Eyeliner

From Pencil Eyeliner to Gel Eyeliner: Types of Eyeliners Explained

Pencil eyeliner

Probably one of the most commonly used eyeliner is the pencil eyeliner. If you have grown up outlining your eyes with kajal, you are ready to upgrade to the pencil eyeliner. Pencil eyeliners are quick and easy to use and master and are extremely beginner friendly. This type of eyeliner is usually creamy and effortlessly glides on your lash line and waterline. Some pencil eyeliners are like old school pencils that you need to sharpen to keep the tip sharp and precise while others are mechanical that you twist to pop the product out.

Liquid eyeliner

Perfect for creating bold and dramatic looks, the liquid eyeliner gives you the most precision and helps you create well-defined thin lines. Liquid eyeliners are often the first choice for a variety of different eyeliner looks like winged eyeliner, graphic eyeliner, cat eyes, egyptian eyes, etc. 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. Most liquid eyeliners are available in either a matte or a glossy effect, so choose one that complements your overall makeup look. For example, the maybelline hyper glossy liquid liner has a smudge-proof formula that delivers intense black colour with a high shine finish and stays glossy for up to 24 hours.

Pen eyeliner

If you want the look of a liquid eyeliner with the ease of a pencil eyeliner, the sketch pen eyeliner is just what you need! The fine tip of the pen eyeliner makes it easy to draw precise lines while the shape of a sketch pen makes it easy to use, even for absolute beginners. Felt tip pen eyeliners usually have a smear proof and smudge proof formula that makes for an error-free application.

Gel eyeliner

Available in cute little pots with angled brushes, gel eyeliners might look intimidating at first but are fun to use once you learn to apply them correctly. Gel eyeliners are a makeup-lovers best friend as they are not only used to define the lash line but are also great for applying all over the lid as an eyeshadow base or smudging in the outer corner for a smokey eye makeup look. Gel eyeliners have a high wax content and are waterproof and budge-proof. By varying the thickness and angle of your eyeliner brush, you can create different eyeliner looks with the gel eyeliner. If you like the look of soft and smudged lines that are not as precise as the ones you would get with a liquid eyeliner, the gel eyeliner is the right choice for you. But just like liquid eyeliner, gel eyeliners too need a very steady hand and some practice before you can start creating intricate looks.

Different Eyeliner Styles

You can achieve various looks, depending on the type of eyeliner you use and how you apply it. There are many styles to choose from.

Natural
A natural look enhances your given eye shape, making your lashes appear longer and your eyes more defined. Using a pencil or cream eyeliner, draw a light line along your upper lash line.

Smoky eye
A smoky eye is the perfect choice if you want to add a little drama to your makeup look. Using a cream, pencil or gel eyeliner, apply a thick line along your upper lash line and very slightly wing it out. Next apply the liner to your lower lash line, and smudge both the upper and lower liner for a smoky effect.

Winged
For the perfect flick, you'll want to use a liquid or felt-tip eyeliner. And if you don't get it on the first try, no sweat. Practice makes perfect for this universally flattering style.

Cat eye
While a winged look generally starts on the outer edge of your eye, a cat eye is typically applied from the inner corner all the way to the outer edge and beyond. It usually involves lining the waterline to more accurately mimic feline eyes. Use a liquid or felt-tip eyeliner on the upper lash line and a gel, cream or pencil liner on the bottom lash line to achieve this look.

Artistic
Don't be afraid to play with different types of eyeliner looks. Try incorporating bright colors, using a touch of glitter or drawing geometric patterns or shapes. You can even create a series of dots or multiple wings, or you can play with negative space.

What to Look for in Eyeliner

How to Choose the Right Eyeliner for Your Eye Color

The first thing that most people notice in anyone is the face, and on the face, it's the eyes that catch the most attention every time. That's why there is such a market for beauty products that enhance your eyes, ranging from eyeliners, to mascaras, to eyeshadows and concealers.
All of these are designed and produced with one goal in mind: To beautify your eyes even more. Eyeliners can alleviate, accentuate, and enhance any eye shape or color. They can even make your eyelashes appear thicker, taking your overall makeup look to new levels.
Although black and brown are the most commonly used colors, eyeliners are not one-size-fits-all. Just as whether you prefer liquid eyeliner vs pencil is a personal choice, so is the best eyeliner color for you. If your eyes look that big and beautiful with a regular black eyeliner, just imagine how much better they will look with an eyeliner that complements your natural eye color and skin tone!
Eye color is very unique to the individual and may even appear to change color depending on the environment and circumstance. However, the most common colors are tackled below.

● Brown eyes
Nearly 55-79% of the total world population has brown eyes. It's the most common eye color and comes with many variations, like dark brown, light brown, amber, honey brown, russet, chocolate, and nut brown. Brown eyes are versatile and look great with most eye makeup colors.
For a natural look with your brown eyes, opt for brown eyeliner. Brown eyeliner will give a soft dimension to your eyes while still making them appear rich and intense. However, if you want a sharp and sleek look, black eyeliner is always an excellent choice.
To make your brown eyes appear brighter, go for colored eyeliner in contrasting shades. For instance, think shades of midnight blue and teal, shades of olive and emerald green, shades of vivid purple and soft purple for a regal look, and even grey and charcoal to bring out any gold flecks in your brown peepers.

● Hazel eyes
Hazel eye color stems from a mix of greens and browns. Since this eye color is dual-toned, different eyeliner shades will bring out different colors in your eyes. You can pair almost anything with hazel eyes, whether it be browns, golds, greens, or purples, much like brown eyes.
Green eyeliner or purple eyeliner in shades like rich purple or plum help accentuate the green tones in hazel eyes. On the other hand, brown eyeliner in any shade, including metallic copper or bronze, will accentuate brown and gold flecks in hazel eyes.

● Green eyes
The shade of your green eyes may reflect things from your makeup, clothes, and even your mood. Green eyes pop best when paired with complementary color eyeliners that offer some contrast.
Since green is opposite to red on the color wheel, one complementary color range is all the different shades of red. This includes maroon, as well as brown-hued red shades like burgundy and mahogany.
For a soft, everyday look, opt for red-based brown shades to line your eyes, and for a night out, try a bold red and maroon. However, be sure to fill the waterline in with black eyeliner before applying the red or maroon. This can help you avoid a sick and tired look. Purple shades like violet and amethyst are also great to pair with green eyes and accentuate an earthy vibe.

● Blue eyes
The key to making blue eyes pop is pairing them with complementary colors in rich and warm shades. Warm, metallic shades like bronze and copper can highlight the golden flecks in blue eyes if applied properly.
Similarly, colors with orange undertones help make the color blue appear more vibrant in contrast. These colors include copper, gold, and shades of orange.
Your own personal preferences should trump any current popular beauty trends. Your eyes will never look as beautiful as when you actually enjoy life and are comfortable in your own skin. That includes your face!