Eyeliner is rightfully considered the queen of makeup. Thanks to this, you can make thin arrows, smoky eyes or just emphasize the lash line. Choosing the right product is not as difficult as it seems. It is enough to pay attention to the texture, durability and ease of application of the product. We’ve compiled a ranking of the best eyeliners for this year and a complete guide so you’ll understand which one to pick for yourself. And at the end of the material you will find lifehacks for applying the product; These were shared with us by makeup artist Zakhar Grinov.
How to choose eyeliner?
All primers available in the beauty market can be divided into several categories based on texture, color, durability and cost. That’s what we’re going to do now.
Tissue
Eyeliner usually comes in four popular formats:
— Pen. All types can be attributed to this category – oil, wax and soft (they are also called kayals). It is better to forget the pen if your aim is a long thin line. It is more suitable for creating a feathered arrow or smoky eye makeup. The texture of the pencil is not designed for smooth lines, but the liner will cope with this task without difficulty.
— liquid eyeliner. It comes in two formats. The most suitable for beginners is a liner (it is also called a felt-tip pen or marker). It is usually in the form of a felt applicator or a brush. Both of these options are fine. Because the felt tip is harder, it is suitable for graphics. A brush is usually softer and more plastic. The second version of the liquid eyeliner is sold in a small cone-shaped jar. At the bottom is the tool itself, and at the top is a brush. This format is suitable for advanced makeup users because it is more difficult to draw a straight arrow with a brush than with a liner.
— Gel. It is usually packaged in a round transparent “washer”. And to apply it on the eyes, in addition to the product itself, you will need a flat beveled brush. This is the only inconvenience of this format – it is less convenient to carry with you than a felt-tip pen. But other than that, gel eyeliners are super and very permanent.
Colour
Most of the tools for creating arrows are presented in classic black. But in some products you can find additional basic shades. For example, the palette is complemented by brown, blue or gray. Brighter hues such as yellow, orange, green, purple are less common. And mostly only from brands that specialize in decorative cosmetics. By the way, eyeliner, besides color, can have a different surface – glossy, matte or shimmery.
Price
Let’s tell you a secret, a good product can be found even for 300 rubles. Therefore, price is not the main indicator of quality in this makeup product. Budget-friendly items can be just as durable, or even more durable, than luxury items.
Firmness
Perhaps one of the main criteria when choosing an eyeliner is that it remains transparent for as long as possible and does not put pressure on the upper eyelid.
Endurance Level: 4-6
The most unstable, as a rule, are pencils. Of course, this does not apply to all. Some pencils can even last longer than liquid eyeliner. But if they are not fixed on top with anything (for example, with a dry tissue or gel eyeliner), the contour will quickly “float”.
Endurance Level: 6-9
The second option is liquid eyeliner. Although many are not water resistant, they can even withstand rain. About which products can do this – you will learn from our rating.
Courage Level: 10
The most reliable option is a waterproof product. It will wick away moisture and won’t even wash in the pool (tested multiple times based on personal experience). However, it is more difficult to remove waterproof eyeliner. You need to use an oil-based makeup remover.
It is important to consider your skin type and individual needs when choosing eyeliner. For example, almost any product is suitable for drying. But if the skin is prone to oiliness, it is better to give preference to waterproof products (for example, quick-drying gel primers).
Top 10 Eyeliners 2023
In the first place in our rating is 7Days monster eyeliner, which is afraid of nothing. She endured the bath, the pool, the tears, and remained true to herself as if nothing had happened. You can be 100% sure of that. It is a 2-in-1 product that also contains eyebrow gel. Meanwhile, it is as durable as a primer.
3ina eyeliner has a comfortable, moderately tight applicator that draws a straight line on its own. In the end, the color turns out rich black and slightly glossy (although the manufacturer promises matte). Arrows are held for a long time and are not pressed.
The Influence Beauty tool settles quickly on the skin, so you need to act fast (well, or carry a cotton swab with you). The felt tip pen is comfortable to hold and use – it has a thin plastic felt applicator that lets you draw any arrow.
On board the Beautydrugs A thin and flexible brush with which you can make arrows with one touch. It is convenient for him to adjust the thickness of the line by changing the degree of pressure. The product is durable with its dark black color.
The Catrice brand has inexpensive, but high-quality products. Especially decorative. For example, glue eyeliner is Zakhar Grinov’s favourite. “This product combines the functions of lash glue and eyeliner. It ensures a stable and tight fixation of the lashes and also creates a perfectly clear line. I would especially like to point out the handy applicator with which you can easily control the line thickness.”
Another waterproof eyeliner in our rating is the Russian brand Elian Russia. It has a flexible felt applicator that glides easily on the skin and allows you to get sharp arrows that will pierce the heart of those around you. The product stays on the eyelids all day without leaving a trace. It is better to wash with hydrophilic oil or two-phase micellar water.
After the success of Lash Pow mascara, Makeup Revolution introduced its eponymous eyeliner. With this it’s easy to achieve a drama queen look and look melancholy at the fallen autumn leaves. You can even cry – the arrows will remain before your eyes.
Next up is another favorite of makeup artist Zakhar Grinov – the Christian Louboutin pencil in the shade Zoulou. “It is worth noting that this is not an eyeliner, but a pencil that is perfect for slightly feathered arrows. The rich dark brown hue looks stunning on the eyes, while the creamy, ultra-pigmented formula enhances color and makes it easy to apply. It is particularly durable with its loose texture,” says Zakhar.
If dried eyeliner is your eternal pain, we have a solution for you. The Stellary product has an airtight cover with an airtight drying protection system. This significantly extends the life of the product. The liner has a glossy black color and a sharp tip, making it easy to draw graphic arrows.
French brand Make Up For Ever is loved by many makeup artists, including Zakhar. “The liner has a comfortable brush; It’s easy for him to create fine and clear lines in the eyes. The durable formula ensures that it doesn’t blur or fade throughout the day,” says Zakhar.
How to draw arrows? Makeup artist advice
The product has been selected – let’s continue using it. We asked Zakhar Grinov to talk about how to move step by step correctly to get thin arrows.
Zahar Grinov. visa officer
Step 1: Prepare your eyelids
Before applying eyeliner, you need to prepare the skin. Cleanse your face and apply some makeup on your eyelids. This will help increase the durability of the arrows and prevent them from smudging throughout the day.
Step #2: Apply eyeliner
Start doing this from the inner corner of the eye and gradually work your way up to the outer corner. If you are using liquid or gel eyeliner, increase the thickness and apply in a thin line. If you have a pencil, apply it in short strokes to create an even line.
Step 3: Complete the eye makeup
Complete your eye makeup by applying mascara to your lashes and defining your eyebrows. This will help create a complete image.
Source: People Talk
I’m Roger Gritton, and I’ve been writing for the The Fashion Vibes for over 5 years now. My specialty is beauty news; I’m passionate about covering the latest trends, products, and innovations in the industry. In my time there, I’ve become known as an authority on all things beauty-related.
I love discovering new experts to interview, researching up-and-coming ingredients and techniques that are making their way onto our beauty shelves and highlighting people who are making a difference in the world of cosmetics. My work has appeared not only on The Fashion Vibes, but also several other publications including the New York Times Magazine, Allure Magazine and Refinery29.
