Trying to master eyeliner? Find out the difference between pencil vs liquid eyeliner to learn which one is right for you.
Who doesn’t love a good winged liner look?
However, mastering the perfect winged liner look is easier said than done!
Eyeliner in general can be super tricky to apply. Not only do you have to be extremely precise when applying your eyeliner. But, if you make a mistake, oftentimes you have to start all over again.
That being said, perfecting your eyeliner game can greatly level up your makeup look.
When learning how to apply eyeliner, it’s critical you understand there are different types of eyeliner.
Liquid eyeliner and pencil eyeliner are two popular types of eyeliner. While they can each elevate your makeup look, they are both very different.
That’s why in this article, you’ll learn more about what’s the difference between pencil vs liquid eyeliner, is liquid or pencil eyeliner for beginners better, and so much more!
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Which Eyeliner is Best Liquid or Pencil?
Both liquid eyeliner and pencil eyeliner are each great forms of eyeliner.
Neither type is better or worse than the other.
That being said, both pencil vs liquid eyeliner are each very different in how easy (or not so easy lol) they are to apply, what they look like on, etc.
Therefore, depending on what you are looking for and your experience level when it comes to applying eyeliner is important when choosing between pencil vs liquid eyeliner.
Liquid eyeliner can be bold, dramatic, and absolutely stunning; however, it is extremely difficult to apply flawlessly.
Meanwhile, pencil eyeliner is more subtle, natural and much easier to apply than liquid liner.
Read on to learn more about the differences between pencil vs liquid eyeliner to discover which one is right for you!
What is Liquid Eyeliner?
Liquid eyeliner is a highly pigmented liner that involves using a tip, similar to a pen, to apply the product.
Liquid eyeliner is known as one of the best (but most difficult!) eyeliners.
This is because liquid eyeliner once it touches the skin leaves an almost ink like look that, though quick to dry, can easily smudge, smear, & become a hot mess fast if you aren’t careful.
However, when done right, liquid eyeliner looks AMAZING.
Liquid eyeliner works especially well when drawing a winged liner look because liquid liner creates super precise lines which are perfect for a winged look.
That being said, because liquid eyeliner is similar to almost an ink-like consistency, it should NOT be applied to the waterline as it will easily smudge & smear and get all over the place.
There are two types of liquid eyeliners: a brush tip liquid liner and a felt tip liquid liner.
Brush Tip Liquid Liner: Great for creating super fine lines and details.
Felt Tip Liquid Liner: A bit easier to apply and is great for doing a cat-eye liner look.
What is Pencil Eyeliner?
Pencil eyeliner is similar to that of a colored pencil in a way where the product is more like (as the name suggests) a pencil than an ink effect found in liquid liners.
Because pencil liners aren’t “inky” they are far less pigmented and more subtle and natural.
Therefore, pencil eyeliners are arguably the easiest type of eyeliner to use and is great for beginners because it is very difficult to make a mistake/ smudge the product.
That being said, sometimes with pencil eyeliner you really have to press down on the product onto your skin, and even then, the product won’t be as noticeable as a liquid liner look.
However, pencil eyeliner is still great for lining your eyes and also works well if you want to line your waterline.
Pencil eyeliners are pretty straightforward. There are two types of pencil eyeliners, the “traditional” pencil eyeliner and the retractable pencil liner.
Both are essentially the same thing; however, the retractable pencil liner you can twist the product out to use, whereas the pencil liner is just that, like a pencil.
Pencil Vs Liquid Eyeliner: What’s the Difference?
As you can see, it’s difficult to compare pencil vs liquid eyeliner because they each are quite different variations of eyeliner.
Liquid liner looks great (if done well); however, it is very difficult to apply correctly.
Meanwhile, pencil eyeliner is easy to apply, but is more on the subtler side.
Therefore, to better understand the differences between pencil vs liquid eyeliner, here is a brief breakdown of important factors to consider when it comes to which liner is right for you!
Longevity:
In general, liquid eyeliner once it dries is more long-lasting than pencil eyeliner. This is because pencil eyeliner can sometimes easily transfer off more easily.
Versatility:
Pencil eyeliners are more versatile than liquid eyeliners because you can line your upper & lower lashline, waterline, etc. Meanwhile, liquid liner you can only use on the top lash line.
To Create a Winged Liner Look:
Liquid liner is better at creating a winged liner look because liquid liner is more pigmented, precise, and bold.
Beginner-Friendly:
Pencil eyeliner is without a doubt more beginner-friendly compared to liquid eyeliner.
Because pencil eyeliner is more subtle, it’s more difficult to make a noticeable mistake.
Plus, a pencil eyeliner is easier to control.
To Create a Waterline Look:
Pencil eyeliner is better for lining your waterline because a pencil will actually stay in place and not smudge off compared to a liquid liner.
Precision:
Liquid liners are more precise because they have a sharper edge to them vs pencil eyeliners.
Intensity:
Liquid eyeliners are more “intense” or bold and pigmented. Therefore, if you really want your liner to be noticeable, consider using liquid liner.
Which is Better: Liquid or Pencil Eyeliner for Beginners?
Eyeliner and I have a love-hate relationship.
Eyeliner is one of those products that, once you’ve perfected, can take your makeup look to the next level.
However, the key to mastering eyeliner is lots of time and practice.
Therefore, if you are a beginner just learning how to apply eyeliner for the first time you should definitely stick with using pencil eyeliner, NOT liquid eyeliner.
This is because pencil eyeliner is arguably the easiest eyeliner type given it’s really easy to control/ it won’t smudge all over the place if you mess up.
Meanwhile, while liquid eyeliner can look gorgeous and appear more bold and dramatic, liquid eyeliner is more difficult to apply.
When applying liquid eyeliner, you need to be extremely precise and make minimal mistakes, otherwise you’ll either have to “try” and cover it up, or be forced to remove it and start all over.
Meanwhile, it’s a lot more difficult to completely mess up and need to start over with pencil eyeliner because of how subtle the product is.
Best Liquid Eyeliner Recommendations
In need of some of the best liquid eyeliner recommendations?! Check out the below go-to liquid liners:
Epic Ink Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: This is one of the best drugstore liquid liners at just $10!
This NYX eyeliner is perfect for creating super precise lines perfect for achieving the best winged liner look.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner: This Stila eyeliner does wonders at giving super precise lines perfect for whatever liner look you’re going for. Not to mention, this liner is long-lasting great for all-day-wear.
Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner-Black: This is the ULTIMATE 2-in-1 eyeliner. This Tarte eyeliner is super versatile because it has BOTH a liquid liner and pencil liner on the other end for endless liner looks.
Best Pencil Eyeliner Recommendations
In need of some of the best pencil eyeliner recommendations?! Check out the top go-to pencil liners:
NYX Professional Makeup Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil: At just $5, this pencil eyeliner by NYX is a great go-to pencil liner to effortlessly elevate your eye makeup game.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil: This Urban Decay pencil liner effortlessly glides on to achieve the perfect lash look!
Final Thoughts: Which is Better- Pencil Vs Liquid Eyeliner?
Overall, when it comes to deciding between pencil vs liquid eyeliner, you have to understand 1) what makeup look you are going for and 2) how confident are you with your eyeliner application abilities.
This is because while liquid liner can look STUNNING, liquid liner can easily turn bad fast if you are not experienced with applying eyeliner.
Therefore, if you are just learning how to apply eyeliner for the first time, use pencil eyeliner.
This is because pencil eyeliner is subtler and won’t smudge and smear all over the place if you mess up.
Meanwhile, if you are trying to go for a winged or cat-eye look, and you do have some practice with eyeliner, consider using liquid eyeliner.
In any case, eyeliner can greatly elevate your eye makeup game. Just be sure to practice to perfect your liner look!
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