How To Wear A Gel Eyeliner?

Ace the technique of using this makeup product with our detailed guidelines and tips!

Reviewed by Vaibhavi Gupte, Makeup Artist Vaibhavi Gupte Vaibhavi GupteMakeup Artist facebook_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by , BE Jyotsana Rao BE linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature) Madhumati Chowdhury MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by , MA (Comparative Literature) Vaishali Sinha MA (Comparative Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Last Updated on

Eyeliner helps enhance the shape of your eyes and makes them appear sharp and beautiful. While we have various eye cosmetics — pencil, liquid, pen, and gel — available on the market, ‘how to apply gel eyeliner perfectly?’ is a question only a few can answer.

Gel eyeliners are trending now, and if you are a novice and want to try gel eyeliner, this article is just the thing you need. Gel eyeliners can also make your eyes appear bigger and more well-defined. Commonly, you want to make your eyes appealing, bright, and bold. However, if your eyeliner is not up to the mark, the entire eyes and eye makeup may look dull.

Keep scrolling if you are new to gel eyeliners or want to apply the eyeliner in a style that will help accentuate your beauty and fashion sense. Here, we provide you with a complete step-by-step guide that focuses on applying the eyeliner and some useful tips for perfect application. Read on!

protip_icon Keep In Mind
  • Brushes: Use a narrow pointed tip or an angled brush like this one
  • Base Layer: Use a primer or concealer for a perfectly set look that lasts longer.
  • Benefits: Eyes appear bigger and bolder.
  • Makeup Looks: You can try winged, the cat eye look, arrow liner, floating crease liner, or reverse winged liner.
  • Makeup Technique: Warm up the product by rubbing the brush or applicator in the pot for a few seconds, as it will make it easier to apply.

How to Apply Gel Eyeliner

Clean the skin around your eyes before applying the gel eyeliner
Image: Shutterstock

1. Before you begin anything, the first step is to properly clean your eyes, so that it does not have any dirt or leftover makeup.

2. Once you have cleaned your eyes thoroughly, dip the gel liner brush into the pot, and coat both sides of the brush with the gel.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Gel eyeliners are preferred by many people because of their convenient formulation. They are softer, spread easily, dry quickly, and have solid tints that last long.

3. Now dab the brush gently on the edge of the pot to form a pointed brush. It is advisable to use a flat, angular liner with gel eye liners.

Gel eyeliner

4. Begin by lining in the middle of the lash line and move to the outside corner of the eye. Now gently lift the lid to tight-line the lash line. Do this only if your gel eyeliner is waterline safe.

How to apply the liner

5. Next, apply the liner all the way to the inner corner of the eye. Try to keep the line thick on the outer corner and thin on the inner corner. Alternatively, you can also follow the natural shape of your eye.

Apply the liner across the eyelid

6. Always line the whole way across the eyelid as this will help to open up your eye and make it look bigger.

7. Now repeat the entire process with the other eye. Try not to leave any space between the eyeliner and the lash line.

When you have finished, your eyes will look bigger and more defined.

You can pair your gel eyeliner with various techniques, such as winged eyeliner. However, knowing how to do winged eyeliner is crucial to create sharp, dramatic lines to get that perfect look.


protip_icon Quick Tip
If your gel eyeliner pot has dried out, do not throw it away. You can use a few drops of mild, fragrance-free oils – like coconut, jojoba, or baby oil – to fix it.

Simple Tips to Apply Gel Eyeliner Perfectly:

Hold the eyeliner brush just like you would hold a pencil eyeliner
Image: Shutterstock

When you learn how to wear a gel eyeliner, it is important to also master how to apply eyeliner perfectly for flawless results every time. A few simple tips can help you get the perfect result in the easiest ways:

  • Certified makeup artist Vaibhavi Gupte says, “Before applying the liner, stretch the eyelid slightly from the outer corner to get a perfect stroke without any creases.”
  • Hold the brush in the same way you would hold a pencil eyeliner.
  • Clean the brush on a cotton ball before putting it back, to avoid bacteria breeding on the brush.
  • Make sure you apply the eyeliner with steady hands.
  • Always work any eyeliner or eye makeup product with gentle hands.

Additionally, look for tips on how to prevent eyeliner from smudging, ensuring your gel eyeliner stays intact all day.

Infographic: 5 Easy Steps To Perfect Your Gel Eyeliner Game

Gel eyeliners might seem intimidating when you just start using them. But they are just as easy to apply as any liquid eyeliner, the only catch is to do it neatly. You just need the proper brush and gel eyeliner to achieve a gorgeous look. Check out the infographic below for a quick recap on how to apply a gel liner perfectly.

5 easy steps to perfect your gel eyeliner game (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

It is true that applying gel eyeliner can be a bit tricky initially. But with some trials and practice, you will surely achieve the right technique and get your desired results with this type of eyeliner. Gel eyeliners can help you attain the much-needed precision for a wing or flick. Just make sure to clean your eyes and apply primer to the lids before getting started. Our tips and tricks mentioned in this article on how to apply gel eyeliner will stand as a guide for you whenever you want. So stop holding yourself back and get started. It is time for you to flaunt your gorgeously defined eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gel eyeliner easy to apply?

Yes, gel eyeliners are easy to apply in comparison to pencil or liquid eyeliners. They are ideal for beginners to practice and use eyeliners.

Does gel eyeliner need to be wet?

No, gel eyeliners do not need to be wet as they have enough liquid to create a slick look for your eyes.

Does gel eyeliner smudge?

No, most gel eyeliners dry quickly after application and are long-lasting, waterproof, and smudge-proof.

How long does gel liner last?

A good gel liner can last between 24 hours to 36 hours after application.

How do I stop gel eyeliner from transferring to my eyelid?

You can apply a translucent setting powder over your eyelid and liner to prevent transferring the gel eyeliner to your eyelid.

Key Takeaways

    • The best way to make the application easier is by coating both sides of the brush with the gel.
    • A flat and angular liner provides for a smooth application of gel eyeliner.
    • You can start your lining in the middle of the lash and move towards the outside and inner corners to achieve a perfect shape with an eyeliner.
    • The brush should be cleaned with cotton after application.

Illustration: How To Apply Gel Eyeliner? - Stepwise Tutorial and Tips

how to apply gel eyeliner

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to apply gel eyeliner like a pro! Get tips on the brushes to use, techniques to apply, and more from this video to create the perfect look. Check it out!

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Vaibhavi Gupte
Vaibhavi GupteMakeup Artist
Vaibhavi Gupte is a certified professional makeup artist and hairstylist with 8 years of experience who specializes in makeovers. She uses top of the line makeup products and transforms the look of her clients on their special occasions so that they can flaunt their confident self.

Read full bio of Vaibhavi Gupte
Jyotsana Rao
Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

Read full bio of Jyotsana Rao
Madhumati Chowdhury
Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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Vaishali Sinha
Vaishali SinhaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Vaishali Sinha is a beauty and lifestyle writer with five years of experience in writing for various genres. She has a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University. She combines her passion for beauty and lifestyle topics with her artistic background as an Indian classical vocalist to bring a fresh and creative perspective to her writing.

Read full bio of Vaishali Sinha