Omar Khalid
Plastic eyeliner pencils can be a hassle to sharpen, but there are several ways to do so effectively. Firstly, it is important to note that a regular pencil sharpener should not be used as it may break the soft eyeliner tip. Instead, a cosmetic sharpener, specifically designed to sharpen makeup pencils, should be used. These include the ELF, Urban Decay, and REVLON dual sharpeners. Alternatively, a small precision knife or a pair of scissors can be used to carefully sharpen the pencil. For automatic or mechanical pencils, simply twisting the eyeliner and gently rubbing the tip on a paper towel will provide more definition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of eyeliner pencil | Wood and plastic eyeliner pencils can be sharpened with sharpening tools. |
| Eyeliner type | Mechanical or automatic eyeliners can be twisted up and gently rubbed on a paper towel to add definition. |
| Type of sharpener | A cosmetic sharpener, also known as an eyeliner or makeup pencil sharpener, is specifically designed for sharpening makeup pencils and keeping the tip intact. |
| Sharpener material | Stainless steel blades are recommended as they do not dull or rust. |
| Sharpener features | A dual-blade sharpener is ideal for sharpening eyeliner and other makeup sticks to a perfect point without breaking the soft tip. |
| Sharpener maintenance | Regular cleaning of the sharpener is important to remove makeup buildup. This can be done using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. |
| Alternative tools | Small precision knives or scissors can be used to sharpen the pencil, but with caution to avoid injury. |
| Preparation | Placing the eyeliner in the freezer for a few minutes before sharpening can help harden the liner and facilitate the sharpening process. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right sharpener
Choosing the right eyeliner sharpener is crucial to achieving the perfect, precise line for your eye makeup. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an eyeliner pencil sharpener:
Type of Eyeliner Pencil
Firstly, identify the type of eyeliner pencil you have. Wood and plastic eyeliner pencils can be sharpened with the right tools, while automatic or mechanical pencils only need to be twisted up and gently rubbed on a surface to achieve a sharper tip.
Sharpener Type
Do not use a regular pencil sharpener for eyeliner pencils, as these are designed for writing utensils and will break soft kohl or gel eyeliner tips. Instead, opt for a cosmetic or makeup pencil sharpener, which is specifically designed for sharpening makeup pencils without damaging the soft tip. These sharpeners are also known as eyeliner sharpeners and often have dual blades to create a sharp point.
Sharpener Material
Look for a cosmetic sharpener with a stainless steel blade. Stainless steel is durable and will not dull or rust over time, ensuring a long-lasting and effective sharpening tool.
Sharpener Design
Some eyeliner sharpeners feature two holes, which are designed to provide the sharpest effect for your eyeliner pencils. Additionally, consider a sharpener that is easy to clean and empty, as makeup buildup can lead to colour transfer and mess.
Additional Tips
Before sharpening, consider placing your eyeliner pencil in the freezer for a few minutes to harden the tip, reducing the chances of crumbling during sharpening. Always test the sharpness of the pencil on the back of your hand before applying it to your eyes, and remember to regularly clean your sharpener with rubbing alcohol to sanitise and remove any built-up makeup.
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Preparing the eyeliner
To prepare your eyeliner for sharpening, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the process goes smoothly. Firstly, it is important to consider the type of eyeliner pencil you have. If it is an automatic or mechanical eyeliner pencil, you can simply twist the eyeliner up and gently rub the tip on a paper towel to give it more definition. If you have a wooden or plastic eyeliner pencil, you will need to use a sharpening tool.
It is recommended to avoid using a regular pencil sharpener for makeup pencils as they are designed for writing utensils and can break the soft kohl or gel tips of eyeliner pencils. Instead, opt for a cosmetic pencil sharpener, also known as an eyeliner pencil sharpener, which is specifically designed to sharpen makeup pencils and keep the tip intact. These sharpeners have dual blades and are less sharp than regular pencil sharpeners, allowing you to sharpen your eyeliner without breaking the soft, coloured tip. Look for a sharpener with a stainless steel blade, which will not dull or rust over time.
Before sharpening your plastic eyeliner pencil, some people suggest placing it in the freezer for about 10 minutes to harden the tip. This can help prevent the eyeliner from crumbling or breaking during the sharpening process, especially if your eyeliner formula is on the softer side. It is also important to regularly clean your eyeliner sharpener to remove any makeup buildup. You can do this by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and running it inside the compartments and along the blade.
Once you have selected the appropriate sharpening tool and performed the necessary preparations, you can proceed to sharpen your plastic eyeliner pencil. Remember to be gentle and careful during the sharpening process to avoid breakage or unnecessary product waste. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your plastic eyeliner pencil well-maintained and ready for creating precise, pigmented lines for your eye makeup looks.
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Using a knife or scissors
If you don't have an eyeliner sharpener, you can use a small knife, such as a pocket knife, pen knife, or X-acto knife, to sharpen your plastic eyeliner pencil.
First, place your eyeliner pencil in the freezer for 5-15 minutes to prevent crumbling. Then, take it out and hold the eyeliner pencil in your non-dominant hand, pointing it downward. Hold the knife in your dominant hand, with the blade about an inch from the tip of the pencil. Run the knife down to the tip, and rotate the pencil so that you cut all around it. Repeat this process until you have sharpened the pencil to your desired point.
You can also use scissors to sharpen your eyeliner pencil. Hold the scissors in your dominant hand, but do not wrap your hand around the blades. Instead, grip the scissors between your fingers and run the blade down the eyeliner pencil. Be careful not to cut yourself.
Test the sharpness of your eyeliner by drawing a small line on the back of your hand. If it's too thick, continue sharpening. If it's too thin, draw on your hand or a piece of paper until the tip becomes more blunt. You should have a small but rounded tip.
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Cleaning the sharpener
To clean your eyeliner sharpener, start by emptying the shavings and lead from the inner compartment. You can use cotton balls, Q-tips, or toilet paper to remove any large pieces of gunk. Next, use a cotton swab or an old toothbrush to disinfect the sharpener. Dip the swab or toothbrush in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and work your way around the inside of the compartment, paying close attention to the blade.
If you use your sharpener daily or with wet products, it's recommended to clean it weekly. It's also a good idea to clean your sharpener after each use if you switch between sharpening eye and lip pencils, as bacteria from one area can be transferred to the other.
If you contract an eye infection or break out near your lips, it's recommended to toss the sharpener, along with any contaminated makeup, to prevent re-infection.
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Alternative sharpening methods
If you don't have a sharpener, you can use a small precision knife, such as a pen knife or an X-acto knife. Hold the knife in your dominant hand and the eyeliner pencil in your non-dominant hand. Point the 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 the knife cuts all around the pencil. The shavings should come off in thin strips. Repeat this process all the way around the circumference of the pencil.
You can also use a pair of scissors to sharpen an eyeliner pencil. Be careful not to cut yourself. Open the scissors wide and place them in your dominant hand, but do not wrap your hand around the blades. Instead, grip the scissors between your fingers and run the blade down the eyeliner pencil.
Another alternative method is to use a regular pencil sharpener. However, this may not give the desired effect and can break the soft, coloured tip of the eyeliner.
If your eyeliner pencil is too soft, you can put it in the freezer for five minutes to harden it before sharpening.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a cosmetic sharpener, also known as an eyeliner or makeup pencil sharpener, to sharpen plastic eyeliner pencils.
Avoid using a regular pencil sharpener as it may break the soft eyeliner tip. Instead, use a cosmetic sharpener with a stainless steel blade, which will not dull or rust.
You can use a small precision knife or a pair of scissors to sharpen the pencil. If using a knife, hold it 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, turning the pencil so the knife cuts all around. If using scissors, open them wide and run the blade down the eyeliner pencil without wrapping your hand around the blades.
Before sharpening, place the eyeliner in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to harden it, especially if the liner is on the softer side. Regularly clean your sharpener by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and running it inside the compartments and along the blade.
