You know how some of the best makeup hacks come from straight-up desperation? Like, when your liquid eyeliner dries out the morning of your bestie’s birthday party, and you’re about two seconds from crying off the rest of your face? Yeah, been there. But guess what? You never have to stress about running out of eyeliner again because today, I’m showing you how to make your own gel eyeliner with stuff you probably already have in your makeup bag or kitchen. Yes, Su to the rescue!
This hack is not only super easy but also way more fun than scrolling TikTok for the fiftieth time trying to find “the perfect smudge-proof liner.” Let’s be real, those can flake or betray you halfway through the night. But your homemade gel liner? Full loyalty vibes.
Why Make Your Own Gel Eyeliner?
Okay babes, let’s talk tea. Gel eyeliner formulas can be expensive, dry out so fast or just be… not it. Making your own gives you so much control. Want it extra black? Got you. Prefer a burnt sienna brown? Done. Want it to double as a brow gel? Chef’s kiss.
And the best part? You can say “buh-bye” to spending more money on eyeliner and “heyyyy” to making your own custom shades. Plus, any excuse to whip up stuff like a makeup chemist is an automatic yes.
DIYing your eyeliner is cheaper, MORE customizable, and weirdly satisfying. Like ASMR for your soul.
What You’ll Need
No need to raid Ulta. Most of this is already lying around. Here’s your eyeliner starter pack:
| Ingredient | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Activated Charcoal or Eyeshadow (matte) | Pigment | Use black eyeshadow for black liner, or get fun and use bold colors |
| Aloe Vera Gel OR Coconut Oil | Binder/Base | Aloe for longer wear, coconut oil for smudgy vibes |
| Glycerin (optional) | Smooth Finish | Helps with texture and staying power |
| Small Container | Storage | Think old lip balm pots or cleaned contact lens cases |
| Eyeliner Brush | Application | Angled brushes = wing goals |
Optional Extras:
- Vitamin E oil: longer shelf life and adds nice skin benefits
- Essential oil (like lavender or tea tree): tiny bit for good vibes
Let’s Get Into It: DIY Gel Eyeliner Recipe
Honestly, this is easier than making boxed mac and cheese. No joke.
Step 1: Choose Your Pigment
Smash up a matte eyeshadow or open an activated charcoal capsule. Matte is important here because shimmer plus gel equals a glitter mess you did not sign up for.
You only need about ½ a teaspoon of crushed pigment.
Step 2: Mix with Your Binder
Add 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel or coconut oil to the pigment. Start small because you can always add more, but too much and it’ll get oily fast.
Mix them together in your little container. Use a toothpick, small spatula, or the non-brush end of your eyeliner brush.
Step 3: Adjust the Texture
If it’s too thick, add a drop of glycerin or a tiny bit more gel/oil. If it’s too thin and watery, add more pigment little by little.
You’re going for creamy but not runny. Think… chocolate pudding consistency. Yeah, you’re welcome for that image.
Step 4: Store it
Pop it into a mini container with a lid. Keep it in a cool, dry place and make sure your brush is clean before dipping in each time.
It should last about 2 to 3 weeks depending on the ingredients. If you used coconut oil, keep a close eye (lol, pun totally intended) to make sure it doesn’t go bad. Vitamin E oil can help stretch it out longer.
The key to perfect DIY gel liner is getting the ratio right; too oily and it smears, too dry and it flakes. Find that sweet spot and you’re golden.
Custom Color Combos
Why stop at black? Here’s how to make the most of your shadow collection:
| Eyeshadow Shade | Final Eyeliner Effect |
|---|---|
| Dark Brown | Softer everyday wing, great for lighter skin or natural looks |
| Burnt Orange or Brick Red | Super trendy, warm-toned grunge moment |
| Cobalt Blue | Yes to bold statement liner! Obsessed with this on brown eyes |
| Forest Green | Earthy and unexpected but totally wearable |
| Plum or Eggplant | Gorgeous on green or hazel eyes |
| White | For graphic eyeliner looks, inner corners, or doubling as a fun base |
Just follow the same recipe above with these shades instead of black. If you’re mixing two or more shadow colors together, that’s extra credit and literally artist behavior.
Eyeliner Application Tips (Because We’re Not Playing Games)
Making the liner is half the fun. Let’s talk about putting those wings to work.
Use a Good Brush
Angled liner brushes are your BFF. If you’re doing graphic liner looks, try a bent eyeliner brush for more control.
Avoid sponge tips or fluffy brushes; they don’t give you that sharp line action.
Warm It Up
Sometimes homemade gel liner stiffens up if it’s cold. Take a bit on the back of your hand, let it warm up for a sec, and boom: smoothest glide ever.
Prime Those Lids
DIY or not, eyelids will eat your eyeliner alive without primer. Use a dab of concealer or a legit eye primer so your look stays put.
Set It (If Needed)
If your liner leans smudgy, lightly top it with a matching powder eyeshadow. It locks it in without messing with the finish.
Your eyeliner can only slay as hard as your brush game allows, so choose wisely and clean often.
Are You a Matte or Glossy Liner Girl?
Fun tip: if you want your liner to look glossy like that 90s runway vibe coming back on TikTok, use more gel base (aloe vera or a touch of Vaseline). If matte is your thing, keep the pigment high.
Make it YOUR vibe, girlie.
Thoughtful Extras You Can Add
Okay, okay. These are totally optional, but if you’ve got a high DIY IQ, consider these upgrades:
| Add-In | Why Add It |
|---|---|
| Vitamin E oil | Helps preserve and nourish |
| Tea tree oil | Antibacterial properties and super fresh smell |
| Glitter (cosmetic only!) | Turn heads at every festival |
| Neon pigment | For that Y2K pop princess realness |
| Brown Mascara Powder | Makes a great brow gel twin for double duty |
When Should You Toss It?
This part is seriously important. Don’t put funky stuff near your eyes.
If it smells weird, dries up, separates or irritates, it’s time to let it go; Elsa style.
“Out with the old and in with the bold.” ; Me, every time I throw out crusty makeup
Try to make small batches so you can use it up before it goes bad. Making fresh liner takes like 3 minutes once you get the hang of it. No stress.
Final Thoughts from Your Girl Su
I know we all love a good Sephora moment, but there’s something empowering about making your own products. You’re not only getting creative and saving money, but you’re also serving LOOKS.
Plus, how cool is it to say, “I made this eyeliner myself” when someone compliments your wings? Total main character energy.
Try it out, tag me if you post your results because I wanna see those flicks. And remember:
Perfect eyeliner isn’t about symmetry, it’s about attitude. Own it and strut it, boo.
Now pass me that black shadow, I need to re-up on my favorite gel liner before brunch. ❤️
Love you babes! Stay bold and brilliant.
; Su ✌🏽💄🔥
