Does your perfectly drawn eyeliner wing suddenly look… wobbly? We’ve all been there. You spend precious minutes crafting that sharp, precise line, only for your pencil to feel dull and draggy halfway through. It’s frustrating when your makeup tool works against you!
Choosing the right eyeliner sharpener feels like a mystery, doesn’t it? Some sharpeners eat your expensive eyeliner, others leave jagged edges, and worst of all, some just don’t work on different pencil sizes. Finding one that keeps your pencils perfectly pointed without waste is a real challenge in the beauty world.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most in an eyeliner sharpener. You will learn how to pick a tool that keeps your pencil tips flawless, sharp, and ready for action every single time. Get ready to say goodbye to dull liner forever!
Top Eyeliner Sharpener Recommendations
- PRECISE POINT: Sharpens almost all pencil sizes with total precision
- VERSATILE: Designed to sharpen all Revlon pencils, and almost all other wooden and plastic cosmetic pencils, including lip and brow pencils
- ADAPTOR: For larger-size cosmetic pencils, just pull out the adaptor ring
- EASY TO USE: Top lifts easily to empty shavings; blades are easy to clean with a safety pick
- One AMAZING little Sharpener with two different sized holes that will precisely sharpen most Standard and Chubby/Jumbo size pencils. Please note that while our sharpener fits MOST pencils, it may not fit certain manufacturer's non-standard size pencils.
- High quality, long-lasting stainless-steel sharpening blades, coupled with a high-precision design create an effortless sharp point every time, while removing less material. You’ll save your pencils AND your money
- 2-in1 Design works great for BOTH Regular size Eye/Lip Pencils as well as Jumbo/Chubby Pencils
- Durable Aluminum body with a Diamond Pattern Non-Slip Grip
- We recommend that you CHILL your gel pencils for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator (NOT freezer) before sharpening to achieve the best results.
- ESSENTIAL TOOL: This convenient Dual-Pencil Sharpener is the essential tool for sharpening pencils of any size to maintain professional and precise application.
- HOW TO USE: Place pencil into appropriately-sized sharpener and turn until sharpened. Remove cover to clean out loose shavings. Use the small pick that is located on top of the sharpener to remove hard to reach shavings.
- 100% CRUELTY-FREE & VEGAN: Proud to be 100% vegan and cruelty-free, worldwide. Because kindness is chic.
- FREE FROM: All e.l.f. products are 100% free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone.
- BEAUTY FOR ALL: e.l.f. Cosmetics provides professional-quality products at get-real prices, because we believe beauty should be accessible to every eye, lip, and face.
- STAINLESS STEEL: Made in Germany with high quality stainless steel. Strong sharpener blade that supports detailed precision for fine line looks
- MULTI-USE: This sharpener works with lip liner pencils, eyeliner pencils, and brow pencils. It has two openings for multiple size pencils.
- HOW TO USE: Insert the pencil through the correct size sharpener and turn until desired sharpened finish. Clean out the loose shavings by removing the cover. Using the small pick included, remove hard to reach savings
- COVER: Comes with a protective cover to avoid mess and a plastic pick stick to help keep it clean
- CLEAN BEAUTY: We believe that what you put on your body is as important as what you put in it Our products are saturated with antioxidant vitamins like A, C, D and E; and powerful botanicals to help nourish your skin We are 100% Paraben and Cruelty-free
- Dual-purpose sharpener for pencils of all sizes
- Razor-sharp blades
- Compact for easy traveling
- The information below is per-pack only
- Dual-purpose sharpener for pencils of all sizes
- Razor-sharp blades
- Compact for easy traveling
- A three-in-one sharpener featuring two stainless steel, rust-proof blades for precise sharpening.
- Sharpens 3 different pencil sizes; Ideal size for travel; Kit-friendly
- Perfectly sharpens Pro pencil, Brow Primer, Highlighting Duo Pencil and Perfect Brow Pencil
- Remove the insert to switch out the sharpener sizes
- Perfectly Pointed Results - Keep your makeup pencils sharp for precise, effortless application with this dual-size sharpener designed for pro-level performance.
- Tailored for Tilbury Pencils - Created to fit Color Chameleon, Rock 'N' Kohl, The Classic, and Lip Cheat liners, your essential eye and lip tools.
- Signature Rose Gold Style - Finished in Charlotte’s iconic rose gold and night crimson hues, it looks as chic as it performs in your beauty bag.
- Sharpen On-the-Go - Clean, compact, and travel-ready with an easy-to-empty design to keep your tips sharp and your makeup flawless anywhere.
- Charlotte's Magic Story - Inspired by her iconic artistry and passion for innovation, Charlotte's mission is to empower everyone to look and feel like the most confident, beautiful version of themselves through makeup's transformative power. Charlotte Tilbury is highly regarded as an industry icon, trend trailblazer and beauty innovator across makeup, skincare and fragrance.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Eyeliner Sharpener
Finding the perfect eyeliner sharpener makes a big difference in your makeup routine. A good sharpener keeps your pencil eyeliner precise and easy to apply. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an eyeliner sharpener, look for a few important features. These details ensure you get a tool that works well and lasts a long time.
1. Blade Quality and Sharpness
- Sharp Blades: The blades must be very sharp. Dull blades tear your expensive eyeliner instead of sharpening it neatly.
- Blade Material: Look for stainless steel blades. This metal resists rust and stays sharp longer.
2. Size and Shape Compatibility
- Dual Holes: Many sharpeners feature two holes. One hole is usually small for standard eye/lip pencils, and the other is larger for wider pencils. Check the sizes!
- Pointed Tip: Some modern sharpeners offer a built-in tool to clean out the hole or create an extra-fine tip. This is a bonus feature.
3. Easy Cleanup and Collection
- Shaving Reservoir: A good sharpener includes a small container or cover. This catches the pencil shavings, keeping your makeup bag clean.
- Easy to Empty: Make sure the reservoir is simple to open and empty. You do not want to struggle to clean it after every use.
Important Materials in Eyeliner Sharpeners
The material of the sharpener’s body affects how long it lasts and how it feels in your hand.
Body Material
- Durable Plastic: Most sharpeners use sturdy plastic. This keeps the tool lightweight and affordable. Ensure the plastic feels thick, not flimsy.
- Metal or Aluminum: Higher-end sharpeners sometimes use metal casing. Metal sharpeners feel heavier and more professional. They often last much longer than plastic ones.
Blade Material
As mentioned before, **stainless steel** is the best choice for blades. Avoid plastic blades entirely, as they will never create a sharp point.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all sharpeners perform the same. A few design choices significantly impact the quality of the point you achieve.
Quality Boosters:
- Non-Slip Grip: A textured or rubberized grip helps you hold the sharpener steady. Steady hands mean better points.
- Built-in Cleaning Pick: A small tool (often attached via a string or inside the cover) helps push out stubborn wax residue stuck in the blades.
Quality Reducers:
- Loose Housing: If the plastic body feels loose around the blades, the tool might wobble when you sharpen. This results in a jagged tip.
- Improper Angle: Poorly designed sharpeners cut the pencil at an angle that wastes too much product. Look for designs that offer a balanced cut.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the sharpener determines which type you should buy.
For Travel Use:
If you travel often, choose a small, compact sharpener with a secure lid or reservoir. You need something that will not spill shavings in your purse. Manual, handheld models are best for travel.
For Home Use:
At home, you might prefer a sharpener with a larger reservoir or one that includes a built-in mirror or cap. Some advanced models even attach to a counter with a suction cup for very stable sharpening.
Handling Soft Liners:
Very soft, creamy eyeliners can clog a sharpener quickly. If you use these types often, you must clean your sharpener frequently. A sharpener with easily accessible blades helps with this cleaning process.
Eyeliner Sharpener FAQ
Q: How often should I sharpen my eyeliner pencil?
A: You should sharpen your eyeliner whenever the tip becomes dull or rounded. For the best precision, sharpen it before every application, especially if you want a sharp wing.
Q: Can I use a regular pencil sharpener on my eyeliner?
A: It is not recommended. Regular wood pencil sharpeners are made for graphite, not soft wax or oil-based makeup. They will often break the tip or clog immediately.
Q: What do I do if my eyeliner gets stuck in the sharpener?
A: First, stop twisting. Gently pull the pencil straight out. If it is truly stuck, use a toothpick or the sharpener’s built-in cleaning pick to carefully clear the wax from around the blades. Always check the hole before inserting a new pencil.
Q: Do electric sharpeners work better than manual ones?
A: Electric sharpeners offer convenience and speed. However, they can sometimes grind down the pencil too fast. Manual sharpeners give you more control over the final point.
Q: Are dual-hole sharpeners always necessary?
A: They are very useful if you use both standard lip liners (which are often thinner) and thicker gel eyeliners. If you only use one size, a single-hole sharpener is fine.
Q: How do I keep my sharpener clean?
A: Empty the shaving container regularly. Once a month, you can run a cheap, disposable eye pencil through the sharpener a few times. This cleans the wax residue off the blades.
Q: Will a cheap sharpener ruin my expensive eyeliner?
A: A very low-quality sharpener with dull blades can definitely waste your product by breaking the tip or cutting unevenly. Invest in one with good stainless steel blades.
Q: What is the purpose of the little cleaning tool attached to some sharpeners?
A: This tool is for scraping out soft wax or pigment that gets stuck between the sharpener’s blades. This keeps the sharpening action smooth and prevents clogging.
Q: Should I buy a sharpener with a cover?
A: Yes, a cover is highly recommended. It keeps dust and debris out of the blades when you are not using it, and it keeps pencil shavings contained inside the sharpener.
Q: Are eyeliners that twist up (mechanical pencils) better than sharpenable ones?
A: Mechanical pencils never need sharpening, which is convenient. However, sharpenable wooden pencils often contain more pigment and offer a richer color payoff. The choice depends on your preference for color versus convenience.