How to create an eyeliner in 5 simple steps

Diane Grover 12.2025

Looking to create your own eyeliner formulas and achieve a highly pigmented, cushiony consistency every time, without the need for advanced formulation knowledge? Our Create Cosmetic Formulas guide simplifies the process! 

Follow our comprehensive 5-step guide to start crafting your own eyeliner formulas today. Read on to learn how!

Start by logging into your Create Cosmetic Formulas subscription then…
 

How to create an eyeliner in 5 simple steps

1. Select Makeup, Eyeliner, as the type of formula you would like to create today, then click Create.

Eyeliner: Our Create Cosmetic Formulas program uses water as the base ingredient in eyeliner formulas, so you don’t need to select it manually—the program automatically adjusts the water content as you choose other materials. You also have the option to include an extract in your formula. I’ve selected Arnica Extract at 1.0% w/w for its skin-smoothing benefits and compatibility with sensitive skin.

The program will them prompt you to select a chelating agent. Trace metal ions from water, or equipment can cause colour shifting and reduced pigment intensity. A chelating agent binds these metal ions, preventing them from reacting with the pigments in your formula and ensuring consistent, vibrant colour.
 

2. Choose your consistency modifiers 

For the humectant and viscosity modifier, I have chosen propanediol, a naturally derived, non-sticky humectant, and Solagum AX, a blend of acacia and xanthan gums that provides a cushiony, gel-like texture, ensuring the formula glides smoothly along the lash line.

For the primary emulsifier, I have selected Cithrol GMS SE for its stabilising properties, and for the co-emulsifier, I have chosen Emulsifying Wax NF for its thickening effects, ability to prevent separation, and to ensure a consistent texture throughout the formula.

 

3. Choose waterproofing agent, lipids and colourant

For the waterproofing agent, I have selected Sylvaclear A200V, which is naturally derived with synthetic components. Sylvaclear A200V is a water-insoluble film former suitable for use in gel, cream, or liquid eyeliner formulas.

You can choose a combination of up to four lipids. I have kept it simple with just hemisqualane, a naturally derived lipid that provides an elegant, silicone-like skin feel in colour cosmetics. Not sure which lipids to select? No problem, click “Select 1–4” to see a description and benefit of each lipid.

For the colourant, I have chosen brown iron oxide, as warm tones are complementary to cool eye colours like blue or green.
 

4. Select ancillary agents

For the preservative, I have selected Geogard 221 for broad-spectrum microbial protection. For the antioxidant, I have chosen mixed tocopherols as this gives the best skin and formula antioxidant protection. The program will automatically include a pH adjuster as the final step. 


5. Click generate method

 

Then here is my formula, and here is the method!  

Now all you need to do is find your nearest cosmetic ingredient suppliers, order the materials, and get making your fantastic shampoo formulas!

Once you’ve made one formula, you’ll be keen to make more! With Create Cosmetic Formulas, you have almost limitless formulation creation, and just one low annual subscription.

It really is that simple.

Happy formulating!

 

Take our quiz: should you use a program to create cosmetic formulas or learn cosmetic science?
Find out which solution is best for you with our simple quiz!
 

Try the create cosmetic formulas program today! We’re so confident you’ll love how it helps you create cosmetic formulas, it comes with a 24-hour money back guarantee.

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