Eyeliner vs. Mascara: Which One Defines Your Eyes Better?

Table of Contents

• What is Eyeliner?
• What is Mascara?
• Understanding The Key Differences Between Eyeliner and Mascara
• When to Use Eyeliner Over Mascara?
• When to Use Mascara Over Eyeliner?
• Can You Wear Eyeliner and Mascara Together?
• Styling Tips for Eyeliner and Mascara Based on Your Eye Shape
• Takeaway
• FAQs

When it comes to serving killer eye makeup, the two products that you can bet on with your eyes closed are eyeliner and mascara. They both serve different purposes and help achieve specific makeup looks.

But for my beginner babes, it's important to know the what’s and how’s of all beauty products. So, in this blog we’ll discuss the difference between eyeliner and mascara, when to use both and how to style it for your unique eye shape.

What is Eyeliner?

Eyeliner is used to define and accentuate the shape of your eyes. It helps make your eyes appear larger and more dramatic. With an eyeliner you can create a simple line on your upper lash line to enhance your eye makeup or create a bold wing for an elongated look. You can even change the shape of your eyes by the way you apply eyeliner. Eyeliners are available in various formulations such as:

Liquid Eyeliner

It is a water-based, thin or liquid formulation that is applied using a fine tip brush. It offers a precise and shiny line ideal for creating sharp wings.

Pencil Eyeliner

It is designed in the shape of a pencil which allows for an easy application ideal for beginners. Pencil eyeliner is directly used for subtle and soft eye looks and can be easily smudged for a smoky eye.

Gel Eyeliner

Gel eyeliner has a thick formulation which is also applied using a brush. It provides the finish of a liquid eyeliner with the ease of a pencil eyeliner.

What is Mascara?

Mascara is a makeup product that is used to enhance your eyelashes. It helps darken, lift and add volume to your lashes to make them appear fuller and longer. Defined lashes make your eyes appear more open and awake, Mascara add length and thickness to your lashes and draw attention to your eyes. There are different formulations of mascara that provide different effects such as:

Curling & Lengthening Mascara

This mascara helps transform your lashes from small and straight to certified baddie lashes. It helps create the illusion of longer lashes

Volumizing Mascara

It is created to add volume to sparse lashes by maintaining individual lashes and adding volume and thickness.

Defining Mascara

Some mascara can clump up your lashes but defining mascara helps avoid this and provide dark and noticeable lashes.

Understanding The Key Differences Between Eyeliner and Mascara

When to Use Eyeliner Over Mascara?

Eyeliner is to be used when you prefer a more sleek and defined eye look. Eyeliner is perfect to add as little or as much definition you want to your eye. With an eyeliner you can change the shape of your eye. You can have fox eyes by creating an outward sharp wing or you can make a soft wing curving upwards to make your eyes more rounder.

When to Use Mascara Over Eyeliner?

You can skip using eyeliner and only use mascara when you want a natural “no-makeup look”. A lash defining mascara will make your lashes look dark, lengthy and full. It will make your eyes appear larger and open which is ideal for a simple natural look.

Though you can use mascara without eyeliner, an eyeliner will complement the mascara to create a classic eye makeup look. You can apply a thin line of eyeliner on your upper lash line and top it off with mascara for a minimal everyday look.

Can You Wear Eyeliner and Mascara Together?

Definitely! Eyeliner is best paired with a mascara to have a completely polished eye makeup look. Especially if you have sparse or short lashes, adding eyeliner alone will look uneven. Though you can use mascara without eyeliner, an eyeliner will complement the mascara to create a classic eye makeup look. You can apply a thin line of eyeliner on your upper lash line and top it off with mascara for a minimal everyday look.

Styling Tips for Eyeliner and Mascara Based on Your Eye Shape

Hooded Eyes

If you have hooded eyes, a thin and bold eyeliner will be perfect. Use a liquid eyeliner that is water-proof and smudge-free to create precise lines and avoid the eyeliner from transferring. Use a curling and waterproof mascara on your upper and lower lashes to make your lashes look lifted and full.

Round Eyes

For round eyes, a smoky slay look or a sharp wing will help elongate the appearance of your eyes. Try a pencil eyeliner to shade the outer corner of your eyes and then smudge it softly using a brush or your finger. Apply a volumizing mascara to both upper and lower lash lines focusing more on the outer lashes to further elongate your eyes.

Small Eyes

The goal for small eyes is to make them look bigger and the easiest way to do this is by using a white eyeliner in your lower lash line. Use a pencil eyeliner to line your waterline which will help extend the white of your eyes and make them appear bigger. A lengthening mascara on your upper and lower lashes will help your eyes appear wide.

Deep Set Eyes

You want to make deep set eyes look bigger and at the forefront. Thus apply a thin gel eyeliner starting from the middle of your upper lash line to create a blanched eye look. For deep set eyes, use a defining mascara to create a lifted and open eyes.

Takeaway,

Both eyeliner and mascara play a crucial role in your eye makeup and a strong eye makeup can instantly transform your makeup game. Mascara enhances your lashes by adding volume and length. While eyeliner defines and accentuates the appearance of your eyes.

You can apply both together for a complete eye makeup or use them individually based on personal preference. No matter what style or trend you go for, experiment, have fun and let your eyes do the talking ; )

FAQs

Should I apply eyeliner before or after mascara?

The correct way is to apply eyeliner first and then mascara. By applying eyeliner first you will be able to create precise lines and correct any mistakes. Following it with mascara will complete the eye makeup look.

What’s the best eyeliner style for small eyes?

For small eyes, you want to create the illusion of wider open eyes. Apply a thin eyeliner with a small upward wing on your upper lash line. For your lower waterline, use a white pencil eyeliner to extend the white of your eyes.

Which one makes the eyes look bigger: eyeliner or mascara?

Typically, mascara is used to make your eyes look bigger as it makes your lashes look lifted and full. It makes your eyes pop and draws attention to it.

Does waterproof mascara last longer than regular mascara?

Yes! Waterproof mascara does lat longer than a regular mascara especially in sweaty and humid conditions. Waterproof mascara is designed to resist fading or smudging by water and is ideal for long lasting makeup looks.

Which eyeliner is best for a smoky eye look?

An eyeliner pencil or gel eyeliner are the best options for creating a smoky eye look. They have a creamy formulation that makes it easy to smudge. 

Should I wear eyeliner on my lower lash line?

Yes, you can apply eyeliner on your lower lash line but it depends on your eye shape. Eyeliner on the lower lash line is ideal for large eyes and should be avoided by small or round eye shape.

Written by Madiha Patel