Setting/Softening Eyeliner, Help please.

Feb 2, 2014

Tina K.

Okay beautiful ladies, I need more of your expertise, pretty please! And from all the fab photos posted of gorgeous eye-looks here, you are the ones to ask!

I use pencils mostly for my eyeliner--saving gel & liquid for nights or special occasions-- and I've found even my long wear pencils last longer if I go over it with shadow. There's the added benefit of softening the line and since I'm in my mid-forties, I think softer looks better on me. (I already use primer and will often use a smudger without shadow.)

My problem is what if it's a colored pencil I really, really love, but don't have a shadow that won't alter the original color? What do you suggest? Perhaps some translucent powder?

Help, please! LOL!

And thanks in advance! :)

Feb 3, 2014

Kelly H.

I don't know what kind of pencil you use, but I change up my eyeliner color every day and I use Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner, I don't have to set them with anything. Not sure if that helps you or not, but good luck.  :)

Feb 3, 2014

Tina K.

@Kelly, Thanks for your response. I change up my eyeliner color almost daily too! Those UD pencils are truly fab! I've honestly had a lot of luck with Mally's eyeliners for personal use (so much so, I've given away the rest of my hoarde) and my liner rarely strays anymore. I woke up New Year's Day with my eye makeup looking almost as sharp & clean as the night before.

It's just sometimes I like having that extra insurance that comes from going over the liner with shadow. Maybe it's all in my mind and I need to get over it. LOL

Feb 3, 2014

Kelly H.

Tina if that really makes you feel better, which I totally understand, UD has matching shadows for almost every liner. Other then that, oddly enough, the Mary Kay translucent powder might help you with other brands. That or a setting spray. I use setting spray when I know I'm going to have an extra active long day.

Feb 3, 2014

Mariana E.

A translucent powder will also do the trick. At first it looks kind of weird, and lighter than normal unsettled pencil. Pat it a bit with a brush and let it be. As the day goes and your eyes "sweat" a little, the color of the pencil will reveal and it'll stay in place longer. It also helps if you apply powder over your lid before you draw your line.

Feb 3, 2014

Tina K.

Thank you both for your suggestions, ladies! I appreciate them. Any suggestions on setting sprays? I have MUFE Mist & Fix, but I think that's mostly for refreshing and touch ups. I have no experience with setting sprays.

Feb 4, 2014

Mariana E.

I've heard the one from Anastasia is pretty great.