As someone who regularly wears winged eyeliner, I can say without a doubt that finding the perfect eyeliner is like finding the holy grail.
It’s an undertaking that can take years of trial and error. I mean, there are literally hundreds of options when you walk down the beauty aisle, and that’s without peeping at what’s available online. It can be… overwhelming, to say the least.
It’s an exhausting, seemingly never-ending search that can empty your wallet. Plus, you wind up with all these products filling up your makeup box — or drawer, if you’re like me.
But like I said, I’ve spent the better part of my adult life swiping on countless liners, so I’ve already done a lot of the groundwork. And I’m here to help.
What Makes the Perfect Eyeliner
When looking for the perfect, flawless eyeliner, there are a few key characteristics that apply. These are important regardless of the eyeliner formula you choose, your eye shape, or your skin type.
Eyeliner needs to glide on with ease. If you’re using a liner that involves tugging, you’re going to wind up with jagged edges or skipping along the lash line. Plus, if you’re having to dig down and press hard to get it to comply, you’ll wind up with red, watery eyes. Neither of these scenarios are good looks.
Perhaps even more importantly, you need a liner that will stay put all day long. After you’ve done all that hard work getting your liner just right, the last thing you want is for it to melt away by lunchtime. There’s nothing cute about accidental raccoon eyes.
Choosing the Best Formula
Of course, you’ll need to settle on the formula. You’ll find a wide assortment: pencil, kohl, gel or cream, kajal, felt-tip, or liquid with a brush applicator. Really, the choice is up to you. It depends on what you’re comfortable with, and how you plan on using it.
If you’re an eyeliner newbie, you might be best sticking with a pencil or a felt-tip liner. I’m no newbie, but personally, I’m a big fan of the felt-tip liners. It’s kind of like drawing with a marker. And, depending on how you hold it, it allows you to create both thick and thin lines.
If you’re hoping to do a more precise line and need to have more control, a gel or cream eyeliner is going to be a better bet. Plus, it will be more waterproof and will stay put no matter what. This is for those extra-crisp lines! You’ll definitely need to invest in the right brush for it, though. I’ve never come across one that came with a good enough brush.
If you’re going for a smokey look, instead, try reaching for a kohl pencil. They’re similar to regular pencil liners in appearance, but the eyeliner itself is creamier and easier to smudge. It can be used to create a smokey eye without having to tug at your eyes so much.
Okay, Now for the Goods
Here are some of my top picks for eyeliners:
Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil // $22 – This eyeliner won’t pull or tug at your lids while you’re swiping it on, and then the waterproof color will last all day.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner // $28 – Gel eyeliner can be intimidating, to say the least. However, if you’re hoping to master gel liner, this is the one. It’s waterproof and will stay put for your entire 8-hour workday.
NYX Vivid Brights Eyeliner // $7 – If you want to get adventurous with color in liquid form, try out this eyeliner from NYX. It comes in a rainbow assortment of intensely vivid colors.
Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner // $22 – This eyeliner’s creamy, intensely pigmented formula won’t disappoint. Plus, it comes in 20 matte, shimmer, metallic, and glitter shades.
Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eyeliner // $22 – This waterproof liquid eyeliner comes with an ultra-fine brush tip that gives you that super-defined, sharp precision.
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Designer Liner // $36 – If you’re ready to splurge, this water-based liquid liner will give you 12 hours of smudge-proof wear. You have to work fast, though, because it’s rich color dries and sets super quick. It comes in classic black, but they also offer fun colors like holographic amethyst and cobalt.
