapologetic admiration for black eyeliner, especially in light of her blonde locks, made me rethink the stigma that surrounds this makeup choice. According to Gabbriette herself, “I don’t like myself without black eyeliner.” It’s fascinating how someone recognized for their beauty can exercise such confidence in a look often criticized for being unflattering.
Historically, black liner on the waterline has been viewed with skepticism. Many critique it for potentially creating the illusion of tiredness or even aging. Makeup artist Aimee Connolly emphasizes that while using a darker shade can lend beautiful definition to the eyes, it might not suit everyone. Indeed, the very notion of creating a smaller eye shape could make one pause before embracing this trend. Yet, who am I to argue against the allure of a look championed by influential figures in the fashion world, from models to royals?
Princess Kate Middleton’s choice to adorn her eyes with waterline makeup, even on her wedding day, speaks volumes. Such endorsements challenge the perception that waterline eyeliner is merely a way to appear worn out. Instead, they underline that the beauty industry is often rife with contradictions—what one artist may decry, another may celebrate. The divergence in opinions reveals an opportunity for self-expression in this seemingly controversial makeup choice.
Fashionable or not, I’ve taken the plunge to revive my waterline eyeliner routine, but this time, armed with professional advice rather than the rudimentary tricks I once learned as a schoolgirl. According to Lisa Caldognetto, a professional makeup artist, achieving the perfect waterline look involves more than just slapping on dark liner. “Balancing your makeup is crucial,” she advises, noting that extending the liner subtly into the lash roots can create a striking, yet soft transition with the surrounding skin. This technique opens up the eyes, ensuring they appear awake and vibrant rather than fatigued.
While Gabbriette opts for bold black eyeliner, Aimee suggests that those new to this trend start with softer shades like brown or sage green. Lisa supports this notion, recommending mid-tones such as bronze for a radiant finish. However, she warns against using shades with red pigments, which can make the eyes look strained. An alternative, often lauded by the likes of Victoria Beckham, is to use a neutral shade on the lower waterline to accentuate a wide-eyed look, thus championing the use of white liner for brightening effects.
One challenge that waterline eyeliner enthusiasts face is ensuring their meticulously applied makeup doesn’t smudge. The moisture on our waterlines is a constant adversary. Aimee offers practical solutions: drying the waterline gently with a tissue or setting the liner with translucent powder can significantly enhance longevity. Furthermore, Lisa recommends investing in a waterproof formula for a lasting hold.
Techniques for application also matter. Warming a pencil liner on the back of your hand can lead to a smoother glide along the waterline. It’s all about creating a seamless experience, and Lisa urges users to maintain a sharp pencil for precision.
As I re-embrace this classic look, I find myself oscillating between different products, taking cues from professionals while daring to experiment with color. Brands like L’Oreal and Pat McGrath have caught my attention, and I find solace in the versatility of shades available in the market today. My once self-conscious teenage self, limited by magazine how-tos, has evolved; I’m now an empowered individual using makeup to express my identity. This journey underscores a broader truth: makeup is a fluid form of expression, an art rather than merely a routine. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced enthusiast, there is always room to explore, reinvigorate, and redefine your beauty narrative.