Getting experimental with makeup right now isn’t easy, we get it. After well over a year of struggling to find any sort of event that warrants a full-face, makeup creativity levels lulled.
And while we were busy counting down the days until we could dig out our palettes and get playing with different looks once more, it’s fair to say we hadn’t really considered how our feelings towards makeup might have changed in a post-lockdown world.
If you just can’t seem to find the motivation or time to execute the same sort of full-face makeup look you favoured pre-pandemic, know that you’re not alone. You might still love makeup and experimenting with it in different ways, but for many at the moment, stepping outside in a full-blown glam look just doesn’t feel quite right. Reigniting your love affair with makeup is, like most things, sure to be a process, and we say you’ve got to learn to walk before you can run again.
And we’ve got just the ticket. For those wanting to dip their toe back into the pool of fierce, high-octane makeup once more, might we turn your attention to negative space liner. Cropping up on all of our favourite makeup-insider Instagram feeds, the simple eye look is the perfect way to amp up your makeup look without too much effort.
In essence, it’s basically applying a graphic liner look without any (or over very natural) shadow. “It takes liner to another level. It’s an amazing way to update a look and make it ‘cool’,” says makeup artist Mira Parmar. “It’s a great alternative to classic liner and everyone can try it. ”
All you have to do is apply a normal winged liner and create another line just above the crease. And there’s plenty of ways to get creative. You can either leave the crease liner floating or play around with different shapes by joining the wing and crease liner together – anything that creates that ‘negative space’ finish. “You can use different colours for a fun pop too,” suggests Parmar.
And as for how to execute it? If you’re already a whizz at creating a wing, you’ll have no trouble with elevating the look with some negative space. The finished result is all down to your tool of choice.
“It’s best to use a gel, cream or liquid liner. Don’t use a kohl liner as they tend to smudge and won’t give a perfectly clean line. Liquid pens are by far the easiest choice and are great for those who aren’t makeup aficionados,” advises Parmar.
So, next time you’re getting ready to apply your weekend face and feel at a bit of a loss, just pull out your liners and get playing – literally anything goes. Finish off with a dab of highlight, a swipe of mascara and a neutral-coloured balmy lip and you’re good to go. And who knows, maybe next time you’ll feel ready to pull out the palettes.
