Learn the Difference between all those Eye Pencils and Discover yours

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This guide is meant for the beginners (or the less makeup-savvy). Use this eyeliner 101 guide to determine what kind of eyeliner is right for you!

Eyeliner 101 – The 4 different types

Pencil liner

This is the most basic eyeliner and a staple in any makeup collection. It’s the easiest to apply and is also easy to correct when a mistake is made. Pencil liners can create a soft-looking line. I always use pencil for my lower lashline or waterline. Occasionally, I’ll use it for tightlining as well. Pencil liner can wear off or transfer to the eyelid though, so you’ll have to find one that works well for you. There’s a lot of trial-and-error when it comes to finding good pencil liners. The best ones will glide across your lashline with ease and stay put for most of the day.

Products I recommend: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil and Too Faced Perfect Eyes Eyeliner

Pencil liners

Liquid liner

Liquid liner is popular for creating cat eyes or just really precise, bold liner. I think of it as the most intense liner. It’s long-lasting and won’t fade or smudge, but it can also look more harsh than the others. I don’t feel like liquid liner is the best liner to start out with because it requires a steady hand and can be hard to get used to. It takes a lot of practice (and I mean A LOT!). Also, when you make a mistake, it can be difficult to correct. So, if you really like the look of it, just be patient and practice at home when you don’t have to go anywhere. Practice as much as possible. Eventually you will get better at it.

Tip: When learning to apply liquid liner, apply pencil liner first and use it as a guide for the liquid liner. This is how I got good at liquid liner application!

Products I recommend: Maybelline Line Stiletto and Jesse’s Girl Liquid Liner

Liquid liners

Gel Liner

Gel/cream liner is like liquid liner’s less popular cousin, but I actually like it better! With gel liner, you can create an intense line that isn’t as harsh as liquid. You can even smudge it out to create a softer look. Gel liner is just more flexible to work with and much easier to apply. Normally, it comes in a pot and you apply it with a brush. It usually comes with its own little mini brush, but I like to use my full-sized angled brush for application. Gel liner has great staying power too.

Products I recommend: MAC Fluidline, Laura Geller Inkwell, and L’oreal Infallible Gel Liner

Gel liners

Eyeshadow

This isn’t actually an eyeliner, obviously, but in a pinch, you can use it as such. Sometimes I’ll use shadow to define my lashline when I’m not wearing much makeup, but still want to look somewhat put together (i.e. going to the pool, running to the store, etc.).  I’ll also use it to smoke out my liner if I’m using a different kind and feel like it looks too harsh. I just use a black shadow around the edges of the liner to blend and soften it. It gives the whole eye a sexy, sultry appearance. Eyeshadow used as eyeliner won’t have much staying power, so it’s not ideal for all-day wear. It does look very natural and soft though.

Products I recommend: MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon and Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Blackout

Black eye shadow

Comparison of all 4 products

Above is a comparison of each product. As you can see, liquid liner is the darkest and most precise of the four. The black eyeshadow is the lightest and won’t have the same staying power as the others.

Basic Rundown of Eyeliner 101

• Liquid liner is great for winged liner and very precise, dramatic liner. It takes the most patience and practice to get the hang of. Sometimes can look harsh. Most intense of the 4 products. Doesn’t budge or wear off.
• Gel liner is almost as intense as liquid liner but not quite there. It comes in a pot and is applied with a brush. Easier to apply than liquid liner. Can look precise or smudged (for a smokey look). Doesn’t budge or wear off.
• Pencil liner is the most convenient and easiest to apply. It’s the one most people start with. Quality varies with brand. Can wear off and get smudged easier. Not as precise or intense.
• Eyeshadow is not a true eyeliner but can be used that way. It provides the least amount of intensity but can be used with other liners to help soften or smoke them out. Not as much staying power as the other 3.

Now that you know about the different eyeliners and how they wear, you can make a decision about which one is best for you. If you’re still unsure, try each one! Each of the products I recommended are personal favorites of mine and I encourage you to try them. I hope you learned something from this eyeliner 101 guide!

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