How many of us have spent what seems like an eternity crouched in front of the mirror with an aching arm, drawing on eyeliner, only to have it look a total disaster? This is typically followed by a vigorous eye scrubbing exercise, which leaves us panda-eyed and 30 minutes late for wherever we need to be.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go through that agonising experience any longer, thanks to a TikTok exploit that’s presently making the rounds.
The method employs tape, which you may have seen previously by beauty gurus who stencil in precise lines beforehand. However, this is a trick with a twist: it’s a method for precisely removing eyeliner rather than applying it.
Hayley Buix, a TikToker, is credited with beginning the movement, with her video explanation receiving over 500,000 likes.
After a failed wing, Hayley applies a tiny piece of adhesive tape to the still-wet liner. The eyeliner is gone once it’s removed, but the remainder of her makeup is still there. Best of all, there are no smears or smudges, so you won’t have to start over after every error (at least in principle). Is this, however, the easiest method to remove eyeliner?
Rachel Divers, a makeup artist at Face The Future, says it’s “certainly a hack that works.” ‘In reality, for years, makeup artists and fans alike have used tape-like items to remove tenacious makeup like stubborn glitter,’ she says. She does not, however, suggest this approach for daily use.
‘Although it’s quick and easy, sellotape pulls at the sensitive skin around your eyes, which leads to looser skin and can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles,’ Rachel says.
‘There’s also the additional issue that your skin may be sensitive to the tape which will lead to sensitivity, redness, and irritation.’
If you can’t get that desired cat-eye, she suggests using one of the numerous tools and stencils available. After all, you don’t need a stable hand and a stencil to teach you what to do.
Rachel also suggests beginning with a light brown powder eyeshadow on an angled brush, which can then be topped up with liquid liner once you’ve achieved the desired outline.
‘That way, any mistakes are super easy to gently dust away with a makeup brush,’ she says.
As for removal, the makeup artist recommends something a little gentler than tape.
‘If you do make a mistake with your liquid liner, the best way to remove it is with a cotton bud soaked in a gentle eye makeup remover,’ adds Rachel.
‘If you don’t have eye makeup remover handy, you can use a small amount of eye cream on a cotton bud to remove the liner, too.’
Tape can be a lifesaver in a pinch, but it’s best to avoid using it in your normal makeup regimen.