Finding the Perfect Eyeliner

Hello hello!

Have you ever wondered what is the perfect eyeliner? 
I'm pretty sure we've all been there...whether you're a beginner or a pro, I'm sure that question has popped up at least once. 

At least once, we've wondered what is the best eyeliner or what type of eyeliner to buy or what type of eyeliner would best suit an eyeshadow look you've created. Finding the 'perfect eyeliner' could definitely be a tricky task, but can make all the difference!

With a goal of helping you find the perfect eyeliner, I will tell you just about all that you need to know about eyeliners and when its best to use each one.



Pencil Eyeliner

Pencil eyeliners generally come in either a regular pencil form or a retractable pencil form (you typically get more product with the regular pencil forms). Pencil eyeliners tend to be what most people use for a day to day look as it gives a softer look and is what is recommended for starters to use.
I used pencil eyeliners for over two years before I moved on to using liquid/gel eyeliners. 
I will have to agree that having an experience with pencil eyeliners makes applying other types of eyeliners so much easier! 

Pros:
Provides a soft, natural look...easily smudges (may also be a con).
Doesn't require time to dry.
Great for upper/lower lash lines and the waterline and tight line (if waterproof). 
Great for smokey eye or everyday looks.

Cons:
Doesn't provide a sharp, clean look (may also be a pro).
Requires sharpening (depending on what type you have).

Liquid Eyeliner

Generally has either a brush or felt tip applicator that looks like a pen. With liquid eyeliners, you need a steady hand and should apply very slowly by using short brushing strokes starting in the inner corner and close to the lash line. 
Liquid eyeliners are great for bold and dramatic looks as they provide a clean, sharp finish.

Pros:
Great for sharp, clean looks, Arabic makeup, cat eyes, and dramatic looks.
Provides a well-defined, sharp, thin line or a thick bold line.

Cons:
Very difficult to apply well.
Typically cannot be applied on the lower lash line, waterline, and tight line.
Takes a very steady hand, patience, and tons of practice.

**Quick Tip: You can use a pencil eyeliner to quickly outline a specific eyeliner look and then go over your pencil outline with a gel/cream or liquid eyeliner.



Gel/Cream Eyeliner

Generally comes in a small pot that you can dip an angled brush, fine tip brush, or even a pencil eyeliner in to get the product out. Like a liquid eyeliner, you will need a steady hand as it is creamy and glides on very easily. 
Since this liner takes a bit longer to dry, it is great for smudging along the lash line before it sets. 
Just like a liquid eyeliner, gel eyeliners are great for bold and dramatic looks as they can achieve a clean, sharp finished look...but also like a pencil eyeliner, gel eyeliners are great for soft everyday looks as they can achieve a smudged out, soft finished look.

Pros:
Very creamy and easy to smudge (may also be a con).
Great for smokey eye looks.
Could be used as an eyeshadow base.

Cons:
Not as portable/convenient to travel with as a pencil or liquid eyeliner.
Like liquid eyeliner, you need a steady hand and tons of practice.
Typically cannot be applied on the waterline and tight line.


In my opinion, there really isn't a perfect eyeliner. I believe that it just depends on the look you're aiming to achieve because each eyeliner has its own pros and cons and serves its own unique purpose. 
Out of the three however, I prefer using gel/cream eyeliners most because depending on the brush you use and how you apply it, it could create the same looks as both a pencil or a liquid eyeliner.


Considering the above information, what is your 'perfect eyeliner'? Or what type of eyeliner do you prefer to use?


-Mary