Eyeliner Tips for Dancers

Eyeliner is an important element of stage makeup because the eyes can be so expressive on stage. Dancers need to use heavy eyeliner before a performance to make sure their eyes can be seen from the audience, as eyeliner can make even the smallest eyes appear larger. Here are a few tips for applying the perfect amount of eyeliner for the stage.

Applying Eyeliner: To line the upper lid, apply a thin, straight line starting from the inner corner. For a dramatic effect, allow the line to extend beyond the natural eyelid, with a slight upward curve.

To line the lower lid, start at the outer corner of the eye and draw a thin line under the lower lashes. Liner should start where the lashes begin and stop where they end on both eyelids.

Eyeliner Options:

• Pencil eyeliner: Pencil eyeliner is the easiest to apply, but may fade before the curtain falls. To give pencil eyeliners more staying power, apply a thin layer of dark eye shadow on top of the entire line.



• Liquid or gel eyeliner: If you want the most dramatic look on stage, try a liquid or gel eyeliner. While liquid eyeliner really makes your eyes pop, it may take a little practice to apply it correctly. If you make a mistake, which is easy to do, you may find yourself removing it completely and starting over.



• Shadow eyeliner: Powdered eyeshadow can certainly be used as eyeliner, although the effect won't be as dramatic. Experiment with different shades of grays or dark browns. Using the shadow applicator, draw the lines as you would with a pencil or liquid eyeliner. You may need to apply several coats to achieve the color you desire.

Eyeliner Tips:

1. Some dancers use a liquid eyeliner on the top lid and a pencil liner on the bottom. (For very young dancers, always use a pencil liner for both lids. Children's eyes tend to tear easily...streaks of pencil eyeliner are easier to remove than liquid.)
2. If you find it difficult to hold your hand steady, try applying your eyeliner while resting your elbow on a solid surface. Hold the eyeliner applicator as close to your lashline as possible.
3. Always begin drawing the lines from the inner to the outer corners, following the natural curve of your eyelid as closely as possible.
4. Start with a thin, clean line. If you decide you need a thicker line, simply trace the line until the desired thickness is achieved.
5. If you make a mistake, don't worry. Simply use your finger, a sponge-tip applicator or a cotton swab to smudge it until it blends.