Eyeliner is one of the most transformative tools in any makeup kit. It defines your eyes, enhances your lashes, and gives your entire face more expression. However, with the huge range of eyeliners available gel, pencil, liquid, kohl, and pen it can be overwhelming to know which one truly suits your eyes best. The best eyeliner for you depends on your eye shape, skin type, and desired look. In this detailed guide, we will explore which eyeliner works best for different eye shapes and conditions, the pros and cons of each formula, and professional tips for application and longevity.
Understanding Your Eye Shape
Before choosing an eyeliner, it’s essential to identify your eye shape because the placement and thickness of eyeliner can completely change how your eyes appear.
Almond Eyes
Almond shaped eyes are symmetrical and slightly pointed at both corners. They can handle almost any eyeliner style from sleek wings to smudged kohl looks. A thin line that gradually thickens toward the outer corner flatters almond eyes beautifully.
Best Eyeliner Type: Liquid or felt tip pen
Recommended Brands: Stila Stay All Day, Chanel Stylo Yeux
Round Eyes
Round eyes are large and open, which gives them a youthful, expressive appearance. To elongate them, focus your liner on the outer corners and create a small flick outward.
Best Eyeliner Type: Gel or liquid eyeliner
Recommended Brands: NYX Epic Ink, MAC Fluidline
Hooded Eyes
With hooded eyes, part of the eyelid folds over, making eyeliner less visible. The trick is to draw a thinner line along the lash line and extend slightly upward so it’s visible even when your eyes are open.
Best Eyeliner Type: Waterproof liquid or pen eyeliner
Recommended Brands: Maybelline Hyper Easy, Stila Waterproof Liner
Monolid Eyes
Monolid eyes have no visible crease, which makes thicker lines more effective. Applying a bold liner with an extended wing helps create definition and dimension.
Best Eyeliner Type: Creamy gel or kajal liner
Recommended Brands: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal, Maybelline Tattoo Studio
Downturned Eyes
For downturned eyes, focus on lifting the outer corners by creating an upward flick. Avoid lining the entire lower lash line, as this can emphasize the droop.
Best Eyeliner Type: Waterproof liquid liner
Recommended Brands: Urban Decay 24/7 Ink Liner, L’Oréal Infallible Super Slim
Deep Set Eyes
Deep set eyes benefit from lighter shades of eyeliner that open up the eye area. Avoid thick or overly dark lines on the upper lid.
Best Eyeliner Type: Soft pencil or gel liner
Recommended Brands: Estée Lauder Double Wear Pencil, NYX Slide On
Types of Eyeliners and Their Benefits
Each eyeliner formula has unique qualities. Here’s how to choose the one that matches your eye type and makeup style.
1. Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner delivers sharp precision and bold pigmentation. It’s perfect for dramatic wings and defined looks.
Best for: Almond, round, or upturned eyes.
Pros: Intense color, precision control, long lasting.
Cons: Requires steady hands and practice.
2. Gel Eyeliner
Gel liners come in pots and are applied with a brush. They offer flexibility for both thin and thick lines.
Best for: Monolid, hooded, and round eyes.
Pros: Smooth texture, long wear, great for smudging.
Cons: Can dry out over time if left open.
3. Pencil Eyeliner
Pencil liners are versatile, easy to control, and ideal for soft or everyday looks.
Best for: All eye types, especially beginners.
Pros: Easy to apply, blendable.
Cons: May need sharpening and can smudge if not waterproof.
4. Kajal or Kohl Eyeliner
Kajal liners are creamy and highly pigmented, designed for bold, smoky effects.
Best for: Monolid and deep set eyes.
Pros: Smooth application, great for waterline.
Cons: Can smudge easily on oily skin.
5. Pen Eyeliner
Pen eyeliners combine the best of both pencil and liquid formulas, offering ease of use with sharp precision.
Best for: Beginners and busy mornings.
Pros: Convenient, travel friendly, quick to apply.
Cons: May dry out if not stored tightly capped.
Choosing Eyeliner Based on Skin and Eye Sensitivity
If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, opt for hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and ophthalmologist tested products. Avoid formulas with glitter or shimmer, as these can cause irritation. Pencil and gel liners are usually gentler than liquid ones. For oily eyelids, use waterproof or matte gel liners that resist smudging. Consider applying a primer before your eyeliner to increase wear time.
Eyeliner Color Guide: Match It to Your Eyes
Choosing the right color can enhance your natural eye shade dramatically.
- Brown Eyes: Almost any color works try black for drama or navy for depth.
- Blue Eyes: Warm tones like bronze, copper, or brown enhance the blue.
- Green or Hazel Eyes: Plum, burgundy, and deep purple make green eyes pop.
- Gray Eyes: Charcoal and slate add subtle intensity.
Avoid overly bright colors unless going for a statement look; soft neutrals often flatter best for everyday wear.
Tips for Perfect Application
- Anchor your elbow: Rest it on a table for steady control.
- Use short strokes: Build your line gradually for precision.
- Tightline: Apply eyeliner between lashes for a fuller lash effect.
- Set with eyeshadow: Press matching shadow on top of your liner to seal it.
- Clean mistakes: Use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water for crisp edges.
- Avoid tugging: Always pull the skin gently to prevent fine lines.
Long Lasting Tricks for Smudge Free Wear
- Apply a thin layer of eye primer before eyeliner.
- Use waterproof formulas on humid or rainy days.
- For pencil liners, set them with powder eyeshadow in the same shade.
- Avoid applying heavy moisturizer on your eyelids before makeup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying liner unevenly on both eyes.
- Using too thick a line on small or hooded eyes.
- Forgetting to match the eyeliner color to your eyeshadow tones.
- Skipping primer, which leads to fading.
- Using old or dried out products that can irritate your eyes.
Expert Recommendations
If you are new to eyeliner, start with pen style formulas like NYX Epic Ink or Maybelline Hyper Easy. For professional finishes, Stila Stay All Day or MAC Fluidline are top choices. For a soft, smudged look, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil is perfect.
Makeup artists recommend having at least two types of eyeliner:
- One waterproof precision liner for defined looks.
- One soft pencil or kohl for blending and smoky effects.
This combination covers both everyday makeup and glamorous occasions.
There’s no universal answer to which eyeliner is best for everyone—it depends on your eye shape, lifestyle, and desired finish. However, the right eyeliner will enhance your features effortlessly, stay put throughout the day, and feel comfortable even after hours of wear.
If you’re looking for reliable all round options, Stila, NYX, Chanel, and Maybelline offer high quality liners across every price range. Experiment with different formulas until you find one that fits you perfectly—because when your eyeliner suits your eyes, your whole look transforms.
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