Eyeliner is one of the most transformative tools in makeup, empowering you to define eyes, enhance expressions, and customize your look—whether minimal or dramatic. But with so many eyeliner formats—liquid, pencil, gel, felt-tip, powder, and more—it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
At ZM Beauty Supply, our mission is to help you navigate the world of eyeliners with ease. This ultimate guide breaks down each type, its unique benefits, best use cases, and tips to help you find your ideal match.
1. Pencil Eyeliner
Overview Available in both traditional and retractable forms, pencil eyeliners are perhaps the most commonly used format. Whether wax-based or kohl-style, they’re beginner-friendly and effortless to apply.
Pros
- Easy to use and ideal for beginners
- Great for creating smudged or natural looks
- Safe for tightlining and waterline application
- Long shelf life, especially pencils lasting years vs. months for gels/liquids
Cons
- Requires sharpening unless retractable
- Can smudge or transfer more easily
Best For
- Everyday, soft definition
- Smoky or smudged eyeliner styles
- Tightlining and defining waterlines
2. Gel Eyeliner
Overview Semi-solid and housed in jars or pots, gel eyeliner offers rich pigmentation and versatility, depending on whether you want a sharp line or a smudged effect.
Pros
- Creamy texture and excellent blendability
- Long-lasting and often waterproof
- Flexible—perfect for dramatic lines or smoky finishes
Cons
- Requires a steady hand and an angled or fine brush
- Removal can be more challenging compared to pencils
Best For
- Bold, long-wear looks (e.g., cat eyes)
- Smokey or blended eyeliner styles
- Users who want stronger control over line thickness
3. Liquid Eyeliner
Overview Liquid eyeliner—available with brush or felt-tip applicators—delivers crisp, highly pigmented lines for precision-defined looks.
Pros
- Delivers sharp, dramatic definition with impeccable control
- Best for shows and sleek, long-lasting wear
Cons
- Requires precision and practice—less beginner-friendly
- Can dry out faster or flake off if not stored properly
Best For
- Precise, bold looks like wings or graphic liner
- Times you want polished, statement eyeliner
4. Felt-Tip or Pen Eyeliner
Overview Combining the ease of a pen with the intensity of liquid, felt-tip liners offer excellent wearability and precision.
Pros
- Great for steady, controlled lines—especially ideal for beginners
- Available in smudge-proof formulas for clean application
Cons
- May not be as pigmented as gel or liquid formulas
- Some dry out quickly with frequent use
Best For
- Everyday precision with ease of application
- Clean, seamless wings without the mess of liquid
5. Powder Eyeliner / Kajal (Kohl)
Overview Less common in western markets, powder-based eyeliner and traditional kohl offer a softer, diffused finish—perfect for natural, smoky styles.
Pros
- Great for soft, natural definition or smokey looks
- Often beginner-friendly and subtle in appearance
Cons
- Less durable—prone to smudging or fading quickly
Best For
- DIY smokey eyes and everyday soft definition
- Enhancing lash line without harsh lines
6. Kohl / Kajal (Traditional)
Overview Kohl (aka kajal) traces back to ancient beauty traditions, especially in South Asia and the Middle East. While modern kohl is often safe, traditional formulations had health concerns.
Pros
- Provides deep, dramatic color—perfect for cultural or bold looks
- Versatile—can be applied via pencil, powder, or loose forms
Cons
- Traditional kohl may contain lead—modern versions should be cruelty-free and safe
Best For
- Rich, shaded definitions and cultural or artistic makeup
- Bold, expressive looks with historical charm
Quick Comparison: Which Eyeliner Should You Choose?
| Format | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pencil | Beginners, smokey, tightline | Easy to use, long-lasting, soft finish | Needs sharpening, can smudge |
| Gel | Bold, long-lasting, shimmery | Pigmented, blendable, water-resistant | Requires a brush, tricky to remove |
| Liquid | Precision, definition, statement | Sharp lines, vibrant pigmentation | Difficult for beginners, dries out |
| Felt-tip/ Pen | Everyday, clean lines | Precise, user-friendly | Less pigmented, may dry out |
| Powder/Kajal | Soft/night looks, natural effects | Subtle finish, smoky flexibility | Fades quickly, less durable |
| Kohl/Kajal | Cultural looks, intense color | Rich traditional depth | Potential safety concerns historically |
Tips for Choosing Your Eyeliner
- Skill Level – Beginners might start with pencil or felt-tip products.
- Desired Look – For bold, defined looks, go with gel or liquid. For soft or smoky looks, choose pencil or powder.
- Longevity Needs – Waterproof or gel formulas are best for all-day wear.
- Application Area – Use pencils or gels for tightlining or waterlines; avoid liquids here.
- Ease of Maintenance – Pens and pencils offer easy application; pots and liquids require more skill.
Eyeliner has many formats, each offering a different finish, level of precision, and ease of use. Whether you're exploring your first eyeliner or expanding your collection, ZM Beauty Supply offers a formula tailored to every need—beginner or expert, subtle or dramatic.
Choose confidently, practice your technique, and most importantly—have fun experimenting. With the perfect format and a little practice, you'll elevate every makeup moment with eyes that speak volumes.
