Table of Contents
- What is Gel Eyeliner?
- What is Liquid Eyeliner?
- What is Pencil Eyeliner?
- What’s the Real Difference? (Gel vs Liquid vs Pencil Eyeliner)
- Tips to Make Any Eyeliner Last Longer
- Final Note
- FAQs About Gel vs Liquid vs Pencil Eyeliner
Ever spent 20 minutes perfecting your eyeliner, only to have it smudge, fade, or vanish by lunchtime? You’re not alone. Eyeliner is a makeup essential that defines your eyes, shapes your look, and brings instant polish but it can also be one of the most frustrating products if the formula doesn’t work with your lifestyle or skin type.
With options like gel, liquid, and pencil eyeliners flooding the beauty aisle, many women ask:
In this guide from Mary Jo K, we dive deep into the three major eyeliner types and reveal which one truly stands out in terms of longevity, look, and ease of use - so you never second-guess your liner again.
What is Gel Eyeliner?
Gel eyeliner is a creamy, smooth formula typically packaged in a small pot or jar. It’s applied with a fine-tipped angled brush, giving you control over how thick or thin the line is.
Why you’ll love it:
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Ideal for dramatic or smoky looks
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Great for smudging or creating bold wings
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Long-lasting and usually waterproof
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Offers more precision than pencil, more softness than liquid
Perfect for: Intermediate to advanced users who want versatility and long wear.
What is Liquid Eyeliner?
Liquid eyeliner has a watery or ink-like consistency and is applied with a fine brush or felt-tip pen. It’s known for delivering crisp, defined lines with intense pigment payoff.
Why you’ll love it:
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Gives ultra-sharp wings and graphic eye looks
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Dries quickly and stays in place
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Excellent for hooded eyes (when applied correctly)
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Often the most long-wearing of all types
Perfect for: Experienced users who want drama, precision, and durability.
What is Pencil Eyeliner?
Pencil eyeliner is the most beginner-friendly option. It comes in traditional wooden pencils or twist-up retractables, with formulas ranging from dry and powdery to soft and creamy.
Why you’ll love it:
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Easy to apply, remove, and blend
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Great for tightlining and waterlines
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Ideal for natural, everyday looks
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Minimal tools required—perfect for on-the-go
Perfect for: Beginners and anyone who wants subtle definition with minimal effort.
What’s the Real Difference? (Gel vs Liquid vs Pencil Eyeliner)
|
Feature |
Gel Eyeliner |
Liquid Eyeliner |
Pencil Eyeliner |
|
Texture |
Creamy, smooth |
Watery or ink-like |
Waxy to creamy |
|
Application Tool |
Angled brush |
Felt-tip or brush applicator |
Built-in tip (sharpenable or retractable) |
|
Ease of Use |
Moderate – requires brush |
Challenging – needs precision |
Very easy – best for beginners |
|
Precision |
High – controlled with brush |
Very high – ultra-fine tip |
Moderate – great for soft lines |
|
Best For |
Smoky or bold looks |
Graphic liner, cat-eyes, sharp wings |
Tightlining, natural definition |
|
Finish |
Matte or satin |
Matte or glossy |
Matte or soft |
|
Longevity |
8–12 hours (often waterproof) |
10–14 hours (excellent hold) |
4–8 hours (depends on formula) |
|
Smudge Resistance |
High when set |
Very high once dried |
Low to moderate unless waterproof |
|
Waterline Use |
Sometimes (check product safety) |
Not ideal |
Yes – best suited for waterline use |
|
Touch-Up Friendly |
Yes, can layer easily |
Not easily corrected once dried |
Yes – easy to reapply or smudge |
|
Best For Eye Shapes |
Almond, round, monolid |
Almond, hooded, upturned |
All shapes, especially for soft looks |
Tips to Make Any Eyeliner Last Longer
No matter which eyeliner you choose, these professional tricks can help extend wear and keep your liner looking fresh all day:
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Use an Eye Primer: Preps the lid and creates a smooth base to grip the eyeliner.
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Set with Powder or Shadow: Lock the liner in place with a matching eyeshadow.
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Avoid Heavy Eye Creams Before Application: Oils can break down eyeliner.
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Layer Formulas: Try pencil + gel for intensity and staying power.
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Choose Waterproof When Needed: Especially for long days, humidity, or teary eyes.
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Seal with Setting Spray: A final mist keeps everything in place.
Final Note
So, which eyeliner is the winner?
It depends on your goals:
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For longevity and precision: Go for liquid eyeliner.
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For versatility and smoky drama: Pick gel eyeliner.
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For everyday ease and softness: Stick with pencil eyeliner.
Each formula offers its own unique charm. At Mary Jo K, we believe the best makeup is the one that fits your lifestyle, enhances your features, and brings you confidence. Want that signature winged liner to last all night? You might need more than one type in your beauty bag - and that’s okay!
FAQs About Gel vs Liquid vs Pencil Eyeliner
Which eyeliner is easiest for beginners?
Pencil eyeliner is the easiest to apply and fix, making it perfect for beginners.
Which eyeliner lasts the longest?
Liquid eyeliner typically has the best staying power, especially in waterproof formulas.
Can I use eyeliner on my waterline?
Yes, but stick to pencil eyeliner that’s labeled safe for the waterline to avoid irritation.
Is gel eyeliner better than liquid?
Gel is more forgiving and versatile, but liquid offers more precision and staying power. It depends on the look you’re going for.
Should eyeliner go before or after eyeshadow?
Usually, apply eyeliner after eyeshadow for better visibility and a cleaner line.
Which eyeliner is best for sensitive eyes?
Hypoallergenic pencil or gel eyeliners are generally gentler. Avoid heavily fragranced or alcohol-based liquid liners.
What’s trending in eyeliner for 2025?
Soft smudged liners, double-wing looks, and pastel-colored pencils are in—along with hybrid formulas that blend gel-like glide with liquid precision.
