Gel vs. Pencil vs. Liquid Eyeliner: Which One is Right for You?

Table of Contents

• Understanding The Variety of Eyeliners
• What is a Gel Eyeliner?
• What is a Pencil Eyeliner?
• What is a Liquid Eyeliner?
• Gel vs. Pencil vs. Liquid Eyeliner: An Ultimate Comparison
• How to Choose the Right Eyeliner for Your Needs?
• Eyeliner Styles To Make Your Eyes Pop
• Tips for Applying Eyeliner Like a Fashion Icon
• The end line is that
• FAQs

It isn't surprising that there’s a battle between different formulations of the most loved eye makeup product. If you find the modern liquid eyeliner difficult to use, don't worry we have more formulations such as gel and pencil.

Eyeliners are effective at amping up any makeup look. But you need to understand the powers that liquid, gel and pencil eyeliners hold. So read till the end to explore all about the three eyeliner formulas!

Understanding The Variety of Eyeliners 

Eyeliner is a makeup tool used to define your eyes, create captivating looks, and enhance your overall makeup. It is a for-sure product in every individual’s makeup pouch, beginner or expert.  Let's get into the different types of eyeliner:

What is a Gel Eyeliner?

Gel eyeliner is packaged in small containers and is applied using a thin angled brush. Gel eyeliner has a thick formulation which allows high control over your lines and glides on your skin providing a smooth application. Gel eyeliner is ideal for soft lines and smoky eyeshadow finish. It is quick-drying and smudge-proof allowing a mess-free eye makeup.

What is a Pencil Eyeliner?

Pencil eyeliner is shaped like a pencil with a fine tip that can create thin precise lines. Using a pencil eyeliner is easy and quick because it's like using a literal pencil to draw on your eyes. It can be used to create defined lines, smudgy eye look and can even be used on your waterline. It is often formulated to be smudge-proof and water resistant.

What is a Liquid Eyeliner?

Liquid eyeliner can be compared to using a feather-tip and ink to do your eye makeup. Liquid eyeliners are famous for providing clean and precise lines. However using a liquid eyeliner needs continuous practice. It is ideal for creating bold and dramatic eye looks such as bold winged eyeliner, cat eye makeup and graphic eyeliner. Liquid eyeliner dries slower as compared to gel and pencil eyeliner.

Gel vs. Pencil vs. Liquid Eyeliner: An Ultimate Comparison

How to Choose the Right Eyeliner for Your Needs?

Eye Look

Consider the eye makeup look you want before opting for any eyeliner formulation. For a natural or soft look a pencil eyeliner is best. Bold dramatic lines can be achieved with liquid eyeliners. Gel eyeliner provides a long-lasting and pigmented finish ideal for a smudgy eyeliner.

Application Skill

If you're a beginner at applying eyeliner, then pencil eyeliners are your best bet for starting out and experimenting. Once you're comfortable, you can switch to a gel or liquid eyeliner to practice and create defined wings.

Longevity

You should also consider how long you want your eye makeup to last. If you're going for an all day event, then opt for a liquid eyeliner that is long-lasting and smudge-proof. Pencil eyeliners are good for quick touch ups through the day.

Eyeliner Styles To Make Your Eyes Pop

Classic Eyeliner

This is a staple in most makeup routines which elongates the eyes and makes it appear lifted. To create a classic eyeliner use a liquid eyeliner to draw a precise thin line on your upper lash line and extend it outwards and upwards as a thin wing.

Cat Eye

It is a bolder version of a classic eyeliner which adds a dramatic twist to your makeup. Use a pencil eyeliner to draw a thick line on your upper lash line and create a similarly thick and bold wing.

Graphic Winged Eyeliner

Try creating a graphic eyeliner look that will draw attention to your eyes and make a bold statement. Take a gel eyeliner and draw a normal classic eyeliner. Then create a floating line on your crease extending it outwards and connecting with the wing of your eyeliner.

Tips for Applying Eyeliner Like a Fashion Icon

• Before applying eye makeup, use an eye primer to prep your skin.

• Choose the right eyeliner formula to nail your eye makeup.

• If you're using a pencil eyeliner, sharpen it for a fine point which will allow precise lines. For a gel or liquid eyeliner, make sure to use a thin brush with intact bristles.

• Keep your hand steady when applying eyeliner and drawing a wing.

• Don't keep adding eyeliner to make both sides look even. Use a tape or stencil to make it symmetrical.

The end line is that,

Eyeliners offer an endless array of eye makeup options, Right from classic winged eyeliner to the latest cleopatra eye makeup trend, you can create eye-catching looks for any event. No matter what eyeliner you use, keep experimenting and practicing new and unique eye looks!

FAQs

Which type of eyeliner is best for beginners?

For beginners, the most ideal eyeliner is pencil eyeliner because you can have full control over the application and it doesn't need a steady hand. It is also easily fixable in case of any error.

Which eyeliner is best, liquid, pencil or gel?

Between liquid, pencil and gel eyeliner, which one is best entirely depends on your preference and which you are most comfortable with.

When to use liquid vs pencil eyeliner?

You should use a liquid eyeliner when you want to achieve a bold winged or graphic eyeliner and a pencil eyeliner for a more natural and soft eyeliner look.

Which type of eyeliner is best?

Which eyeliner is best depends on the eye look you're trying to achieve and your application skills. For a precise or dramatic eyeliner, go for a liquid eyeliner and use a pencil eyeliner for a soft and beginner-friendly option.

What eyeliner looks most natural?

Pencil eyeliner provides the most natural finish. It gives a soft application that is suitable for everyday use.

Written by Madiha Patel