Photographer Nicki Sebastian doesn’t apply much makeup, apart from her cat-eye liner, which she’s donned for three decades, every single day since eighth grade. “I’ve had it on through every event imaginable: marathons, snorkeling,” she states. “When I battled leukemia, I kept it on through each chemo session.” Nicki’s signature style is incredibly simple to execute — even for those of us (everyone?) who don’t have the refined motor skills that eyeliner usually demands. Here’s how she achieves it with ease…
“First, find a twist-up liner. My preferred drugstore choice is Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black Brown. It’s affordable and straightforward, and I relied on it for years. Yet my present favorite is SOSHE Beauty Precision. It’s among the finest liners available — merely 0.5 millimeters — which excels in precision and control. I use Deep Plum and receive numerous praises on the soft hue.”
“Begin in the middle of your eyelid, directly above your pupil. Using very gentle pressure, make small strokes along your lash line. Key point: Avoid drawing a continuous line, and refrain from pressing the pencil on your lid. Doing so will likely cause you to stray. Simply proceed with small strokes until you pass the edge of your eye. Then, return to the center and fill in any gaps with more tiny strokes until the line is completely filled. You can then move in the other direction, extending the line inward with the same tiny strokes. It’s an unfailing method.
“For the corner cat-eye, have a very light grip to create another mini stroke, slightly tilting your hand so the line rises into a tiny wing. It’s intended to reflect the curve of your lashes. Start with the thinnest possible line, and if you wish for it to be thicker, just retrace, adding more little liner strokes. If a mistake occurs, simply take a makeup wipe to erase that last stroke and retry.”
“The only additional makeup I use is Tower 28 Mascara — it provides thickness without clumping — and I finish with Hourglass brow pencil and KS&CO brow gel. I’m crazy about this gel; it gives my brows such a fuller look. When I cleanse everything off, I use Vanicream face wash.”
“My 13-year-old daughter is now acting in Snow White, and I get to do her cat eye. She asks for a cat-eye for school dances, too — it truly touches me. I don’t view my eyeliner as essential — it’s not needed for me to feel deserving — but I like adding a bit of flair. Even after losing my eyelashes and brows during chemo, I still applied my daily cat-eye — it helps me feel like myself.”
Thanks a lot, Nicki! We admire your style and your kindness in sharing your expertise with us.
P.S. Even more fun beauty features, including a quick blush trick and Gemma’s outstanding lipstick discovery.
(Photos courtesy of Nicki Sebastian.)
Nicki Sebastian’s Dependable Eyeliner Approach for Everlasting Wear
Nicki Sebastian, a renowned makeup expert, celebrated for her creative methods and impeccable application, has crafted an eyeliner approach guaranteeing long-lasting wear. Her technique is acclaimed for its ability to endure the challenges of a hectic day, ensuring your eyeliner remains intact from dawn to dusk.
Foundational Steps Matter
The basis of Nicki’s approach relies on thorough preparation. She stresses the significance of starting with a clean, moisturized face. This guarantees the skin is smooth and primed for makeup. Nicki advises using a light, oil-free moisturizer to avoid compromising the eyeliner’s staying power.
Set the Base Right
The subsequent step in Nicki’s approach is adding a high-quality eye primer. This phase is vital as it ensures a smooth base for the eyeliner and enhances its adherence. The primer also helps to avoid smudging and fading, maintaining the eyeliner’s vibrancy throughout the day.
Selecting the Perfect Eyeliner
Nicki recommends picking an eyeliner that meets your needs and tastes. For those desiring lasting wear, she suggests waterproof gel or liquid eyeliners. These formulations are crafted to resist smudging and are less prone to fading. Nicki advises using a fine applicator for exact application.
Execution Technique
Nicki’s application method is straightforward and efficient. She begins by gently pulling the eyelid tight to craft a smooth plane. Starting from the eye’s inner corner, she meticulously traces a fine line along the lash line, slightly widening it as she approaches the outer corner. For a more striking effect, Nicki proposes slightly extending the line beyond the outer edge, forming a subtle wing.
Setting for Durability
To secure the eyeliner in place, Nicki employs a setting technique involving applying a matching eyeshadow over the liner. This not only sets the eyeliner but also boosts its color richness. Utilizing a small, angled brush, she softly presses the eyeshadow over the liner, securing it.
Final Adjustments
Nicki concludes her technique with some final adjustments. She advises pairing it with waterproof mascara to enhance the eyeliner and elevate the overall appearance. Furthermore, she recommends having a cotton swab and some makeup remover for swift touch-ups if required.
Nicki Sebastian’s dependable eyeliner approach is revolutionary for those seeking enduring wear. By adhering to her process, you can attain a perfect eyeliner style that remains vibrant and free from smudges all day. Whether preparing for work or a special occasion, Nicki’s approach assures your eyeliner remains flawless from inception to completion.
