Putting on eyeliner might be one of the hardest things to learn and master when doing your makeup. Sometimes, even experienced makeup artists still struggle to keep the wings of their eyeliners even! The type of eyeliner you will use, whether it is a gel, liquid, or pencil will also depend on the kind of look you are going for.
What should you consider when buying an eyeliner? What are the differences between gel, pencil, and liquid eyeliners? What type of eyeliner is easy to use? Are they beginner-friendly? And which eyeliner is long-lasting? Don’t worry! We did all the research for you! We even listed down a few of our favorite items in our Top 10 list. We also invited Elaine Ganuelas, a beauty professional, to share some of her tips and insights. Keep on reading to find out more!
Elaine Ganuelas has been living and breathing the life of all things beauty since childhood. What once started as her passion became her career in 2006. Now she does makeup, hairstyling, image consultation (yes, makeovers), personal shopping, consumer research, and reviews.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
To pick a good eyeliner and level up your eye makeup game, there are aspects you should take into account: the type of eyeliner suited for you, the features you should look for, as well as the shades you should go for. Read on to find out more about them below:
Putting on eyeliner could be quite tricky if you're a beginner, so the best eyeliner is one that you'll be comfortable using. Below, we'll introduce the different types of eyeliners and what they're best for.
To add to the information above, pencil eyeliners are the most sanitary type and usually come in an array of colors!
Gel liners are kind of the median in the category. They are great for lining the waterline since they don't smudge easily. They can also mimic the precise look of liquid liners without difficulty. Simply choose a brush that you can be comfortable with to create thin or thick lines. And for those who are still beginners at using eyeliners, there are gel liners that come in pencil types, making the application process even easier.
When it comes to liquid eyeliners, you have two options: dip pot and pen. Their formulas are more or less the same, and there's a slight difference in application. For dip pots, you'll have to dip the brush to get some product, while pens offer a more straightforward application.
You also have the option between brush type and felt-tip type. The brush type is the best choice if you want to get a precise and pointy flick, but it requires careful pressure control when applying. Meanwhile, felt tips feel more like using a pencil liner, but it's not as easy to maneuver. Regardless of your choice, both types of liquid eyeliner offer smooth application.
If you have difficulty using liquid liners, you can try the "connect the dots" method. This makes it easier to create even and straight lines as opposed to creating a line in one go.
You definitely don't want your eyeliner running down your face by the end of the day, especially in the Philippines where sweating can mess it up. Look for an eyeliner that's waterproof, smudge-proof, and sweat-proof to make it last longer.
With one like that, you won't have to worry about your eyeliner melting away as you go about your day. But if you're still learning and want more flexibility for fixing mistakes, a non-waterproof eyeliner might be a better fit.
Tip: liners labeled "gel liners" are usually waterproof and smudge-proof after they are set. If you doubt if your liner can last, lightly "set" the line you've drawn with a powder shadow of the same color.
In addition to the standard black eyeliner, there is a wide array of colored eyeliners you can use to add variety and experiment with for your eye makeup. Explore vibrant hues, soft pastels, or even glamorous metallic shades to elevate your overall look. Let your creativity shine by embracing the diverse range of colors available.
If you have black or brown eyes, you can make your eyes stand out more by using colors like bronze, copper, and deep plum. For those with hazel eyes, you can use rich earth tones or green tones to bring out the different shades in your eyes. However, if you want to keep it simple, you may opt for classics like black, brown, and navy-colored eyeliners.
Don't be afraid to get ideas from beauty tutorials, makeup artists, or other Filipinos with similar eye colors. By choosing the right eyeliner colors, you can easily create stunning looks that show off your eye color and express your individuality.
If you want to experiment with shades or finishes, those that have shimmer or metallics like bronze, gold, champagne, copper, or rose gold are great options. You can also try khaki or olive greens, navy, or other earth tones if you want something more subtle.
Decided to make a bold statement with colorful eyeliners? Keep the look grounded by opting for neutral eyeshadows and a neutral lip color.
From ₱279
Dramatic eye makeup need not be expensive or difficult to create, especially with this affordable eyeliner from Maybelline. This product features a fine tip for easy application and precise strokes. It also has an intense black pigment that lasts all day without smearing or smudging, even if you start sweating.
Formulated with the latest technology from Japan, this eyeliner is also waterproof and transfer-proof. This is a great option for beginners who aren't ready to splurge on high-end brands. Some users mentioned it requires a bit of effort to remove, so make sure to use an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water to cleanse it from your eyelids thoroughly.
Type | Liquid Pen Eyeliner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Intense Black |
From ₱1,680
KVD Vegan Beauty is a brand that focuses on producing vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics, and this Tattoo Liner is no exception. Aside from having a clean formula, it's well-loved for its bold pigment and an ultra-fine bristle brush tip, which gives you full control when drawing sharp lines on your eyelids. Moreover, this liner effortlessly glides on, ensuring a seamless application with no gaps.
The majority of reviews for this eyeliner are overwhelmingly positive, with customers expressing that it has exceeded their expectations. Many users also attest to its ability to deliver on its promises of long wear and smudge resistance. It's no surprise that this eyeliner is a bestseller with over 20 awards under its belt!
Type | Liquid Pen Eyeliner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Trooper Black, Max Mad Brown |
From ₱1,350
Are your eyes in need of a little magic? Look no further than this award-winning liquid eyeliner, your secret weapon for achieving stunningly defined eyes that captivate from start to finish. With its fine marker-like tip, this product allows you to effortlessly draw delicate, precise lines or bold, dramatic strokes that leave a lasting impression.
Its formula is also waterproof, transfer-proof, and smudge-proof, ensuring your eye makeup remains intact all day. Moreover, one of its selling points is that it has actually been tested by ophthalmologists, guaranteeing its safety for use around your delicate eyes.
Type | Liquid Pen Eyeliner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Intense Black, Dark Brown, Intense Smoky Quartz, Intense Labradorite, Midnight, Alloy, Intense Jade, Snow |
From ₱329
Type | Liquid Pen Eyeliner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Black, Brown |
From ₱225
Type | Gel Liner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Intenz Black, Soft Lang Brown, Fresh Yan White |
From ₱199
Type | Dip Liner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Jet Black |
From ₱139
This dual-tip eyeliner is a game changer when it comes to achieving flawless eyeliner on both eyes. It features a pen tip on one end and a stamp on the other, making it incredibly convenient to use. The stamp end is perfect for drawing winged lines - just place it on the corner of your eye and draw along the lash line to create a wing. Even if you're a beginner, you'll find it a breeze to achieve perfect results every time.
Another great aspect of this eyeliner is its smooth gliding pen, which prevents any tugging or pulling on your skin. Moreover, it's waterproof, ensuring that your look remains intact regardless of the weather conditions.
Type | Liquid Pen Eyeliner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Black |
From ₱195
Type | Liquid Pen Eyeliner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Bloody Red, Mustard Yellow, Olive Green, Pure White, Rosy Pink, Coffee Brown |
From ₱135
Type | Pencil Eyeliner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Black, Brown, Brunette |
From ₱359
This very affordable gel liner comes with its own professional fine liner brush to create thin-to-thick strokes for subtle or dramatic eye looks. This product feels very lightweight on the eyes, and once dry, will not go anywhere. This liner has a natural finish and is easily blendable if you want to go for a smokey eye look.
We recommend this gel liner for those who have some experience with applying eyeliners. You have to move quite fast when applying because it dries quickly and becomes transfer-resistant once dry. Yes, there will be a learning curve, but once you get used to it, you can make head-turning eye looks.
Type | Gel Liner |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Available Shades | Very Black, Dark Brown, Brown |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Elaine Ganuelas.
There are two areas you could apply eyelinerーinner lash line or waterline and the outer lash line, depending on the look you want to achieve. However, in terms of eye safety, doctors recommend applying it on the outer lash line.
This is because eyeliner could migrate into your eyes, which could cause irritation, especially for those who have sensitive skin or wear contacts. Should you really want to achieve a look with tightlining or lining the waterline, spray alcohol, sanitizer, or disinfectant on the pencil, wipe with tissue then proceed with lining,
The countdown of makeup’s shelf life begins on the day you first use it. You can also refer to the suggested expiry date printed on the packaging. There should be an illustration of a small opened pot with numbers and a letter “M,” which stands for months. So, if it says 6M, you’ll know it expires 6 months after opening.
That said, expiration dates also vary depending on the type of eyeliner. For instance, pencil eyeliners can last for 1-2 years, especially if you sharpen them, making them less likely to harbor bacteria. Liquid eyeliners last for 3-4 months as the brush is prone to bacteria. And gel liners are only good for 2 months because the pot easily traps dirt.
To make the product last even longer, it is recommended to sanitize the product before and after use.
Having a steady hand is helpful but rare. You can reduce the shaking or wobbling by resting your elbows on a table while applying the liner. For putting eyeliner really close to the lash line or tightlining upper lids, look down and hold a mirror from that angle as you apply the liner.
Here are some more makeup recommendations to help you experiment and complete your makeup collection!
Author: Rie Niijima
Re-editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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