When it comes to makeup, eyeliner can be both an exciting and intimidating product for beginners. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek cat-eye or a subtle definition to your lash line, eyeliner adds the perfect touch of drama to your look. But getting the perfect flick or line, especially if you’re just starting out, can be challenging. Luckily, some eyeliners are designed specifically with beginners in mind, offering smooth application, easy control, and long-lasting results.
In this article, we’ll review the 11 best eyeliners for beginners, ensuring you can find the perfect tool to master your eyeliner game.
1. Maybelline New York Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner
Best For: Liquid Precision
Why We Love It: This budget-friendly liquid eyeliner is perfect for beginners who want to achieve a precise line without any fuss. Its ultra-fine tip makes drawing thin lines easy, while the rich pigment ensures your lines pop. The formula glides on smoothly and dries quickly, reducing the risk of smudges. Plus, it’s long-lasting, so your look will stay fresh throughout the day.
Key Features:
- Ultra-fine tip for precise application
- Long-lasting and smudge-resistant
- Affordable
2. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Best For: Waterproof Wear
Why We Love It: If you’re looking for an eyeliner that will stay put no matter what, the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a solid choice. The pen-like design is user-friendly, even for beginners, and the formula dries quickly, reducing the risk of smearing. It’s ideal for those just getting started, as the fine tip allows for both thin and thick lines, making it easy to experiment with different styles.
Key Features:
- Waterproof and smudge-proof
- Precision tip for easy application
- Long-lasting formula
3. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
Best For: Bold, Pigmented Lines
Why We Love It: The NYX Epic Ink Liner is known for its intense pigmentation, making it ideal for beginners who want bold, dramatic lines without too much effort. The felt-tip pen gives you control and precision, while the formula is smudge-resistant and long-wearing. It’s easy to use and creates crisp lines, even if you’re new to eyeliner application.
Key Features:
- Highly pigmented
- Felt-tip pen for control and precision
- Smudge-resistant and long-lasting
4. Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner
Best For: Thin, Delicate Lines
Why We Love It: The Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle, refined look. The ultra-thin brush allows you to create precise, delicate lines effortlessly. This eyeliner is also designed to last up to 16 hours, so you won’t need to worry about touch-ups throughout the day. Its smudge-proof and waterproof formula makes it a reliable option for beginners.
Key Features:
- Ultra-thin brush for precision
- Long-lasting wear (up to 16 hours)
- Smudge-proof and waterproof
5. L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner
Best For: Beginners Who Want Control
Why We Love It: The L’Oréal Infallible Super Slim Eyeliner is designed with a 0.4mm precision felt tip, making it ideal for those who are new to eyeliner. The pen format gives you control over how much product you’re applying, and the formula dries quickly to prevent smudging. This is a great choice for achieving clean, smooth lines.
Key Features:
- 0.4mm felt tip for precise application
- Smudge-resistant
- Long-lasting formula
6. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Best For: Creating Sharp Wings
Why We Love It: Known for its long-lasting wear and sharp precision, Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner is perfect for beginners who are looking to master the winged eyeliner look. The brush tip is flexible yet precise, allowing you to create sharp lines that stay put. The formula is waterproof and smudge-proof, making it ideal for all-day wear.
Key Features:
- Flexible brush tip for precision
- Waterproof and smudge-proof
- Long-lasting wear
7. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil
Best For: Pencil Precision
Why We Love It: If you’re not ready to try liquid eyeliner just yet, a gel pencil like the Rimmel Scandaleyes is a great alternative. The creamy, pigmented formula glides on smoothly, allowing you to create defined lines without pulling or tugging on the skin. The waterproof and smudge-proof formula makes it ideal for long-lasting wear, even in humid conditions.
Key Features:
- Creamy, easy-to-apply formula
- Waterproof and smudge-proof
- Great for beginners who prefer pencils
8. Milani Stay Put Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Best For: Versatility and Control
Why We Love It: Milani’s Stay Put Eyeliner Pencil is perfect for beginners who want versatility. It can be used for a subtle line or smudged out for a smoky effect. The waterproof formula ensures it won’t budge throughout the day, making it great for beginners still working on technique. The creamy consistency also makes it easy to apply without tugging.
Key Features:
- Waterproof and long-lasting
- Can be used for both subtle and bold looks
- Easy-to-apply creamy formula
9. Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense
Best For: Sensitive Eyes
Why We Love It: Clinique’s Quickliner is an excellent option for beginners with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. The twist-up design requires no sharpening, and the formula glides on smoothly for an easy application. You can achieve both precise lines and a smudged, smoky effect with this versatile liner. Plus, the color stays vibrant all day long.
Key Features:
- Ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- No sharpening required
- Long-lasting and smudge-resistant
10. E.l.f. Cosmetics H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen
Best For: Affordability
Why We Love It: If you’re just starting out and don’t want to break the bank, the E.l.f. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The waterproof formula ensures long-lasting wear, while the felt-tip pen makes application easy, even for beginners. This liner is great for experimenting with different styles without spending too much.
Key Features:
- Budget-friendly
- Waterproof and long-lasting
- Easy-to-use felt tip
11. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Best For: Long-Lasting Pencil Liner
Why We Love It: The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil is a cult favorite for a reason. Its creamy texture glides on effortlessly, making it easy for beginners to create both sharp lines and smoky looks. The formula is highly pigmented, long-lasting, and available in a wide range of colors. If you want versatility, this is a fantastic pencil eyeliner to start with.
Key Features:
- Creamy and easy to apply
- Long-lasting and smudge-resistant
- Available in various colors
Tips for Choosing the Best Eyeliner for Beginners
When selecting the right eyeliner as a beginner, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Type of Eyeliner: Liquid, pencil, gel, and felt-tip pen eyeliners each offer different levels of control. Pencils are usually the easiest for beginners, but felt-tip pens can offer precision with less room for error than traditional liquid liners.
- Brush or Tip Shape: A fine, pointed tip will help you create precise lines, while thicker tips may be better for dramatic looks. A felt-tip pen is great for control, while a flexible brush tip is ideal for those who are more advanced.
- Formula: Look for eyeliners that are long-lasting, waterproof, and smudge-proof to avoid touch-ups throughout the day.
- Ease of Use: Beginners should look for eyeliners that are easy to control, glide on smoothly, and don’t require too much precision right away.
Final Thoughts
Mastering eyeliner takes practice, but with the right tools, anyone can create stunning, defined eyes. The best eyeliners for beginners provide ease of use, control, and long-lasting formulas, allowing you to experiment with different looks without frustration. Whether you prefer the precision of a liquid liner or the ease of a pencil, this list offers a range of options to suit every beginner’s needs. With patience and the right eyeliner, you’ll soon be creating flawless lines and wings like a pro!
FAQs: Best Eyeliners for Beginners
1. What type of eyeliner is easiest for beginners to use?
For beginners, pencil eyeliners or felt-tip liquid liners are typically the easiest to use. Pencil liners provide more control and are easier to apply without making mistakes. Felt-tip liquid liners offer precision without the mess of traditional liquid eyeliners, making them great for those new to eyeliner application.
2. How do I avoid smudging my eyeliner as a beginner?
To avoid smudging, choose long-lasting, waterproof formulas. Ensure your skin is clean and free of excess oil before applying the liner. You can also set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow or translucent powder to increase its staying power. Practice applying thin layers and build up intensity if needed to avoid a heavy look.
3. What’s the best way to remove eyeliner at the end of the day?
Use a gentle eye makeup remover or micellar water to remove eyeliner, especially waterproof formulas. Apply the remover on a cotton pad, press it gently on your eyelid for a few seconds to break down the product, and then wipe it away in a smooth motion. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as the delicate skin around the eyes can be easily irritated.
4. How do I create a winged eyeliner as a beginner?
Start by drawing a small line extending from the outer corner of your eye. Then, connect that line to your lash line, forming a triangle shape. Fill in the triangle and smooth out the line along your lash line. Using a felt-tip liner or a pencil can help with control. Practicing the wing in small strokes can also help you master this technique.
5. Can I use eyeliner if I have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses?
Yes! Many brands offer hypoallergenic eyeliners specifically formulated for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. Look for products labeled as ophthalmologist-tested and free of common irritants. Clinique Quickliner and other gentle formulas are great choices for sensitive eyes.
