Eyeliner, love it or leave we all have used it in one way or another. Problem is some of us haven’t been using it correctly or even know how. Then we got choices, there is gel eyeliners, liquid eyeliners, cake eyeliners, pencil eyeliners and you can even use mineral eye shadows as an eyeliner. Wow talk about choices!!

I was posed this question the other day by a young lady about types of eyeliners. Her question was, which type of eyeliner is better? Which the choices I offer she wanted to be sure she was buying the correct type of eyeliner for herself. Well I only offer cake eyeliners, mineral based pencil eyeliners and mineral eye shadows as eyeliner but I wanted to give her the best answer I could find.
We have all seen it, beautiful ladies with smoky cats eye’s done using liquid eyeliner, or smoky eyes lined with black pencil eyeliner. When done correctly its looks totally sex kitty, when done incorrectly its looks like two black eyes. Not pretty at all!!

I am not a makeup artist, nor I have not been trained as one. I am just someone who loves makeup, uses makeup, plays with makeup, writes beauty articles and offers makeup on Overallbeauty.com. I felt to answer the question the best way possible I went to my favorite site B2B (Linkedin.com) I am a member of and posed my question there. When it comes to questions like this, I like to leave the best answers to the pros. I got super lucky that these ladies were kind enough to answer my question for me. Thanks Ladies!!

Question: Eyeliner, which is better ~ Cake, Liquid, Pencil, Gel or Mineral Eyeshadow as Eyeliner?

Answers:

Also I used to use this really high-impact black Versace eye shadow cake as a liner.Just dip an angled brush in water and run into cake until shadow becomes think and creamy in texture. The bold line can look amazing but it your eyes are sensitive or tend to water, the makeshift liner can end up dripping and collecting in the corners of the eye. It is best used for situations like dinner; when you won’t be out all night and you can have the impact without the risk of it ending up all over.

I’ve realized that it is substantially better to use high-quality products as they are intended. Scientists spend time in the lap to make sure products are safe (for the eye area) and the higher quality means more research and technology. Eyeliner is definitely something you don’t want to skimp on. Cheap eyeliner can lead to red, irritated eyes.If a product leaves you looking worse than before… why wear it at all? So invest and enjoy what good quality makeup can do for a face!

Benthany Brill Makeup Artist
http://www.bbrillmua.blogspot.com/

2~ The answer depends on the effect you are going for, who you are applying the product to etc. Here is my advice in general: liquid is best for the top lash line when you want a very clean defined line.it can be used with false eyelashes for a glamourous look, or not. I don’t recommend using liquid under the eye.
pencil is used on both upper and lower lash lines to softly or dramatically define the eye, depending on shade and application depth. I usually apply liners after shadow, but before mascara. For more drama, you can line over shadow, then apply more shadow over the liner that might be a way to use the mineral powders. Cake liner is the same as liquid, except you put water on the brush and use the cake like a paint. A little more challenging. Hope it helps.

Patty Gibbons ~ Makeup Artist

3~ Hello – I like Patty’s description. The only thing I might add would be the following; – For a defined lash line without taking up space above the lashes use a creamy (safe for the waterline) pencil to shade in the upper waterline and in between the lashes – this a celebrity favorite for that naturally defined beauty look! – Also, when it comes to shadow (particularly mineralized) you can often wet the brush when you apply it for more definition. Note: you can wet the brush before, if it is a loose shadow – otherwise, you would want to apply the shadow first to the brush and then gently spritz to moisten.
The options with liner are endless – I hope that helps!

Jessica Menchini Makeup Artist ~ MAC Resident Trainer

4~Hi Kim,
For evening I like to use a liquid black eyeliner over the eyeshadow on the top lash-line for a dramatic “cat eye ” look. For a smoky look I use an eyeliner pencil, waterproof is best, and I do love the Dior pencil with the rubber end for smudging. Sometimes a forest green shade can look softer than black, but will make the white of the eye whiter so the eye color will pop!

Freelance Makeup Artist at Jan Simone

5~Hello Kim,
While the options of eyeliner in today’s market are endless, eyeliner choices depend on the needs of the individual client. For instance, a drier eyelid may prefer a gel, creme, or liquid liner, while an oily lid may be more comfortable with powder(wet or dry) or even powder layered over pencil. Which brings me to layering. Layering different textures of liner or liner with shadow can help achieve the desired effect, as well as increase the wear of the product through out the day. Clients often struggle not only with achieving a look, but maintaining it. An eye primer also helps in application and wear. Factors such as lifestyle, climate, skin type, contact lenses, allergies, etc. often influence product choices. Also brushes, a sharpener, and technique are key.
Hope this helps.

Lyudmila deChante-Tate Make-up Artist, Educator, Creative Director

As you can see its not the easiest question to answer but I feel these ladies gave all us ideas and tips on which eyeliner might be best for the look we are looking for!  I hope this helps and any time you have a makeup question that you need answers for, please contact me! As you can see I know where to find pros with great answers for us all.

Thanks ladies for helping us out today. If you are looking for eyeliners we offer them here at http://overallbeauty.com

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