All Made Up: Eyeliners Outlined

Eyeliner is the one makeup staple that I just won’t leave the house without. Liner-less eyes make me feel like a zombie and I inevitably get bombarded with “are you sick” or “did you not sleep well” type questions.

I’ve tried so many different liners just trying to find that perfect one. And then I realized there isn’t one. The trick is that with so many different varieties, there are perfect liners for different occasions! Certain lifestyles and situations fit better with a particular type of eyeliner. I’ve outlined the different types of liner and the pros and cons of each so you can decide which ones are right for you:

Pencil Liner

This is the most common, most convenient liner out there. Just about every brand makes one and I don’t know a girl who doesn’t have at least one eyeliner pencil in her bag.

Pros: Easy to use, easy to find, no fuss, no muss.

Cons: Racoon eyes. For some girls a pencil liner only stays in place for a few hours before it’s essentially smeared into not-so-cute panda markings.

Perfect For: Day to day wear. To class, the grocery store or anywhere you want to look presentable but not have to try too hard.

Recommend: Urban Decay 24/7 Liner – $16 www.urbandecay.com

Liquid Liner

Liquid is the must-have liner of all the classic beauty, Hollywood glam girls out there. Ladies like Dita von Teese and Katy Perry who rock the vintage style are rarely seen without a little liquid liner!

Pros: Precision lines that don’t budge.

Cons: Very tricky to put on. You better have a steady hand guiding that teensy little brush along your lashline. And if you screw up, pull out the makeup remover and get ready to start over completely.

Perfect For: Special occasions where you want to step up the glamour! Sexy cats eyes, or any other look requiring very defined lines.

Recommend: Kat Von D Eyeliner – $16 sephora.com

Cream Liners

Cream liners are a little bit the best of both worlds. You can achieve a softer look than a liquid, but still more precise then a pencil.

Pros: Easy to use, stays put no matter what, creates precision lines but can be smudged out for a softer or smoky look.

Cons: Requires a special brush and can be time consuming to apply.

Perfect For: Going out to clubs or nice restaurants. Anyone who is scared or inept at liquid should feel comfortable with a cream liner.

Recommend: Stila Smudge Pots – $20 sephora.com

Powder Liner

Simple and refined, lining your eyes with a black (or really any shade!) of eye shadow can created the framing effect like other liners, but with a softer look.

Pros: You can use any eye shadow (preferably a darker shade) that you already have. It stays in place very well, and subtly fades away instead of smearing off like the others.

Cons: Also requires a brush and doesn’t give a defined line. More difficult to achieve a dramatic look.

Perfect For: Girls who like a softer look, or lining the inner rim.

Recommend: Make Up For Ever Eyeshadows – $19 sephora.com