Eyeliner often seems like an extra step in your makeup routine, but it can make all the difference. Just a hint of it smudged in between your lashes or a clean line swept across your lash line can glam up your look, add more definition and make your lashes look thicker. Nowadays there are loads of formulas on the market instead of your regular ol’ pencil and they can create heaps of different looks.
Great for experimenting with bright eyeshadow colours as eyeliners and creating softer looking eyeliner. When dry it can be difficult to apply but when used with water (or a mixing medium) the same application technique as gel liner can be used. Either use a standard eyeshadow or cake eyeliner. Top picks: Regular eyeshadow, E.L.F Studio Makeup Lock & Seal, MAC PRO Mixing Medium Eyeliner
* Can be used wet or dry.
* An easy DIY option.
* Soft, smudgy finish.
* Hundreds of shade possibilities.
* Not very pigmented
* Not suitable for tightlining or waterlining.
* If used dry or with water staying power is poor.
Great if you’re a beginner or just want a 2-in-1 product that can be used as an eyeshadow as well as an eyeliner. If you want an eyeliner to use on the waterlines of the eye or want a soft looking eyeliner than a pencil formula is your best bet. Top picks: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil Eyeliner, Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Pencil Eyeliner
* Easy to use formula great for beginners
* Can easily be smudged to create a softer finish
* Can be used all over the eyelid as an eyeshadow
* Available in waterproof formulas
* Average pigmentation
* Suitable for tightlining and waterlining (kohl formulas work best)
* Not great for creating precise lines
Great if you want a thin, precise line close to the lashes and like to experiment with different eyeliner looks. Not great for beginners as the liner can’t be easily smudged. Usually not a wide variety of shades available but usually has great staying powder. Top picks: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner and Physicians Formula 2 in 1 Lash Boosting Serum Eyeliner
* Not great for beginners
* Fantastic for creating precise lines
* Good staying power
* Tends to have a glossy finish
* Perfect for winged eyeliner/graphic eyeliner looks.
* Unless a three dot variation is used tightlining can be difficult.
* Not suitable for use on the waterline (it will burn your eyes!)
Basically a hybrid of gel and pencil liner. Good staying power and able to create precise lines but can also be easily smudged (before the liner sets) and used as an all-over eyeshadow/base. It can be used to tightline and waterline the eyes with a flat liner brush and usually has great pigmentation. Top picks: Essence Gel Eyeliner (only available in select countries), Stila Smudge Pots
* Matte Finish
* Great for precise lines
* Fantastic pigmentation
* Can be easily smudged
* Once set, has great staying power
* Can be used as an allover eyeshadow or as a base for eyeshadows.
* Many brands offer a wide variety of shade options
* Suitable for tightlining and waterlining
Make sure to follow Makeup Tips through Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Newsletter to keep up with latest product loves, hauls and tips!