When is the right time to put on eye black for football? The best time is right before you step onto the field for warm-ups or the game itself. This ensures it stays on and doesn’t smudge or wear off during pre-game activities. Eye black is a classic part of game day for many football players, and while it might seem simple, there are some key things to know about eye black application to get it just right. This guide will cover everything you need to know about football eye black, from why players use it to the best ways to apply it and even how to remove it.
Why Do Football Players Wear Eye Black?
Football players wear eye black primarily for two reasons: to reduce glare and for tradition/team spirit.
Reducing Glare:
The bright lights of stadium lighting or the sun can cause glare that reflects off a player’s cheekbones and into their eyes. This glare can be distracting and make it harder to see the ball or other players. By applying a dark substance like eye black under the eyes, it absorbs light instead of reflecting it. This creates a clearer field of vision, allowing players to focus better on the game. This benefit is often cited as eye black for performance.
Tradition and Team Spirit:
Eye black has become a significant part of football culture. Many players wear it as a way to show they are serious about the game, to intimidate opponents, or simply to show team unity. Seeing teammates with eye black on can build a sense of camaraderie and readiness.
Types of Eye Black Available
There are several options when it comes to eye black brands and types, each with its own pros and cons for eye black application.
1. Traditional Grease-Based Eye Black
- Description: This is the classic, messy stick that many players have used for decades. It’s a waxy, solid form that you rub directly onto your skin.
- Pros:
- Widely available and usually the most affordable option.
- Gives that authentic, old-school football look.
- Can be applied with varying thickness for different effects.
- Cons:
- Can be messy to apply.
- May smudge easily if not applied carefully.
- Can feel heavy or greasy on the skin.
- Removal can sometimes be more involved.
2. Eye Black Strips
- Description: These are adhesive strips, often made of fabric or a similar material, with a dark coating. They are pre-shaped and designed to stick directly to the skin.
- Pros:
- Very easy and clean to apply – just peel and stick.
- Less likely to smudge once applied.
- Can offer a more consistent and precise look.
- Often hypoallergenic and gentler on sensitive skin.
- Cons:
- Can be more expensive than grease-based options.
- Some players find they don’t adhere as well as desired, especially with sweat.
- May leave a slight residue or require careful eye black removal.
- Limited flexibility in design compared to grease.
3. Eye Black Pens/Markers
- Description: These look like thick eyeliner pens and allow for more precise application.
- Pros:
- Offers the most control for detailed designs or specific eye black placement.
- Generally smudge-proof once dry.
- Easy to carry and touch up.
- Cons:
- Can be more expensive.
- Drying time might be a factor.
- Application requires a steadier hand.
Mastering Eye Black Application: Step-by-Step Techniques
No matter which type of eye black you choose, proper eye black application is key to looking sharp and getting the intended benefits. Here are different eye black techniques for each type:
Applying Traditional Grease-Based Eye Black
This is where the classic look comes from. Getting this right takes a little practice.
What You’ll Need:
* Your chosen grease-based eye black stick.
* A clean face (no oily lotions or creams).
* A mirror.
The Process:
- Prepare Your Face: Wash your face to remove any oils or sweat. Pat it dry thoroughly. A clean, dry surface is crucial for the eye black to adhere well and avoid smudging.
- Locate Your Application Zone: The ideal spot is directly below your eyes, on the cheekbone area. This is the zone that catches the most glare.
- Apply a Generous Amount: Open the eye black stick. Get a good amount of the product onto the applicator.
- The Swipe: Look in the mirror. Place the applicator directly on your cheekbone, just below your eye. With a firm, smooth motion, swipe downwards or diagonally from the inner corner of your eye towards your ear. Apply enough product so that the black is solid and opaque, covering the skin.
- Repeat on the Other Side: Do the same for your other eye. Aim for symmetry, but don’t stress if it’s not perfectly identical. A slight variation is common.
- Touch Up and Perfect: Look at yourself in the mirror. If there are gaps, or if the coverage isn’t as solid as you’d like, apply more product. You can also use a clean finger or a cotton swab to gently blend or sharpen the edges if needed. This is where eye black placement becomes important for a clean look.
Tips for Grease Application:
* Don’t be shy with the product: You need enough to create a solid black area that absorbs light effectively.
* Practice makes perfect: Try applying it a few times before a big game to get a feel for it.
* If it smudges: Use a clean finger to gently smudge it outwards and downwards, creating a smoky or “war paint” effect. This can look intentional.
Applying Eye Black Strips
These are the easiest to use, but precision still matters.
What You’ll Need:
* Your chosen eye black strips.
* A clean face.
* A mirror.
The Process:
- Prep Your Face: Just like with the grease, ensure your face is clean and dry.
- Select Your Strips: Most strips come in pairs, often with a curved shape.
- Peel Carefully: Gently peel one strip off its backing. Try not to touch the adhesive side too much with your fingers.
- Position and Apply: Look in the mirror. Position the strip just below your eye, aligning it with your cheekbone. Press down firmly from the center outwards to ensure good adhesion.
- Repeat for the Other Eye: Apply the second strip to the other side, trying to match the placement and angle of the first.
- Ensure Adhesion: Smooth down the edges and any areas that might be lifting. If sweat is a major concern, you can very gently dab a tiny bit of medical tape or a specialized adhesive spray along the edges for extra security, but this is rarely necessary with good quality strips.
Tips for Strip Application:
* Warm the adhesive: Some players find gently warming the strip (e.g., by holding it in their hand for a moment) can help the adhesive stick better.
* Check for lifting: Before you head out, give them a gentle tug to ensure they are secure.
* Consider patterns: Some strips come in different shapes or can be cut to create custom looks.
Applying Eye Black Pens/Markers
For those who want precision and a clean finish.
What You’ll Need:
* Your chosen eye black pen or marker.
* A clean face.
* A mirror.
The Process:
- Prep Your Face: Clean and dry skin is essential for the marker to adhere properly and not bleed.
- Shake the Pen (if needed): Some pens require shaking to ensure the ink flows well.
- Draw Your Line: Look in the mirror. Hold the pen at a comfortable angle. Start drawing a line just below your eye, following the curve of your cheekbone. You can aim for a solid block of color or a more defined line.
- Fill In and Refine: If you’re going for a solid block, carefully fill in the area. You can use the tip for sharp edges or the side for broader coverage.
- Repeat and Check: Apply to the other eye, ensuring symmetry. Allow the ink to dry completely before touching your face.
Tips for Pen Application:
* Start light: You can always add more, but it’s harder to remove excess marker.
* Steady hand: Take your time and hold your breath for the most critical strokes.
* Test the ink: Before applying to your face, test the marker on your wrist or the back of your hand to ensure it’s working and to see how it looks.
Eye Black Placement: Where to Put It for Maximum Effect
The primary goal of eye black placement is to intercept light before it reaches your eyes. This means the most effective location is directly beneath your eyes, on the upper part of your cheekbones.
- High Placement: Aim for the area where your cheekbone is most prominent. This will capture more overhead light and sunlight.
- Coverage: Ensure the black covers a significant portion of this area. It shouldn’t be just a thin line, but a solid patch.
- Symmetry: While perfect symmetry isn’t mandatory, try to make both sides as close as possible for a balanced appearance. Some players prefer a slightly thicker application on one side if they feel more glare from a particular direction.
- Beyond the Cheekbones: Some players extend their eye black slightly towards the temples or even create stylized shapes. While this is mostly for aesthetic or intimidation purposes, the core glare-reducing effect comes from the area directly under the eyes.
Eye Black for Performance: Does It Really Help?
The effectiveness of eye black for performance is a topic of debate, but many athletes swear by it.
Scientific Rationale:
Studies, like one published in the journal Optometry and Vision Science, have suggested that eye black can indeed reduce glare. By absorbing light, it helps to improve contrast sensitivity and reduce the scattering of light that can impair vision, especially in bright conditions. This can lead to better visual acuity.
Player Anecdotes:
Beyond science, anecdotal evidence from countless athletes supports its use. Players often report feeling more focused, less bothered by bright lights, and generally more “ready” when wearing eye black. This psychological boost can be just as important as the physiological benefit.
The Psychological Edge:
For some, eye black is part of their pre-game ritual. It can signal to themselves and their opponents that they are focused, determined, and ready for battle. This psychological aspect of football eye black can’t be discounted.
Popular Eye Black Brands
When you’re looking for the right product, several eye black brands are well-known and trusted by athletes:
- Under Armour: A very popular brand offering both grease sticks and adhesive strips. Their products are known for good adhesion and durability.
- Athletic Greens: While more known for their nutritional supplements, they also offer eye black products.
- Riddell: A long-standing name in football equipment, Riddell also provides eye black options.
- No Sweat: Often found in sports stores, this brand offers various anti-sweat products, including eye black.
- Generic Sports Brands: Many other sports apparel and equipment companies will offer their own versions of eye black sticks and strips.
When choosing a brand, consider your personal preference for application type (grease vs. strips), any skin sensitivities, and reviews from other athletes.
Eye Black Removal: Getting It Off Without a Fuss
After a tough game, the last thing you want is a hassle with eye black removal. Here’s how to get it off effectively.
For Grease-Based Eye Black:
- Warm Water and Soap: Often, a good wash with warm water and a gentle facial cleanser or bar soap is enough. Lather well and gently rub the area.
- Makeup Remover: If soap and water don’t cut it, a standard makeup remover (especially oil-based ones) works very effectively. Apply to a cotton pad and wipe gently.
- Baby Oil or Olive Oil: For stubborn residue, a small amount of baby oil or olive oil on a cotton ball can break down the grease. Apply, let it sit for a minute, and then wipe away. Follow up with a gentle facial cleanser to remove the oil.
- Facial Wipes: Some cleansing wipes can also help remove eye black.
For Eye Black Strips:
- Peel Slowly: The best method is to gently peel the strip away from the skin. Start at one edge and pull slowly and steadily.
- Warm Water: If the adhesive is stubborn, try holding a warm, damp washcloth over the strip for a minute to soften the adhesive before peeling.
- Oil-Based Removers: Similar to grease, baby oil, olive oil, or makeup remover can help dissolve any remaining adhesive residue. Apply to a cotton pad and gently rub the area.
- Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: Try not to scrub your skin too hard, as this can cause irritation.
General Eye Black Removal Tips:
* Be gentle: Your skin around the eyes is delicate.
* Moisturize: After removing eye black, applying a gentle moisturizer can help rehydrate your skin.
* Cleanse thoroughly: Make sure all residue is removed to prevent breakouts or irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Eye Black
Q1: Can I wear eye black if I have sensitive skin?
A1: Yes, but it’s best to use hypoallergenic eye black strips or water-based eye black formulas. Some traditional grease-based products can contain ingredients that might irritate sensitive skin. Always do a patch test if you’re unsure.
Q2: How do I make my eye black stay on longer, especially in hot weather?
A2: Ensure your skin is completely clean and dry before application. For grease, a light dusting of translucent setting powder over the applied eye black can help. For strips, making sure they are firmly pressed down, and potentially using a skin-safe adhesive spray around the edges, can improve longevity.
Q3: Can I put eye black on my forehead or anywhere else?
A3: While the primary benefit of football eye black is under the eyes to reduce glare, players sometimes apply it to their forehead. The idea is that if light hits the forehead and reflects down, the eye black can absorb it. However, the effectiveness is much less pronounced than on the cheekbones. Some players also use it for purely stylistic reasons.
Q4: Is eye black safe for my eyes?
A4: When applied correctly to the skin below the eyes, eye black is generally safe. Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and wash the area thoroughly.
Q5: What’s the difference between eye black and anti-glare stick?
A5: They are essentially the same product with a similar purpose. “Eye black” is the common term used in sports, particularly football, while “anti-glare stick” is a more general description of its function. Both aim to absorb light to reduce visual distractions.
Q6: Can I wear eye black for other sports?
A6: Yes! While most associated with football, athletes in sports like baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and even track and field may use eye black to combat glare from the sun or stadium lights. The principle of eye black for performance applies to any sport where glare can be a factor.
Q7: How long does eye black typically last during a game?
A7: This depends on the product and conditions. Grease-based eye black might smudge or wear off with heavy sweating over a few hours. Eye black strips tend to adhere better and can last the entire game and even into overtime. Proper application is key for longevity.
By following these guidelines and eye black tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of applying eye black, ensuring you’re game day ready with a clear vision and a confident look. Whether you choose the classic grease, the convenient strips, or the precise pen, understanding the eye black application process will help you perform at your best.