Types Of Eyeliner: Gel, Cream, Liquid, Which Do You Need?

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Among the different makeup products available today, eyeliner is one of the go-to products people use to make their eyes pop. Do you love using eyeliners, too?

There are many different types of eyeliner available in the market today. Eyeliners can come in various consistencies and packaging as well. Regardless, they are still applied to the eyes to emphasize them

Do you have a favorite type of eyeliner to use or are you still trying to figure out which would be best for you?

Let’s help you with that by discussing the different eyeliner types. Plus, we’ll give reveal a few hacks about eyeliners. 


Contents

Types Of Eyeliners

Eyeliners are makeup products that are meant to be applied to the rim of your eyes. You can create a variety of designs with your eyeliner but the most basic thing to do is to just outline the eyes. 

These are available in a variety of colors and they also come in different formulations. They may be packaged differently but if they are used to outline the eyes, you can consider them all eyeliner. 

There are four main types of eyeliners available today and they are as follows. 

  • Gel eyeliner
  • Cream eyeliner
  • Liquid eyeliner
  • Pencil eyeliner

1. Gel Eyeliners

Gel Eyeliner

The different types of eyeliners usually contain wax in them but this type is the one that has the highest content. With that, you can expect that it is a great choice if you are looking for waterproof eyeliners. 

It is commonly applied by making use of an eyeliner brush. This helps make sure that the line created is precise. 

This type of eyeliner is great for the waterline but it may be challenging to use a brush to apply it to the waterline. Some people would simply use an eyeliner that’s dipped in the gel eyeliner  to easily apply it to their waterline (though you should be careful. It’s easy to get eyeliner on your eyeball doing this!)

Even if gel liners are mostly used to create a precise waterproof line, they could be used to create a smokey effect. If you want that, you could use a q-tip instead of the eyeliner brush to create the smokey effect.

Even if gel liners are mostly used to create a precise waterproof line, they could be used to create a smokey effect. If you want that, you could use a q-tip instead of the eyeliner brush to create the smokey effect.

Just blend it quickly because it can dry up fast.

If your main goal is to use an eyeliner that is waterproof, this could be the best eyeliner for you. It is long-lasting so you won’t have to reapply it throughout the day. 

Do remember to always clean the brush that you use to apply the liner to prevent eye infection. 

2. Cream Eyeliner

Cream Eyeliner

The next type of eyeliner is cream eyeliner  . Due to their formulation, they are one of the best eyeliners to use when you are going for that smokey eye look.

They are designed to be smudged just like other makeup products that are cream based. 

You might have heard about Kohl eyeliners. Many people would categorize Kohl eyeliners  under cream eyeliners because of how creamy they feel as compared to regular pencil eyeliners. 

These are quite easy to apply on the waterline especially if you are using the Kohl eyeliners. Khol eyeliners come in pencil form so they are very easy to apply. Other cream eyeliners could come in a pot and you’d have to use a brush to apply it to your eyes. 

3. Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid Eyeliner

If there is one eyeliner that many beginners dread to use, it is liquid eyeliner  . There are quite tricky to use but they are preferred by many makeup users because of the vivid and intense results. 

The application does need to be practiced… but it is doable. Another good thing about liquid eyeliners is that they dry up quickly so they are less likely to smudge.  

The application does need to be practiced… but it is doable.

Liquid eyeliners can come with different applicators. There are some with a brush tip , which is best for those who want precise and fine lines. 

When using brush tips, remember that pressing down hard against the skin will create thicker lines. Using the brush tip lightly will create wispy or thinner lines. 

When using brush tips, remember that pressing down hard against the skin will create thicker lines. 

There are others that come with a felt tip . This type is much easier to apply and is usually the eyeliner of choice when making cat-eye-style makeup. 

Apart from the felt tips, there can be liquid liners that come with a tip that looks like a stamp . These are meant for beginners who wish to create a cat’s eye easily.

Although liquid eyeliners are great at making fine lines, they can’t be used on your waterline. Just try to use it on your waterline and you’ll see that it won’t dry. 

Liquid eyeliners are better at creating precise lines and aren’t the best eyeliners to smudge so they aren’t the best to use if you are trying to go for a smokey look. 

You could still create a smokey eye look with other eyeliners or eye makeup then just intensify the line around your eye to give your eyes more emphasis. 

4. Pencil Eyeliner

Pencil Eyeliner

Another type of eyeliner is pencil eyeliner  These may be the simplest ones to use and could be great for those who are beginners at using this makeup.

Pencil eyeliners have a consistency that is a bit dryer than cream eyeliners. This helps you to apply it easily. They usually create a subtle look as compared to other types of eyeliners. 

Pencil eyeliners can come as mechanical eyeliners so you don’t have to sharpen them. They are retractable so you can protect them from breaking. However, this would also mean that you can’t get them to that original pointed tip once you’ve already used them. 

They may come in different formulations and some may even be waterproof. However, they typically don’t last as long as liquid eyeliners. 

Pencil eyeliners are great for your waterline. They can be used to tight-line the eyes for a seamless look too. 


Eyeliner Hacks You Should Know

Pencil Eyeliner

Sometimes, it can be frustrating to use your eyeliner especially if you’ve already been at it for a few tries. Imagine using your eyeliner and then having to remove it and redo your eyeliner because you aren’t getting the results you want. 

This is especially true if you are a beginner at using eyeliners and you’ve picked a liquid eyeliner. There are a few tutorials online but you still have to practice to get used to applying them.

Let’s help you avoid those by giving you a few hacks about using your eyeliner. 

1. Use A Card To Create A Straight Line

Are you having trouble creating that straight line for your cat-eye? One of the things you can do is to use a card just like a stencil or a guide. This will help make sure that your line is straight. 

You can even use the card and cut out your own stencil so that you can create the perfect eyeliner. All you need to do is to cut out the shape on the card and place it over your eyes. Use any of your eyeliners to fill in the stencil. 

You can even use the card and cut out your own stencil so that you can create the perfect eyeliner. All you need to do is to cut out the shape on the card and place it over your eyes. Use any of your eyeliners to fill in the stencil. 

2. Use Some Tape

Another good way to perfect that liner at the tip of your eyes is to make use of tape. Simply put the tape over your eye. This will help you create a winged line that’s straight and crisp. 

3. Revive Your Dry Gel Liner

Sometimes, your favorite pot of gel liner could dry up because you tend to open the pot often and use the product. This naturally happens. And when it does, you may not get the consistency you need to create the line. 

In case your eyeliner dries up, you can still revive it by adding a few drops of coconut oil to your pot. Use your brush to mix the oil with the dried-up eyeliner. Once you are done, you can test it and see that it glides perfectly. 

Just take note of when you first opened your gel liner and make sure that it isn’t expired. Remember that you also have to dispose of your eye makeup products because using them longer than advised could potentially cause you to have an infection. 

4. Eyeliner As An Eyeshadow

Did you know that you can create a smokey makeup look even without eyeshadow? All you have to do is to use your eyeliner as eyeshadow. You can smudge and blend your eyeliner to create a smokey and sexy look. 

The best eyeliners to use in this case are cream eyeliners. You can use a brush or your fingertips to smudge the eyeliner. Just make sure to do it quickly before it dries or it will be more difficult to smudge and blend them. 

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).