Each tester started by reading the manufacturer instructions on the eyeliner they would be testing. They then applied one layer of product, before letting it sit for a minute and determining if a second layer was necessary. They then perfected their liner looks before wearing the products to test for longevity. Each eyeliner was evaluated based on pigmentation, dry time, wear, and ease of removal, and those that ranked highest are on this list. Now that you’ve got the right eyeliner in hand, it’s time to get to work. Follow these pro steps from Billy and Samuels to achieve the graphic eyeliner look of your dreams. We promise it’s not as hard as you may think. Sean Harris is a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, CA and has worked on campaigns for Adidas, Ivy Park, KNC Beauty, and Bailey’s Irish Cream, as well as with celebrities including Laura Harrier, Justine Skye, and Gabby Douglas.

For those with sensitive eyes, she recommends looking for eyeliner containing castor oil because of its bacteria-fighting properties, as well as argan oil because it contains vitamin E and linoleic acid, which support lash growth. And before trying a new formula, she highly recommends doing a patch test. “Eyeliner wearers with sensitive eyes should always do a patch test by applying a small amount on the lid margin and wait for an acute reaction prior to applying a new eyeliner.”

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For any content that you submit, you grant Space NK a perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, transferable right and license to use, copy, modify, delete in its entirety, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from and/or sell and/or distribute such content and/or incorporate such content into any form, medium or technology throughout the world without compensation to you. When your shape is complete, use a setting powder with a light brush and a setting spray to keep your graphic liner all in place. Achieving sharp, even winged eyeliner is one of the biggest makeup technique challenges that many people face—it’s difficult! That’s why products like this one which find innovative ways to help us achieve the eyeliner looks we envision are so great. The product comes with one pen, which has a stamp on the end that resembles the outer wing part of winged eyeliner, as well as a regular liquid eyeliner to finish the look and line the eyelids.

Clean up mistakes: Makeup is supposed to be fun, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Fixing a mishap is as easy as using a cotton swab and a little bit of micellar water to wipe it away. Not in the traditional sense, but it is a good idea to replace any pencil eyeliner after about a year of use, or sooner if you have any kind of eye infection. A creamy eyeliner pencil that glides across the skin with ease and can be manipulated to create different types of looks is a makeup bag staple. We love this one because, in addition to being offered in several elevated neutrals, it features a creamy formula that can be applied in a solid line or can be smudged out for a blurred effect. According to our tester, the formula doesn’t need to be layered, and it delivers full pigment in one swipe. It applies on the skin and waterline without tugging or pulling, and once set down, our tester had no issues with running or smudging. Start by cleaning your eyes so you can work with a blank canvas. Use a baby wipe, makeup wipe, or soap with water, then towel dry. Apply your favorite eyeshadow primer, if you prefer, and let set.

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You’ll likely want a few eyeliners in your arsenal depending on the various eye looks you’re attempting to create. I recommend getting a pencil eyeliner for your upper and lower waterline and for soft smudge-y looks, a liquid pen eyeliner for easy winged liner, and a colorful gel eyeliner for graphic eyes and playing around with bright hues. that violates any law, statute, ordinance or regulation (including, but not limited to, those governing export control, consumer protection, unfair competition, anti-discrimination or false advertising); Our editors and beauty lovers adore this eyeliner, and so does our tester. Aside from the stunning shade range that features unique neutrals and gorgeous jewel tones, the formula is creamy and workable; it comes with a sponge-tip smudger on one end of the pencil, and can be used to create a wide range of looks. Because of the soft, creamy formula, it can be smoked out and manipulated to provide a diffused finish, or it can be used for shaper, more defined makeup looks. If you want your eyeliner to last all day, you should try a formula that’s intended to be waterproof or water-resistant. Typically, these eyeliners are made to withstand sweat, oil, and water, so they’re the least likely to smudge throughout the day. Just remember that you’ll need to use an oil-based makeup remover to remove it, which will help prevent any harsh scrubbing or irritation. Consider your skill level Brittany Whitfieldis a makeup artist, groomer, and licensed esthetician based in New York, NY who has worked with celebrities like Carly Rae Jepsen, Queen Latifah, and Jesse Williams. She’s also the co-founder of W.T.F. Dumbo, a photo studio in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Janelle Davison is a Georgia-based Optometrist with more than 15 years of experience providing eye care to her patients. She’s also a twenty/twenty beauty Visionary Panel member, where she helps to ensure that all products created are effective and eye-safe. What to Look For in Eyeliner FormulaBefore you start drawing, choose the color(s) you want to create with. Maybe you want to make your brown eyes pop with a purple shade, or you can take after Samuels who chooses colors that complement her jewelry, skin tone, or outfit. Whatever shades you choose, just know that there’s no wrong option when it comes to graphic eyeliner.

Here’s when the fun begins! Whether you’re attempting floating lines or a fishtail look, you’ll want to look straight in the mirror without pulling your eyebrows up or down and start drawing your shape little by little, working your way from the outer corner towards the inner corner. Use short strokes to complete your shape, and if your hand is shaky, rest your elbow on a table or other stable surface. Have fun: Lastly, but most importantly, have fun and get creative with your graphic look. “Makeup has no rules so you can bend and shape it however you like,” assures Samuels. “Graphic liner is one of the fun ways you can go as simple or as bold as you want.” On top of appreciating how well the formula is able to glide on the skin, our tester loved the vibrant color payoff and the smudging tool on the pencil. Because it can be smudged, it’s a good thing that it doesn't dry down immediately so that you have a minute to work with it, but our tester noted that it takes around 20 seconds to dry down on the waterline, so keep this in mind. It’s also worth noting that she experienced a bit of smudging on her top eyelids, so we recommend using an eyeshadow primer before applying it if you have oily lids. The tip of this lip pencil offers unique glide for precision application. Enriched with rosehip oil, vitamin E and bisabolol, the liner balances beauty and skincare to help nourish the delicate eyelids with every use. Its long-lasting formula stays in place during precipitation, heat, humidity, tears, sweat and excess oil.

Kohl or Kajal: Greenberg points out that kohl and kajal mean the same thing and are often used interchangeably. Seeing either term on a pencil is a sign that it has that silky, easy-to-smudge texture you're after. In terms of the separate liquid eyeliner that the product comes with, she noted that it didn’t provide the smoothest application across her lash line, but she was ultimately able to achieve a pretty look. There are some minor flaws to this product, but considering how effective the stamp is, we think it’s a fantastic option for winged eyeliner beginners. In addition to how well-performing it is, we love that it’s offered in eight different shades—this isn’t super common when it comes to liquid liner formulas.