As far as eye makeup products go, eyeliner is a fan favorite, and with good reason. Just like any other eye product, your eyeliner is designed to highlight the natural beauty of your eyes. Eyeliner is tasked with a very specific job: to add definition to your eyes. It can even change the appearance of your eye shape.

One way that you can help eyeliner excel at its job is by learning how to apply it like the boss that you are. If you’ve been overwhelmed at the prospect of applying eyeliner in the past, don’t you worry, we’re here to help. On the contrary, if you’re an expert, going back to basics and refreshing your skillset never hurts.

Today, we’re going to talk about all things eyeliner. From the different types to the ways you can apply to the most important things you should look for in a product, consider this your key to the eyeliner kingdom. Let’s get started, shall we?

What is Eyeliner, Actually?

You’ve put it on your eyes about a thousand times, but have you actually taken a pause to consider what eyeliner actually is? If you haven’t, join the club, plenty of people haven’t. That being said, we’re here to help you expand your eyeliner knowledge -- and that means getting acclimated with what eyeliner actually is.

Eyeliner is a type of eye makeup that people utilize to put emphasis on the contour of their eyes. It can also be used to help change your eyes’ perceived appearance, as we mentioned earlier.

Yes, that means there are ways to use eyeliner to make your eyes appear larger, or smaller, as you desire. It can come in gel, liquid, or pencil form, and the type you use depends on a variety of factors.

What Types of Eyeliner Are There?

Eyeliner comes in an array of different forms. Whether you choose liquid, gel, or pencil, they all have their own unique capabilities. While most people have a favorite, it’s a good idea to have them all in your makeup arsenal because they have their own strengths.

Liquid

First, there’s liquid eyeliner. Liquid eyeliner is renowned for its ability to help people paint sharp, defined lines on their eyelids. It does require a bit of patience though, as it needs time to dry after application (try your best not to blink!).

While it can be intimidating to try liquid eyeliner, don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries. After all, beauty is a process and an art. It takes time to refine your skills!

Try your hand at it a few times. Keep going; the perfect liquid eyeliner line will be worth the time you invest in your craft.

Gel

Gel is a less overwhelming option for people who are just getting started experimenting with eyeliner. This product can really help your eyes pop.

Not only does gel eyeliner win points because it is easy to apply, it’s also smudge-proof. Major win, if you ask us.

Pencil

Last but not least we have pencil eyeliner. Pencil eyeliner is the bread and butter of eyeliner; it’s classic, reliable, and predictable in the best way. A good pencil will glide right on and stay put. It might require some sharpening from time to time, but overall, pencil eyeliner is a solid pick.

If you want all the benefits of gel eyeliner in a convenient pencil format, we have just the product you’re looking for. After all, why take up more room in your beauty bag when you can have a combo product?

Our Skyliner Automatic Gel Liner is equal parts easy to apply and durable -- plus, it’s a twist-up pencil, so no pencil shavings!<product>1</product>

What Color Eyeliner Should I Use?

When it comes to eyeliner, you can get just as creative as you would with eyeshadow. Bold, colorful eyeliner is totally having its moment, so if you’re craving something more outside the box, go for it.

That being said, we recommend that everyone has those classic colors on hand, too. Besides being versatile, these products also offer a way to elevate an otherwise bold look without detracting attention.

While black eyeliner is known for being flattering for everyone regardless of eye color, brown could actually add more depth. It all depends on what look you’re going for when you put on your makeup. We suggest you have both black and brown -- and some fun colors, too!

What Are the Different Eyeliner Shapes?

There are a wide variety of different eyeliner shapes, and each of them can help achieve a different look and impact the way your eyes are perceived.

Learning more about each shape will help you decide which you want to use for your look.

The Classic Topliner

If you’re looking for an everyday eyeliner look, the classic topliner might be exactly what you’re searching for. This simple but elegant look requires simply swiping your desired eyeliner on just your top eyelid. When you keep your eyeliner only on the top of your eyelids, you’re going to get a youthful, lifted look.

Top and Bottom Liner

If you’re looking to expand your repertoire, consider trying a top and bottom liner. This look is trendy and definitely will draw more attention to your eye than simply a top liner.

Winged Liner

Also known as a “cat eye,” winged eyeliner was a favorite of pop star Taylor Swift circa 2010. Before then, it was a popular old Hollywood look. This requires applying your eyeliner on a curve towards where your eye meets your temple.

Open Wings

Open wings are something you can try once you’ve mastered the winged liner look. This is essentially a fancy double wing, but the wings have a tiny opening at the end. This, therefore, gives the viewer the impression that the two wings aren’t connected.

Graphic Liner

Graphic liner is inspired by winged liner but takes the look a step forward towards the more creative. There are so many different ways you can apply graphic liner, or you could make your own.

How Can I Apply Eyeliner Like a Pro?

The first thing that you should know is that it is going to take time to get your eyeliner looking like a professional’s would! Don’t get discouraged or give up just because you don’t get it the first time.

First, put the eyeliner as close to your lash line as you can get it. Hold your finger to the skin around your eye to make the line defined, but be cautious to not tug. From there, simply draw short, connected dashes close to the lash line. Starting at the inner corner helps. If you’re struggling with shaky lines, try resting your elbow on a hard surface for more stability and control.

That’s it! It really is that simple. Keep trying until you feel comfortable. Of course, if you want to do fancier eyeliner, you’re going to have to experiment, but applying eyeliner like a pro is as simple as getting close to your waterline and drawing a line.

How Do You Apply Eyeliner to Hooded Eyes?

If you have hooded eyes, it can seem difficult to apply eyeliner. But it doesn’t have to be! Luckily, we have a few tricks that can help. The first is to hone in on the outer corner of your eye. This gives the look of having liner on all of your eyelids, even though it’s only applied there.

Another tip is that you should apply the eyeliner to your upper waterline instead of the eyelid itself. Using a pencil is advisable when you’re doing this. Next, you should focus on lining ½ to ⅓ of your eye -- and nothing more.

Remember: start outside and work your way in, and it will look like the whole eye has liner. Amazing!

What Should I Look for in an Eyeliner?

When you’re looking for an eyeliner -- or any eye makeup, really -- it’s essential that you’re comfortable and confident with what you’re putting on. After all, your eyes are precious and can get hurt if you use products that aren’t good for them. That’s why it is so important that you take into account the brand whose products you’re using.

Clean Ingredients

One hallmark of a good product is that it was created using clean ingredients. For those who might not be as familiar with the term “clean beauty,” it refers to a beauty product that you can use without compromising your own health.

If you take a look at the ingredients list on the packaging, you’re not going to find anything toxic or potentially harmful.

At Wander Beauty, we take clean ingredients seriously. That’s why you’ll never see a product with our name on it that contains parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrance.

All of our products are proudly clean and formulated with globally-sourced ingredients that work with your skin, not against it.

From our moisturizer to our eye products and beyond, you can feel confident in our line of makeup and skincare.

Cruelty-Free Formulas

Makeup products shouldn’t cost animals their lives. That’s why we have a firm no-animal testing policy. When you’re buying your eyeliner, make sure you purchase from a brand that has views that align with your own.

Built-In Sharpener

Who wants to deal with pesky eyeliner pencil shavings and sharpeners laying around? Not us! That’s why it’s best to pick an eyeliner with a built-in sharpener -- like our gel pencil that gives you the best of both worlds.

Quick-Drying Liquid

When you’re picking a liquid eyeliner, make sure it’s quick dry. If you blink, and it’s not, it’s back to square one. If you select a quick-drying formula, that won’t be the case, and all of your hard work won’t be wasted in a poorly-timed blink. Thank goodness!

Smudge-Free

Finally, what makes eyeliner so appealing is that it’s sharp and defined. Pick products that are smudge-free and you can entirely eliminate this problem. Yes, it’s that easy.

Conclusion

Eyeliner can bring your look to a new dimension, and that’s why we think it’s so much fun. As we mentioned, it takes a bit of trial and error -- so lean into the learning process and refrain from getting frustrated.

We believe in you; your eyeliner will be on fleek soon enough!