The different types of eyeliners

Hey...looking to purchase an eyeliner and you are not sure what style to get? Let me break them down for you ;).
Well to date, different types of eyeliners have been formulated and is available in the market. With a wealth of colours and formulas, they all have different characteristics and serve different purposes as well as different ways of application and staying power. The eyeliner is one of the go-to make-up products to use when you want to make your eyes more noticeable. You can create the perfect eye art or illusion which could be used alone or with layers of shadow and mascara.

What really is its function and why wear it?

The sheer power of the eyeliner can be used for variety of visual effects: to enhance eye color, alter the appearance of the set, size or shape of the eyes or create a dramatic artistic effect. Not only women have been known to wear the eyeliner, but also men. It is worn to draw attention to the eyes, for everyday wear, nighttime events and stage actors and singers, wear it to help enhance eye expression for stage productions. Designers have also collobarated with makeup artists to create looks, where male models were made to wear eyeliners. 

I personally don't mind a man who wears eyeliner, well if he's my fave rocker...then sure, comes with the job.  It's all about emoting self confidence and self awareness and being able to rock-it-like-its-no-body's-business. Peep my favourite rock singers and actor below. *whispers* loves them!

David Bowie: A MUA applying his signature 'face' in the 70's, the look had included eyeliner and a lip stain.  

Prince: Known for his unconventional style

Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean   

  

What types are available?

Pencil Eyeliners

Pencil: This is the most popular and the most ubiquitous out of all the styles. You will find that the standard eyeliner is made of wood and filled with a powder based material. It has to be sharpened frequently to maintain the fine point for application. Retractable pencils can also be found, if sharpening is too messy for you. 

Pencils also come in softer, waxier crayon or gel styles that allow for softer, smudgy lines.

The Kohl pencil would fall in the category of soft. It looks just like any other pencil, but the difference is definately found in the texture of the liner. Much softer than the pencil eyeliner, application of this liner is also easier and can create dark intense lines. Smoky eyes can be created using a kohl liner if you favor darker eyes. 

Retractable Pencils

Kohl Pencils

Tip: When compared to the other kinds of eyeliners, pencil eyeliners are not that accurate when making a precise line; if it is not sharpened to a fine point. The pencil tip cannot be blunt, if wanting to achieve precision. When drawn, lines will be a bit smudged and messy.  So be sure to sharpen always....also if you happen to share eyeliner with someone (WHICH I HIGHLY DON'T RECOMMEND) spray the tip in alcohol or peroxide before application and before you re-sharpen.

Liquid Eyeliners

Liquid Eyeliners: Contained in a bottle applicator, similar to that of a nail polish or mascara they can either be water or oil based. The liquid liner, compared to all the other kinds, is the hardest to use. You have to have a steady hand when applying. Lines created can be very severe and crisp, which makes mistakes more apparent. One wrong twitch of the fingers and you’ll have to go back and correct it. Liquid eyeliners are also the darkest of the bunch. If it’s black, it’s really black! Since liquid eyeliners are very dark and make very severe lines, I suggest the use of this type of eyeliner reserved for the night time. Day time make up usually favors a softer and more natural look.

Tip: If your hands are not too steady be sure to rest your hand on a surface that allows you to work the felt over your eyes gently (kneeling is suggested). Blink too much? breathe through your mouth this will prevent major batting of the eyes.

Gel Liner

Gel Liners: These are like the middle ground between pencil and liquid eyeliner. Lines made with gel liners look more defined than a pencil’s but has a more natural and softer look than liquid’s. They also come in a vary of colours. I personally love the texture of the gel liner for the fact that its creamy and smooth. For application an angled eyeliner brush is best. You’ll find it is easier to apply than the liquid eyeliner and is versatile. Gel liners are usually made in waterproof formulas, so they stay longer than the regular pencil eyeliner and liquid eyeliner. Gel liners look best when applied on the upper lash line, but not the waterline (lower lashline).

Angled Eyeliner Brush

Is black eyeliner for all? 

Outlining the eyes in stark black, can appear too harsh, overdone and even aging. Deep black eyeliner is not always the most flattering choice for everyone.  Choose an eyeliner in a deep shade that complements your eye color and makes the eyes pop.

Tip: The shelf life for eyeliner is 6-18 months. Toss out gel eyeliners after 6months, as it will begin to collect bacteria sooner than the others. You got an eye infection? discard all makeup and buy new eyeliner when your infection has cleared. Never share eye makeup with anyone, to avoid transfer of any bacteria or infection.

Have a Fab Friday and happy shopping!

xxo
G