There I was, doop-da-doo, sitting in front of my mirror with a purple eyeliner in my paws…
You know the type — a really fun, cute shade, but one that takes a bit of babying, because you have to apply a few layers to build up the color.
Most of the time, I don’t mind having to put in the extra labor, but you know me — always looking for beauty shortcuts. 🙂
“Hmm,” I thought. “There’s gotta be a quicker way…”
I quickly rifled through my makeup bag until I found my favorite black liner du jour, Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion.
And just then, I got an idea…
I peered down at Tabs, who was chillin’ in a sunny spot next to my desk. “Tabs, what if I layer this purple liner [which I held in one hand] on top of UD Perversion [which I held in the other]?”
He shrugged.
“I bet that’ll really make the purple pop. If layering a black base beneath a colorful eyeshadow amplifies that color, it should work the same way for liners, right?”
Lazily, Tabs blinked twice and looked away, which usually means, “If you’re not going to feed me, woman, just leave me to my thoughts.”
I sighed… Never attempt to have a serious conversation about makeup with a cat. They will always steer the discussion to either lurvies or food.
Despite Tabs’ noncommittal response, I immediately lined my water lines with Perversion, then layered my bright purple liner on top.
It totally worked! The purple popped. It looked richer, and I didn’t have to spend hella years building it up in layers to reach the level of intensity I wanted.
Since then, I’ve tried this technique with other liner colors, layering lots of different shades on top of black, and it works like a charm. It really works wonders on jewel-toned shades of blue, green, gold and burgundy.
Oh, and you can even do something similar with white eyeliner. Layer any colorful liner on top of a white one, and the colorful shade should look brighter and more vibrant.
The effect isn’t limited to water lines, either. It also works pretty great along lash lines, too. 🙂
Congratulations! It’s Wednesday.
Happy hump day! I’m trying to smile, but it looks a little pained because I have a dentist appointment at noon, and I’m nervous.
Just a cleaning, nothing too serious (knock on wood), but I’m none too thrilled about it anyway.
It’s those hooks, man… The hooks! They haunt my dreams…
How’s it going out your way?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hi Karen… My first ever comment on ur blog!! 🙂 🙂 I love every single post u do!
Thanks for this great tip …
and why hooks?? Even I used to dread them bt things are much better since I changed my dentist who uses automated pressure kinda cleaning tool! Not that scary 🙂
Hi Amy!
It’s very nice to meet you!
Well, there’s something about the shape of the hooks that freak me out. Plus the sound of the hooks scraping against teeth is not my fave. And my gums are sensitive. And I had several traumatic dental visits when I was a kid…
Yeah, I’m kind of a hot mess when it comes to dentistry!
How’s your day going so far?
My day actually just got over.. I am at the other end of the world! India, to be specific 🙂 My husband’s in SFO though for some official work, so we r struggling time zones. On that note can u suggest a few really good makeup and/or skincare buys I can ask him to pick up from the airport (besides MAC… Got a few from them already)… We have a real ‘scarcity’ of almost all good makeup brands here. My complexion is light and my skin is super oily ( just in case something crosses your mind) … Thanks and wanna mention again I m super kicked to be ‘talking’ to you 🙂 🙂
Hi Amy,
Aww, I’m glad to be talking to you too! Sorry this is a little late, I had to run out after I put this post up to go to the dentist. Now I’m back home with sparkling clean teeth!
How sweet your hubby is to do some shopping for you. Are there any particular brands/skin care lines you like? If you can narrow that down, I can list a few things for you.
And this is why I come here. 🙂 Very cool tip! I’m totally going to try it next time I want to use a cool color on the water line.
Awesome, Trisha! Let me know how it goes. Do you have a black liner that you love? If you don’t, UD’s Perversion is really great.
Butter LONDON’s new Wink Eye Pencil in Union Jack Black is pretty awesome. I think I’ll use that. 😀
Haven’t tried that one yet! I will put it on my makeup lust list, because one can never have too many black liners. #truth
karen–great idea! i’ve done the over white eyeliner thing but never thought to do it with dark eyeliner! now, what lipstick are you wearing? i loooove it!
Hi Cady,
That’s MAC Fixed on Drama Retro Matte! It’s absolutely fab, but you might also want to keep a lip balm nearby because it can be a bit drying.
Happy Wednesday! I hope you have a great time at the dentist! I know, I know, but we can try to think positively, right? Concentrate on how awesomely smooth your teeth will feel when you’re done. And they’ll be all polished and extra sparkly… like Lyle Waggoner! 😉
Your pic made me smile and immediately feel better. I’m so glad I had a few minutes to stop in! And that’s a great tip about the liner. Even though I’m mostly a brown gal, I’m sure I’ll use it sometime!
Happy Wednesday to you too, Kim! Are you doing okay?
Oh, yes, thanks for asking, though. Just very busy so I can’t stop in as often as I’d like. The change of seasons is kind of kicking my butt, too (sinus/headaches). But nothing big – all is well. 🙂
Now I need you to teach me how to do eye makeup period. UGH! I just stink at it! I’m a 2 color max person…and liner… forget it!
Aww, you can do it! Start simple, like you are right now, and work in more colors and blending slowly over time. Just keep practicing. You’ll get there!
Ooooh I’m going to have to try that on crazy eyeliner day. My baby blog is literally crazy eye makeup errdei so this shouldn’t be too much of a jump.
I’m having a hell of a time trying to have bright eyeliners stick to my waterline. I’m worried my white liner (Tarina Tarantino Crystal Gun) doesn’t lighten my UD Chaos liner too much.
How are you liking that Tarina Tarantino Liner? I’m still looking for THE ONE white eyeliner to rule them all!
Love this idea! I always wear 2-3 layers of eyeliner on my waterline because it stays better than 1, but now I need to try black/brown first and then add color.
Hi Alison,
Ya know, I have yet to try brown! Must do that ASAP!
I love every post that has a tabs photo, your tip isn’t bad either.
Meow from Tabs, Hanna!
That’s absolutely genius, Karen! Thanks for sharing! Love that picture of Tabs :). xox
Tabs sends his love, Aida!
i swear, i just discovered this tequnique a couple weeks ago!! i was playing with my UD liners (trying to decide if I really need to buy Ocho Loco 2, as i lack the skill to pull off the brights). I wanted to give Junkie another shot, but didnt feel like starting from scratch, so i just put it on over the perversion i was already wearing. it was gorgeous. i feel like i have brand new liners. I was never able to pull off LSD or stash either,and now i wear them on the reg. i layer over perversion or demolition, and they are subtle enough for work, but way more exciting than regular brown or black.
Hi Kim,
I’ve tried the Junkie+Perversion combo too and you’re right, it is amazing! Now I want to wear it to go buy banans. 🙂
What a great idea!!! Okay, I HAVE to know what lipstick you’re wearing here…it looks fan-freaking-tastic on you!!
Hey Brooke,
It’s MAC Fixed on Drama Retro Matte. 🙂 You might want to layer a lip balm underneath it, because it can get pretty drying.
That’s brilliant Karen! I should put Perversion on my wish list immediately. BTW, I want to know what that lipstick is too 🙂
Hi Ki,
It’s MAC Fixed on Drama, from the new Retro Matte collection! 🙂
That’s a great tip, I will have to try it out! And your pictures are super adorable, so is the picture of Tabs.
Hi Agata,
Thank you! I hope it works for you. Oh, and if you need a rec for black liner let me know.
I only ever use light shades on my waterline – Chanel Waterproof Le Stylo in Beryl is my favorite right now! Great tip though!
Hi Chelsea,
I have that shade too and like it a lot. Do you need to build it up? I need a few layers to really see it.
Yeah, it definitely needs to be built up! It’s probably a little easier to see on me given the paleness, but pigmentation is a bit lacking – it’s such a unique shade though!
True, true. I wear that shade and Santal a lot. Santal is wonderful, by the way, if you don’t already have it.
Maybe for the Christmas list!
I’ve already started mine, haha!
Any neighborhood kitty sightings today? I’ve had none on this end. The cross-eyed kitty has been gone for ages, and Charlize has also been MIA.
No kitties today, but probably because I got home late from class!
This idea works for lips, too. When you find a gloss that wears comfortably for a decent length of time, buy it in a neutral shade. Then you can layer a pretty (but not as long-lasting) color over top of the neutral base. Piggybacking…
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for the tip! I will try this tomorrow. 🙂
LOVE the lip colour Karen, it really suits you! & Tabs, what a content and relaxed pose!
Hi Sasha,
Thank you!
That’s Tabs favorite way to sleep. He’s all about the tummy flash. 🙂
Great tip Karen! I’m going to try this out with my favorite teal and purple liner!
Let me know how it turns out, Ankita!
Hi Gals,
For all you who asked about the lipstick, I’m wearing MAC Fixed on Drama Retro Matte. 🙂
That is such a cool tip! And great timing since I just came home from Ulta with Perversion.
Hi Tara,
NICE! Did you pick anything else up at Ulta? I’m thinking of swinging by Sephora tonight to window shop!
Haha I love this tip, it’s so practical and helpful but most of all, I love your photos accompanying this post. Brilliant, Karen. Absolutely brilliant 😀
Oh, his little back feet are killing me!
Hahahah! Karen, you are a sweetheart. Your posts are so quirky. Only you can make something so simple sound so interesting. xx
Oh and I have also tried lining the water line with black and the lash line with a color liner. It too works as a gradient pop.