best eyeliner for beginners

The 6 Best Eyeliners for Beginners: So Easy to Use Them!

10 min read
We've researched and tested a wide range of eyeliners to find the best ones for beginners. Here they are and how to use them!

New to eyeliner? Trying to figure out which eyeliner is best for you?

If you'd like to wear eyeliner but never have, we can help! We've tried and tested a range of eyeliners to find the best ones for beginners.

Whether you want a smoky look or something more natural, we've got the perfect liner for you! Keep reading to learn more about our top five favorites.

You'll love our top-rated eyeliners because they're easy to use, long lasting, and give you the perfect amount of control.

With our help, you'll be able to create any look you want - from natural and understated to bold and dramatic.

How We Choose the Best Eyeliner for Beginners

Eyeliner is a makeup essential, but it can be tricky to know which type of eyeliner is best for beginners.

If you're just starting out with eyeliner, the options can feel overwhelming. Do you choose a pencil, liquid or gel liner? What about the color? Black or brown?

Not to worry! We've done the research for you and found the best eyeliners for beginners.

Our team reads through thousands of Amazon reviews, TikTok and YouTube videos and social media posts to compile the absolute best. Our top picks are easy to use and come in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect one for your individual style.

Easiest to Use Eyeliner for Beginners

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner with Built in Sharpener

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Why We Picked It

Here is a great eyeliner for beginners that lasts. Introducing Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner with Built in Sharpener. This waterproof eyeliner glides on smoothly and lasts up to 24 hours, making it the perfect choice for a bold, smudge-proof look.

The Details

The built-in sharpener and blender allow you to create a multitude of looks, from defined to dramatic.

With a variety of ophthalmologist-tested shades to choose from, Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner is the perfect way to add a pop of color to your eyes. So go ahead and rock that cat eye look knowing that your liner will stay in place all day long.

Best Liquid Eyeliner Pen for Beginners

Maybelline Eyestudio Master Precise All Day Waterproof

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Why We Picked It

Liquid eyeliner is the toughest for beginners. Especially if you want that cat eye look. Maybelline's Eyestudio is the easiest option.

The Details

This liner has a ultra-fine tip that delivers a defined and precise line, perfect for creating any look you want. And it doesn't budge, no matter what you get up to throughout the day. Allure even named it the Best of Beauty Award Winner in 2013.

Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, this fragrance-free liner is also suitable for those with sensitive eyes or who wear contact lenses. So give it a try for your most gorgeous, long-lasting eyes yet.

Best Drugstore Pencil Eyeliner for Beginners

NYX Professional Makeup Artist Epic Wear Liner Stick

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Why We Picked It

Eyeliner pencils are perfect for beginners. And, just because you're trying this for the first time, doesn't mean you can't have some fun!

This eye pencil comes in so many color options, from turquoise storm to intense teal you can use a different color every day of the week.

The Details

This eyeliner pencil glides on effortlessly and lasts all day, through heat and humidity. No need to sharpen – just twist up and apply!

Available in natural to bright shades, any eyeliner look is possible with this retractable eye pencil. Plus, it is cruelty free so you can feel good about your purchase knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of this product.

Best Smoky Kajal Liner for Beginners

Laura Geller New York Kajal Longwear Kohl Eyeliner

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Why We Picked It

Looking for a smokey eyeliner that will give you rich, vibrant color and long-wearing staying power? Laura Geller's Kajal Eyeliner is perfect for any occasion!

This soft kohl formula glides on smoothly and is infused with Vitamin E and Caffeine to help reduce puffiness and redness. With a sharpener in the endcap, this liner is always ready to create a perfect, smudge-free look.

The Details

Apply Kajal Eyeliner along the upper lash line using short, even strokes for a deep, solid line. Apply to the inner rim of the eye for the ultimate sultry effect. Simply smudge and blend easily for a smoky look.

Whether you're trying to create a sultry smoky eye or just accentuate your beautiful eyes, Laura Geller's Kajal Eyeliner's creamy formula is the perfect choice.

Best Gel Eyeliner for Beginners

Bobbi Brown

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Why We Picked It

Looking for an eyeliner formula that will stay put all day long? Bobbi Brown is your perfect solution!

This waterproof, smudge-proof and fade-proof formula provides ultra-precise definition that will resist sweat and humidity for up to 8 hours.

The Details

Perfect for creating both subtle and dramatic looks, this gel-based eyeliner is easy to apply with the Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush (sold separately).

Just dip the tip of the Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush (sold separately) into the gel, coating both sides of the brush. Wipe off excess on a tissue. Apply liner in short, even strokes close to the lash line, from the inner to the outer eye corner.

This one will take more skill and practice, but we believe you can do it! So go ahead and put your best eye forward with Bobbi Brown's LongWear Gel.

Best Budget Gel for Beginners

E.L.F Studio Cream Eyeliner

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Why We Picked It

If you like the idea of the Bobbi Brown liner but want a cheaper price, try E.L.F Studio Cream Eyeliner.

This highly-pigmented gel eyeliner is perfect for creating smooth, precise lines that enhance and define your eyes.

Plus, this long-wear formula is smudge-proof, budge-proof and water-resistant, so your makeup will look gorgeous all day (no matter what life throws your way).

The Details

To create the perfect makeup look with this cream eyeliner you will need to perfect your brush application skills. – whether you're going for a demure, day-time look or a retro-glam winged eyeliner look.

But practice makes perfection! This E.L.F Studio Cream Eyeliner is cruelty free and vegan.

Eyeliner FAQ’s

Eyeliner can be a little intimidating for beginners. There are so many different types of eyeliners with different applicators and formulas, it's hard to know where to start.

Not only is eyeliner difficult to apply, but it's also one of the most important makeup products for creating a polished look.

A good eyeliner can make your eyes look bigger and brighter, while a bad eyeliner can make you look tired or like you're wearing too much makeup.

We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about best eyeliners from beginners so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you're looking for an easy-to-use pencil liner or something more dramatic like liquid liner, we have the answers.

Which eyeliner type is best for beginners?

There is no definitive answer to this question since everyone's preferences vary. However, a great place to start for beginners is with a pencil eyeliner.

Pencil eyeliners are easy to use and come in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect one for your eye color. They also tend to be affordable, so you can experiment with different types and brands until you find the one that works best for you.

Is traditional liquid eyeliner better for beginners?

Liquid eyeliner can be a bit tricky to use at first, but it's definitely worth the effort. The main advantage of liquid is that it gives you more precision than pencil.

This is because the applicator is a brush rather than a pencil, so you have more control over the line.

Another thing to keep in mind is that liquid dries quickly, so it's less likely to smudge or fade throughout the day. That said, it can be a bit more difficult to remove than pencil liner, so make sure you have an oil-based eye makeup remover on hand.

Overall, liquid liner is a great option for beginners who want precise lines and long-lasting coverage.

Is gel or liquid better for beginners?

This is a tough one as it depends on individual preferences. Some people find liquid difficult to control, while others find that it provides a more precise line.

Gel liner may be a better option for beginners, as it is easier to apply and less likely to smudge. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what type of liner works best for them.

Is liquid or pencil better for eyeliner?

Some people prefer the precision of a liquid liner, while others find that pencil liners are easier to control and more forgiving when it comes to mistakes. Ultimately, it's up to the individual to decide what type of liner works best for them.

How do I choose the right eyeliner?

It can be tricky to choose the right eyeliner, but it's important to find one that will accentuate your eyes and make them look their best. Here are a few tips:

1. Choose a color that matches the color of your eyes. Black is a classic choice, but brown or navy can also work well depending on your eye color.

2. If you want to create a cat eye effect, choose an angled eyeliner pencil rather than a regular pencil.

3. Choose a liner that is easy to apply and doesn't smudge. A gel liner is usually best for this purpose.

Which liquid eyeliner is easiest to apply?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the easiest liquid eyeliner to apply will vary depending on the individual's preferences and abilities.

However, some of the most popular liquid eyeliners on the market today include Stila's Stay All Day, Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner, and Benefit's They're Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara.

Each of these products has been praised for their easy-to-use applicators, long-lasting formulas, and precise lines. So if you're looking for a new eyeliner that will be easy to apply, one of these three products could be a good option for you

What's the difference between Kohl and gel eyeliner?

The difference between Kohl and gel is that Kohl is a softer, more smudging type of liner, whereas gel is more solid and can create a more precise line.

Kohl has been around for centuries and was originally used as an ancient eye makeup. It's made from a soft lead or graphite pencil that's generally blended with oils or soap to create a creamy consistency.

Kohl is great for creating a smoky eye look, and because it's soft it's easy to smudge for a smokey effect.

Gel is newer on the scene and was first introduced in the 1990s. It comes in a tube or pot form, and is applied with an angled eyeliner brush

Who should wear brown eyeliner?

Brown eyeliner can be flattering on anyone, but it is often recommended for people with brown eyes or warm skin tones.

Brown eyeliner can add definition to the eyes and make them appear brighter. It is perfect for daytime wear and can be worn with a range of eye shadow colors. For best results, apply brown eyeliner in a thin line along the upper lash line.

How do you apply natural looking eyeliner?

Applying natural looking eyeliner is all about creating a soft, smudgy line. To do this, you'll need an eyeliner pencil in a light brown or black shade, and an angled brush.

1. Start by drawing a very light line along your upper lashline, using short strokes that are close together.

2. Next, use the brush to smudge the liner outward, toward the outer corners of your eyes. keep blending until the line is nice and soft.

3. Finally, reapply liner as needed to darken the line and make it more pronounced.

How do you make your eyes look bigger with liquid liner?

By drawing a thin line on the upper eyelid, extending from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. This will make your eyes look bigger and more awake.

You can also use a white or nude liner on the lower waterline to make your eyes look brighter and bigger.

Which eyeliner is best for oily lids?

If you have oily eyelids, it's best to avoid eyeliners that are creamy or pencil-based, and instead go for a liquid or powder-based formula.

Creamy and pencil-based eyeliners will quickly migrate and smudge across your lid, especially in hot weather or if you have oily skin. However, a liquid or powder-based eyeliner will stay put all day long without budging.

So if you're looking for an eyeliner that won't smudge or fade throughout the day, go with a liquid or powder-based formula instead of a creamy or pencil-based one.

The Best Eyeliner for You

So there you have it – the best eyeliners for beginners, according to our findings. We hope this post has helped up your eyeliner game and steer you in the right direction and that you’ll check out some of the products we’ve listed.

Remember to experiment until you find the one that works best for your eyes and gives you the look you want.

If you're looking for an eyeliner that is especially for your waterline, we can give you some specific recommendations. Tap the button below for our list of the best eyeliners to use on your waterline.

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