Last updated: 16/10/2022

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Make-up has been, without a doubt, a benchmark of beauty over the years, as it adapts to trends, allowing you to transform your face, highlighting your attributes so that you can present the best version of yourself, and this is what happens especially with liquid eyeliner. Get to know it here, in ReviewBox Mexico!

The eyes are usually one of the most attractive parts of the face, and that’s why they are one of the elements that most people seek to highlight when applying make-up. Liquid eyeliner allows for a “designer” look as you can draw the right shape on top of the eye, creating the soft, delicate look that makes it stand out.

You may be a little confused when choosing this product, especially if you don’t really know how it works and what differentiates the popular brands. If this is the case for you, there’s not much to worry about, as you’ll learn all about liquid eyeliner in this article.




Summary

  • A liquid eyeliner is basically a cosmetic tool or accessory used to apply make-up to the upper and lower eyelid of the eye, generating simple or dramatic effects depending on the intention. It has a liquid and wet consistency and is mostly black in colour.
  • There are several types of eyeliners on the market, but there are two types in particular that you should pay attention to; liquid eyeliner, which is perfect for any occasion, and gel eyeliner, which is longer lasting, but a little more difficult to apply.
  • Before you decide which eyeliner is right for you, it’s important to keep certain factors in mind to help you compare the various options. Criteria such as the style you want to apply, skin type, application method and colour are important to consider.

The best liquid eyeliner: Our picks

Buying guide: What you need to know about liquid eyeliners

After learning about the most popular liquid eyeliner models, you may have a clearer picture of what you want and should buy. However, before you make your final decision, it’s important to consider certain aspects and terms that will help you better understand the product you’re considering purchasing.

The final makeup finish with the right eyeliner will completely transform you. (Photo: Sergeyp / 123rf.com)

What are liquid eyeliners?

A liquid eyeliner is, in a nutshell, a cosmetic tool, used both personally and professionally. It consists of a liquid, mostly black, which is placed on the eyelid through the applicator that comes with the container, which usually looks similar to a fine-tipped marker.

It is manufactured to give you as much control over the eyeliner design as possible, using only as much as you need to highlight your eyes in the style you want. With the eyeliner you can achieve a better finish on the eye, generating different contours that allow you to give it a larger, sensual and thinner appearance.

What are the advantages of liquid eyeliners?

Among its many advantages is the ease of application, as it works similar to a marker, for greater comfort and control during the process. In addition to this, the make-up is wet, which allows it to adhere faster to the skin. It tends to remove easily, and is so eye-catching that it can be the key to make-up.

Although at first glance it may seem like the perfect item, like any product on the market, it has advantages and disadvantages that you should take into consideration so that you have more certainty about what you are buying, and no surprises after acquiring it.

Advantages
  • Easy application thanks to their fine marker shape
  • They are moist, so they adhere quickly to the skin
  • They are easily removed.
Disadvantages
  • They can run if you touch or rub the eye
  • You must know how to apply the designs if you want a neat finish
  • They can irritate if the liquid gets into the eye.

Liquid eyeliner or gel eyeliner?

When choosing the liquid eyeliner you want, you may be a little confused between two types of eyeliner in use today, which have their similarities, but are not the same. The way they are applied and the results can vary. These types of eyeliners are: liquid eyeliner and gel eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner: This type of eyeliner is one of the most commonly used, as its moisture allows the skin to adhere it more easily, as well as being resistant as long as it does not touch or rub the eye. Its consistency is completely liquid and light.

It is applied as if it were an ink, and always comes with an applicator in the shape of a pencil or marker, so that, when applying make-up, it is a simpler process and you have total control over the final finish, as long as you know the right techniques to achieve the style you want, of course.

Gel eyeliner: This type of eyeliner can be considered liquid, but the consistency changes, as it is much thicker than the previous one, so when using it you should only use a little bit of the product, as it will be enough to make any style you want on your eye.

Gel eyeliner is much oilier than liquid eyeliner, which is beneficial as it absorbs, but tends to last longer on the skin, and is waterproof. If you’re looking for a finish that lasts longer, then this may be the eyeliner for you, although if you apply too much it can end up being messy.

Liquid eyeliner Gel eyeliner
Consistency Liquid/light Liquid/thick.
Durability Medium High.
Ease of cleanup Easy to remove Needs an oily makeup remover.
Ease of application Simple thanks to its marker applicator A bit more difficult, requires precision.

Purchasing criteria

Before making your final purchase, it is important that you keep in mind certain criteria that will help you discern which of the various products is the most suitable. You should always keep in mind your main need, so that you make your decision accordingly.

Skin type

Depending on your skin, some eyeliners may be more beneficial than others. Remember, when it comes to makeup, you should think about your skin first, because if you pay attention to it, it will give you the results you want.

Dry skin: This type of skin tends to crack easily, and is very sensitive to irritation and unfavourable conditions. It is very dull, so liquid eyeliners are not as recommended, unless they are specified as being for dry skin, as they may come with nutrients to help.

Oily skin: If you have this type of complexion, it means that hydration is not a real problem for your skin, so you avoid cracks in your eyelids. Liquid and gel eyeliners can be good options, as long as they are long-lasting.

Common skin: A well hydrated skin, without cracks or excess shine, this is the normal or “common” skin, as it does not go to extremes. In these cases any eyeliner goes according to it, since its state of health allows it. The most recommended is the liquid eyeliner with pencil applicator, as it gives you more control.

How to apply

There are two well-known applicators when it comes to eyeliners, each has its advantages and disadvantages, so you should consider which one to use. Remember that the applicator can determine how quickly you apply your eyeliner and how well it finishes.

Brush applicator: This is usually used for gel eyeliners, due to their consistency. This applicator is similar to a brush, and its shape allows you to create styles more easily. You must control the amount of liquid you use so as not to damage the make-up. They are recommended for use at home.

Pencil applicator or built-in: This type is the one that comes with the liquid eyeliner, usually pencil-shaped, which allows greater security in the grip and control of makeup. The amount is not going to be exaggerated, as they are designed to be applied at any time. Perfect to take with you to public places.

Colour

Depending on the style of make-up you do, the colour of your eyes, and the accessories or outfits that will accompany your aesthetic masterpiece, the colour of the eyeliner you may want to change. While there are a variety of colours, there are three particular areas to consider.

Neutral coloured eyeliners: Usually these types of colours are in a range of browns and ochres, as they are sober colours that can really flatter your make-up if used correctly. The golden colours, for example, flatter dark skin, while the darker brown tones look better on fair skin.

Black eyeliner: This is a must-have choice in your makeup set, as it looks good on any skin tone. It has a clean finish and can vary in style, being sober and elegant, or very dramatic, according to the eyeliner design. Excellent for any occasion.

Fancy coloured eyeliners: The extravagant point of eyeliners is in this type of colours, as you can find from blue and violet tones to yellow and even white. They are excellent for magazine make-up, due to the atypical finishes, which provide a photographic ambience.

Liquid eyeliner can enhance your beauty and eye colour (Photo: marinafrost / 123rf.com)

Styles

There are different effects you may want for your eyeliner, and depending on them can vary the eyeliner you choose, so it is important that you have in mind the styles that most represent you in terms of makeup, so you can make the purchase more accurate to your personality.

Makeup only eyeliner: If the key point of your makeup is in the eyes, you may be looking for a deep and striking finish. Gel eyeliners provide this kind of effect, and help you get the line just right thanks to the shape of the applicator brush.

Full eye contour: If the eye is to be fully contoured, and not just on the upper eyelid, you may want to use more than one eyeliner. On the upper part, you can use a gel or liquid eyeliner for a strong effect, and on the lower part use a pencil or a thinner line with liquid.

Smoky eye: The use of eyeliner in this case depends on the colour of the smokyeye. The idea is that the eyeliner is visible with a thin line, to give a final finish to the make-up, so the colour of the eyeliner should generate contrast. Liquid eyeliner with a pencil applicator or pencils may be the best option.

(Featured image photo: Александр Сердечный/ 123rf.com)

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