Guest Blogger: Nathan Johnson On Lining Your Rims

Ladies, it's time that you know how to do one of the sexiest things in makeup: Lining the inner rims.

Before we begin, I'll answer a question some of you may be wondering. Why do people do it?

Well, honestly, there are hundreds of possible reasons (maybe not hundreds, but…) Here are two of the most common ones:

1. Using any color on the bottom rim adds instant adventure and drama to the eyes.

2. Coloring the upper rims is a great way to add tons of depth to the lash line without having a hard line on the lid itself.

Here are my secrets for lining the inner rims.

There are several products you can choose from. If you are just beginning, the easiest option is the pencil. I use pencils on my clients when I want a softer look or if it's their first time. With pencils, application is fast and easy. I recommend you go with a professional liner because the product tends to wear longer and be more water resistant. Try Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes, Sephora Brand Keep Kohl, or Dior Crayon.

First, warm up the tip of the pencil on the back of your hand. This step will take the product from room temperature to body temperature and allow for easier application.

Next, to apply on lower lid, place your pointer finger under the eye and gently pull downward until the lid lifts away from the eye. Drag the warmed pencil over the entire inner rim several times until the desired depth of color is reached.

Have fun here…experiment with color. Black is always sexy, but why not spice up the fall with some jade? If you already line your rims, I challenge you to try bold new colors. Think outside the box here. How about lilac on the inner third and navy on the outer two-thirds? Go for it, girls.

Here is another option (and one of my favorite secrets): If you look a little tired or drawn, use a flesh-colored pencil on the rim. This will open and brighten the eyes. If you had a rough night, this will cover the redness and irritation. Who knew an instant eight hours of sleep was hiding in a pencil? CAUTION: When I say flesh-colored, it is relative term. Choose a pencil that is one or two shades lighter than your own skin tone. If you are fair-skinned, I advise you to think more peachy and less pinky (the pink ones look too much like the irritation we are trying to cover). If you have deeper skin, choose a medium tone champagne color (go with a dark peach or champagne color; they're better at hiding the red we want to brighten).

Now, for the upper lid, application is the same but the result is different (remember, this adds depth to the lash line). Simply place the pointer finger under the arch of the brow, gently lift until the lid pulls away and apply your color.

If you are ready for it (and you want longer wear) choose a gel liner (Make Up forever Aqua Creamliner, for example), Use the same method to open up the inner rim, but tap the product on with a flat liner brush. If you want longevity, this is your product. Gel liners can go all day. Woo Hoo!

Have fun and experiment. Sometimes do the lower rim, sometimes the upper and sometimes do both. You'll never know what looks best until you try it.

Lastly: Your eyes might tear up a little on your first try. This is very common and very natural, but you can avoid it by lining your rims in a fast, swift motion. If you go fast, there will be no time for the eye to tear (do you love my logic?).

As for removal: If it hasn't worn off on it's own, wet the end of a cotton swab with eye makeup remover, pull the lid out with the same method used for application and pull the swab across the rim.

Now is that easy or what? If you don't line the inner rims, start now. Get going, girls….add some sexy spice to your Friday or Monday or Thursday...