Types of Eyeliner: Gel Vs Pencil Vs Liquid Eyeliners

If picking an eyeliner feels more faff than fun, then consider this your no-stress guide to finding your perfect match! But with pencil liners, liquid formulas, gel sticks and precision pens all competing for space in your makeup bag, finding the right eyeliner can feel like a lot.

The good news? Each of the different types of eyeliner brings something unique to the look. Some are made for sharp wings and graphic details, while others are perfect for smoky lash lines, colourful accents or quick everyday definition.

Let’s break down the options so you can choose your liner based on the look you want to serve.

Types of eyeliner: key takeaways

• The main types of eyeliner include: pencil, liquid, gel, and pen-tipped.
• Pencil eyeliner is easy to control, blend and smudge, making it ideal for beginners and softer everyday looks.
• Liquid eyeliner delivers crisp, precise lines and is best for sharp wings, graphic details, and bold definition.
• Gel eyeliner combines rich pigment with a creamy texture, making it versatile enough for both defined and diffused looks.
• Felt-tip and brush-tip eyeliner pens offer the impact of liquid liner in an easy-to-hold pen format.
• The best eyeliner type depends on the finish you want, your skill level, and how much precision or blendability you need.

Liquid vs pencil eyeliner

When it comes to liquid vs pencil eyeliner, the biggest differences are precision, texture, and how much time you have to play with the product before it sets.

Pencil eyeliner usually has a softer, creamier texture that glides across the lash line and can be blended or smudged after application. This makes it an easy choice for beginners, everyday makeup, smoky eyes, and softly defined lash lines. It also works well when you want to add colour to the waterline – just make sure the product you choose is suitable for that area.

Liquid eyeliner creates cleaner, more defined lines and typically dries down quickly. It is the main character for sharp wings, high-impact colour, and graphic details that need to look extra crisp. Because the formula sets rather than remaining blendable, it usually requires a slightly steadier hand than a pencil.

So, should you choose liquid or pencil eyeliner? Pick pencil when you want something soft, forgiving, and blendable. Choose liquid when the assignment is sharp, bold, and seriously defined.

Here’s our faves from our range:

• • Epic Wear Liner Stick

    Available in matte and metallic shades ranging from classic black and brown to teal, pink, yellow and rose gold, Epic Wear Liner Stick makes switching up your look easy. Glide your chosen colour along the upper lash line, then softly smudge the edge for a quick lived-in liner look

    Epic Wear Liquid Eye Liner

    Choose from high-impact shades including black, brown, white, sapphire, and lilac. Use the fine brush to draw a simple line from the inner to outer corner, then flick it slightly upwards for an easy colourful wing.

Gel eyeliner vs liquid eyeliner

The gel eyeliner vs liquid eyeliner debate comes down to flexibility versus ultra-crisp precision.

Gel eyeliner has a smooth, creamy consistency that delivers rich pigment without feeling as fluid as a traditional liquid. Depending on the product and applicator, gel can be used to create a clean wing, a thick graphic shape, or a softer line that is gently diffused before it dries. It is a great in-between option when you want bold colour but prefer a little more control.

Liquid eyeliner has a thinner consistency and is generally best for drawing very fine, precise, lines. Once dry, it creates a clean, defined finish that works particularly well for classic wings, negative-space liner and detailed graphic artistry.

Here’s our pick:

• • Epic Inky Stix Cream Gel Eyeliner

    With its creamy, high-pigment formula and easy-to-control angled tip, Epic Inky Stix Cream Gel Eyeliner makes bold liner looks feel effortless. Choose a classic or colourful shade, glide it across the upper lash line and extend the outer corner into a quick graphic wing.

Felt tip vs liquid eyeliner

Here is the plot twist: felt-tip eyeliner is often a type of liquid eyeliner. The main difference in an eyeliner pen vs liquid comparison is usually the applicator – not necessarily the formula itself.

Traditional liquid eyeliner commonly comes in a small container with a separate dip-in brush. This format gives you plenty of creative control and can be especially useful for ultra-fine lines, sweeping wings and detailed face or body art. However, you may need to manage how much product is loaded onto the brush before applying it.

A felt-tip or brush-tip eyeliner pen stores the liquid formula inside a pen-shaped component. The product flows directly through the tip, so there is no separate brush to dip. This can feel more intuitive, especially when you are used to holding a pen or marker.

Firmer felt tips can offer extra stability, while flexible brush tips move more easily with the curves of the eye. Both can deliver precise results, but the best option depends on whether you prefer more structure or more flexibility.

Our go-to felt tip eyeliner:

• • Epic Ink Liner

    With its flexible brush tip and intensely pigmented formula, Epic Ink Liner makes sharp, precise lines easy to create. Trace it closely along the upper lash line, then add a small upward flick at the outer corner for a classic everyday wing.

Types of eyeliner comparison

Still deciding between the different eyeliner types? Use this cheat sheet to match your formula to your desired finish, application style and makeup skill level.

Discover NYX’s range of eyeliners

Soft and smoky? Sharp enough to cut through the group chat? Bright, graphic and impossible to ignore? Whatever energy you are bringing, there is an eyeliner ready to match it. Explore the full range now!

Eyeliner types FAQs