Ethan Clarke
Plastic eyeliner pencils can be a challenge to sharpen, and many sharpeners are not suitable for the task. Standard pencil sharpeners are not designed for makeup pencils and can break the soft tip of the eyeliner. However, there are specific cosmetic sharpeners, or makeup pencil sharpeners, that can be used to sharpen plastic eyeliners. These sharpeners are designed to keep the tip of the eyeliner intact. Some eyeliner sharpeners also have a removable box for collecting shavings. If you do not have a cosmetic sharpener, you can use a small knife or scissors to carefully sharpen the eyeliner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of eyeliner | Wood or plastic |
| Sharpening tools | Cosmetic sharpener, small precision knife, scissors |
| Challenges | Plastic eyeliner can be challenging to sharpen, with some users reporting issues with their regular sharpeners |
| Recommendations | L'Oreal sharpener, Revlon dual sharpener, Urban Decay sharpener |
| Tips | Place the eyeliner in the freezer for a few minutes before sharpening for harder consistency |
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What You'll Learn
Use a cosmetic sharpener
To sharpen a plastic eyeliner, you will need a cosmetic sharpener, also known as an eyeliner sharpener. These are dual-blade sharpeners built specifically for sharpening eyeliner and other makeup sticks to a perfect point.
An eyeliner sharpener looks similar to a pencil sharpener but is not as sharp. This means it will not break the soft, coloured tip of your eyeliner. To sharpen your plastic eyeliner, simply insert the eyeliner into the sharpener and turn the eyeliner one or two times.
There are many cosmetic sharpeners available on the market. For example, the L'Oreal sharpener is inexpensive, efficient, and has a beautiful design. It also catches the shavings and has a built-in removable pick to keep the blade clear. The Urban Decay sharpener is also known to work on plastic pencils. The REVLON dual sharpener is another option that can easily sharpen plastic pencils.
It is important to regularly clean your eyeliner sharpener to remove any makeup buildup. To do this, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and run it inside the compartments and outside along the blade.
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Try a small precision knife
If you don't have an eyeliner sharpener, a small precision knife, such as a pocket knife or pen knife, can be used to sharpen your plastic eyeliner.
Firstly, hold the knife in your dominant hand and the eyeliner pencil in your non-dominant hand. Point the eyeliner pencil downward, against a flat surface if you need to, and run the knife against the pencil in a downward motion. Turn the pencil so that the knife cuts all around it. Be careful not to cut yourself.
It is worth noting that there are specific cosmetic sharpeners designed to sharpen makeup pencils without breaking the soft tip. For example, the L'Oreal sharpener is inexpensive and has a beautiful design, catching the shavings and keeping the blade clear. The Urban Decay sharpener is also said to work on plastic pencils.
If you are using a sharpener, it is important to regularly clean it to remove any makeup buildup. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, then run it inside the compartments and outside along the blade.
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Scissors can also work
Before sharpening your plastic eyeliner, it is recommended to put it in the freezer for five minutes. This will prevent the eyeliner from crumbling and create a harder texture, making it easier to sharpen. If you have a thicker eyeliner, you may need to leave it in the freezer for a longer period.
When purchasing an eyeliner sharpener, it is best to opt for a mid to high-end range sharpener specifically designed for cosmetic use. These sharpeners are usually made with stainless steel blades, which are less likely to dull or rust. It is also important to regularly clean your sharpener to remove any makeup buildup and bacteria. This can be done by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and cleaning the blades and inner compartments.
In addition to scissors, you can also use a small precision knife to sharpen your plastic eyeliner. Hold the knife in your dominant hand and the eyeliner pencil in your non-dominant hand. Point the pencil downward and run the knife against it in a downward motion. Turn the pencil so that the knife cuts all around it.
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Put the eyeliner in the freezer first
Putting your plastic eyeliner in the freezer before sharpening is a great way to prevent it from crumbling and breaking. It is a simple and effective method to get a sharp point for precise eye makeup lines.
First, place the eyeliner in the freezer for around 5-15 minutes. The time depends on the thickness of the eyeliner pencil. You want the eyeliner to harden, so it is easier to sharpen without breaking. If you are in a hurry, five minutes should be enough to harden the eyeliner, but for thicker eyeliners, you may need to leave it for longer.
Once the time is up, take the eyeliner out of the freezer. You should feel that it is harder than when you put it in. If it still feels soft, return it to the freezer for another five minutes.
Now, you can sharpen the eyeliner. Hold the eyeliner in your non-dominant hand and a sharpener or knife in the other. If you are using a sharpener, place the eyeliner inside and gently turn it a couple of times. If you are using a knife, hold the blade about one inch from the tip of the eyeliner and carefully run it down to the tip. Rotate the eyeliner and repeat until you have gone all the way around.
You should now have a sharpened eyeliner ready to use!
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Clean your sharpener
Cleaning your makeup pencil sharpener is important for safety and sanitation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you clean your sharpener:
First, empty the shavings and lead from the sharpener's inner compartment. You can use a toothpick, cotton swab, Q-tip, or cotton ball to remove any built-up gunk and residue. This will help to dislodge and remove the larger pieces of debris.
Next, use a small brush, such as an old toothbrush, to clean the sharpener's tiny crevices and hard-to-reach areas. Sterilize the toothbrush with isopropyl alcohol, or use a toothbrush that has been sterilized with the methods used by barbers or hairdressers for their combs and brushes.
After removing the larger debris and cleaning the crevices, it's time to disinfect the sharpener. Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and work your way around the inside of the compartment, including the blade. The alcohol acts as a disinfectant, killing any harmful bacteria.
Finally, wipe down the sharpener thoroughly with a cosmetic sanitizer wipe, such as a Beauty So Clean wipe, which is specifically designed to eradicate bacteria.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your sharpener is clean and safe to use, helping to maintain good eye health and hygiene. Remember to clean your sharpener regularly, especially if you use it daily or for multiple products.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a cosmetic sharpener, also known as an eyeliner sharpener or eye makeup pencil sharpener. These are built specifically for sharpening makeup pencils and will not break the soft tip of the eyeliner.
No, do not use a regular pencil sharpener for eyeliner pencils. A sharpener for writing utensils will break soft kohl or gel eyeliner pencils.
Some popular eyeliner sharpener brands include L'Oreal, Revlon, and Urban Decay.
Turn your eyeliner in the sharpener one or two times to resharpen the pencil. Clean your sharpener regularly to remove any makeup buildup.
Yes, you can use a small precision knife or scissors to sharpen your eyeliner pencil. Hold the knife or scissors in your dominant hand and the eyeliner pencil in your non-dominant hand. Point the pencil downward and run the knife or scissors against the pencil in a downward motion, turning the pencil as you go.
