Journal · Beauty tips
Eye makeup tips from a makeup artist: liner, tired eyes and a hint of colour
Eyes are the feature most of my clients love to focus on. Whether it’s a smokey eye, winged liner or playing with colour, there’s a look for everyone. Here are my three favourite eye makeup tips, plus how I adapt them for a wedding day.
By Corrie Elle, founder and lead makeup artist · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read
Photo: Christophe Viseux
The short version
- For a straight eyeliner, tilt your head back and keep your eyes slightly open, instead of closing or pulling the eye.
- For tired eyes, skip heavy makeup and line the inner rim with a white or beige pencil, without sparkle.
- For a subtle hint of colour, coat lashes in black or brown mascara, then add coloured mascara under the top lashes.
- On your wedding day, choose long-wear, waterproof formulas, so your eyes still look defined after happy tears.
Eye makeup tip 1: an easier, straighter eyeliner
We can all agree that the perfect eyeliner can be tricky. Today, gel and liquid liners dominate, thanks to the precision and longevity they offer.
When applying eyeliner, many people close the eye they’re lining. However, scrunching the eye shut can distort its shape. Others stretch the eye out to the side with one hand, but over time, that repetitive pulling takes its toll on the delicate skin around the eyes.
Instead, tilt your head back and keep your eyes slightly open, then look down into the mirror. As a result, you’ll follow the natural shape of your eye and get an even, straight line.
Tip 2: brighten tired eyes
Has a late night or an early morning left you with tired eyes? If you’ve missed out on sleep, heavy makeup can be the wrong move, because it actually accentuates what you’re trying to hide.
For a quick, easy fix, reach for an eye pencil in white or beige, without sparkle. Generally, white suits fair skin, while beige suits deeper skin tones. Then carefully line the inner rim of the eye. This simple trick brightens the whites of the eyes and counteracts redness.
Corrie’s tip
Choose a soft, creamy pencil for the inner rim, and keep it sharpened and clean, since this area is delicate.
Tip 3: a hint of coloured mascara
Are you tempted by coloured mascara but wary of how intense it can look? Try a more subtle approach instead.
First, coat your lashes with black or brown mascara. Then take your favourite coloured mascara and apply it only to the underside of the top lashes. That way, you’ll get just a touch of colour that peeks through when you blink or look down.
Eye makeup tips for your wedding day
Bridal eyes need to look beautiful up close, in photos and after a few happy tears. These are the principles I follow. Love a bolder look? See how I create smokey eye wedding makeup and full glam bridal makeup.
01
Prime the lids
First, a thin layer of eyeshadow primer keeps colour in place and stops creasing through a long day.
02
Define, don’t overdo
Next, I use soft, blended definition rather than heavy colour, so your eyes look lifted from every angle.
03
Go waterproof
Then I choose waterproof mascara and long-wear liner, especially for emotional moments.
04
Brighten the waterline
After that, a nude pencil on the inner rim opens up the eyes, just like in tip 2.
05
Finish with lashes
Finally, individual or strip lashes add depth, and they’re tested at your bridal trial first.
Eye makeup tips: your questions
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How do I apply eyeliner without closing my eye?
Tilt your head back slightly, keep your eyes open and look down into the mirror. Then draw the line in short strokes, following the natural shape of your eye.
Should I use white or beige eyeliner on my waterline?
Generally, white suits fair skin, while beige or nude suits medium and deeper skin tones. Either way, choose a formula without sparkle for the most natural, brightening effect.
How do I wear coloured mascara subtly?
Coat your lashes in black or brown mascara first, then apply the coloured mascara only to the underside of your top lashes, so the colour peeks through.
What eye makeup lasts best on a wedding day?
Usually, a primer, long-wear shadows, waterproof mascara and a smudge-proof liner. We’ll test everything at your trial, so you know it lasts.
Want eyes that last all day? Let’s create your look.
Share your date and venue, plus the eye look you love. We’ll perfect it at your trial and check availability in Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa.