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Pencil vs Liquid: Eyeliner for Beginners

February 03,2025

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    Doing makeup can sometimes be a little confusing since most of the time, it all depends on what option one has to choose for the eyes, whether using pencil or liquid for eyeliner. In fact, most beginners in makeup think about that. Let’s delve into the differences between these two types of eyeliners and help you with which one fits best for your makeup journey.

    Various colorful make up products on pastel pink background.

    The Great Eyeliner Debate: Pencil or Liquid?

    Eyeliner is one strong tool that might elevate your look regarding makeup, but at the same time, it can be pretty tricky in terms of application. There are pencil and liquid eyeliners, each has its special features to cater to different needs and levels of expertise.

    Pencil Eyeliner: Best Friend for the Beginner

    If you are starting with the application of eyeliner, then a pencil may be your best way. Using a pencil eyeliner is simpler because while applying it, it offers control. It is smooth, going on with no tugging and a little more forgiving on the hands. Consider using a waterproof pencil and have some Q-tips and makeup remover on hand to easily correct mistakes. Pencil eyeliner is great to use for a natural look.

    Liquid Eyeliner: Precision and Drama

    Liquid eyeliner has become famous with a lot of power and precision for the makeup of the eyes, it has lines and detailed patterns that enable an outstanding cat-eye or winged look so easily. However, it surely does take a steady hand and practice since it is less forgiving to mistakes, especially for those just beginning to master its use.

     

    How to Perfect the Use of Eyeliner

    Mastering various styles is all in one thing, making the decision when choosing pencil or a liquid liner. However, applying those two mastery of how the technique for each application occurs.

    Methods Pencil Eyeliner

    If this is done via a pencil option, creating an outline where the upper lash rests would begin first start with some tiny dots drawn from inside at the eye socket, making lines out toward the outward socket of your eyes. Then join those dots carefully into one smooth line. To close line your eye with a pencil liner, gently pull your lid upwards and draw along the waterline of your lid. To smoke the look out blend the pencil line with your finger or for softer look with a brush.

    Liquid Eyeliner Techniques

    When putting on eyeliner for a more precise application, make sure to rest your elbow firmly against a flat surface to steady your hand. Begin from the edge of your eye and gently draw a line towards the inner corner, keeping it as close to your lash line as possible. Don’t forget to fill in any spaces between your lashes to create the appearance of fuller lashes. To achieve precision in makeup with the liner, start with small, soft strokes from the inner corner outwards along the eye line.

     

    How to Pick the Right Eyeliner

    The question of which to use is usually based on your experience and what makeup effect you would have.

    Considering Your Skill Level

    If you’re new to makeup application and looking to get started with room for errors without feeling too overwhelmed at the beginning stage, it’s commonly suggested to begin using a pencil liner instead of a liquid one, as they offer better control. As you gain confidence and familiarity with using a pencil liner over time, you can gradually explore using liquid liners for different makeup looks or styles that you wish to experiment with. For those who struggle with steady hands while applying eyeliner, it can be beneficial to find ways to stabilize your hand for better precision and smoother application results. One helpful tip is to do your makeup routine while sitting at a table where you can rest your elbow for added support or try utilizing a method like the “pinky kickstand,” where you rest your pinky finger against your cheek while applying the eyeliner for better control.

    Thinking About the Desired Look

    When deciding on your desired makeup look to achieve a specific appearance, opt for a pencil liner for a softer style. For a bolder look, choose liquid eyeliner instead. Liquid eyeliner is particularly useful for creating precise lines, such as cat eyes or winged looks. Stick to classic black or brown shades, but feel free to experiment with colors that effectively enhance your eye color. For example, using copper for blue eyes and plum for green or brown eyes.

     

    Formula Matters

    It is also very relevant what type of eyeliner one will apply. Those people that have somewhat sensitive eyes in contrast to the majority in makeup application would look into applying a pencil liner probably. Keep in mind that liquid eyeliners generally give a darker more intense pigmentation than pencil liners.

    Leveling Up Your Eyeliner Game

    After grasping the fundamentals of applying pencil and liquid eyeliner, you can explore additional techniques to elevate your makeup application and achieve a polished appearance.

    Layering Formulas for Intensity

    For a more dramatic and longer-lasting eye makeup effect, try layering your eyeliner. Line your upper lash line with pencil liner, then go over it with a liquid liner for increased intensity without needing the precision required to use a liquid liner solo.

    Cleaning Up Mistakes

    Make sure to have some cotton swabs and makeup remover or even eye cream to fix mistakes easily.

    Setting Your Eyeliner

    If your lids are oily or if you tend to have issues like smudging at the beginning, especially due to hooded eyelids when performing your eyeliner application, some useful tips for those who have those minor issues are as follows: One thing one can do after laying down one’s eyeliner and setting is dip an eyeshadow brush gently and dust loose translucent powder over the set line. Another option is to opt for waterproof eyeliners, as they tend to stay put better throughout the day. It’s also advisable not to apply eyeliner onto bare eyelids. Instead, consider using an eye primer or creating a simple eyeshadow base before applying the liner as this can improve adherence and reduce the chances of smudging caused by natural oils on your lids.

    Tailoring Your Technique to Your Eye Shape

    When putting on eyeliner, it’s important to take into account the shape of your eyes to enhance their appearance optimally. For smaller eyes, applying a thick line all over may give the illusion of them appearing tinier than they are. It’s suggested to focus on lining the half of your eyes, starting from the middle and going towards the outer corner. Consider making the liner slightly thicker as you reach the edge, which can help lift and brighten up your eyes a bit.

    Topfeel Beauty: Your Reliable Eye Makeup Supplier

    Topfeel Beauty provides a range of formulas that are ready for purchase, as well as customized options tailored to meet your requirements, whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind formula or specific packaging preferences aligned with your brand identity. They also offer label choices for liquid eye-shadows and eyeliners, among other products and place a strong focus on quality and innovation in their products to guarantee safety for all skin types. They are dedicated to utilizing high-grade raw materials exclusively and adhere to GMP and ISO 22716:2007 standards for cosmetics compliance. Moreover, they proudly carries the cruelty-free label and strictly prohibits animal testing throughout the whole process.

     

    FAQs

    1. How to prevent my pencil eyeliner from smudging?

    Apply a coordinating eyeshadow or translucent powder over your eyeliner to prevent smudging and consider using products for longer-lasting wear.

    2. How do I best remove eyeliner?

    Gently remove the eyeliner by using an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water specifically designed for waterproof makeup, which will dissolve it without rubbing your skin harshly.

    3. Is gel eyeliner a good alternative for beginners?

    Gel eyeliner strikes a balance between pencil and liquid options, offering easier control and smoother application than a pencil without the fuss of dealing with liquid eyeliner.