Omar Khalid
Plastic eyeliner pencils can be a pain to sharpen, but there are a few methods to try. Firstly, it is important to note that a regular pencil sharpener is not suitable for eyeliner pencils as they are designed for writing utensils and will break the soft tip of the eyeliner. Instead, you can use a cosmetic sharpener, which is built specifically to sharpen makeup pencils and keep the tip intact. If you do not have a cosmetic sharpener, you can use a small knife or a pair of scissors. Hold the knife in your dominant hand and the eyeliner pencil in your non-dominant hand, pointing the pencil downward, and run the knife against the pencil in a downward motion. Be careful if you opt for the scissors method and do not wrap your hand around the blades. Instead, grip the scissors between your fingers and run the blade down the eyeliner pencil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of eyeliner pencil | Wood and plastic |
| Tools | Sharpening tools, small precision knife, scissors |
| Technique | Use a cosmetic sharpener, not a regular pencil sharpener |
| Maintenance | Regularly clean the sharpener to remove makeup buildup |
| Other methods | Twist and sharpen on a paper towel, freeze the eyeliner |
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What You'll Learn
Use a cosmetic sharpener
To sharpen plastic eyeliner pencils, you can use a cosmetic sharpener, also known as an eyeliner pencil sharpener. These are dual-blade sharpeners built for sharpening eyeliner and other makeup sticks to a perfect point.
When purchasing a cosmetic sharpener, look for one with a stainless steel blade, which will not dull or rust. A dual pencil sharpener, with two different-sized holes, will accommodate different sizes of eyeliner pencils. Gently turn the sharpener around the eyeliner pencil to sharpen it, rather than turning the pencil in the sharpener, to prevent the tip from breaking.
Cosmetic sharpeners can be used to sharpen other makeup pencils, such as eyebrow, lip liner, and lipstick crayons. Remember to regularly clean your sharpener to remove any makeup buildup. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the compartments and the blade.
Some popular cosmetic sharpener brands include Urban Decay, NYX, NARS, Muji, and Ulta.
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Try a small precision knife
If you don't have an eyeliner sharpener, you can use a small precision knife, such as a pocket knife, pen knife, or X-acto knife. First, place your eyeliner pencil in the freezer for 5–10 minutes to harden the material and prevent crumbling. Then, hold the eyeliner pencil in your non-dominant hand and the knife in your dominant hand. Point the eyeliner pencil downward, and if needed, place it against a flat surface. Position the knife perpendicular to the pencil, with the blade about 1 inch from the tip. Push the knife towards the end of the pencil, shaving off thin strips. Rotate the pencil and repeat this process until you have sharpened the entire circumference.
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Scissors are another option
To start, place the scissors in your dominant hand, ensuring that you grip them between your fingers without wrapping your hand around the blades. This will give you more control and precision during the sharpening process. With the scissors held firmly, run the blade down the eyeliner pencil in a gentle and controlled manner. The goal is to gradually shape the pencil by shaving away the excess plastic and creating a refined point. It is important to be cautious and careful throughout this process to avoid any accidental cuts or injuries.
When using scissors, it is essential to prioritize safety. Always handle the scissors with care, being mindful of the sharp blades. Work slowly and deliberately, taking your time to achieve the desired sharpness without rushing. It is also advisable to clean the scissors before and after use, especially if they have been stored in a drawer or have come into contact with other materials. This will help ensure that any bacteria or debris is removed, reducing the risk of eye infections or irritation.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while scissors can be effective for sharpening plastic eyeliner pencils, they may not produce the same level of precision as a dedicated eyeliner sharpener. The sharpness and smoothness of the eyeliner tip may vary depending on the type of scissors used and the steadiness of your hand. If you desire a more precise and consistent result, investing in a high-quality cosmetic sharpener designed specifically for sharpening eyeliner pencils may be worthwhile.
For best results when using scissors, it is recommended to follow a few key tips. Firstly, ensure that your eyeliner pencil is in good condition and not too soft or crumbly. If your eyeliner tends to be on the softer side, consider placing it in the freezer for a few minutes before sharpening. This will temporarily harden the product, making it easier to shape with the scissors. Secondly, work in small increments when sharpening. Take off a little bit of product at a time, checking the sharpness and shape of the tip frequently. This will help you achieve the desired point without accidentally over-sharpening. Finally, always test the eyeliner on your hand or a piece of paper before applying it to your eyes. This will allow you to assess the sharpness and smoothness of the tip, ensuring that it is safe and comfortable for use around the delicate eye area.
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Avoid regular pencil sharpeners
While you can sharpen plastic eyeliner pencils using a regular pencil sharpener, it is not recommended. Regular pencil sharpeners are designed for wood pencils, and using them on plastic eyeliner pencils can lead to several issues. Firstly, the softer lead of plastic eyeliner pencils can crumble and break when sharpened with a regular pencil sharpener, resulting in product wastage. The sharpener may also not create a smooth, precise point, leaving the pencil jagged and uneven. This can affect the application of the eyeliner, making it difficult to achieve precise lines.
Additionally, regular pencil sharpeners may not be as sterile as cosmetic sharpeners, which can be important considering that eyeliner pencils are used around the sensitive eye area. The bacteria that can accumulate in a regular pencil sharpener can be transferred to the eyeliner pencil and potentially cause irritation or infection. Therefore, it is recommended to use a dedicated eyeliner sharpener or cosmetic sharpener, which is specifically designed for sharpening makeup pencils and will create a sharp, precise point without wasting product.
If you do not have access to a cosmetic sharpener, there are alternative tools you can use to sharpen your plastic eyeliner pencils. One option is to use a small precision knife, such as an X-acto knife, pen knife, or pocket knife. Hold the knife in your dominant hand and the eyeliner pencil in your non-dominant hand. Point the pencil downward and hold the knife perpendicular to the pencil, with the tip positioned an inch or so from the point of the pencil. With your non-dominant hand's thumb, push the knife towards the tip of the pencil, shaving off thin strips. Repeat this process around the pencil's circumference until you achieve the desired sharpness.
Another alternative is to use a pair of scissors. Open the scissors wide and hold them in your dominant hand, being careful not to wrap your hand around the blades. Instead, grip the scissors between your fingers and run the blade down the eyeliner pencil. This method requires caution to avoid accidental cuts. When using any sharpening tool, it is important to prioritise safety and always work with clean, sterile tools to minimise the risk of infection.
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Clean your sharpener regularly
Keeping your makeup pencil sharpener clean is essential for safety and sanitation. Rebecca Restrepo, the global makeup artist for Elizabeth Arden, recommends emptying the shavings and lead from the sharpener's inner compartment after every use.
You can use cotton swabs, cotton balls, Q-tips, or toilet paper to remove the big gunk from the sharpener. Then, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol) and work your way around the inside of the compartment and the blade. The alcohol acts as a disinfectant. You can also use an old toothbrush with some soap or dish soap to clean the sharpener and then wipe it down with rubbing alcohol.
If you contract an eye infection or break out near your lips, it is recommended to toss the sharpener along with any contaminated makeup.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a cosmetic sharpener, also known as an eye makeup pencil sharpener or a makeup pencil sharpener. This dual-blade sharpener is built specifically for sharpening eyeliner and other makeup sticks to a perfect point.
If you do not have an eyeliner sharpener, you can use a small knife or a pair of scissors. If using a knife, hold the knife in your dominant hand and the eyeliner pencil in your non-dominant hand. Point the eyeliner pencil downward and run the knife against the pencil in a downward motion, turning the pencil so the knife cuts all around. If using scissors, open them wide and place them in your dominant hand, gripping them between your fingers rather than wrapping your hand around the blades. Then, run the blade of the scissors down the eyeliner pencil.
Avoid using a regular pencil sharpener, as this will break the soft, coloured tip of the eyeliner.
