Different types of eyeliner

Eyeliner is not one of those makeup products that you can pick without careful consideration. A wrong pick can land you with an eyeliner that is too faint or dry, fades out too quickly, and transfers too easily. It can be downright smudgy and so, you can forget about achieving that perfect cat-eye look.

But again, it always makes sense to have more than just one eyeliner to achieve various kinds of makeup looks. While carbon black is a non-negotiable necessity, you cannot achieve a fleeky cat-eye without a waterproof absolute black liquid liner or a perfectly lining lash without a precise pen. Or if you want to get that interesting retro look, a white eyeliner is a must-have. And, if you intend to go for the no-makeup look, you have to get that particular shade of brown to get it right. A good eyeliner is undoubtedly one of the sharpest makeup weapons you can slay your audience with! And more so with different eyeliner types.

Types of Eyeliner

There are majorly 4 types of eyeliners: Gel eyeliner, Pencil eyeliner, Liquid eyeliner, and Felt-tip eyeliner. If you are a beginner, you will find application with a Pencil eyeliner simpler than that with a Liquid eyeliner or a Gel eyeliner, which requires more finesse and steadiness of hand.

However, finding the best product suited for you can be overwhelming, challenging, and expensive, if not done right. Therefore, we have put together a list of the best types of eyeliners you can go for to make sure that you are picking the right ones without any trial and error.

1. Gel Eyeliner

An easy-to-control eyeliner brush is used to apply a Gel eyeliner, making the application smooth. Gel eyeliners are great for creating dramatic looks in no time, once you get used to applying them properly. Also, they don't fade or cause irritation if you accidentally rub your eyes. If you are looking for a long-lasting, smudge-proof, and waterproof eyeliner, opt for a Gel liner.

Check out L'Oréal Paris Super Liner Gel Intense 36H Profound Black. Its super-soft, smudge-proof, and water-resistant formula glides on easily and evenly, leaving an intense color finish that lasts up to 36 hours straight. It comes with a perfectly shaped brush and a hand lid.

How to apply gel eyeliner:

1. Coat both sides of the brush with the gel, pressing the brush gently on the pot’s edge to form a pointed brush. 
2. Hold the brush as you would hold a pencil eyeliner and start lining in the middle of the lash line, and then moving to the outward corner of the eye. Gently lift your lid to tight-line the lash line.
3. Apply the liner all the way to the inner corner of the eye. Do not leave any space between the eyeliner and the lash line.

2. Pencil Eyeliner

Pencil eyeliner tends to give you a more natural look and is suitable for beginners as it is easy to apply. However, the eye pencil is not usually smudge-proof and so you have to be extra careful when you use it. 

Available in a variety of shades, Pencil eyeliners are ideal for a natural look. They work just like kohl sticks and are great for everyday use when you want to keep things light and casual.

How to pencil eyeliner:

1. Apply the eyeliner to the upper lid as you pull your upper eyelid taut to the side.
2.  Keep the tip of the eyeliner pencil as close to your lash line as possible and draw a thin line going from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner of your eye. If you want a thick line, repeat this process a couple of times. 
3. Repeat with the lower lid and connect the lines at the outer corner of the eye.

A perfect travel companion due to its ease of application, the Elle 18 Kajal Black pencil eyeliner has a rich and lustrous color, ensuring a long-lasting and smooth finish. Available in a roll-up formula, the Elle 18 Kajal pencil is enriched with almond oil and is ophthalmologically tested as suitable for even sensitive eyes.

3. Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner has a water-like formula. However, you need to have a steady hand to use it. It can be a little tricky for beginners, but if applied correctly, it can make your lashes appear bigger and help create glamorous looks. Liquid eyeliner is great for a cat-eye or a dramatic look. It also lasts longer and is smudge-proof.

How to apply liquid eyeliner:

1. Hold the eyeliner in hand, and carefully run a thin line along your upper lash line.
2. Press the eyeliner as close as possible to your lashes to avoid having a gap between your lashes and eyeliner. Start from the outer corner of your eye.
3. For creating a bolder look or adding a wing, continue lining slowly, increasing the thickness of your eyeliner until you’re satisfied.

For intense, long-lasting color, try NY Bae Ellis Eyeland Liquid eyeliner. It has a matte finish, is waterproof, and contains black pearl powder. From thin lines to everyday smart looks to bold flicks for every occasion, it is smudge-free and incredible for drawing perfect lines.

4. Felt-tip Eyeliner

Felt-tip eyeliners are easy to apply and control, and therefore, are beginner-friendly. Featuring the smartest eyeliner tips ever, it is similar to a fine-tipped sketch pen. Available in different sizes and shapes, you can choose different tips for different looks. 

How to apply felt-tip eyeliner:

1. Position the felt tip at the inner corner of your eye, then begin by creating a small, thin stroke or make it thicker if you wish to.
2.  Go on lining your lash line by connecting short, steady strokes rather than drawing a single continuous line.
3.  To create a wing, extend your line past your inner corner to create a sharp, precise wing.

If you’re looking for a good felt-tip liner that is as easy to use as a pencil eyeliner, you can check out Maybelline New York - the Colossal Liner, Black. It has a wonderful quick-dry formula, powered with ink-pigment technology for intense colors and defined lines. Smudge-free and long-lasting, it comes with a 0.4 mm Flexi Tip Applicator for a quick, error-free application.

Final thoughts

A good eyeliner can illuminate your eyes and give them an enhanced definition. With so many types of eyeliner to choose from, it is easy to shop for one without breaking your bank! You can create a personalized and stunning look all you need is a bit of practice.

Read more:
-  How To Apply Eyeliners Like A Pro For Beginner's
- Top 5 Eyeshadow Palettes to Add Some Shimmer