How To Sharpen Eyeliner – Even Without A Sharpener

Are you tired of quickly dulled eyeliner pencils that turn your stunning eye makeup from fab to drab? We've thoroughly researched the dilemma of how to sharpen eyeliner, a question frequently asked by eyeliner enthusiasts. If you're unable to achieve that crisp cut look, and instead, you have a smudged look that distracts from your colorful eye shadow, we've found how to best sharpen an eyeliner without causing personal injury or breaking your favorite eyeliner tip.

The key to selecting the correct sharpener is based on the brand or size of the eyeliner pencil. Using a sharpener that is too large or small will cause breakage and make the sharpening process more difficult because of the blade-to-product distribution ratios. Also, the product buildup from previous uses will clog the sharpener if not cleaned after each use, so cleanliness is important. Use these steps to sharpen your eyeliner: 

1. Select the correctly sized sharpener.
2. Sanitize the sharpener.
3. Hold the pencil and gently spin the sharpener (not the pencil) two or three times, then check the tip for the desired shape.
4. Clean the product debris out of the sharpener and wipe with a cosmetic sanitation wipe. Practicing diligent sanitation standards will prevent the spread of germs and prevent eye infections. 

Let's explore the multitude of options for sharpening eyeliners with well-researched facts that keep hygienic practices and quality makeup applications in mind. We've compiled extensive information that conveys the importance of how to properly sharpen eyeliners with step-by-step instructions in the following paragraphs. Please continue reading for quality eyeliner sharpening education!

How do you sharpen eyeliner pencils?

The proper technique for sharpening eyeliner pencils is to use an eyeliner sharpener. Depending on the type of eyeliner pencil or solid, the size of the sharpener may vary.

Firstly, insert the eyeliner into the sharpener and turn the pencil three times clockwise. Check for the desired point; if the tip is too round, repeat the first step. Also, repeat if the tip is too pointy. Gently tap the tip on a clean tissue. This will evenly blunt the surface, great for semi-smudged looks.

Click here to see an eyeliner sharpener on Amazon. This Revlon tool is one of the most versatile sharpeners; it works well for both pencil and solid tips.

Protecting the health of your eyes is imperative for a healthy and productive life. Beauty blunders could eventuate into an unwanted infection, and this is avoidable with the correct sanitation practices. Investing a few moments to sanitize after each use will help keep the sharpener clean and extend the blade's life.

Instructions for properly cleaning the eyeliner sharpener

Empty the shavings, and wipe the sharpener with a  cosmetic sanitary wipe after each use. Replace the blade every few months, depending on your usage frequency. Remember to store your sharpener in a clean and dry environment where it is safe from dampness, dirt, and moisture.

All of the mentioned tips contribute to the blades' dullness and debris that will lessen the sharpening capabilities of your sharpener.

Can you sharpen eyeliner with a pencil sharpener?

Yes, you can. Moreover, should you? The most advisable method for sharpening eyeliners is using the correct size eyeliner sharpener designed for your brand or pencil size. Using a pencil sharpener that has been used for sharpening pencils does potentially add bacteria or small pieces of pencil shavings into your eyeliners. This could cause eye irritation, infection, or a sliver.

If you have a brand new pencil sharpener that has not been used for pencils, it could work for the task. Firstly, sanitize the pencil sharpener before use. It will work similarly to an eyeliner sharpener. Although, the size of a traditional pencil typically is larger than the vast majority of eyeliners. The wideness of the pencil sharpener will shave the eye pencil quicker and with less precision. Usually, it will shave too much of the tip, and that results in product waste.

How can I sharpen my eyeliner pencil without breaking it?

The best method to prevent breakage is to firmly hold the sharpener in your dominant hand and hold the pencil in the opposite hand. Very slowly, turn the sharpener clockwise. Check the tip of the eyeliner every two turns or so. Over or under sharpening is usually caused by harried turns of the pencil or sharpener.

Turn the Sharpener

Avoid turning the pencil, and only turn the sharpener. Because when you rotate the pencil, it moves more and the blade unevenly glides across the eyeliner, and this causes the tip to break. Also, keeping a consistent turning speed will allow the pencil to sharpen easily and prevent small nicks in the tip.

Keep the Sharpener Clean

Another way to prevent breakage is to clean the inside of the sharpener after each use. The product is very soft, and it builds up residue and that cakes onto the interior of the sharpener. When you insert the pencil, the left-over product gets sticky and prevents the blade from evenly sharpening.

The same sharpening technique applies to solids. The crayon-like consistency does create more tension when turning the sharpener. Again, turning the sharpener slowly and checking every three turns will generally work out well.  Using a pencil sharpener usually won't work for the thicker solids because a pencil sharpener opening is too small.

Apply Eyeliner

Now that your eyeliner pencil is ready, there are a few great pointers for applying eyeliner without smudging your waterline or ruining your eyeshadow. Also, you may feel inspired to change your look or try a new style for special occasions. StyleCheer has compiled several eyeliners looks with instructions on how to tackle each!

How do you sharpen an eyeliner pencil with scissors?

If you don't have a cosmetic sharpener and must sharpen your eyeliner, scissors will work. Be mindful that using scissors is considerably more dangerous than any of the tools mentioned above. Also, it is more difficult to sharpen the tip with the added clumsiness of a pair of scissors. It is highly encouraged to use a properly sanitized sharpener that is the correct size for your product. Using a pair of scissors is not advisable, but it will work if nothing else is available.

First, wash your hands and sanitize the scissors with a cosmetic sanitizing wipe or 99% alcohol. Then open the scissors about a half-inch and place the eyeliner pencil between the blades. Place a clean tissue or napkin beneath your eyeliner to prevent contamination. Don't put pressure on the pencil. Hold gently. Pushing down on the pencil will make sharpening more difficult, and you will waste product.

Very gently, close the tips of the scissors to just above the eyeliner's tip and slowly and lightly glide the scissors down to the end of the tip. Repeat this step twice or three times and then examine the tip to ensure the desired result. Never sharpen eyeliner with scissors without first sanitizing your scissors!

Cosmetic Sharpeners are Preferred

Budget-friendly options are enticing for dollar-wise consumers. But in the long run, using a pencil sharpener or scissors will cost you more money due to wasted eyeliner. Not only will you use up your eyeliner quicker from a less precise sharpening. The pencil sharpeners and scissors are harder to clean, and the blades are not replaceable. Also, using tools not made for cosmetic use is not a wise choice for your overall health and wellbeing.

Keep your cosmetic tools clean

The art of practicing self-care is possible in all areas of your life. From your fridge to your makeup bag, choosing the correct products and tools will increase your self-care standards and beauty regimen. Sanitation is a form of self-care that often goes unmentioned. However, proper cosmetic sanitation is arguably one of the most vital steps for a hygienic makeup application.

Moreover, when selecting a sharpener or using a pair of scissors, be mindful of sanitizing every use. No exceptions. Even skipping one time could result in infection.

In Closing

Navigating the world of beauty techniques and trends has its highs and lows, to say the least. Following beauty gurus and influencers could add inspiration to your beauty routine. Also, StyleCheer has several well-researched articles to help answer your beauty-related questions and keep you current with styles, tips, and tricks!