Eyeliner has been a timeless staple in our beauty arsenals for its unique ability to turn a simple look into something striking and expressive. With a single stroke, eyeliner can define, dramatize, and enhance the eyes to make them appear larger, more awake, or more mysterious. After all, as they say, “The eyes are the windows to the soul”, and with the right eyeliner, you can frame those windows in ways that can captivate and enchant.
Eyeliner’s journey from a humble pencil to a beauty icon is fascinating. The boom in bold, experimental looks, the comeback of retro styles, and the growing preference for waterproof, long-wearing formulas have kept eyeliner a staple for a lot of beauty trends. It’s not just about drawing sharp and precise lines anymore, but also about making a statement with graphic designs, vibrant colors, and innovative textures.
In recent years, as makeup has become more innovative and diverse, eyeliner has kept pace with these changes. The rise of social media and beauty content creators has introduced new techniques and color palettes, making it easier for anyone to experiment and find their signature look. And as trends shift, so do the formulations, with gel and liquid liners providing precision and long-lasting wear that meets the needs of modern beauty routines.
The eyeliner landscape today is rich with options that cater to every need and style. Whether you’re looking for something that glides on smoothly, lasts through the day’s activities, or adds a touch of glitter, there’s an eyeliner out there to perfectly suit your needs.
WHAT IT IS
Eyeliner is a makeup product designed to define and accentuate the eyes. Its primary purpose is to enhance the natural shape of the eyes, making them appear more defined and expressive. Plus, many eyeliners are now waterproof or smudge-proof which makes them perfect for all-day wear. It comes in a variety of formulas—pencil, gel, liquid, and cream—and can be applied in multiple ways to achieve different effects, from a subtle enhancement of the lash line to a dramatic winged look
Pencil Eyeliner: Often the go-to for beginners, pencil eyeliner comes in both retractable and sharpenable forms. It’s versatile and easy to use, and comes in a range of finishes from matte to shimmer. Pencils can be found in both kohl (for a softer, smudged look) and mechanical (for a more precise application).
Liquid Eyeliner: Known for its intense pigmentation and long-lasting wear, liquid eyeliner features a thin brush or felt-tip applicator. It’s ideal for creating sharp lines and intricate designs, making it a favorite for dramatic looks and precise eyeliner styles.
Gel Eyeliner: Gel eyeliners provide smooth application with a rich texture that can be applied with a brush. They provide the flexibility of a pencil with the staying power of a liquid, and they usually come in either pots or jars or in pencil form. They’re known to dry up faster than cream eyeliners and are known to be longer-lasting.
Each type of eyeliner provides unique benefits and can be used to achieve different looks, from the classic cat-eye to trendy graphic designs. The choice of formula often depends on the desired effect, personal preference, and the specific occasion.
WHY YOU NEED IT
One of the best things about eyeliner is its versatility. It can do everything from a simple line to an intricate design, adapting easily to whatever look you’re aiming for. This makes it great for switching up your style, whether you’re keeping it casual during the day or going all out for a special event. Plus, with the right formula, you can count on it to stay put and keep your look fresh all day or night.
Most eyeliners now come with impressive staying power thanks to innovations like waterproof and smudge-proof formulas so there’s no need to worry about your liner fading or running or having to think about constant touch-ups. It’s practical and reliable, making it a must-have for any makeup kit.
And not to forget the fun part—eyeliner is a great way to get creative. With so many colors and textures to choose from, it lets you experiment and express your style in new ways. Whether you’re trying out a trendy shade or perfecting a classic wing, eyeliner lets you make a statement and play with your look effortlessly.
WHAT TO USE
Pencil Eyeliner
Pencil eyeliners are versatile and come in various finishes. They are easy to apply and convenient for everyday use.
Good: Teviant Eye Intensifier Waterproof Eye Pencil, P495, Lazada
This affordable option provides a smooth application with an intense color payoff that lasts all day.
Better: MAC Cosmetics Eye Kohl, P1,550, Lazada
This creamy kohl pencil is renowned for its creamy texture and intense pigmentation. Its versatility allows for both soft, smudged looks and precise lines.
Best: Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl, P2,096, Zalora
This luxury pencil liner provides exceptional smoothness and precision with a formula that provides long-lasting wear and resists fading.
Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliners are ideal for creating precise lines and dramatic winged looks.
Good: Maybelline Hypersharp Liquid Pen Eyeliner, P399, Shopee
This budget-friendly liner features an ultra-fine tip that allows for the effortless creation of both thin lines and bold wings, catering to a wide range of makeup preferences. Its formula is designed to resist smudging and fading, ensuring your eyeliner stays put even under humid conditions or with watery eyes.
Better: KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner, P1,740, Sephora
A cult favorite for a reason, this waterproof liner delivers intense color and stays smudge-free all day. The fine felt-tip applicator allows for precise application, ideal for creating both subtle and dramatic eye looks.
Best: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, P1,450, Rustans
This liner is best known for its precise marker-like tip and exceptionally long-wearing, waterproof formula. It provides intense color and resists smudging, ideal for those who need a reliable liner for all-day wear.
Gel Eyeliner
Gel-based eyeliners are usually known and preferred for its versatility of use, rich pigments, and long-lasting formula.
Good: Kiko Milano Lasting Gel Eyeliner, P950, Kiko Milano
This gel liner’s formula is creamy yet dries quickly to a long-lasting, smudge-proof finish. The intense pigmentation delivers a bold line with a single stroke, making it a versatile option for various eye looks.
Better: MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eyeliner, P1,650, Lazada
This liner delivers on its promise of high-impact color and longevity. The wide range of shades also caters to diverse color preferences, from classic black to bold hues.
Best: Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner, P2,300, Rustan’s
This twist-up liner delivers a unique gel formula that glides on smoothly, also providing both precision and intensity. Its long-wearing, smudge-proof formula ensures your eyeliner stays put throughout the day.
