The fashion world has a lot to offer, and the choices are endless. To help you navigate the market, we have listed the 12 best eyeliners for beginners. Scroll down to find out more about these products and choose your favorites.
12 Best Eyeliners For Beginners Worth Hoarding
1. Best Smudge-Proof:NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
If you’re still mastering the art of using an eyeliner, the Epic Ink Liner from NYX Professional is a dependable one to begin with. It features an ultra-precise felt tip that is flexible and easy to use. Since this is an eyeliner pen, it is more convenient to practice styles that may seem intimidating. The body of the pen also renders a good grip for a precise eyeliner application. It has rich pigmentation and is fluid enough to ink your lids with a feather-light touch. All you have to do is press it to control the thickness of the strokes. Check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more details. Pros
Intensely pigmented Smudge-proof Vegan formula Cruelty-free
Cons
Contains sulfates
2. Best Waterproof Formula:Lovoir The Flick Stick
Nailing the winged eyeliner for the unschooled is not the easiest task. But when you lay your hands on The Flick Stick, there’s no way you can go wrong. It is available in different sizes – 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm so that you can create your desirable eye look. This eyeliner for beginners features a stamp at one end and a felt tip on the other. It is highly pigmented and lasts for almost 6-9 hours. The formula is enriched with candelilla wax and carnauba wax that help it dry quickly and stay put. You can also check this YouTube video for a complete idea about the product. Pros
Highly pigmented Available in different sizes Easy to apply Cruelty-free Waterproof Smudge-proof Long-lasting Vegan
Cons
May not be suitable for sensitive skin
3. Best For Sensitive Eyes:Maybelline New York Unstoppable Eyeliner – Onyx
The Maybelline Unstoppable eyeliner is ideal for beginners who intend to start with a pocket-friendly eyeliner. Lauded for its affordability, this eyeliner for beginners is cream-based and formulated to glide effortlessly without pulling or hurting the lids. The tip of the eyeliner is designed to stay sharp, thanks to its self-sharpening mechanism. You can maneuver this mechanical eye pencil for bold as well as thin precision lines. It also allows some playtime for a smudged look. Once you manually smudge the eyeliner, it stays put for longer periods. Waterproof, ophthalmologist-tested, and versatile — this eyeliner is made to flatter eyes of all shapes. Pros
Smudge-proof Waterproof Ophthalmologist-tested Suitable for sensitive eyes Long-wear
Cons
Not cruelty-free
4. Best Fade-Proof Option:L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner
If you’ve been relentlessly searching for a smokey eyeliner for beginners, your search can end right here. This creamy eyeliner pencil has everything you need to practice the smudged look. The soft eyeliner helps master all kinds of strokes, and comes with a built-in smudger for a flawless-looking smokey eye. For finer strokes, you can use the built-in sharpener for a pointed tip. It also adds more volume to your lashes when you apply it on the lash lines. Applying an eyeliner for beginners gets so much easier when you work with this eyeliner that stays put for up to 16 hours without demanding constant reapplications. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at this review on YouTube. Pros
Glides on easily Fade-proof Stays up to 16 hours Comes with a sharpener
Cons
It may not be highly-pigmented.
5. Best Sweat-Proof Eyeliner:Rimmel Scandal Eyes 24 HR Wear Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil
The Rimmel Scandaleyes gel eyeliner pencil is a perfect choice for makeup newbies who want precision but not the mess. Whether you’re a fan of waterlining or commit to master lining your lids — nothing can stop you when you pick this pencil eyeliner for beginners. It has a creamy formula and is super soft, helping it slide on the lids, leaving behind intense strokes. When you have this eyeliner pencil in your bag, you can even hit a sunny beach with your liner on because it is heat, humidity, and waterproof. Pros
Highly pigmented Smudge-proof Sweat-proof Ophthalmologist-tested Safe for sensitive eyes
Cons
It may need frequent sharpening
6. Best Long-Wearing Product:Kat Von D Tattoo Liner – Trooper Black
This eyeliner from Kat Von D is among the most recommended eyeliners for beginners who look for grippy liner pens that lend a great deal of control for unsteady hands. This dramatic, graphic eyeliner features an ultra-precise brush tip that makes many eyeliner techniques easier to master. It is a long-wearing eyeliner that you can count on when you’re having one of those days where you can’t seem to catch a breath. Whether a pro or a rookie, this eyeliner can save your time and make lining the eyelids a cakewalk. Give it a little shake for an uninterrupted and pigmented flow to make a statement with your eye-makeup. Pros
Precision brush tip Waterproof formula Smudge-resistant Cruelty-free Vegan
Cons
Contains parabens Slightly expensive
7. Best For Oily Skin:Great Deal Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
This liner from Great Deal is the answer for people looking for an uncomplicated, traditional liquid eyeliner for beginners. When life throws a series of busy days at you, you need an easy-to-use eyeliner like this one to look flawless no matter how busy you are. If your favorite look is the classic winged eyeliner, flick it out with the super-thin brush tip and go outside-in for an infallible finish. You can also grab this versatile eyeliner for a double flick or the no-liner look. It is transfer-proof and waterproof, making it a complete 10 on 10 eyeliner for makeup novices. Pros
Transfer-proof Precise tip Waterproof Suitable for oily skin
Cons
Might need several touch-ups throughout the day The tip may dry out fast.
8. Best Transfer-Resistant Eyeliner:MAC Liquidlast Eyeliner – Point Black
If you aspire to be a true beauty guru, you need a classic liquid liner like this one from MAC. This beautifully intense black liquid eyeliner has an ultra-smooth formulation that flows on your eyelids like no other. Once on your lids, it stays on without flaking or smudging unless you decide to wipe it off. The ergonomic applicator is designed to fit snugly between your fingers to make it easier to practice different styles. You’ll find a range of irresistible shades in both matte and shimmer finishes if you’re looking for a change from black. Pros
Ophthalmologist-tested Transfer-resistant Long-wearing Waterproof Available in many color variants
Cons
Not cruelty-free
9. Best Creamy Formula:Estee Lauder Double Wear Infinite Waterproof Eyeliner
4.5 BUY ON AMAZON | $12 Estee Lauder is a popular and loved brand among all makeup enthusiasts. This Double Wear Infinite Waterproof Eyeliner is a felt-tip eyeliner that glides smoothly on your lids, giving a rich color that lasts 24 hours. It also comes with a soft smudge tip if you want to ace the smudged eye look. The creamy formula is quite easy to apply and offers a precise application to a novice. This waterproof formula is also heat, sweat, and humidity-resistant, perfect for a beginner. Pros
Waterproof Long-lasting Built-in sharpener Smudge-resistant Fragrance-free Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons None
10. Best Gel-Based Formula:E.L.F Studio Cream Eyeliner
The E.l.f Studio Cream Eyeliner is among the most recommended ones for beginners for the amount of control you can have over application. The creamy consistency of the eyeliner and the application brush work in tandem to give you intense lines that stay intact for hours. This versatile eyeliner pot lets you experiment with different looks from crisp lines to a blurred, smokey style. The eyeliner brush is slanted so that you can maneuver it better for both fine and bold streaks. If you have hooded eyes and it gets hard to use a liquid or pencil eyeliner for beginners, this gel-based eyeliner makes the task a genuinely delightful one. Pros
Smudge-proof Glides on easily Highly pigmented Water-resistant
Cons
Contains sulfates Contains parabens
11. Best In Budget:SHANY Slim Eyeliner Pencil Set Of 24
If you love to match the color of your eyeliner with that of your outfit, the SHANY pencil set of 24 is what you need. You’ll find a whole range of stunning colors in metallic, shimmery, and matte finishes for every occasion and every outfit. This eyeliner for beginners has a creamy texture that glides effortlessly both on the eyelids and the lips. SHANY does not test its products on animals, so you can color your lips and lids with any shade without feeling guilty. These powerful pencil eyeliners are worth setting your hands on if you want beautiful eyes on a budget. Pros
Smooth application Shades in both matte and metallic finish Creamy formula Cruelty-free Pocket-friendly
Cons
Not long-lasting
12. Best Quick-Drying Option:KiKi Precise Liquid Eyeliner Pen
This Kiki Precise liquid eyeliner pen has precise in its name for a reason. The fine felt tip is made to help makeup amateurs practice all kinds of strokes for natural and dramatic styles. The flowy consistency of the ink helps in an easy application without tugging or pulling. If you tend to helplessly blink while applying the eyeliner, you can let out a sigh of relief as it dries in no time, saving you from gazillion trials. It is ophthalmologist-tested and is suitable for sensitive eyes, delicate skin, and contact lens wearers. Pros
Fine felt tip Dries quickly Lasts several hours Ophthalmologist-tested Suitable for contact wearers Cruelty-free
Cons
It may not be long-lasting.
Accentuating the eye is an essential part of makeup to get that sultry and bold look. Eyeliners could give you that subtle pop of color that stands out and makes your eyes appear gorgeous. Choosing the best eyeliner for a beginner can be tricky. With countless options available, let us look at a few things to consider before buying eyeliners for beginners.
What To Consider When Buying Eyeliners For Beginners
Eye Color: Look for an eyeliner that goes well with the color of your eyes. Though there is no thumb rule for the same, it does work sometimes to emphasize the look. If you have brown eyes use a light brown shade to highlight your eyes. Blue-colored eyes go well with golden and rusty-colored eyeliners while green eyes work well with reddish tones. However, the standard black and brown shades should also always be a part of your eyeliner collection.
Skin-Friendly: Make sure the eyeliner you choose is skin-friendly. It should be safe to apply to your eyelids without adverse effects. Always go for an eyeliner that is dermatologically and ophthalmologically-tested. These eyeliners are hypoallergenic which won’t cause any damage to your eyes.
User-Friendly: An eyeliner that glides easily should be your pick! A good eyeliner doesn’t smudge easily. With an user-friendly eyeliner, you wouldn’t mess up when applying even though you’re a beginner.
Shape Of The Tip: The shape of the tip plays a huge role while applying eyeliner. This is especially important if you’re a beginner with makeup. A sharp or fine tip would help you create clean designs on your eyes, be it a cat eye, winged shape, or fishtail liner.
Pigmentation: Pigments are a crucial factor to consider when choosing eyeliners. A highly pigmented eyeliner offers better coverage and is perfect for accentuating your eyes. Make sure the eyeliner is highly pigmented for better results.
Waterproof: Look for a waterproof eyeliner that stays long on your eyes and is smudge-free. A water-resistant eyeliner helps you easily apply the second layer without smudging. Waterproof eyeliners are ideal for beginners as they are less likely to mess up when applying the second layer of lining. These eyeliners perfectly stay on during hot, humid, and rainy days.
Skin Tone: Choose a shade that would complement your skin tone and outfit. Beginners with fair skin should prefer gray, brown, and green shades while medium skin tones should use maroon and bronze shades. Shimmers look great on dark skin tones.
While these are some of the best eyeliners for beginners that can make the eyeliner journey an easier one for you, a brief guide helps you make sure you’re getting the best out of your eyeliner. Read on to find out.
How Do You Apply Eyeliner As A Beginner?
Connect the dots What’s specifically challenging for most eyeliner newbies is drawing a consistent line without wobbling. If you’ve tried and failed too many times and are on the verge of giving up, it is advisable to draw dots from one corner to the other corner of the eye. Once you have a series of dots that align well, all you have to do is connect the dots for a perfect line. Minimal pressure Many beginners make the mistake of applying too much pressure on the applicator to prevent the hand from shaking. However, what this does is that it distorts the applicator’s tip, and it becomes almost impossible to draw sleek lines. As a beginner, it is best to apply minimal pressure and only exert more pressure when you’re drawing bolder lines. Let it glide A good eyeliner for beginners is one that glides on without pulling or tugging. When your eyeliner resists free movement, it results in uneven lines and tiny unfilled spaces. When you choose a gel-based eyeliner or creamy pencil or retractable eyeliner, it’s a smaller number of retrials. Liquid eyeliners are just as useful. Make it a point to use one that’s flowy and avoid using old and semi-dried liquid eyeliners. Flick it first The winged look has a hard-to-master reputation. However, if you’ve ever tried going outside in, you must know how winging it can be a cinch. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, it’s pretty simple. Start with the outer corner of the eye and draw a flick of a desirable length. Now that you have the flick in place, extend it by drawing a line or a series of dots from the outer corner to the inner corner and join them. The outcome is professional-grade winged eyeliner for beginners. Try pressed powder The real culprit that makes it difficult to apply the eyeliner is oily lids. For this, you can apply some pressed powder to your eyelids so that it absorbs the excess oil. This helps ensure that the eyeliner doesn’t escape through the fine lines on the lids. Keep wet wipes handy Let’s be honest— it might take you a few tries to get your eyeliner right if you’re a beginner. To be ready for this, keep a bunch of wet wipes around so that you can pull one out when you go wrong.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Chaitra Krishnan is a fashion and makeup enthusiast with a passion for reviewing makeup products and keeping up with the latest trends in the beauty industry. On her quest to find the best eyeliners for beginners on the market, she researched multiple options and checked numerous user reviews online. The highly-rated products that make up this list are formulated for long-lasting, smudge-resistant wear, and easy application. Which eyeliner is the easiest to apply? While this is a matter of personal preference, many beginners agree that pencils give them more control and make them less nervous about going wrong. While there are many brands that make the perfect eyeliner for beginners, you can apply any eyeliner quickly and effortlessly as long as it glides smoothly. Is a gel-based eyeliner good for beginners? Contrary to how many people believe that gel eyeliners can give a tough time to beginners, they’re quite beginner-friendly. This popular belief might be a result of the fact that you have to use a separate brush for a gel-based eyeliner. However, gel eyeliners for beginners help make quick corrections and help have a relatively steadier hand when compared to liquid eyeliners. Do you apply eyeliner before or after the foundation? You can apply it either way. Apply foundation first and then eyeliner so that in the meantime your foundation is fully absorbed. This is the most common way to do it. However, some makeup enthusiasts hold a different view. According to them, you can also wear eye makeup before completing the base makeup so that if you have to do any corrections, you won’t have to re-do the foundation and concealer. Is it OK to wear eyeliner every day? Yes, it is quite common and safe to wear eyeliner every day. Using eyeliner every day does not damage your eyes; however, avoid applying it very close to the water line to prevent it from going inside your eyes resulting in burning and irritation. Plus, make sure you remove the eyeliner thoroughly at the end of the day to prevent infections. What goes first eyeliner or mascara? A mascara is applied after the eyeliner. It is difficult to apply eyeliner on mascara-coated lashes as the eyelids become dry and stiff. So, it is better to apply eyeliner first to ensure its smooth application.
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