There are many different liners on the market. Each liner provides the ability to create a vast number of looks to play around with.
- The Pencil / Kohl Eyeliner:
 |
| ULTA Brand pencil liner in Black |
The cheapest of the eyeliner
family, the pencil is made by literally every brand that sells eyeliner.
Personally, I think these sons of bitches hurt. A LOT. I use them
as a last resort, they feel like using a #2 lead pencil to apply makeup.
ouch! This is especially true among the cheaper (think Wet N' Wild)
brands. However, higher end brands of cosmetics don't hurt as much.
Some kohl eyeliners are made
of a creamier substance as opposed to the lead-like material used in most
pencils. For example: Urban Decay (shown below) pencils are more of a
cream and thus much gentler on the eye!
 |
| Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Ransom |
The reason pencils are so
beneficial is you can get right up to the lash/water line, which is really
important. If your eyeliner isn't as close to those lines as possible
your makeup will look strange (unless of course that is part of the plan for the
look)! Another benefit of pencil liners is that it is easier to draw with
them. For example, cat eyes are popular again, I find that it is easier to
draw the outline of the desired look and then fill it in later with a different
type of liner.
 |
| ULTA Brand Liquid Liner in Black and ULTA Brand Precision Eyeliner Pen in Black |
My least favorite. Only because, I have yet mastered it. I can't seem to apply it with out making a huge, sloppy mess. Not to mention I always, ALWAYS get it in my eye! However in the makeup artist community I imagine this is probably a favorite. You can get the most varied looks from the liquid liner. It is also the most dramatic of the liners. Unless used SUPER SPARINGLY I don't recommend it for an everyday look as you could end looking like a raccoon. Which is a look best left to raccoons...I especially recommend only using it on the top lid.
Liquid liners come in two forms: A wand and a pen. I think the pen is easier to maneuver, but I'm not a big fan of either. Liquid liner is best used to fill in lines you already drew with pencils or another type of liner.
 |
| ULTA Brand Automatic Liner in Black |
I guess technically this is a pencil, but it is more of a cream substance and it's retractable! I use this everyday! It gets right up to the water line, it's gentle and easy to apply so I LOVE it. I also get really good results when I attempt more dramatic looks with automatic liners. So they're shaped like pencils but you can get the effect of either a pencil or a liquid with them! SUPER!
 |
| The Cream Liners are on the far left, this is an ULTA Brand palette |
In my opinion, these are not really worth it at all. They're messy and they don't last. There are plenty of other types of liners on the market, so really there isn't any point in getting a cream liner.
 |
| ULTA Brand Extreme Wear Gel Liner in Primetime |
MY FAVORITE! It's essentially liquid liner without the mess. You will need an eyeliner brush to apply it which I think gives you more control..this also can get right on the lash/water line if you're comfortable! It will still look good!
Regular vs. Waterproof:
Just like mascara, eyeliner comes in both regular and waterproof. If you are someone who has allergies, sweats easily or lives in a humid climate you should invest in waterproof. I live in Omaha and I use waterproof (mascara, because I did not realize waterproof eyeliner would be a good idea until after I bought a bunch). Just beware that once waterproof eyeliner is dry you need makeup remover to get rid of it, so fix any mistakes ASAP!
Low End vs. High End:
Low end eyeliner will get the job done initially. It won't last as long and it may go more quickly as you will need to use more to get the desired look than you would need with a higher end liner. Higher end liners will provide essential vitamins that will replenish your eyes and most higher end liners lack harmful chemicals such as sulfate that dry out the skin over time. Plus, they are easier to apply, they last longer, and they generally have a higher pigment which is greatly needed if you choose to wear anything other than black.
Colors:
Colors are a great way to play up an eye or to create a dramatic look, but there are a few colors that everyone should have.
- Black. Everyone should have black eyeliner because it looks good with any color of eye and any shape of eye. If you have wide set eyes, black around the whole eye (including inner corners) can help bring yours eyes in closer.
- White. It's great for opening your eyes right up! Apply to the inner corners and on the bottom lid's water line and your eyes will appear bigger!
- Brown. Another essential neutral if you want a softer, more natural look that the black won't provide.
- The Color Of Your Eye. A dark or bold shade of that color can go a LONG way in making your eye color pop! A light shade of the color can also be used to open your eye in the absence of white.
