Eyeliner 101

As with all makeup products out there, the range and variety of a single type is overwhelming. Over the years, the quality has improved and innovation has played a huge part in terms of the choices we have when we go out shopping.

So today I want to go through the basic types of eyeliners out there, what effect each one is meant to give and a mention to some favorite drugstore brands with an honorary mention of one high end product as well if I have one that is.





Starting off with PENCIL EYELINERS:

• Good for beginners of those who don't have much experience with applying eyeliner.
• Best suited for smudging in both upper and lower eyelids for a smoky look.
• Waterproof versions convenient for tight lining (using in the lower and upper inner rims of lid to give illusion of thicker lash line).
• Come in the retractable as well as sharpening pencils.
• Also available in a host of colors.
• Black makes eyes look smaller when tight lined whereas white or nude colors makes eyes look bigger.

Favs:

From Left to right then down:

Rimmel Scandal Eyes eyeliner (click here for full review)

Prestige Total Intensity eyeliner

Revlon Grow Luscious Eyeliner

Maybelline the Colossal Kajal

Bourjois Kohl Contour Ultra Black

Essence Long Lasting Eyepencil in Almost Famous

Max Factor Eyepencil in White

Higher End:

Lancome Le Crayon Khol Noir (the thick swatch at the top)

Corresponding Swatches:

LIQUID EYELINERS:

• Comes in a little tube and the wand is dipped in and out, alternatively a pen like liner is also available for more ease of application.
• Gives more precise lines, is splendid for extended cat eye flick.
• The wand is built to be bendy so you can taper out the line as you draw along.
• Not recommended for the water line.

Favs:

From left right:

Essence Black Mania Liquid Eyeliner

Nivea Expert Eyeliner

Body Shop Liquid Eyeliner

Essence Extra Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen

Maybelline Line Definer

Corresponding Swatches:

(Yup, they all look exactly the same)

I have no high end pick for this category.

GEL EYELINERS:

• Comes in a pot, product has to be picked carefully with a brush, then applied.
• Gives the most long lasting finish, and can also be used in inner water line but better to just use a pencil.

Favs:

From left to right:

Loreal High Intensity HIP Creamy Truth Eyeliner

Maybelline Lasting Drama  Gel Eyeliner 02 brown

Essence Gel Eyeliner Black

Higher end:

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner which I have run out of.

POWDER EYELINERS:

• They have to be applied with a wet brush since water activates it. Can be used dry as well, but will give less intense color.
• In retrospect, any powder eyeshadow can be used as an eyeliner in the same way.
• This can get messy due to fall out, so you should do your face later or use a tissue under the eyes to catch the fall out.

Favs:

Well I only have the one by Loreal: Kohl Mineral Liner

On the left: Applied dry 

On the Right: Applied with a damp brush

Kryolan do a good one also.

Well that's my two cents on the whole world of eyeliner as brief as possible. Eyeliner can definitely change your entire look and make your eyes stand out instantaneously. Just pick out the right one for you.