Like knowing how to whistle with two fingers or drive stick shift, applying eyeliner is a skill that takes some practice, but will serve you well in life. For tips on perfecting the technique, we turned to Rachel Goodwin, the Chanel makeup artist who's rimmed the eyes of stunners like Emma Stone and January Jones. Get your pencils and pens ready!
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Step 1: Do your prep work
Courtesy Chanel
"I like to apply a matte flesh-tone eye shadow on the base of the lid. It takes away any discoloration and creates a great canvas for whatever eyeliner color you're using. It's also a trick to prevent pencil liner from melting in the heat or fading."
Chanel Eyeshadow Duo in Taupe-Delicat, $42, chanel.com.
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Step 2: Focus on your brushstrokes
Courtesy Chanel
"When applying eyeliner always begin out the outer corner of the eye, moving in toward the nose. With pencil liners, gradually deposit less and less pigment as you get closer to the inner corner. With liquid liners, press the tip into the lash line and apply in small gradual increments rather than one long stroke. This helps keep your hand steady and gives you more control on where you place the color."
Chanel Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Definer in Noir, $29, chanel.com.
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Step 3: Always smudge
Courtesy Chanel
"I use my fingers to soften any hard lines and to give liner a more lived-in feeling. You can blur the edges with a small pointed soft-bristle brush by pressing it gently into the lashes and moving it in small circles, making sure you keep the color close to the lash line."
Chanel Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush #13, $28, chanel.com.
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Step 4: Make it last
Courtesy Chanel
"The best way to seal your liner is to apply an eye-shadow powder on top. This adds hours to your makeup and gives it a bit more pop. I use this technique all the time—especially for the red carpet. It's also a particularly good way to experiment with color. For instance, top your typical black or brown liner with a shimmering green or navy eye-shadow to finish the look, without going too over the top."
Chanel Eyeshadow Duo in Bleu-Tendre, $42, chanel.com.
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Step 5: Fix any goofs
"The truth is, you are going make little mistakes when applying eyeliner. My go-to trick is to have a Q-tip with foundation on it nearby. It's like a little eraser that keeps the rest of your makeup staying perfect!"