As beauty editors, we have a predilection for amassing makeup products (can you blame us?). And while our antennae perk up at every opportunity to try out a hot, new, launch ("facelift in a tube", anyone?), there's something to be said about the products that have earned a permanent place in our makeup arsenal. Among them? Tried-and-true eyeliner. Eyeliner will instantly enhance your eyes, whether you decide to go with classic winged liner or a dramatic smoky eye. We tapped celebrity makeup artist, Hector Simancas, to get his favorite eyeliner styles and tips for creating each look.
Keep scrolling for four eyeliner styles worth trying out and the best products to pull them off.
Winged With Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliners look similar to marker pens and often have a fine, pointed tip. And just like a marker, liquid liners stay put and are totally smudge-proof once dry. So if you're all about precision, liquid eyeliners can help you create a smooth, thin, swooping line.
"To apply a liquid liner, simply draw on your line and fill in any gaps with a second application of the liner," says Simancas. "If you want to create a winged look, follow the curve of your outer lash line upwards from the outer corner of your eyelid, then, fill in the wing as needed."
Smudged With Pencil Eyeliner
You've probably owned a pencil eyeliner at one stage in your life or another because they are undoubtedly the most popular type of eyeliner.
Pencil eyeliners are great for creating natural-looking lines and artistic smudged looks, along with a little drama now and then. "Pencils are easy to apply because you use them just as you would any other pencil," says Simancas. "You can lightly apply the pencil for a subtle, natural look, or you can smudge it, to create a smokey dramatic eye."
The beauty of eyeliner pencils is that they don't run into the eyes like liquid liners can. However, they do require the occasional sharpening so make sure you have a clean pencil sharpener handy.
Cat Eyes With Gel Eyeliner
Gel eyeliners tend to come in a vial and have a thicker formula that is perfect for creating dramatic looks, like cat eyes.
"To apply gel eyeliner, it's best to use an angled brush," says Simancas. "Start by dipping the brush in the gel, then place the brush against your upper lash line so that it is as close as possible to your eyelashes. Begin by applying the eyeliner to your upper lash line, starting at the corner of the inner eye, and moving out towards the outer edge of your lash line." And be sure to clean the brush often to prevent eye infections, adds the makeup artist.
Creative With Colored Eyeliner
Colored eyeliners are a fun way to experiment with different shapes and come in various formulas, including liquid, gel, and crème.
"With colored liners, you can get creative and apply two or more colors to really enhance your eyes," says Simancas. "For this look, I started with a black waterproof liquid liner and added a bright yellow eyeliner pencil to create more drama and add emphasis to the inner corners of the eyes."
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