Pencils, pots, flicks, and firm lines — the best eyeliners genuinely have their own lingo and the very act can feel daunting at times, especially with so many different options and endless techniques.
When we stop to think about it — where did we even learn how to do eyeliner? Was it trial and error or watching YouTube videos and TikToks? Originating from ancient Egypt, eyeliners have become a staple in most make-up routines around the world. So, even if you have your go-to eyeliner and have been doing the same flick for years, it's still worth seeing what else is out there in terms of products and techniques. Of course, you can wing it, but we've also gathered tips from some professional makeup artists to get you one step closer to mastering your eyeliner.
Below, find the best tips from the experts as well as a non-exhaustive list of our favorite eyeliners for shopping cart inspo.
Meet the experts:
- Tyron Machhausen, celebrity makeup artist
- Carolina Dalí, celebrity makeup artist
- Sheika Daley, celebrity makeup artist
5 eyeliner tips from experts will ensure flawless application:
"The most important step is to prep your eyelids before applying your liner,” says Chanel US makeup artist Tyron Machhausen. “It's essential that the lid is free of oils, [and] I find that applying a primer first really helps to create a smooth surface.”
Not quite the eyelids, but celebrity makeup artist Carolina Dalí at The Wall Group suggests curling your lashes before you start your eyeliner. “This prevents the lash curler from smudging, lifting, or disturbing the eyeliner.” As part of the prep, she also says, “play calming music, be mentally relaxed and confident. I swear eyeliner can sense your nerves and fear!”
“I first create a sort of stencil, getting the thickness and shape right using an angled brush and a brown eyeshadow,” says Dalí. “After I create the desired shape/stencil, I finalize the eyeliner by going over the brown shadow using my liquid liner, pencil, or gel liner of choice.” Lancôme's Global International Artist Sheika Daley also suggests this, “Outline it with a lighter eyeshadow first, then trace over it with your liner — way easier to correct mistakes!”
Of course this is easier said than done, but we've broken it all down for you and listed our faves below. It really comes down to what look you want to achieve. Do you want a feline flick, a smudged vibe, or a very precise line? Depending on that answer, there may be different eyeliners that work better, like a pencil, pot, or liquid. Daley says, “One of my top tips is to use a fine-tipped brush with gel liner if you struggle with precision. It gives you more control than a pencil or liquid and lets you build up the intensity.”
If you prefer tight lining, eyeliners with pointed tips are best. Machhausen suggests “focus[ing] on the space just in-between your lashes on the upper lid to achieve this look.” He elaborates that it's “an amazing technique to accentuate your eyes and make your lashes instantly look fuller, all without a visible line or an overly done look.” Oh, and by the way, his go-to tight-ling eyeliner is the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner. “The skinny, self-sharpening tip is perfect for tight-lining, and since it’s waterproof, it’s great to apply on the waterline, as well.”
If you prefer a “perfect for a lived-in, smoky effect,” Chanel UK Makeup Artist, Ninni Nummela loves a kohl pencil. “Apply a kohl pencil to the roots of the lashes along the lash line, then blend with a small brush or your fingertip.” She elaborates on kohl pencils, saying, “[it is] my favourite for defining the eyes, as it creates a soft, blended line with effortless intensity. A timeless beauty staple, kohl has been used to accentuate the eyes since ancient Egypt.”
“A skinny cotton swab dipped in micellar water can fix anything,” Machhausen says. Not only does it help “create the sharpest edges” or clean up the line if the application isn’t exactly how he’s envisioned it, but it works for every eyeliner — cream, liquid, or pencil. Dalí also loves using these super skinny microblading cotton swabs with a very small amount of the Dior Eye and Lip Makeup Remover. “The small pointed tip helps to keep any cleaning up around the eye very precise and focused.”
Thankfully, some of the eyeliner products have already been created with long-lasting properties in mind. However, Machhausen suggests going over cream or pencil liners with a fine brush if you want it to last all day or night. “I will dip this brush into the shadow of my choice to set the line – this makes a huge difference.”
The top 10 best eyeliners recommended by experts:
If you want a cream liner that glides on and gives you ultimate drama, this is the one. Not only is it long-lasting and waterproof, but it comes with an angled fine-hair brush. You can create a precise line, or according to Machhausen, you can use this cream liner with a soft brush to create a “soft, smokey look.”
For something a little more subtle but that will stay, this is the liner for you. With its 2mm pencil tip, it achieves softer, more delicate lines and is designed to be simple and sharp.
Who says you need to separate your shadow and liner? This unique, multi-use eyeshadow-meets-liner is purposefully built to add an extra shimmer to your makeup look. Made specifically for teen skin, it is blendable and comes in the perfect key-chain-like size to attach if you are on the go. If you want to achieve ethereal eyes, aura eyes, or icy eyeshadow trends – this is the shadow-liner for you.
Not only is this a great eyeliner for beginners, but the flexible and slim felt tip means that you don’t need to do multiple strokes. Daley loves this eyeliner for its precision and ultra-black finish.
Chances are you’ve probably heard of this eyeliner or used it because it has been a fan favorite for years. Due to its flexible brush tip, you can draw a very thin line or go all in for siren eyes. Oh, and it comes in 15 shades!
Not a conventional liquid liner girl? No problem. This creamy pencil is a “smudge-and-set liner.” In other words, because of its ultra-smooth gel formula, it glides on seamlessly without skipping before it sets — ultimately giving a liquid liner feel.
Want a feline flick but with a matte-black finish? This is the liner for you. The tip is also made with 800 soft vegan bristles and is specifically designed for precision.
We love a two-in-one! Why should you have to choose between a liquid and gel liner when you can have them both in the same product? This eyeliner is vegan and helps you achieve all your eyeliner aesthetics. The gel pencil side is made of Amazonian clay, and the slick liquid side gives you a glossy, semi-matte finish.
“For pencil eyeliners, the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Eyeliners are my favorite. I’d even go as far as saying some of the best eyeliners on the market,” says Dalí. Well, you’ve heard it from the experts. This luxury eyeliner has a smooth, creamy formula that takes some time to fully set, which allows you to adjust it until you like how it looks. It comes in Avant-Garde colors in matte, shimmer, and jewel.
If there will be tears, have no fears. This eyeliner can handle those teary occasions — breakup-proof and waterproof. The fine bristle brush tip gives total control, and it lasts 16 hours. At just $7, this is an all-around favorite for quality and affordability.
