From the moment you started wearing makeup, you wanted to master eyeliner. And while you’re probably doing way better now than on your first attempt, you may still struggle with getting that line just right.
Guess what: It may be in the type of eyeliner that you’re using. From gel to pencil to liquid and eyeshadow, you’ve got several options to choose from. They all have their benefits—and limits on what they can or can’t do for you. That’s why we tapped makeup artist Sharon L. Gjieli, founder of Makeup By Lips, for the rundown on how to achieve eyeliner perfection with five types of eyeliner:
KOHL PENCIL
If you’re planning on going for eyeliner and mascara alone, a creamy pencil that retracts is a must because it will glide right on. The downside is that it won’t give you a sharp line. However, Gjieli notes that it’s perfect for giving your lashes a boost. To do it, wiggle the pencil between each lash. This closes the gap in between lashes, making them look fuller. “This is something I recommend for every day wear,” she says.
RADITIONAL PENCIL
It’s the one you know and love—and maybe have the most experience with. While they’re not as super creamy, these are great for drawing on a more precise line. (That said, they are still smudgeable, if needed.) If you line your upper and lower lashes, don’t connect them at the inner corner. Doing that makes your eyes look smaller, says Gjieli.
LIQUID EYELINER
A liquid liner can be intimidating, but it’s perfect if you’re going for a sharp, clean look or a wing, says Gjieli. For more control, she recommends buying a felt-tip liner rather than one that comes with a brush. And know that liquid liner takes practice. One trick: use a traditional pencil along with a liquid eyeliner. Draw a line with the pencil, and then trace over it with the liquid liner. Over time, you’ll commit the liquid line to muscle memory and you will no longer need the pencil.
GEL EYELINER
You’ll either find this creamy-textured eyeliner in a pencil or a dip pot. The good news: Gel isn’t as difficult to apply compared to a liquid. One must: If you go for a dip pot, buying a slanted brush—even an eyebrow brush would work—will make your life easier, says Gjieli. For beginners, she recommends drawing dots or short dashes on your upper lash line, then using the slanted brush to blend the color into a line. Smudge it out if you want a smoky look.
TRADITIONAL EYESHADOW
Yep, these are designed as color to cover your lid, but you can easily use them as an eyeliner, too. “I love using eyeshadow as eyeliner for girls with brown eyes because they can wear any color they want,” says Gjieli. That means if you want emerald green-lined eyes, you can dip into your shadow rather than buy a separate eyeliner. To pull it off, Gjieli recommends drawing a tight black line against your lash first (to eliminate any gap between lashes and color), and spritz a slanted eyeshadow brush with water until damp. Dip the brush into the shadow and slide over the line.
