Do you ever stare at your makeup bag, overwhelmed by the sheer number of eyeliners staring back at you? Pencil eyeliners are a classic choice, but finding the perfect one can feel like a treasure hunt in a crowded store. We all want that smooth glide, long wear, and the perfect shade that makes our eyes pop without smudging halfway through the day. It’s frustrating when a beautiful line turns into a messy blur!
Choosing the right pencil eyeliner matters. You need one that won’t tug at your delicate eyelids or fade before lunch. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a great pencil eyeliner and how to match it perfectly to your needs. Get ready to learn the secrets to crisp lines and all-day wear. Keep reading, and we will transform your eyeliner routine from a chore into your favorite step!
Top Pencil Eyeliners Recommendations
- LASTING LINES: Rich color looks freshly applied all day long; transfer-proof, waterproof, smudge-proof and fade-proof
- UP TO 24HR WEAR: Creates the look you want and stays on strong
- EASY APPLICATION: Glides on, creating intensely defined lines that can go from subtle to dramatic. Includes built-in sharpener for the perfect pointed tip and a smudger to blend.
- TWO FINISHES: Available in 12 totally wearable matte and shimmer shades
- OPHTHALMOLOGIST TESTED: Suitable for use on waterline and comfortable to wear
- These long-wearing liners have rich, hyper-pigmented color, an oh-so-smooth, oh-so-creamy application, and are versatile enough to create any look you want
- No wonder theyre so raved about by celebs and makeup artists
- But dont worry, just because we're all Hollywood now doesnt mean we've forgotten about you
- Wet n Wild Color Icon Kohl Liner Pencil Black Baby's Got Black
- ULTIMATE EYE PENCIL: The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a waterproof, retractable eyeliner that checks all your pencil liner requirements
- ALL-DAY WEAR: This product is creamy, ultra-pigmented, and has ultimate waterproof staying power
- INTENSE LOOK: We recommend you use this retractable eyeliner pencil on your lash line, waterline, or all over the lid for intense eyes that last all day
- BEAUTY TIP: Apply all over the eyelid as a base for eyeshadow for an intense, dramatic, runway-inspired look
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: 100% vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
- LASTING LINES: Rich color looks freshly applied all day long; transfer-proof, waterproof, smudge-proof and fade-proof
- UP TO 24HR WEAR: Creates the look you want and stays on strong
- EASY APPLICATION: Glides on, creating intensely defined lines that can go from subtle to dramatic. Includes built-in sharpener for the perfect pointed tip and a smudger to blend.
- TWO FINISHES: Available in 12 totally wearable matte and shimmer shades
- OPHTHALMOLOGIST TESTED: Suitable for use on waterline and comfortable to wear
- Waterproof Eyeliner: This ultra pigmented eyeliner delivers smudge proof, flake proof, cry proof color with a satin gel formula that glides onto lids without tugging or pulling. Lasts up to 16 hours
- All Eyes On You: Our silky, waterproof retractable gel eyeliner is lightweight, comfortable, and ultra long lasting. Create bold looks effortlessly with the intense color rich formula
- Best Face Forward: From bronzer and blush to primer, highlighter, natural finish powder, and concealer, we've got you covered and photo ready for your next big thing. You've met your true makeup match
- Always Cruelty Free: We are 100% cruelty free and always have been. We also carry vegan makeup & tools such as foundation, nail polish, contour palettes, lipstick, makeup brushes and more
- Stay Wild: We are the trusted beauty destination for beauty lovers of all ages, ethnicities, skin colors, and economic statuses. No matter who or where you are in life, we have a product for you
- Retractable Eye Liner: A line and defined eye is just a twist away with this eyeliner pen; Intense pigment covers like a liquid eyeliner while its creamy formula holds for hours; No need to sharpen just twist up and apply for a winged out eyeliner look
- Smudge Proof and Smooth: This smudge proof eyeliner glides on effortlessly and lasts all day through heat and humidity no sad bleeding eyeliner here; Available in natural to bright shades, any eyeliner look is possible with our Retractable Eye Pencil
- All Eyes On Eye Makeup: Complete your look with our full range of eye makeup products ranging from eyeshadow palettes to false eyelashes, eyeliners, concealers, setting sprays, eyebrow makeup, eyeshadow primer and more
- Cruelty Free Cosmetics: We believe animals belong in our arms, not in a lab; All of our makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty free brand; We don't test any of our products on animals
- Discover NYX Professional Makeup: Try all of our professional makeup products today from eyeshadow, eyeliner, and false lashes to liquid lipstick, lip gloss, primer, concealer, setting sprays and eyebrow makeup
- Perfect blend eye pencil is a smooth
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Pencil Eyeliners
Pencil eyeliners are makeup essentials. They help define your eyes beautifully. Choosing the right one makes a big difference. This guide helps you find your perfect match.
Key Features to Look For
Several things make a pencil eyeliner great. Look closely at these features when you shop.
- Precision Tip: A sharp, fine tip lets you draw thin, exact lines. This is great for detailed looks.
- Smudge Resistance: Good eyeliners stay put. They resist smudging throughout the day.
- Ease of Application: The pencil should glide on smoothly. It should not tug or skip on your eyelid.
- Water Resistance: If you sweat or cry, a water-resistant formula helps your makeup last longer.
- Ease of Sharpening (for traditional pencils): If it is not retractable, it must sharpen well without breaking the tip too often.
Important Materials in Pencil Eyeliners
The ingredients inside the pencil affect how it performs. Most pencil eyeliners use a mix of waxes, oils, and pigments.
Waxes and Oils
Waxes, like beeswax or synthetic waxes, help the liner hold its shape. They make the application smooth. Oils, often natural ones, add creaminess. They help the color deposit evenly onto the skin. A good balance of these ensures the liner sets without drying out too fast.
Pigments and Binders
Pigments provide the color you see. They should be rich and vibrant. Binders are substances that hold the formula together. They help the eyeliner stick to your skin longer.
Formulation Types
You will often see two main types: traditional wax-based and gel-based. Gel pencils usually offer a smoother, more intense line. Wax pencils are often easier to smudge intentionally for a smoky look.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality varies a lot between brands. Pay attention to what makes a liner better or worse.
Quality Boosters
- High Pigment Load: More pigment means one swipe delivers intense color. This saves time.
- Conditioning Agents: Ingredients like Vitamin E or jojoba oil keep the delicate eye skin soft.
- Retractable Mechanism: For mechanical pencils, a smooth, sturdy twist mechanism prevents waste and breakage.
Quality Reducers
- Hardness: A very hard pencil drags on the skin. This causes discomfort and uneven lines.
- Crumbly Texture: If the tip breaks easily while applying, the formula is too brittle.
- Fading Quickly: Liners that fade after just a few hours lack good binding agents.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your eyeliner guides your purchase. Different pencils suit different styles.
For Beginners
New users need creamy, forgiving formulas. Look for pencils that do not set instantly. This gives you time to correct mistakes. A soft black or deep brown is a good starting color.
For Smudged Looks (Smoky Eye)
You need a formula that stays blendable for about 30 seconds before locking down. These are often called “kohl” or “smudgy” pencils. Work fast with a small brush to soften the edges.
For Long Wear
If you have oily lids or need all-day wear (like for events or long workdays), choose waterproof and smudge-proof formulas. These often require an oil-based remover to take them off completely.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pencil Eyeliners
Q: What is the difference between kohl and standard pencil eyeliner?
A: Kohl pencils are usually softer and creamier. They smudge easily for a smoky effect. Standard pencils are firmer and offer more precise, long-lasting lines.
Q: Can I use a regular pencil sharpener on my eyeliner?
A: Only use a sharpener designed for cosmetics, especially one with a small opening. Using a large wood pencil sharpener can damage the soft liner formula.
Q: How long should a pencil eyeliner last before I throw it away?
A: Most pencil eyeliners are good for about 12 to 18 months after opening. If the smell changes or the texture becomes very hard, discard it for safety.
Q: Which pencil eyeliner is best for the waterline (the inner rim of the eye)?
A: You need a very gentle, ophthalmologist-tested formula for the waterline. Look for “waterproof” and “safe for internal use” labels. Avoid harsh, waxy formulas.
Q: What does “retractable” mean for an eyeliner pencil?
A: Retractable means you twist the bottom to expose more product. You do not need a sharpener. This is convenient but sometimes the tip can break off if twisted too far.
Q: Why does my pencil eyeliner skip when I apply it?
A: Skipping usually means the pencil is too dry or too hard. Try warming the tip slightly on the back of your hand first. This melts the wax just enough for a smooth glide.
Q: Are gel eyeliners in a pencil form better than traditional wax ones?
A: Gel pencils usually offer richer color payoff and better longevity. They glide on smoothly like a wax pencil but often set harder, making them more smudge-proof once dried.
Q: Should I apply eyeliner before or after eyeshadow?
A: Most makeup artists suggest applying pencil eyeliner before eyeshadow. This allows you to smudge the liner into the shadow for a seamless, blended look.
Q: How do I prevent my pencil eyeliner from smudging by midday?
A: After drawing your line, set it immediately with a matching colored eyeshadow applied with a thin brush over the top. This acts like a setting powder for the liner.
Q: What colors are best for making brown eyes pop?
A: Deep plums, coppers, and bronze shades really enhance brown eyes. Navy blue also works wonderfully to brighten the warmth in brown irises.