Note from Alison: If you’re already familiar with this post where I decide between eyeliner on bottom lid or not and just want to see the update, scroll all the way down!
As with many great ideas, this one was born from an episode of the Golden Girls. I was flipping through the channels last week when a close up of Rose Nylund (played by Betty White) flashed on the screen. I was slightly appalled to realize that she and I had similar eye makeup on. Even worse, we were wearing it nearly 30 years apart.
I get that all trends come back around again and in this case, I’m hoping that was it, but it did bring to light something that’s been bothering me lately. I haven’t changed up my eye makeup routine in years. Since GYPO has always been about getting out our collective comfort zones and trying new trends, I figured it’s about time for a dose of my own medicine.
BTW, I have a challenge for YOU too, keep reading for details on the #gypoeyelinerchallenge!
Fast forward a few days and this picture of a stunning model wearing eyeliner on just her upper eye pops up on Facebook. Naturally, I shared it with all of you and asked your thoughts.
Photo Credit: Jentry Kelley
The general consensus was that many of you have also ditched bottom eyeliner and never looked back. So I decided to conduct a little #gypoeyelinerchallenge experiment of my own.
Here’s what happened when I ditched my bottom eyeliner.
1. No Bottom Eyeliner
Here’s my look in all it’s glory. It’s not really helpful to see it without something to compare it to, so let’s move on, shall we?
2. Waterline Only (Eye on Left Side of Pic)
I usually apply eyeliner to my waterline so for this example, I used it on just one eye.
3. Waterline Plus Bottom Shadow Liner (Eye on Left Side of Pic)
I dipped a skinny brush in black eyeshadow and applied it under my lower lash line.
4. Waterline Plus Bottom Shadow Liner – Both Eyes
This is my typical everyday eye makeup look. My top liner is always black or navy and I use a coordinating shadow for my bottom liner.
My Verdict: Maybe it was just too much of an adjustment for me but I felt like a naked mole rat without my bottom eyeliner. Skipping my lower liner made me look tired. Plus I discovered that lining my eyes on top and bottom brings out the black rim around my iris more. Scroll up and you’ll see what I mean. My bottom eyeliner won’t be going anywhere soon, and hey, maybe I’ll get asked to star in a reboot of Golden Girls in a few years? UPDATE: Scroll down to see what happened when I decided to ditch it longer term!
Conclusion: This isn’t as cut and dried as it seems. How you line your eyes is NOT a one size fits all thing. Deciding to wear eyeliner on the bottom lid or not has to be a personal decision. While this might look amazing on one person, it doesn’t on another. The shape and size of your eyes also plays a big role in it.
#gypoeyelinerchallenge
It’s Your Turn: Let’s get out of our makeup comfort zones and try something different!
I want you to join me for the #gypoeyelinerchallenge. It’s easy, just try something different with YOUR eyeliner and then post it on social media. If you don’t wear eyeliner at all, try doing one eye with it, one without. If you do wear it, try top only or top and bottom or line your waterline. The key is to do each eye’s makeup differently and then see which one you like best or ask your friends to vote! Maybe you’ll stick with your current makeup routine but maybe you’ll go with something else. It doesn’t matter, what matters is getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new! Share this post with your friends so they can try the challenge too.
Most importantly, use the hashtag #gypoeyelinerchallenge on social media so we can ALL can see your results!
You be the judge: Which one is your favorite? Eyeliner on bottom lid or not?
Products Used for Eye Makeup:
On Lids: Julep Eyeshadow 101 Creme to Powder Eyeshadow Stick in Champagne Shimmer
On Lashes: IT Cosmetics SuperHero Mascara
Upper Eyeliner and Waterline: IT Cosmetics No Tug Gel Eyeliner in Black
Bottom Eyeliner Shadow: IT Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Noir applied with IT Cosmetics Fully Angled Liner Brush
On Brows: IT Cosmetics Brow Power Pencil
UPDATE!
After an outcry on social media (apparently I am NOT the best judge of what works on me), I decided to ditch my bottom eyeliner longer term and see how I felt. The first few days were hard, I desperately wanted to put it on, but then a few things happened.
#1 – it started to really grow on me and #2 – random people started telling me I looked younger. WHAT?!?
It’s been over a month now and I mostly go without my bottom liner on a daily basis (BONUS – it makes my eye makeup routine a lot faster!) Once in awhile I put a light amount of liner on my waterline for date night or special occasions. But I don’t miss it. Turns out you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
Bottom lid liner free and LOVING it!
