Is liquid or pencil eyeliner better?

Author: Prof. Adrain Breitenberg  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

For sharp, dramatic lines, go for liquid. For a softer, more natural look, choose pencil. Check the formula. Look for long-lasting, smudge-proof formulas to ensure your eyeliner stays put.

Which is better, pencil eyeliner or liquid eyeliner?

Tl;dr: Pencil eyeliners are the most beginner-friendly and forgiving to those whose hands aren't the steadiest. Liquid is the trickiest, least forgiving, but generally the longest-lasting and most pigmented. Gel eyeliners are a nice middle ground and double as eyeshadow base.

Which form of eyeliner is best?

Pencil eyeliner is the most versatile type of eyeliner and the easiest to use. It can be used to create a variety of looks, from tightlining to smudged-out thick, dramatic wings. Pencil eyeliner is also relatively easy to remove.

What are the disadvantages of liquid eyeliner?

However, liquid eyeliner does have its downsides. One of the main challenges with liquid eyeliner is the learning curve. It can be tricky to apply, especially for beginners or those with unsteady hands.

Is it better to use liquid eyeliner?

Liquid eyeliners stay for really long as compared to a pen or gel or pencil eyeliner. As compared to a gel or a pencil eyeliner, a liquid eyeliner will give you a sharper and intense look. Instead of giving your eyes a soft look, it a sharp look.

Eyeliner 101: Gel vs Liquid vs. Pencil | Sephora

Should beginners use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

If you're new to eyeliner, start with a pencil for easier control. As you get more comfortable, you can graduate to liquid liner. Think about the look you want. For sharp, dramatic lines, go for liquid.

Is it bad if I get liquid eyeliner in my eye?

Applying eyeliner too close to the eyes may result in potential harm, such as eye infection, blurred vision, irritation, redness, etc. Particles from the eyeliner may enter the eyes, causing issues, particularly for individuals with sensitive or dry eyes.

Is pencil eyeliner bad for your eyes?

Eyeliner does not damage your eyes, but applying it too close to the eye could lead to harm. Particles of eyeliner could get into the eyes and also cause problems if you have sensitive or dry eyes. It is even more affecting for those who wear contact lenses, especially when eyeliner is put on the inner lid margin.

What is the best liquid eyeliner for everyday use?

  • 4.1|2.2k. AD. Lakme. Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner-Green. ...
  • 4.5|53.4k. AD. Maybelline. Colossal Bold Liner - Black. ...
  • Color Diva. Liquid Eyeliner - 5.5 ml. 239 299 (20% OFF) ...
  • 4.5|29.5k. Lakme. Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner. ...
  • 4.6|1.1k. AD. Maybelline. ...
  • 4.3|13k. Blue Heaven. Get Bold Eyeliner. ...
  • 4.4|25.7k. Lakme. Ultimate Glam Eye Liner. ...
  • 4.5|19.7k. AD. Maybelline.

Is liquid eyeliner bad for your lashes?

The best options for eyeliners that are safe for lash extensions are powders and pencils. It's possible to wear a gel or liquid liner with your Gossamer lashes, but it isn't recommended.

What type of eyeliner is best for mature eyes?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eye Liner at Amazon $19.
  • Best Pencil: Jones Road Beauty The Best Pencil at Amazon $36 $25.
  • Best Liquid: KVD Liquid Eyeliner at Amazon $23.
  • Best Gel: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil at Amazon $26.
  • Best Pigmentation: ...
  • Best Waterproof:

Which brand of liquid eyeliner is the best?

We hope one of these will become your new go-to.
  • High performance and affordable: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. ...
  • A beginner's go-to: Danessa Myricks Beauty Linework Paintbrush Fluid Liquid Eyeliner. ...
  • Standout drugstore star: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil.

What eyeliner looks most natural?

While you can create stunning eyeliner looks with liquid liner, gel liner, and everything in-between, However, Linter suggests using a pencil liner if you're going for that natural, barely-there look.

What type of eyeliner is best?

Gel Eyeliner

Gel liners are long-lasting, smudge-proof formulas that can create many types of looks, including smoky eyes, smudged wings and graphic shapes. Apply a waterproof option for even longer wear. In pencil form, gel eyeliner can be drawn straight onto your lash line or waterline.

Should I use black or brown liquid eyeliner?

Black eyeliner provides a bold, dramatic look, while dark brown offers a softer, more natural effect. For Indian skin tones, black is great for defining the eyes, while brown works well for daytime or subtle looks. Gel and kohl liners in deep espresso shades can also enhance the eyes naturally.

Which liquid eyeliner doesn t smudge?

If you're looking for something long-lasting, smudge-proof, and easy to use, you really can't go wrong with Clio's Kill Black waterproof pen. It's something of a Strategist favorite (my colleague Lauren Ro raves about it, and her mother uses it, too) and one that I can't recommend highly enough.

Should I use liquid or pencil eyeliner?

Liquid eyeliner vs pencil eyeliner

So, if you are looking for a sharp winged eyeliner then a liquid eyeliner is the best choice for you. But if you are looking for a bold eyeliner look then a pencil eyeliner is perfect.

Is elf a good eyeliner?

It's easy to apply, stays on all day without budging, offers great pigmentation, and comes in a generous amount—at an incredibly affordable price. If you're looking for a reliable, long-lasting eyeliner that won't break the bank, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

What is the easiest form of eyeliner to use?

Whether you choose pencil, gel, or liquid, each has its own special application and skill level. An eyeliner pencil is perfect for an everyday look and is arguably the easiest to use.

When not to wear eyeliner?

"The reasons eye doctors do not recommend to wear eyeliner on the waterline of your eye is because there are specialized glands there that produce and excrete oil. "The oil should be an olive oil texture, but as you can see here it looks more like toothpaste.

Should you put eyeliner on the bottom lid?

Can you put eyeliner just on the bottom lid? Absolutely! This look will suit some people's eye shape and personal style more than other's. So once again, test this at a time when it's safe to experiment - like before you're about to wash off your makeup- and not when you're about to head somewhere important.

What is the best eyeliner for the inner eye?

Marie Claire's Best Eyeliners for the Waterline
  • Best Overall Eyeliner for the Waterline: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil.
  • Best Affordable Eyeliner for the Waterline: Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner.
  • Best Luxury Eyeliner for the Waterline: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner.

Does liquid eyeliner cause wrinkles?

Foundation, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and other products around the eyes do not cause skin damage. How people apply the products could be the problem. The skin around the eyes is much thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, so that skin is easier to damage.

What are the pros and cons of liquid eyeliner?

Liquid eyeliners are tricky to master and you need a very steady hand when creating delicate strokes. This type of eyeliner tends to dry quickly, so avoid using it for soft, smokey looks that need a smudged eyeliner effect. The brush tip liquid eyeliner is great for drawing ultra-precise lines that will last long.

What is the black stuff in eyeliner?

Carbon Black. Carbon black is a dark black powder used as a pigment in cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. It is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based products such as coal tar, and has been linked to increased incidence of cancer and negative effects on organs.

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