Liquid Eyeliner or an Eye Pencil: Which Is Better?

Liquid eyeliner and eye pencil are both excellent tools to bring out your eyes. But which one is the healthier option?

Liquid eyeliner and eyeliner pencils involve differences that go beyond the finish and composition. They are essential cosmetics in your makeup kit because they transform the intensity of your eyes.

Many of the conventional eyeliner recipes contain preservatives and fragrances, but there are also completely organic options for those with sensitive skin, since they reduce the probability of the skin rejecting the substances.

Either of these two options can be ideal to define, expand or dramatize your look, and you can combine them with shadows, glitter, and illuminators. So, if both serve the same function, how do you know which one is the better option? Read on to learn the answer.

Liquid eyeliner and eye pencil: Two key makeup tools

Coloring the eye contour using liquid or pencil eyeliner is not a new trend; it’s actually a technique that has been used for a very long time, with the difference that the product has perfected both the formulas and the tool to simplify application.

The dyes of these pigments pigment the eyelids and the eyelashes, which makes it necessary to handle them comfortably and properly to avoid incidents in such a delicate area as the eye contour.

An analysis in Offarm magazine specifies that the fluid version of the cosmetic has coloring agents similar to those in mascara, film-forming substances that create an elastic film on the skin, and no oils for greater fixation. Pencils, on the other hand, are greasy enough to be distributed thinly and evenly.

What are the benefits of liquid eyeliner?

Liquid eyeliner provides an intense and precise line. The brushes are similar to a brush or a fine-tip pen; the liquid is contained in bottles similar to nail polish bottles. It’s a good idea to test it before use, as some of the ingredients used to set these pigments may affect sensitive eyes.

Applying makeup with this type of eyeliner requires practice and is initially a bit of work. The consistency of the product and the need to handle a brush close to the eye sometimes makes the process difficult.

The key is to paint short, quick strokes so that the pulse doesn’t have a chance to tremble. Mastering the technique is a matter of habit; the more you use liquid eyeliner, the better the result.

This cosmetic is considered long-lasting, even on oily skin. There are waterproof and plain formulas, but both are a bit cumbersome to remove.

They are usually used to outline the upper eyelid; it’s not common to use them on the tear line, but there is no contraindication either, as long as you control the technique.

What are the benefits of eyeliner pencils?

Eyeliner pencils look just like the pencils you may use for writing and drawing, with the difference that their lead is quite creamy. They’re the most frequently used type of eyeliner because they’re easier to apply.

Everyday makeup finds a perfect tool in this type of eyeliner, as it allows you to try as many styles as you want. If a mistake occurs during contouring, a little micellar water or makeup remover is enough to erase it and start over.

The intensity of the color is determined by the number of strokes, since the pencil generates a lighter line. You simply remove the tip with an eyeliner cover or with a retractable mechanism; it all depends on the format in which you purchase the product.

In the case of oily skin, the oily consistency of certain eyeliner pencils is counterproductive because the makeup could run. For these skin types, waterproof eyeliners are best.

Moreover, the shelf life of such cosmetics is longer than the liquid version. The pencil blend retains a shelf life of up to one year, while liquids usually expire in half that time.

So, which one should you choose?

When choosing between liquid eyeliner and an eye pencil, remember the main characteristics of each one. The first one is indicated when there is more skill in the eyeliner because you reduce the chances of error and you will not waste time repeating strokes. In the case of pencils, they work perfectly for those who don’t have so much experience.

Another important factor is to take into account the formulation of cosmetics, so you opt for the one with the least negative impact on the skin. This is due to the fact that many of the dyes involved in the manufacturing process contain paraphenylenediamine and other allergens.

As reviewed by the Spanish Association of United Optometrists, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor about the least aggressive makeup alternatives for the eye area in order to prevent allergies, tearing, edema, and conjunctivitis.