Have you ever tried to draw the perfect wing with a dull eye pencil? It’s frustrating! A blunt tip makes your eyeliner look messy. It can even feel scratchy on your delicate eyelids. Many people struggle to find a sharpener that truly works well.
Choosing the right eye pencil sharpener is trickier than it seems. Some sharpeners chew up your expensive pencils. Others don’t get the point sharp enough for precise lines. You need a tool that keeps your makeup looking flawless without wasting product. This small tool makes a huge difference in your daily routine.
This post dives deep into what makes a great eye pencil sharpener. We will explore different types and what features you should look for. By the end, you will know exactly how to pick the sharpener that gives you perfect points every single time. Get ready to sharpen your skills and your eyeliner!
Top Eye Pencil 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- The information below is per-pack only
- Dual-purpose sharpener for pencils of all sizes
- Razor-sharp blades
- Compact for easy traveling
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Sharpen Your Eye Pencils Like a Pro
An eye pencil is a makeup must-have. It helps you define your eyes beautifully. But a dull pencil gives you messy lines. A sharpener is your secret weapon! This guide helps you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an eye pencil sharpener, look closely at these important parts:
- Blade Quality: The blades do the sharpening. You want stainless steel blades. They stay sharp longer. They cut smoothly.
- Hole Size: Eye pencils come in different sizes. Check if the sharpener fits your pencils. Some sharpeners have two holes for standard and jumbo sizes.
- Point Control: Some sharpeners have a setting to control how sharp you want the tip. A very sharp point is great for fine lines. A slightly duller point works for smudging.
- Catch Basin: This is the little container that catches the shavings. A good catch basin keeps your makeup area clean. Look for one that is easy to empty.
Important Materials
The material of the sharpener affects how long it lasts and how well it works.
Plastic vs. Metal Body
Most sharpeners use plastic or metal bodies. Metal bodies are usually stronger. They last much longer. Plastic bodies are lighter and often cheaper. Make sure the plastic feels sturdy, not flimsy.
Blade Material
As mentioned, stainless steel is the best choice for blades. Cheap blades dull quickly. They can even snag or break your soft eye pencils.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all sharpeners work the same. A few things make a big difference in quality.
Quality Boosters
- Cleaning Tools: Many good sharpeners come with a small cleaning pick. This little tool helps remove stuck makeup bits from the blades. Clean blades sharpen better.
- Built-in Mirror: Some portable sharpeners include a small mirror. This lets you check your point instantly, which is very handy.
- Secure Lid: If the sharpener has a cap, it should close tightly. This stops shavings from falling out when you carry it in your bag.
Quality Reducers
Watch out for these issues:
- Rough Edges: If the plastic housing feels sharp or unfinished, the inside might be rough too. Rough parts can damage your pencil wood.
- Loose Blades: If the blades wiggle inside the sharpener, they will not create an even point. The blades must sit firmly.
- Poor Fit: If the pencil feels too loose when you insert it, the sharpener might chew up the wood instead of shaping the tip.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you use your eye pencils.
Travel Needs
If you travel a lot, choose a small, compact sharpener. Make sure it has a good lid to prevent messes in your makeup bag. A lightweight plastic model often works best for travel.
At-Home Use
If you mostly use your sharpener at home, you might prefer a larger model. These often have bigger shaving containers. Some even attach to your counter for stability while you sharpen.
Pencil Type
Remember that wooden, non-retractable pencils need sharpening most often. Gel pencils can sometimes get gummy. You might need to clean the blades more often when sharpening gel formulas.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Eye Pencil Sharpeners
Q: How often should I sharpen my eye pencil?
A: You should sharpen your pencil whenever the tip feels dull or you are not getting a precise line. This is usually every few uses.
Q: Can I use a standard pencil sharpener on my eye pencil?
A: It is generally not recommended. Standard pencil sharpeners are made for wood and graphite. They can be too harsh for soft makeup pencil formulas and might break the tip off.
Q: Why does my eye pencil keep breaking inside the sharpener?
A: This often happens if the blades are dull, or if you are pushing too hard. Also, very soft or old pencils break easily. Try using a lighter touch.
Q: What is the best way to clean a clogged sharpener?
A: First, empty the shaving container. Then, gently use the cleaning pick (if provided) to remove any stuck makeup residue from the blades. You can also carefully run a cheap, hard eyeliner pencil through it to clear things out.
Q: Do I need a separate sharpener for different sized pencils?
A: If you use both standard and thick “jumbo” eye pencils, yes, you need a dual-hole sharpener. Trying to force a thick pencil into a small hole will ruin the sharpener.
Q: Are electric sharpeners better than manual ones for eye pencils?
A: Electric sharpeners are faster and easier. However, manual sharpeners often give you better control over the final point sharpness. Choose based on your preference for speed versus precision.
Q: Should I buy a sharpener with a built-in catcher?
A: Yes, if you value cleanliness. A built-in catcher keeps the shavings contained, making cleanup simple and preventing makeup dust from spreading.
Q: Do I need to worry about the material of my eye pencil (wood vs. plastic casing)?
A: You must use a sharpener designed for makeup pencils on wooden casings. Plastic-cased (retractable) pencils should never be sharpened; they are used up until they are gone.
Q: How do I know if my sharpener blades are dull?
A: If the sharpener starts chewing the wood or dragging the pencil tip instead of creating a clean point, the blades are dull and need cleaning or replacing the sharpener.
Q: Can I sharpen my brow pencils with an eye pencil sharpener?
A: Yes, most standard-sized eye pencil sharpeners work perfectly for brow pencils, as they usually share the same diameter.