If you prefer a “perfect for a lived-in, smoky effect,” Chanel UK Makeup Artist, Ninni Nummela loves a kohl pencil. “Apply a kohl pencil to the roots of the lashes along the lash line, then blend with a small brush or your fingertip.” She elaborates on kohl pencils, saying, “[it is] my favourite for defining the eyes, as it creates a soft, blended line with effortless intensity. A timeless beauty staple, kohl has been used to accentuate the eyes since ancient Egypt.”
4. Clean up with cotton buds
“A skinny cotton swab dipped in micellar water can fix anything,” Machhausen says. Not only does it help “create the sharpest edges” or clean up the line if the application isn’t exactly how he’s envisioned it, but it works for every eyeliner — cream, liquid, or pencil. Dalí also loves using these super skinny microblading cotton swabs with a very small amount of the Dior Eye and Lip Makeup Remover. “The small pointed tip helps to keep any cleaning up around the eye very precise and focused.”
5. Make it last
Thankfully, some of the eyeliner products have already been created with long-lasting properties in mind. However, Machhausen suggests going over cream or pencil liners with a fine brush if you want it to last all day or night. “I will dip this brush into the shadow of my choice to set the line – this makes a huge difference.”
The top 10 best eyeliners recommended by experts:
1. CHANEL CALLIGRAPHIE DE CHANEL Longwear Intense Cream Eyeliner
If you want a cream liner that glides on and gives you ultimate drama, this is the one. Not only is it long-lasting and waterproof, but it comes with an angled fine-hair brush. You can create a precise line, or according to Machhausen, you can use this cream liner with a soft brush to create a “soft, smokey look.”
2. CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Liner
For something a little more subtle but that will stay, this is the liner for you. With its 2mm pencil tip, it achieves softer, more delicate lines and is designed to be simple and sharp.
3. INDU LiquidEyes Shadow-Liner
Who says you need to separate your shadow and liner? This unique, multi-use eyeshadow-meets-liner is purposefully built to add an extra shimmer to your makeup look. Made specifically for teen skin, it is blendable and comes in the perfect key-chain-like size to attach if you are on the go. If you want to achieve ethereal eyes, aura eyes, or icy eyeshadow trends – this is the shadow-liner for you.
4. Lancôme Idôle Ultra-Precise Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner
Not only is this a great eyeliner for beginners, but the flexible and slim felt tip means that you don’t need to do multiple strokes. Daley loves this eyeliner for its precision and ultra-black finish.
5. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Chances are you’ve probably heard of this eyeliner or used it because it has been a fan favorite for years. Due to its flexible brush tip, you can draw a very thin line or go all in for siren eyes. Oh, and it comes in 15 shades!
6. Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil
Not a conventional liquid liner girl? No problem. This creamy pencil is a “smudge-and-set liner.” In other words, because of its ultra-smooth gel formula, it glides on seamlessly without skipping before it sets — ultimately giving a liquid liner feel.
7. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Want a feline flick but with a matte-black finish? This is the liner for you. The tip is also made with 800 soft vegan bristles and is specifically designed for precision.
8. Tarte Double Take Eyeliner
We love a two-in-one! Why should you have to choose between a liquid and gel liner when you can have them both in the same product? This eyeliner is vegan and helps you achieve all your eyeliner aesthetics. The gel pencil side is made of Amazonian clay, and the slick liquid side gives you a glossy, semi-matte finish.
9. Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
“For pencil eyeliners, the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Eyeliners are my favorite. I’d even go as far as saying some of the best eyeliners on the market,” says Dalí. Well, you’ve heard it from the experts. This luxury eyeliner has a smooth, creamy formula that takes some time to fully set, which allows you to adjust it until you like how it looks. It comes in Avant-Garde colors in matte, shimmer, and jewel.
10. wet n wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
If there will be tears, have no fears. This eyeliner can handle those teary occasions — breakup-proof and waterproof. The fine bristle brush tip gives total control, and it lasts 16 hours. At just $7, this is an all-around favorite for quality and affordability.
