Hermès Precision Eyeliner Encre Noire is a luxurious, deep black, waterproof eyeliner with a fountain pen style applicator. It ensures both fine precision and bold graphic lines. Here’s how to apply it like a professional.
1. Prep your eye area
- Make sure your lids are clean, dry and free of excess oil. A light dusting of translucent powder along the lash line will help the liner adhere better and stay sharper.
- If you normally apply eye shadow, do this before the liner so the liner stays crisp and isn’t disturbed.
2. Understand the applicator & formula
- The product is described as “reminiscent of a fountain pen”; the applicator tip has soft yet tapered fibres, designed to remain in shape over time.
- Formula-wise: intense black pigment, satin finish, waterproof and quick drying for long wear and minimal smudging.
- The brand instructs: for a fine line, use just the tip of the applicator with a light touch. For a thicker or graphic line, use the full length of the applicator and apply firmer pressure.
3. Applying the line – step by step
a) Positioning your hand
- Rest your elbow on a stable surface.
- Using your free hand, gently pull the skin at the outer corner of your eye (or the area you’re lining) slightly taut — this helps you draw a smoother line.
- The applicator should be held like a pen, tip angled slightly upward from inner to outer corner following your lash line.
b) Drawing the line
- Inner to outer: Start as close as possible to the inner corner of your upper lash line. Use the tip of the applicator for maximum precision.
- Move steadily: either draw one continuous stroke or break it into two sections (e.g., inner half + outer half) if that gives you more control.
- Reach the outer corner. At this point, if you’re doing a wing or graphic line, you can extend the line a little further, angling toward the tail of your eyebrow.
- Fine vs bold: If you want a slender, subtle line, apply lightly using only the tip of the applicator. For a bolder look, tilt the applicator so more of the tip contacts the skin and apply with firmer pressure — the wood or pen style body allows this.
c) Check symmetry & refine
- Once both eyes are lined, open them and check the balance: are the lines equally thick? Are the wings (if done) at the same angle/length?
- Use a pointed cotton bud dipped in micellar water or makeup remover to carefully correct any uneven edges or smudges, especially at the outer corner. A small fine tip swab will help sharpen the point. (This tip is not specific to the Hermes product but is a known good practice.)
- Allow the formula to dry for a moment — as the liner is waterproof and quick drying, you want to avoid touching it until it sets.
4. Lower lash line / Inner rim (optional)
- If you like lining your lower lash line or waterline, keep the upper line crisp first. Then you can lightly trace the lower lash line with the same product or use a softer pencil to avoid a heavy look.
- Because Encre Noire is very intense and satin finished, if you use it on the lower lash line, you may want to smudge very slightly for softness (especially for daytime).
5. Tips & potential pitfalls
- Go slowly, especially on the first pass — the outstanding pigment means that mistakes stand out.
- Avoid blinking too much during application; give the liner a moment to settle.
- For hooded eyelids, keep your hand relaxed and consider doing the line with minimal pressure and then retrace slightly thicker if needed rather than starting too thick.
- Clean the applicator tip: as with any liquid/pen style liner, wipe the tip occasionally to avoid build up that could affect the precision of the stroke.
- Because it’s waterproof, you may need a good eye makeup remover at the end of the day to avoid tugging at your skin when removing.
6. Removal
- Use a gentle eye makeup remover or micellar water designed for waterproof makeup.
- Hold a soaked cotton pad over your closed eye for a few seconds to let the formula soften, then wipe gently along the lash line — avoid vigorous rubbing.
7. In summary
The Trait d’Hermès Precision Eyeliner in Encre Noire is a premium, high performance liner that rewards control and precision. Using the tapered “fountain pen” style applicator, you can create everything from a fine, subtle lash enhancing line to a bold graphic statement.
The key to success lies in steady hand positioning, selecting your desired line width early (light pressure for thin, firmer contact for bold), and allowing the waterproof formula to set before disturbing it.
With a bit of practice it can elevate your eye make up with clarity, depth and a professional finish line.
