Everything you need to know about tightlining

Perfecting your eyeliner can be tricky for even the most steady of hands.
But if you’ve been trying to pull off a smoothly-lined lid, or super-defined flick for quite some time and have had absolutely no luck - perhaps a new technique would be of interest?
You may have heard of the term ‘tightlining’ before, but if you’re not entirely sure what it’s about or how to do it, read on as makeup artists Eloise Proust and Tobi Henney (female) explain…
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What is tightlining?
“Tightlining is often called invisible eyeliner. It is achieved when eyeliner is applied not above or below the lash line - but [within the] inside of the upper lash line. It creates the effect of no eyeliner while still enhancing and brightening your eyes.” - Eloise
“Tightlining is the make-up technique where you use eyeliner to line the inside area called the waterline, or the wet skin area directly before the lash line. I prefer tightlining the upper lash line only.” - Tobi
What effect does tightlining give to the eye?
“I believe the main effect tightliner gives is a natural definition to the eyes and also to create the effect of thicker, darker lashes. Tightlining is also great to do when you are creating a super smoky night-time look.” - Eloise
“The technique creates definition around the lash line, allowing the lashes to look thicker and more enhanced. Being so subtle, there is [almost] no make-up visible. It can make your eyes appear more bright-eyed and awake.” - Tobi
What sort of eye shape benefits most from the results?
“Most eye shapes can get away with tightliner, however it is perfect for anyone with hooded eyes who suffer from their top eyeliner transferring onto their top lids. [By using this technique], they don’t need to worry about it happening anymore.” - Eloise
“It is great for smaller eyes and those with hooded eyes.” - Tobi
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How does one ‘tightline’?
“Use your free hand to lift up your top eyelid so you can see the base of your lash line. It’s a good idea to have a small magnified mirror that you can look down onto. Gently draw small strokes across your lash line. It can be a sensitive area, so apply slowly and gently. You will get better and more confident each time you do this technique.” - Eloise
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“The best technique is to use your thumb to lift the eyelid area upward to expose the upper waterline. Using your liner of choice, carefully apply the liner from the outside of the waterline to the inside using small strokes. Check in a mirror by looking straight ahead to ensure there are no gaps.” - Tobi
What kind of eyeliner should you use when tightlining?
“I would definitely suggest a waterproof creamy pencil for a long-lasting look. My top picks would be Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Eye Pencil or for a gel eyeliner option, Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner ($35, David Jones).” - Eloise
“My favourite products for tightlining are Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner applied with the Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush. Alternatively if you prefer pencils, Charlotte Tilbury's Rock N Kohl ($43, www.charlottetilbury.com/au) in Bedroom Black will glide on effortlessly.” - Tobi
bh recommends: Bourjois Clubbing Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil and The Body Shop Carbon Eye Definer.
Are there any alternatives for those who want a similar effect (without having to draw on the waterline)?
“If drawing on your waterline isn’t for you, try enhancing your eyes by using an eyelash curler and then apply a volumising mascara (I suggest Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara). You can also create a similar look by applying a very thin gel eyeliner to your top eyelid. Just make sure you have a very fine, good quality eyeliner brush to do this look.” - Eloise
“Applying a few more lashings of mascara and a very thin liner on top is probably the closest look to tightlining. This will look more made up compared to the real deal.” - Tobi
Have you heard of tightlining before? Would you try it?
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Nothing stays on my waterlines, so I use a flat ended brush with a dark coloured eyeshadow, and push the colour into the base of my lashes from the underside of the lash line. It's easy, there's less chance of stabbing yourself in the eye, and it works beautifully. Stays all day and doesn't transfer anywhere!
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I love to tight-line the upper eyelid for that subtle defined eye but no matter what i use, it always finds its way to under my eye !!
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i learnt how to tighline in a makeup class....best THING ever to know how to do
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Interesting! But this sounds difficult to pull off
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I wish I could do this but I am just getting too old to even attempt this. It does look amazing and really highlights the eyes.
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This looks really good, I'm going to give it a try : )
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I've done this to my lower lashes, but the upper lashes are too difficult for me.
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Great article. I sometimes tightline my top waterline.
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After reading the article I think my sensitive eyes wouldn't handle 'Tightlining' but Thank You for the information very interesting.
I always wear a thin line eyeliner on the top of my eyelids.
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I love this look and technique.
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Now I wonder the wisdom of doing this if you have sensitive eyes?
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I feel like I missed a memo on tightlining. I can't find a liner that sits and stays put when used for tightlining specifically.
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I want to try this!
I think you to have use of two hands to achieve it though?
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Great article. Easy to do on yourself, but i feel sorry for make up artists doing this with people flinching!
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i always tightline my top lash line, makes a big difference
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I used to do this years ago. Didn't know it was a "thing". It just looked good.
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I think tightlining could give me lots of infections, so I've hardly ever done it, but it does look great on eyes though!
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Love this !! I open soften my eyeliner down so it looks like this!
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I tightline my upper lashline most days with brown black waterproof eyeliner to match my mascara.
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I like this look, whether I can achieve it or is another story!!
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I've tried tightlining but it always ends up smudging onto my lower lashline - maybe I'll give more waterproof formulas a go
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I love tight lining! That is the one thing I do :)
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tutorials for a good tightline with gel eyeliner please?
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