There are reasons for and against both liquid and pencil eyeliner. Pencil eyeliner is better for beginners, as it’s easier to apply. Liquid eyeliner gives a more precise line, but is harder to use. To choose, you need to consider both your skill level, and the look you wish to create.
Pencil eyeliner is a handy item to have in the makeup bag. It’s a really quick way to take a look from day to night. Pencil eyeliner adds definition quickly, but is also forgiving to an unsteady hand.
Another advantage of pencil eyeliner is that it will last for a long time. A pencil eyeliner won’t dry up, nor will it start to thicken. Not to mention, as a pencil eyeliner needs to be regularly sharpened, it doesn’t collect germs. Anything that settles on the tip gets thrown away when the pencil is sharpened.
A pencil eyeliner can be used to give a bold line, but it’s better for softer looks. Because the pencil can be blended and smudged, it can create an amazing smokey eye. Pencil eyeliner can darken the eyelid for a sultry effect, without any harsh lines. Pencil can be applied to the top of the lashes and blended out, bringing attention to the eyes.
However, this is what leads to the main disadvantage of pencil eyeliner - the smudging. After a long day, you may have found your precise eyeliner has migrated from the top of the lids to the under eye. That once crisp look now seems to be a raccoon impression. Even a heavy application of eyelid primer can’t stop the fall of the pencil eyeliner. Thankfully, pencil eyeliner can be easily wiped away and reapplied. This does mean you may need some upkeep for a look that lasts the day.
Liquid eyeliner is best used to create a clear and vivid finish. The color of liquid eyeliner is bold, and the line edges are crisp. Liquid eyeliner can add a real ‘wow’ factor to a look.
Liquid eyeliner is also good for day to day use. Although the lines are stronger, a steady hand can apply a thin strip of liquid eyeliner. This defines the eye shape. Even a small application of liquid eyeliner can create a finished look. You may be surprised by how often people think you’ve made an effort, when all you’ve done is mastered the eyeliner flick.
It’s in creating that flick, or wing shape, where liquid eyeliner really shines. Even the sharpest of pencils lack the definition of a liquid wing. Liquid eyeliners offer great control to create a shape that flatters the eye. And unlike pencil, liquid rarely budges. (In fact, you may struggle to get it off in the evenings.)
The major downfall of liquid eyeliner is you need to learn to control it. Liquid eyeliner is a tricky one to master, and even when you think you’ve nailed it, there are still occasions when the lines just won’t work.
For beginners, start with pencil. This is ideal for softer looks. Use liquid if you want a sharp eye and have a steady hand.