In this day and age, you can’t even begin to imagine how many types of eyeliner there are.
You’re not the only one who has ever stood in the makeup aisle and stared at rows and rows of eyeliners, including pencils, pens, pots, liquids, gels, and strange hybrid products.
It can be hard to choose from types of eyeliner, even though it’s just a line around your eyes. But at Beautifully Alive, we think that the first step to enjoying your makeup routine instead of being scared of it is to know what your options are.
There isn’t a single type of eyeliner that works for everyone.
Different formulas have different effects, last for different amounts of time during the day, and work better for different lifestyles, eye shapes, and levels of comfort.
Some types of eyeliner are forgiving and soft, others are bold and precise, and some are made for people who like to make a statement before they’ve even had their morning coffee.
So let’s go over everything in a way that’s easy to understand, not judgemental, and fun. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what types of eyeliner you need and what kinds you can skip.
See also: Complete Guide to How to Use Eyeliner >
What You Need to Know About Different Types of Eyeliner
Before we get into the details, let’s talk about why the kind of eyeliner you use is important.
The formula has an effect on:
- How simple it is to use
- How long it stays
- How strong or weak the result looks
- If it smudges or stays put
- How easy it is to forgive if your hand slips
If you’ve ever been annoyed by eyeliner, it was probably the formula, not you.
The Classic Favourite: Pencil Eyeliner
Most people start their makeup journeys with pencil eyeliner, and for good reason. It’s something you know, can easily control, and can be used in many ways.
What It Is
Pencil eyeliner comes in a pencil shape that you sharpen or twist up. Depending on the formula, it can be creamy, firm, matte, or a little shiny.
Why People Like It
Pencil liner is easy to work with. You can smudge out your line if it’s not perfect and act like you meant to do it. It’s great for people who are just starting out and for people who want a soft, natural look.
Best Uses
- Everyday eyeliner
- Definition of soft
- Eyes that are smoky
- The bottom lash line
- Tightlining
Things to Keep an Eye On
If they are too dry, some pencils can pull on the eyelid. If you have to pull on your skin to put it on, it’s time to change the formula or sharpen the pencil.
Who It’s Best For
- People who are new
- People who like makeup that isn’t too obvious
- Anyone who wants quick, low-stress application
Kohl Eyeliner: Dark and Sexy
People often put kohl eyeliner in the same category as pencil liners, but it should get its own attention.
What it is
Kohl is usually softer, creamier, and more colourful than regular pencil liner. In the past, kohl was made from natural minerals, but now it is made to go on smoothly.
Why People Like It
It makes that smoky, lived-in, dreamy look without any effort. One swipe and you’re halfway to a sexy look for your eyes.
Best Uses
- Eyes that look smoky
- Using on the waterline
- Looks that are soft and blended
Things to Keep an Eye On
Kohl is easier to smudge because it is creamy. That’s part of what makes it so appealing, but it might not be the best choice for long, hot days without setting.
Who Should Use It
- People who like smoky eyes
- People who don’t like sharp lines
- People who like things that look a little messy
Liquid Eyeliner: Strong, Accurate, and Dramatic
Liquid eyeliner has a bad reputation, and yes, it can be scary. But once you get the hang of it, it’s like magic.
What It Is
A small tube with a brush or applicator holds liquid liner. It dries quickly and gives off a lot of colour.
Why People Like It
Liquid liner makes lines that are sharp and clear and don’t move. It’s the best choice for classic wings and graphic designs.
Best Uses
- Eyeliner with wings
- Eyes of a cat
- Looks with graphic liner
- Makeup that has a big effect
Things to Keep an Eye On
Mistakes are easier to see, and you need a steady hand. But a lot of practice makes a big difference.
Who Should Use It
- People who are sure about using eyeliner
- People who enjoy drama
- People who want a definition that lasts
Beginner-Friendly Precision with Felt-Tip or Pen Eyeliner
If you’re afraid of liquid eyeliner, meet its friendlier cousin.
What It Is
Pen eyeliner looks like a marker and has a felt-tip or brush tip that lets out liquid formula.
What People Like About It
It’s easier to use than regular liquid liner and makes clean lines.
Best Uses
- Liner with wings
- Definition of everyday
- Fast ways to put on makeup
Things to Look Out For
Some pens dry out very quickly. To help keep the flow, store them with the tips down.
Who It Works Best For
- Beginners who want wings
- People who like things to be easy
- Anyone who wants accuracy without stress
Gel Eyeliner: Smooth Control
Makeup artists love gel eyeliner, and for good reason.
What It Is
You can use a brush to put on gel liner that comes in a small pot. It has the richness of liquid and the flexibility of pencil.
What People Like About It
You can control the colour better and get bolder colours. Depending on how you put it on, you can get a sharp or smudgy look.
The best ways to use
- Eyeliner with wings
- Looks with smoky liner
- Styles that last a long time
Things to Keep an Eye On
You’ll need a brush, and the pot can dry out if you don’t close it right.
Who Should Use It
- Users at an intermediate level
- People who want to be able to do many things
- Anyone who likes to change the intensity
Soft and buildable cream eyeliner
Cream eyeliner is in the middle of gel and pencil.
What It Is
Cream liner usually comes in a pot or stick and is easy to mix and smooth.
Why People Like It
It’s easy to mix before it sets and doesn’t hurt your eyes.
Best Uses
- Definition of soft
- Mixed liner looks
- Skin that is older
Things to Keep an Eye On
To keep cream liners from creasing, you may need to set them with eyeshadow.
Who Should Use It
- Eyes that are sensitive
- People who want makeup that is less harsh
- Anyone who doesn’t like stiff formulas
Powder Eyeliner: Soft and Natural
Yes, there is such a thing as powder eyeliner, and it’s surprisingly pretty.
What It Is
You can use a damp or dry angled brush to apply powder liner, which looks like eyeshadow.
Why People Like It
It’s very forgiving and makes a soft, blurry line.
Best Uses
- Looks of natural makeup
- Beginners learning how to use liner
- Smokey eye effects
Things to Keep an Eye On
It doesn’t last as long unless it’s layered or set up correctly.
Who It’s Best For
- People who don’t like a lot of makeup
- Anyone who is scared of sharp lines
- People who want a barely-there look
We recommend: jane iredale Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner, Water-Resistant Crease-Proof Cream to Powder Formula
Cake Eyeliner: Old-Fashioned but Works
Cake liner may sound old-fashioned, but a lot of people still use it.
What It Is
A solid block of product that can be activated with water and used with a brush.
Why People Like It
You have full control over how strong it is, from light to strong.
Best Uses
- Custom styles
- Makeup for professionals
- Lines that are sharp but flexible
Things to Keep an Eye On
It needs a little more time and practice.
Who It Works Best For
- People who love makeup
- People who like the process
- People who like makeup that can be changed
We recommend: Graftobian Espresso Brown Cake Eyeliner
Waterproof Eyeliner: made to last
Waterproof eyeliner isn’t a type; it’s a superpower.
What It Is
It comes in pencil, liquid, and gel forms that are made to withstand water, sweat, and tears.
Why People Like It
It doesn’t move. End of story.
Best Uses
- Long days
- The weather is hot.
- Special Events
- Eyelids that are oily
Things to Keep an Eye On
A good makeup remover is important because it can be harder to get off.
Who It’s Best For
- Lifestyles that are active
- Skin that is oily
- Anyone who needs serious staying power
Coloured Eyeliner: Fun and Creative
It doesn’t have to be black or brown eyeliner.
What It Is
Blue, green, purple, white, and metallic eyeliners are available.
Why People Like It
It gives you personality and fun without needing a full eyeshadow look.
Best Uses
- Liner for accents
- Looks that are creative
- Making the eyes brighter
Things to Look Out For
A primer makes some colours look better.
Who It’s Best For
- Creative minds
- Anyone who is tired of neutrals
- People who like to try new things
Drugstore VS. HighEnd Liquid Eyeliner
Have you ever tried to use liquid eyeliner? Possibly you wanted to make a wing? If so, then you already know that liquid eyeliner is not very easy to apply.
The first few times of using liquid liner will be tricky, but you will get the hang of it eventually!
With liquid liners, you can find that they vary prices.
Depending on where you go to get your liner we could be talking anywhere between $3-$30.
Some of the top-rated drugstore liquid liners are from brands like NYX, Maybelline, Covergirl, etc.
You can find these for a reasonable price! When walking into a Sephora, you see larger brands selling one liquid liner for $18+.
View: Best Drugstore Eyeliner Products Of The Year
Picking the Right Eyeliner for You
If you’re not sure where to start, think about this:
Do I want soft or strong?
Do I want it fast or accurate?
Do I want something that forgives or something that is dramatic?
There is no “best” eyeliner; only the one that looks good on you.
We think that makeup should be a choice, not a chore, at Beautifully Alive. Different types of eyeliner are a way to show who you are, boost your confidence, and have fun. There is an eyeliner out there that will fit your style perfectly, whether you like a thin pencil line or a bold graphic wing.
And when you do find it? A lot more fun happens after that. 💛
See also:
- See the best drugstore eyeliner picks according to Amazon reviews!
- ​Almay Intense i-Color Liquid Liner Review
- ​Docolor Liquid Gel Black Eyeliner Review
- ​L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner Review
- ​COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil Review
- ​Maybelline New York Curvitude Liner Review
- ​Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eyeliner Review
- ​Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
- ​​Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Review
