Practical Tutorial: Master Puppy Eyeliner for a Soft and Adorable K-Beauty Eye Look

Hello, beauty lovers! Have you ever felt bored with the same old eyeliner styles? Amidst the endless wave of K-Beauty charm, a trend has emerged that’s stealing attention and offering a fresh touch to eye makeup: Puppy Eyeliner. Unlike the sharp and dramatic cat-eye, puppy eyeliner creates the illusion of bigger, rounder, and more expressive eyes, just like the gentle gaze of an adorable puppy. It’s the perfect choice if you want a younger, innocent, and sweet look.

As content strategists and beauty educators at SalwaSalon.com, we understand that mastering eyeliner techniques can be a challenge. Therefore, we have compiled a practical and easy-to-follow step-by-step guide for you. Ready to transform your eye look?

What is Puppy Eyeliner and Why Should You Try It?

Puppy eyeliner is an eyeliner application technique focused on creating the illusion of rounder, larger eyes that droop slightly at the outer corners, similar to a puppy’s eye shape. Unlike winged eyeliner, which is typically drawn upwards to form a sharp “wing,” puppy eyeliner prioritizes softer lines, tends to follow the lower lash line, and slightly dips downwards at the outer edge.

Why is this trend so popular, especially in Korea? Because of its effects:

• Makes Eyes Appear Larger: The downward-sloping and rounded line creates the illusion of a wider visible white area of the eye.
• Softer and Younger Look: The non-sharp angles and rounded shape instantly give the face a sweeter and more youthful impression.
• Expressive: Eyes appear more ‘open’ and ‘sparkling’, capturing attention in an understated way.

Initial Preparation: The Key to a Perfect Puppy Eyeliner Look

Before we move on to application, preparation is the main foundation. Don’t skip this section to ensure your eyeliner lasts longer and achieves maximum results!

1. Cleanse and Hydrate Eyelids
   Start with clean, oil-free eyelids. You can cleanse them with micellar water or a light toner. Afterward, ensure the skin is well-hydrated but not sticky.
2. Apply Eyeshadow Primer
   This is a crucial step to ensure the eyeliner adheres perfectly and doesn’t smudge throughout the day. Primer will create a smooth and even surface, while also locking in moisture and oil. At Salwa Salon, we always recommend high-quality eyeshadow primer like this one that helps extend the wear of your eye makeup.
3. Choose Your Eyeliner Weapon
   The choice of eyeliner type significantly affects the difficulty and the final result. Choose what’s most comfortable for you:
   • Liquid Eyeliner: Provides the sharpest and most intense line. Ideal for those who are already accustomed to it or want maximum definition.
   • Gel Eyeliner (Pot & Brush): Offers good control and a defined result, yet is easier to manage than liquid. You can use a thin brush like this.
   • Pencil Eyeliner: Most beginner-friendly, easy to apply and blend. Suitable for a softer, more natural look.

Practical Tutorial: Drawing Puppy Eyeliner Step-by-Step

Now it’s time for the core part. Follow these steps carefully and don’t be afraid to experiment!

1. Step 1: Create a Base Line (Tightlining)
   Start with the tightlining technique to create a solid base. With a mirror in front of you, slightly lift your upper eyelid and apply eyeliner along your upper waterline, filling in the gaps between the lash roots. This will make your lashes appear thicker and your eyes more defined without a clearly visible line.
2. Step 2: Focus on the Inner Corner of the Eye
   With the same eyeliner, extend the line slightly past the inner corner of your eye, following your lower waterline downwards by about 1-2 mm. This is a subtle yet important touch to capture the adorable appeal of puppy eyes, giving the effect of rounder eyes from the start.
3. Step 3: Build the Main Downward Line
   From the center point of your upper eyelid, draw a thin line outwards, but instead of going upwards like a cat-eye, let this line follow the natural curve of your eye and slightly dip downwards past the outer corner. Imagine you are drawing a line parallel to your lower lash line, not upwards.
4. Step 4: Connect and Fill the Eyeliner Shape
   Once the main line is formed, connect the end of the downward line you just drew to the tightlining line you made in the center of your upper eyelid. This will form a small triangle with its tip pointing downwards. Fill in the empty area within this triangle with eyeliner until it’s solid. Avoid overly sharp angles; focus on natural roundness.
5. Step 5: Soften the Edges for a Natural Effect
   To avoid an overly harsh look, use a small clean eyeliner brush or a cotton swab to lightly blend the upper edge of the eyeliner. Just a slight blend will make the transition between the eyeliner and the eyelid appear smoother and more natural. Be careful not to erase the basic puppy eyeliner shape you’ve created, just soften its edges.
6. Step 6: Vary the Thickness (Optional)
   If you want a more ‘open’ and larger eye effect, gradually increase the thickness of the eyeliner in the center of your eyelid. This will accentuate the roundness of your eyes without making them look too heavy or dominant.
7. Step 7: Perfect with Lashes and Mascara
   This is a finishing step you shouldn’t miss. Curl your lashes to give them a lifting effect that opens up the eyes. Then, apply your favorite mascara. Focus on the roots of the lashes and the center to add volume and definition. We recommend waterproof mascara like this one to ensure your look lasts all day. For a softer appearance, you can choose brown mascara.

Pro Tips from Salwa Salon for Long-Lasting Puppy Eyeliner

We know you want your makeup to stay perfect all day. Here are some additional tips from the Salwa Salon team:

• Waterproof Formula: If you have oily eyelids or tend to sweat, always choose waterproof eyeliner and mascara formulas. This is the best investment for long-lasting eye makeup.
• Set with Eyeshadow: After applying eyeliner, you can gently set the color by patting a little eyeshadow in a similar shade over the eyeliner line. This will help absorb oil and prevent transfer.
• Setting Spray: For maximum longevity, spray setting spray all over your face after finishing your makeup. This will make your entire makeup, including eyeliner, last longer.
• Practice is Key: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Drawing eyeliner requires practice. Take time to practice in front of the mirror, and you’ll see significant improvement.

Customize Puppy Eyeliner to Suit Your Style

Beauty trends aren’t about following strict rules, but about adaptation. You can customize puppy eyeliner to suit your style:

• Eyeliner Color: Try dark brown eyeliner for a softer and more natural look. For a dramatic touch, dark purple or navy blue can also be interesting choices.
• Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the line to your eye shape and size. Smaller eyes might look better with a thinner line, while larger eyes can experiment with more varied thickness.

Conclusion: Sparkling Eyes Full of Charm with Puppy Eyeliner

Mastering the puppy eyeliner technique will open up a new dimension in your eye makeup. With a softer, rounder, and more adorable look, you will radiate a distinct and captivating charm. Remember, accuracy is important, but the courage to experiment within this guide is key to adapting the look to your personal style.

Happy experimenting, and let your eyes sparkle with the charm of puppy eyeliner!