Top 3 Eyeliners: Which is the Best Option for You?

Looking a little tired? Want to add something special to a night out? Trying to make your eye color pop? All you need is a little eyeliner. I have been a tried and true eyeliner user for years and it is a “must have” in my makeup bag. Eyeliner is one of those items that can brighten up your face in less than a minute — but how do you choose one? Here is the bottom “line” on the different types to help you decide which will work best for you.

1. Pencil Eyeliners: Beginner, versatile and my favorite!
   • Available in different forms: traditional pencil you can sharpen, mechanical pencil or retractable/twist pencil.
   • Has the most color variety and may be available in waterproof.
   • Great for a beginner liner because they are creamy and easy to use because they glide on your eyes. You can add as much as you like by starting with a soft touch and layering for a more dramatic effect.
   • Can be smudged to soften the look on the eye and to define your brows in a pinch.
   • If you want to make your eyes more dramatic and defined, or tightlining your eyes, this pencil is the best. Tightlining is lining the waterline of the top and bottom eyelid.
   • Recommend using soap and water to easily remove.
2. Gel Eyeliners: Intermediate, but still requires a steady hand.
   • A mix between a pencil and liquid, these waxy liners come in a pot with a separate angled brush. They dry a little slower than liquid eyeliners and are usually smudge proof once dried.
   • More for those who don’t prefer a tightline but a softer, blurred line.
   • Can double as eyeshadow base, or smudging on the outer eye for a smoky look.
   • The pot easily can dry out, so make sure to always put your lid on tight and clean your brush after every use.
   • Recommend using olive oil or coconut oil to remove, or favorite eye makeup remover product.
3. Liquid Eyeliners: For the eyeliner expert. Think of this as a marker for your eyes requiring precision and focus.
   • Allows to draw a variety of defined lines on your lids to create the most bold and dramatic looks, like a winged eye or a cat eye. Meow!
   • Dries quickly, so less forgiving and not a great choice for smudging or a smoky eye.
   • Comes in a brush or felt tip with brush tips; tends to be a little more difficult to control with the liquid coming out and spreading faster. Felt tips are easier to control and don’t spread as fast with a quicker drying time.
   • Oil-free liquid liners are the best to use with lash extensions. (And remember to use oil-free removers with lash extensions too!)
   • Recommend using olive oil or coconut oil to remove, or favorite eye makeup remover product.

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*The blog articles, recipes and recommendations found on this site are not intended as medical advice and should not replace consulting with your medical provider. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.