Girl, we don’t need to tell you twice just how important eyeliner is. From a smouldering cat eye to simply defining your eyes, matte pencil eyeliners are the most basic makeup move, but has the power to help us feel more prepared to take on the world. But with so many different types out there, we don’t blame you for being confused. We give you this handy guide of the different types of eyeliners – liquid, gel, pens and kohl and compare their pros and cons to help you find your eyeliner soulmate.
1. Liquid Eyeliner
This is the queen of eyeliners in terms of bold, well-defined and full-on sexy. Liquid liners are made for fully-blown accentuation and are not to be taken light-heartedly. They should be your go-to for those perfect Cleopatra eyes and are perfect for when you want to go all out.
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Pros:
- Provides well-defined lines.
- Help eyelashes look thicker and more dramatic.
- Perfect for cat eyes and dramatic looks.
- They are highly pigmented, for a super dark, long-staying effect.
- It doesn’t smudge once dry.
Cons:
- Difficult to apply. Liquid liners take nerves of steel and a super steady hand. Don’t worry, it’ll happen with practice.
- It is meant for well-defined lines. You can’t do a shaded or smoky effect with it.
- Errors are less-forgiving. A shaky line or any kind of mistake will require you to wipe it all off and begin again. You can’t simply smudge off a mistake.
- It’s not for beginners. It takes practice and patience to ace using liquid liners. But when you do, they’re amazing.
Our Top Picks: L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Extra Black Gloss (Rs. 720), Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner (Rs. 275)
2. Gel Eyeliner
This is every makeup artist’s favourite type of liner. Gel liner comes in a pot with a thin brush to help with precision. Pros:
- Not as difficult to apply.
- The brush helps you draw lines with precision.
- They are highly pigmented, for a super dark, long-staying effect.
- They are creamy and easy to smudge.
- Great for cat eyes as well as a smoky effect.
- Doesn’t smudge once dry.
Cons:
- It takes a little practice to master application.
- Requires a brush to apply.
Our Top Picks: Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner is a cult favourite and one of the best gel liners ever (Rs. 1,800), and Coloressence Gel Eyeliner (Rs. 499) 
3. The Kohl Pencil
This is the most commonly used type of eyeliner; in fact, every girl probably has at least one of these. They are the easiest to use. Pros:
- Very easy to apply and control.
- Glides on smoothly.
- Great for applying on your waterline (for tightlining and as a kajal)
- Good for smudging and creating smouldering lines.
- Anyone can use it, a makeup junkie as well as a newbie.
- Good to travel with.
- They are commonly available and not very expensive.
Cons:
- You need a sharp, pointed tip for crisp lines.
- It smudges easily.
- Can wear off easily. It’s not as long-lasting as other eyeliners.
- Does not create a super defined look.
Our Top Pick: Lakme Absolute Ultimate Kohl (Rs. 725), Colorbar I-Glide Eye Pencil (Rs. 499)
4. Felt-Tip Eyeliner Pen
We love these felt tip eyeliner pen because they are pretty easy to apply and give the effect of a liquid or gel liner. Pros:
- Easy to control.
- Great for thick as well as thin lines.
- Good for quick precision.
- Long-lasting.
Cons:
- Needs to be layered to create a darker look.
- Doesn’t come off too easily.
Our Top Pick: Maybelline The Colossal Liner (Rs. 425) Images: Shutterstock HAVE A STORY IDEA FOR POPxo? If you want to hear about it, we can write about it! Just tell us your idea here! MUST-READ: The Difference between Kajal Kohl and Eyeliner and When to Use What MUST-READ: 10 Kajals That Are GOOD For Your Eyes?! Yes, Please!
