The vast number of eyeliner types available these days, can sometimes leave the average woman feeling like they’re a little lost in an Amazon jungle of makeup.

I remember when I just started learning about make-up (let us not mention how many many years ago that was…haha) the only option that I knew about, was the good old eye pencil, which you almost had to lick (if you didn’t want to have sore eyes for the rest of the day, because you had to push so hard) to get it to work.. Shock Horror!!

Needless to say, as soon as I had the opportunity to try out & use different options, I was like a kid in a candy store.
So for all the makeup explorers out there here’s a rough road map that will guide you through the eyeliner jungle:

Pencil Eyeliner   
This is the most commonly used liner as it is very easy to control during application.

There are 2 main types:
Pencil eyeliners that you sharpen just like any other pencil when needed, Retractable Eyeliner Pencils which does not need to be sharpened and usually have a creamier consistency.

Pros: Widely available in a wide range of colours, Very easy to apply, Can be used on your waterline (but make sure you look for ones that have been tested by ophthalmologist in order to prevent irritation in the eye)
Cons: The retractable pencils has more of a rounded than sharp tip & unless you sharpen the regular pencil to a super sharp tip, it does not provide as crisp a line, Because of the creamier consistency of the retractable pencils, they tend to fade quicker than other eyeliner options (see the tips section for a useful tip in this regard)

To apply: Simply “draw” on the line as close to your lashline as possible. You can either start at the inner eye and sweep the line to the outer eye or start mid-eye and sweep outward, then go to the inner eye and sweep to the middle

My favourites: Urban Decay 24/7, Catrice Precision Eye Pencil in Black (Retractable)

Liquid Eyeliner  
These liners are more difficult to apply and require a bit of practice & a steady hand.

Once again there are 2 main types:
Traditional Liquid Eyeliner which comes in a tube with a brush that pulls out with the liquid on it & the more recent Eyeliner Pens which have felt tips (similar to a marker pen).

Pros: Provides a well-defined line which is great for creating cat eyes and dramatic looks, Gives you the ability to do the thinnest, extremely detailed and precise lines (also detailed work, such as leopard and zebra print designs), More colour intense & longer lasting
Cons: More difficult to apply neatly, Takes a steady hand, patience, and practice practice practice!, Can not be used on the waterline

To apply: Pull your eyelid slightly taut with one finger towards your temple. With a steady hand, slowly brush on across your lashline, starting in the middle of your eye and staying as close to your lashes as possible. Then, start at the inner part of your eye and continue to brush until you reach the middle of your eye that you began with. Keep your eyes closed for a few seconds to let the liquid eyeliner dry after each eye.

My favourites: Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner, Rimmel London Professional Liquid Eyeliner

Gel/Cream Eyeliner    
This liner used to be more popular by professional makeup artists than the general public, but it is becoming more common. They usually come in a little pot/jar and require a brush to apply.

Pros: Very creamy and easy to apply & blend (great for smoky eye looks), Can also be used as a cream base eyeshadow under your powder eyeshadow.
Cons: Not as portable as pencil eyeliner, Easy to smudge if not set properly; can not be used on the waterline

To apply: You can use an angled brush, fine tip brush, or even a pencil eyeliner to get the product out and to apply. Use the same technique as for a liquid eyeliner.

My Picks: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Eyeshadow as Eyeliner
This is the fastest, easiest and most natural looking way to line your lashes. Its great for that on-the-go daytime look.
I often use eyeshadow on top of other eyeliners to soften the line.

Pros: Color options are endless, Easy to apply.
Cons: Fade quicker than other eyeliners, Can not be used on the waterline,

To apply: Dip a stiff, angled brush into the eyeshadow of your choice and ‘draw’ along the upper and/or lower lashline.

Kajal (Khol) eyeliner 
Kajal (kohl) liners are available as a powder, as a liquid, or as a pencil (made from soot mixed with other natural ingredients) and originate from Middle East and Eurasian culture influences.

They are typically shaped like a ‘fat’ crayon that tapers to a sharp point.

Pros: They are rich in pigment and thus provide intense colour, They may contain herbal properties that soothe and cleanse the eyes as well as protect against infections & safeguard against the harsh glare of the sun, Can be used on the waterline
Cons: Application can be more ‘messy’ because of the consistency

My favourites: I have not yet tried this type of liner, by ScandalEyes Waterproof Khol Liner (Dermatologist & ophthalmologist tested) seems to be a popular option (new on the market)

Fun Historical Fact: The popularity of eyeliner was given a huge boost in 1922, after the stunning archeological discovery of the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, deep under the great pyramids of Giza. Worldwide coverage of this event introduced Ancient Egyptian eyeliner to the west, where it was instantly accepted.

ProMakeup Tips:
– To ensure that any type of eyeliner lasts all day, use an angled brush to apply a similar coloured eyeshadow on top of your eyeliner to set it.
– If you have small eyes, avoid lining the full length of both your top & bottom lash line. Lining the outer corners and blending the end of the line towards the middle of your eye will ‘open up’ your eye, making it appear larger.
– Before sharpening your eye pencils, pop them into your fridge for a bit to harden them up (especially useful in summertime)
– Try using a glitter liquid liner over your usual black eyeliner, for a fun & fabulous addition to your evening makeup.

 Browse eyeliner makeup reviews. 

Article by: Mariaan http://www.beautybulletin.com/blog-directory/our-bloggers/promakeupme