Finding The Best Eye Liners

by Karen Blanchard
7 December 2012

winged eye liner

Who’s got a knack for winged eye liners because I’m still trying to get the hang of it!

Sometimes it’s great but the rest of the time, the flick is too long, too straight or just looks off flicked up.  At a shoot yesterday, I liked how the winged liner was done with a liquid liner. When I got home later, I took about 10 iPhone pics of the eyes when I got home to keep it as reference to try and duplicate.  Granted it took the make up artist a good 15 minutes but it was worth the time.   Maybe that’s what it is: take more time to apply? Perhaps the eyeliner stamp is a better solution for how to do winged eyeliner.

At home I’m still using L’oreal Extra-Intense Eyeliner.  It’s the best pencil I’ve found but I’m always looking in case there’s something better.

My question to you:

What’s your current brand eye liner?  I’ve tried the creams with a thin angled brush which are ok but isn’t it too much bloody hard work?   I’m starting to think that it’s not about trying different products but sticking to one thing and practicing over and over and over…. or basically patience!

If you have a personal favourite let me know what it is.

Karen x

ps. This pic was taken before the hair cut (pics on twitter & Instagram).

Category: beauty

58 comments

  1. Mlle W says:

    that’s a sexy flick with the rest of your face delightfully neutral.
    I like Hourglass Script as it has the thinnest brush: you can subtly layer them up or just keep the line toned down but defined enough

  2. kylie maree says:

    I use the maybelline master precise, waterproof. After years of trying to find the perfect liner that would stay on (Chanel good, Stila make a great waterproof one). But I find Maybelline to have the finest brush for perfecting the ‘cat eye’. And cheap too!

  3. Jenna Parikka says:

    You’re right, it’s mostly depending on practice. My advice is practice in the evening, right before you’re about to wash off your makeup. That way it doesn’t matter if you screw it up, since you’re gonna take your makeup off anyway, but you get the practice. Then when you feel more secure, try it in the morning when you’re doing your makeup, but be prepared that it’s gonna take some time.

    As for products, I started with eyeliners that were kind of like felt tip pens, more sturdy. I used this one: http://www.lumene.com/sv/produkter/makeup/ogon/natural-code-eye-dramatizer-liquid-eye-liner

    (it’s in Swedish but if you can find the product in the store you’ll know what I mean)

    Then when you feel like you’ve gotten the hang of it, a little more liquid eyeliners (but still with a sturdy tip) give a richer color. I use this one:
    http://www.lumene.com/sv/produkter/makeup/ogon/blueberry-liquid-eyeliner

    (again, Swedish, but I think you’ll have no problem finding this in most makeup stores)

    Good luck! 🙂

    • Karen says:

      Good idea on night time practicing.

  5. Samantha Manzella says:

    L’Oreal lineur intense liquid eyeliner is my current favorite. The tip is really easy to control and flexible. I also adore the Sephora in-house brand liquid eyeliners…they’re probably the cheapest at Sephora ($11!) and are really easy to use. Plus, they come in awesome colors. I have the glittery black and gold. 🙂

    <3 Samantha
    http://samlovesmakeup.wordpress.com

  6. Style Hostess says:

    I stick to pencil because I’m too much of a scaredy cat when it comes to liquid eyeliners. With pencil, I really think you cannot pass a “Stila”. I use the Stila Smudgestick for over a year already. impressive results (and the name’s such a pun- because it totally doesn’t smudge, especially if you base it with an eye primer)
    good luck finding the one Karen =)

    x
    Cat.

    • Karen says:

      I’ll check this out thx!

  7. Marsha C says:

    I use the Rimmel liquid eyeliner and have done so for the past 2 years. The brush is thin so you can create the perfect flick whether thin or thick! I definitely think sticking to one brand is good as you then get use to the applicator 😉 x

    http://styleofalondontallgirl.blogspot.com

  8. Liz says:

    I’ve been doing the winged eye liner thing for years and have just recently branched out to other brands. My tried and true brand will always be L’oreal..although I find that the pen doesn’t last very long..but I go through black liquid liner like most go through a tube of toothpaste. I’m currently using Almay Intense I-Color, which I like a lot. I use the color for hazel eyes and it’s black with little flecks of silver. And I like the thicker pen, since I draw my winged liner on 60’s mod style. The pen also has a good shape for a controlled application. As for tips, practice..practice..practice! Also…apply with a relaxed yet steady hand. It’s easy to get all uptight and nervous and hold the pen tightly, which usually leads to shaky lines and weird wings…just breathe and draw.

  9. Betty says:

    I’m a makeup artist and I would say, it’s not about what kind or brand of liner you use. It’s just about practicing the technique over and over again. One type might seem easier for you than it would for someone else. If you like a certain texture/kind/brand of liner and have been using it for a long time, that’s the one you’re going to perfect with, cause that’s the one that you’re familiar with and has worked with. So…practice, practice, practice, it makes perfect. =)

    • Karen says:

      Betty you’re rights. It is practice once I find THE perfect product(s) to use

    • Betty says:

      My fave and easiest that I’ve used is Loreal Lineur Intense. It gives you great control and the outcome is gorgeous.

  10. Ruvarashe says:

    L’oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip… this is a lifesaver. It is still liquid but the brush is a felt tip… makes a world of a difference. Try it and you will be amazed. Okay, I sould like a commercial but it really is that good.

    • Karen says:

      This is inexpensive enough to give this one a try. I will thx!!! you’re definitely selling it!

  11. lmc1971 says:

    I use the BB Gel Liner in Caviar almost everyday, for me there is nothing better to tightline of line…it just doesn’t budge. For “the flick”, I would recommed the Lancome Artliner. It’s squat and easy to manouver over the eye for precise work…expensive yes but it gets great reviews and it does last.

    Happy Holidays
    Lisa

  12. Sean says:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  13. Sean says:

    When I first started I had NO idea what I was doing lol so you’ll get it in no time 🙂
    I wasn’t able to do it with pencil so I finally tried liquid.
    What I use is Wet n Wild Mega Liquid Liner #861 I have found it to be the best for me. I buy mine at the Walgreens on 14thst on Union Square.
    The brush is soft so I usually take excess liner off at the top of the tube, it helps a lot. Because the brush is soft it helps me make my flick a lot easier. I bought Revlon ColorStay & the brush wasn’t soft which made it difficult. Karen you have to try it. I personally think you’ll find it easy. Now I get compliments on my cat eye! Good luck 😀
    -Sean

    • Karen says:

      I know where you mean! Will check it out next time I’m there. thx!

    • Karen says:

      Thx!!! another to make a note of

  15. T E X T U R E says:

    Oh Karen… Liquid is the way to go!

  16. Sinead says:

    Normally, I use Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in “Perversion.” The trick is to keep the pencil super-sharp (and I must go through one a month. Not cheap, but IMO it is the BEST pencil out there) and follow up by smudging with a brush. I use a Sonia Kashuk smudge brush from Target for this. It’s from the old line and, sadly, is not made anymore. I do not like the new SK brushes. I’m big on a smoky eye/lots of black liner; I don’t reserve this look for evening. It’s my thing.

    For a winged look, I use Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in blackest black and an angled eye shadow brush from Ulta — one of the inexpensive ones with a silver handle. Here’s a link to the best application tutorial I’ve ever found. I do EXACTLY as she says and it’s perfect every time.

    http://vimeo.com/32063586

    • Karen says:

      OMG OMG OMGG!!! That video is BRILLIANT!!! I am doing this tomorrow!!!

    • Sinead says:

      It is absolutely brilliant, isn’t it? I can’t wait to see pictures after you try it!

    • scientistmum says:

      Yeah, this is great!!! I know what you mean with one pencil a month. For the best look, I start with a Lancome waterproof PENCIL, then put liquid eyeliner (preferably Makeup forever Aqua black) on top. That definitely gives the best result for me. It looks great if you line the upper waterline too with the pencil but unfortunately that doesn’t work for me because of my hayfever…. grrr…

  17. PinkCheetahVintage says:

    I can’t do liquid, too hard. I use Clinique cream kohl pencil in Egyptian for smudgy smoky look and cheapo drug store brand jordano pencils for more defined liner.

  18. Monique Cheney says:

    I use a liquid liner by Almay and a retractable pencil I got in England for 1 pound. I start with the liquid then darken the line with my pencil. I suck at make up but I watched a couple of youtube vids to learn how to do it. Also, if you take a q-tip or a angle brush and dip it in make-up remover you can use that to make corrections to fix any mistakes you make.

    • Karen says:

      ok now THIS is a good tip for correcting mistakes. I always rub it with my finger or tissue! I’m definitely doing this. Thx Monique

  19. 5th Avenue says:

    I use two, depending on what day of the week it is. During the week I’m in a rush and I stick with Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner, it has a small fine tip, which gives me precision. Then on the weekend when I have more time and want a more dramatic look, I use the Clinique gel liner, it works beautifully, it is also long lasting, I’ve rubbed my eyes and it doesn’t smear. I hope this was helpful.

  20. Vega says:

    I love liquid eyeliner! I use different brands but the liquid definitely seems to last longer throughout the day for me!
    I just have to hold my eyes closed for a few secs to let it dry so it doesn’t stick lol

    <3 Vega
    http://thevintagesiren.blogspot.com

  22. Yasmeen says:

    I’m using a Maybelline pencil liner. I actually don’t like it much but I like to use up my products instead of throwing them out :/ Mac has some pretty good liners according to my friends. But, brand aside, I think just practicing to hold a steady hand is the most important part of 😛

    Yasmeen
    Castle Fashion

  23. Aki Nishidake says:

    I use three different types depending on what type of finish I want. I use the Japanese brand called, Kate. I’m not sure of which one it is, but I know that this brand is super popular in Japan. The second brand I use is the gel eyeliner by L’Oreal for a smoother finish, after watching my sister use it, and another blogger I decided to try it, and it’s awesome. It’s not that much different than a pencil (it just goes on smoother) The last one I use is Lancome which is one of the most expensive eyeliner I have, I got it for free! The application is smoother than a normal pencil.

    🙂

    • Karen says:

      ok I need to write down the recs that everyone is giving. They are all convincing me.

      Thx everyone!

    • Karen says:

      Thx LV, is there a specific kind by them?

  27. Kate says:

    I use the Lancôme Artliner Tracé Dense. The ink sticks really well and the pencil it’s really helpful too (since I’m a mess when the subject is eyeliner… But I get along with this one). I also like Kiko’s Precision Eyeliner, but I think the Lancôme’s ink is better. However, I don’t the NYX ones, because when it’s dry, the ink starts to crack and it feels really hard on the skin.
    Good luck Karen 🙂
    xx
    Kate

    • Karen says:

      I hate when the ink dries and cracks!!! That’s happened with past products that I’m not returning to ever again.

      I’ll look at the Lancome one

  28. Deanna says:

    MAC has a great felt tip liner that is super easy to you and doesn’t try up too fast like some of the cheaper brands. It only comes in black and it’s super intense and glossy. It’s also super thin so you can do a very fine line or thicker depending on how much pressure you apply. Love it!

  29. Sandy says:

    I have mastered the winged eyeliner look, but it has taken me a few years to perfect it! I’ve been using REVLON ColorStay Liquid Liner for the past 10+ years. I absolutely love it. It certainly takes much practice but with the ease of this tip + a polished routine, I think you’d be in good shape!

    Best of luck on mastering the liquid liner language!

    -xo

    • Karen says:

      wow 10 years using the same one?! no wonder you’ve mastered it! God – I have a list to write from everyone and I LOVE IT!!

      Thank you!

  31. Jazmine Jade says:

    You have to try stila’s waterproof liquid liner pen. It’s the most perfect pen ever! Easy to use and stays all day.

  32. Aisha Jimoh says:

    H&M Eyeliner is amazing!

  33. Linda @ Study In China says:

    You have magnetic eyes. By the way I use Cargo Plant Love Liner in Black. It is so smooth, organic, long-wear liner.

  34. Jessica DeCormier says:

    I second/third/fourth the Stila’s eyeliner pen. I’ve gone through 3 of them and they’re just fantastic. They stay put and are very very easy to use!

    • Karen says:

      Ok clearly I need to try this Stila eyeliner….

  35. Maribell says:

    I’ve always had a frienemy relationship with Cover Girl cosmetics, because of a two for one coupon in a magazine insert, I’ve decided to extend a temporary olive branch. While it’s not as sharp as a felt-tip liquid liner, I still get the intense graphic liner look that I ever-so desire using CG’s Perfect Point Plus pencil. It’s ultra thin blends like a dream, but stays on lock down at the same time. Gives me the cat eye without the fussiness of a liquid liner. Been my go to eye liner since October. Hope you give it a try!

    Aloha!
    MB

  36. scientistmum says:

    I LOOOOVE Makeup forever’s Aqua black and also Bobbi Brown’s waterproof liquid eyeliners….

  37. Anonymous says:

    I highly recommend Almay’s liquid liner. It goes on smooth, but is kind of dull on darker skin tones (mine is similar to yours). So after I applying, I top the line with a thick black pencil and that really helps my eyes pop =)

  38. Candace Studio says:

    I know this is a super late reply to this question – but I have been wearing the winged liner look for years and sometimes I forget how hard it was to get it right!

    It’s difficult to master no matter what product you’re using. Pencils are more forgiving than liquid liners. I definitely use the Stila liquid liner though now that I’ve mastered it. I think the trick is to understand the ANGLES.

    You’ll start at the center of your lid very thin and sweep it out to the corner. It’ll get thicker as you get to the corner and then from there you’ll start the wing. When you draw the wing take note of the angle of your bottom lash line – it angles upward and toward the end of your eyebrow correct? Just draw the line following that angle and toward the end of your brow.

    Hope that helps!

  39. fresherdam says:

    finding a good liner is not a piece of cake. i remember searching for it 3 hours in a mall and finally got my mac eyeliner.
    Fresherdam

  40. Live TV says:

    Nice click 🙂

  41. Vivianne says:

    I use Kiko Make Up Milano Definition Eyeliner and it’s one of the best liquid eyeliners I have tried. The felt tip gives me a defined natural looking line perfect for the cat-eyes look.

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