The makeup aisle can be a scary place. Because what do you mean there are a dozen different kinds of eyeliners, and that's before you’ve looked at the colored ones. So which kind of eyeliner should you drop your hard-earned cash on?

The best eyeliner type depends on your skill level and the look you want. Pencil eyeliner works for beginners and soft looks. Liquid eyeliner offers unmatched control and creates sharp, dramatic lines. Gel eyeliner sits between the two with bold color and moderate difficulty.

This eyeliner comparison blog breaks down pencil vs liquid eyeliner and gel eyeliner so you can choose the right one for your needs.

The Three Main Types of Eyeliner Explained

Each eyeliner type has different formulas and works with different kinds of applicators. Understanding these differences helps you pick the right one.

Why Use Pencil Eyeliner?

A soft stick of pigment in a wooden or plastic holder is a pencil eyeliner right for you?

What Pencil Eyeliner Does Best

Pencil eyeliner creates soft, natural lines. It's the easiest to apply and smudge for smoky, sultry looks. You can blend it with your finger, a cotton swab, or a brush.

Wood Pencil vs Twist-Up Pencil

Wood pencils need sharpening, but give you control over tip sharpness. They’re also the most hygienic and last the longest since the pigment is protected by the wood.  Twist-up pencils are convenient; no sharpener is needed. Just twist and go. But twist too high, and they can break.

Best For Which Skill Level

Pencil eyeliner is perfect for beginners. You can erase errors easily with makeup remover. The pencil shape feels familiar, like using a regular pen.

When to Choose Pencil Eyeliner

Choose a pencil for everyday natural looks, tightlining your waterline, or smoky eyes. It's also the best choice if you have shaky hands or are just learning eyeliner application.

Pencil eyeliner is quick, but may need extra tools for smudging and correction. It won’t leak in your makeup bag, though, making it perfect for travel. 

Pencils smudge very easily. Not so good for oily lids or hot, humid climates. 

Why Use Gel Eyeliner?

A creamy, buildable product that often comes in a pot. 

What Gel Eyeliner Does Best

Gel eyeliner offers intense pigment with smooth application. It glides on creamy but dries to a long-wearing finish. You get bold color that stays put all day.

Best For Which Skill Level

Gel eyeliner works for intermediate users. It requires practice with a brush but is more forgiving than liquid. You can clean up mistakes with a cotton swab before it dries completely.

When to Choose Gel Eyeliner

Choose gel for dramatic cat eyes, graphic liner looks, or experimenting with colors. It's perfect when you want bold lines with flexibility in thickness. The brush control lets you create different effects.

Gel eyeliner resists smudging once it sets. But it dries out quickly if you don't use it daily. Keep the lid tight, or you'll find a dried-up pot within weeks.

Why Use Liquid Eyeliner?

The ink comes in small pots with a brush or inside a pen type container. 

What Liquid Eyeliner Does Best

Liquid eyeliner creates the sharpest, most precise lines. It delivers rich, high-pigment color that’s typically waterproof and smudgeproof, and lasts all day. 

Felt-Tip vs Brush-Tip Liquid Pen

Felt-tip pens feel like markers. They're firm and create consistent lines. Brush-tip pens have flexible bristles that let you control line thickness. Press lightly for thin lines, press harder for thick ones.

Why Brush-Tip Liquid Pens Are Beginner-Friendly

Brush-tip liquid pens combine precision with ease. They're easier to control than traditional liquid liner in bottles. The pen shape feels natural to hold. You can create both thin and thick lines with one tool. 

Brush tips don't separate like traditional brushes. They give clean lines every time without needing to dip into the formula. No more inky messes!

When to Choose Liquid Eyeliner

Choose liquid eyeliner for sharp wings, cat eyes, or any time you want precise definition. Since the formula typically includes film forming polymers, It's perfect for nights out or when you want your liner to last 12+ hours without touch-ups.

Liquid pens need zero extra tools. But they dry almost immediately, so work quickly. No brush cleaning required.

Pencil vs Liquid vs Gel Eyeliner: Complete Comparison

How to Choose the Right Eyeliner for Your Needs

Here’s a breakdown of the things you need to think about when choosing an eyeliner:

Choose Based on Your Skill Level

• Complete beginners: Start with a pencil or a brush-tip liquid pen. Both are easy to control and forgiving.
• Some experience: Try gel or felt-tip liquid. These give more dramatic results with practice.
• Advanced users: Use any type. You can handle traditional liquid liner in bottles or create intricate gel designs.

Choose Based on Your Desired Look

• Soft and natural: Pencil eyeliner is great for tightlining and subtle definition.
• Sharp and dramatic: Liquid or gel creates crisp, bold lines.
• Smokey and smudged: Pencil smudges perfectly. Gel works if you blend before it sets.

Choose Based on Wear Time Needs

• Quick morning routine: A pencil or liquid pen is fastest. No extra tools needed.
• All-day wear: Liquid or gel lasts longest without fading or smudging.
• Waterproof needs: Waterproof liquid pens stay put through sweat, tears, and humidity.

FAQs

1. Which eyeliner type is easiest for beginners?

Pencil eyeliner is easiest overall. But brush-tip liquid pens are also beginner-friendly if you want precise lines. Both are forgiving and easy to control.

2. Does gel eyeliner last longer than pencil?

Yes, gel eyeliner lasts longer on your lids without fading. But the product itself dries out faster than pencil. Gel expires in 2-3 months while pencil lasts 1-2 years.

3. Can you use liquid eyeliner on your waterline?

No, liquid eyeliner doesn't work on the waterline. The moisture prevents it from drying properly. Use pencil eyeliner for waterline application.

4. Which eyeliner type is best for oily eyelids?

Waterproof liquid or gel eyeliner work best for oily lids. They resist smudging and fading. Pencil eyeliner tends to smudge on oily skin.

5. How do you prevent liquid eyeliner from looking too harsh?

Use a light hand and create thin lines. You can also smudge the line slightly with a cotton swab before it dries completely. Or choose brown liquid liner instead of black for a softer look.

Conclusion

The best eyeliner type matches your skill level and needs. Pencil works for beginners and soft looks. Gel creates bold drama with practice. Brush-tip liquid pens offer the best of both—precise lines without the mess.

For most people, especially beginners who want sharp lines, a brush-tip liquid pen is the perfect choice. It combines ease of use with professional-looking results. No extra tools needed, just grab and go.

Find Your Perfect Eyeliner with HAYA Beauty

The HAYA Beauty brush-tip liquid pen eyeliner delivers precise, beginner-friendly application with a transfer and waterproof, intense black formula. The flexible brush tip lets you create thin or thick lines with ease. Waterproof formula stays put all day without smudging.

The Halal, cruelty-free, and non-toxic formula means every application is completely safe and absolutely guilt-free. 

Sources

1. How to Apply Eyeliner Pencil in 4 Steps - A Masterclass article on how to apply a pencil eyeliner.
2. How to find transfer-proof eyeliner pencils - A Chemistry Ph.D’s tips on how to choose a transferproof eyeliner.