The Best Eyeliner for Beginners? These Take the Cake
Don't let eyeliner intimidate you. With these beginner-friendly options, you'll be a pro in no time. Goodbye messy application and hello flawless!
So, you’re on a quest for the holy grail of eyeliners, and it feels like you’re navigating a labyrinth of makeup madness? Don’t fret, fellow eyeliner newbie! With a gazillion types of eyeliners out there, picking the right one can be trickier than choosing a Netflix show.
But fear not! We’ve got your back. Our article is like a treasure map for eyeliner beginners, leading you to the best options for your skill level and style. We’ll also dish out the scoop on some top-notch products to kick off your liner game. So, if you’re ready to conquer the eyeliner world, we’ve got the tips and tricks to turn your liner woes into wow!
We hope you discover your next favorite beauty find from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to try, but all opinions in this article are our own. And, FYI — GlamourBadger may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy your next favorite beauty find!
How We Choose
Is your morning makeup routine starting to resemble a circus act? We hear you—makeup can feel like a wild beast, especially if you’re just starting to tame it. But we’ve sifted through the galaxy of customer reviews to bring you the ultimate eyeliners that even a makeup rookie can handle.
Prepare to channel your inner makeup wizard with eyeliners that make your AM routine smoother than a magic spell. Whether you’re going for a chill brown or ready to rock a bold navy or violet, these liners will have you nailing that flawless winged look with ease.
Check out our top picks and find your eyeliner soulmate—because your mornings deserve a bit of glam and a lot less fuss!
This eyeliner is like the fairy godmother of liquid liners. With its easy-glide formula, it’s perfect for beginners who want to achieve that flawless cat-eye look without the drama.
Exclusive Insights:
- Precision Tip: The ultra-fine tip allows for precise lines, making it easier to control
- Long-Lasting: Stays put all day without smudging
- Waterproof: Perfect for those emotional moments or rainy days
Customer Review:
"I was always terrified of liquid eyeliner, but this one changed the game for me. Very happy with it."
If you’re looking for a gel eyeliner that’s as fierce as a cat, this one’s for you. The Tarte Cosmetics Sex Kitten Gel Eyeliner glides on smoothly and stays put, making it fantastic for beginners.
Exclusive Insights:
- Smooth Application: The gel formula glides on effortlessly
- Built-In Sharpener: Always have a precise tip
- Long-Wearing: Lasts all day without smudging
Customer Review:
"I love this gel eyeliner! It’s so easy to apply, and the built-in sharpener is a game-changer. I’ve never had an eyeliner stay on this long without smudging. Highly recommend!"
Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is legendary for a reason. It’s brilliant for newbies seeking a gel eyeliner that’s easy to apply and won't budge.
Exclusive Insights:
- Highly Pigmented: Rich color payoff with just one stroke
- Waterproof: Stays put through sweat and tears
- Smooth Formula: Glides on effortlessly for a flawless finish
Customer Review:
"This gel eyeliner is so easy to apply and creates great eye looks. I’ve worn it through workouts and it doesn’t budge. Love it!"
Revlon’s Colorstay Wing Line Liquid Pen Eyeliner is ideal for beginners who want to achieve that perfect winged liner look. The pen format makes it easy to control and apply.
Exclusive Insights:
- Pen Format: Easy to control for precise application
- Long-Lasting: Stays put all day without smudging
- Intense Color: Rich, bold color with just one stroke
Customer Review:
"I’ve always struggled with winged liner, but this pen makes it so easy. The color is intense and it stays on all day. I’m obsessed!"
This mechanical eyeliner pencil from NYX is ideal for novices—super easy to use and long-lasting.
Exclusive Insights:
- Retractable Tip: No need for sharpening
- Smooth Application: Glides on effortlessly
- Long-Lasting: Stays put all day without smudging
Customer Review:
"I love this eyeliner pencil! It’s so easy to apply and the retractable tip is super convenient. It stays on all day without smudging. I recommend it."
Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is a dream for those just starting out, offering easy application and staying power.
Exclusive Insights:
- Creamy Formula: Glides on smoothly for a flawless finish
- Waterproof: Stays put through sweat and tears
- Vibrant Colors: Available in a variety of bold shades
Customer Review:
"This eyeliner pencil is amazing! It’s so creamy and easy to apply. It stays on all day without smudging. I love it!"
Maybelline’s Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner is a breeze to apply and sticks around.
Exclusive Insights:
- Intense Color: Rich color payoff with just one stroke
- Waterproof: Stays put through sweat and tears
- Smooth Formula: Glides on effortlessly for a flawless finish
Customer Review:
"I love this gel eyeliner! It stays on all day without smudging."
L'Oréal’s Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner is perfect for first-timers, it is easy to handle and stays put all day.
Exclusive Insights:
- Retractable Tip: No need for sharpening
- Smooth Application: Glides on effortlessly
- Long-Lasting: Stays put all day without smudging
Customer Review:
"I love this eyeliner pencil! It’s so easy to apply and the retractable tip is super convenient. It doesn't smudge and it stays on."
Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner is ideal for those just starting out. It is a cinch to apply and won’t move an inch.
Exclusive Insights:
- Precision Tip: The ultra-fine tip allows for precise lines
- Long-Lasting: Stays put all day without smudging
- Waterproof: Perfect for those emotional moments or rainy days
Customer Review:
"This liquid eyeliner is a game-changer. The precision tip makes it so easy to apply, and it stays on all day without budging."
Rimmel’s Exaggerate Eye Definer is your go-to if you’re new to makeup and need a pencil that’s simple to apply and durable.
Exclusive Insights:
- Retractable Tip: No need for sharpening
- Smooth Application: Glides on effortlessly
- Long-Lasting: Stays put all day without smudging
Customer Review:
"I love this eyeliner pencil! It’s so easy to apply and the retractable tip is super convenient. It stays on all day without smudging. Highly recommend!"
Sephora’s Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner is ideal for newbies, offering effortless application and excellent staying power
Exclusive Insights:
- Retractable Tip: No need for sharpening
- Smooth Application: Glides on effortlessly
- Waterproof: Stays put through sweat and tears
Customer Review:
"This eyeliner pencil is amazing! It’s so creamy and easy to use, and it stays on all day without smudging. Love it!"
MAC’s Pro Longwear Fluidline is an amazing eyeliner that beginners will adore because it's both user-friendly and long-lasting.
Exclusive Insights:
- Intense Color: Rich color payoff with just one stroke
- Waterproof: Stays put through sweat and tears
- Smooth Formula: Glides on effortlessly for a flawless finish
Customer Review:
"I love this gel eyeliner! It’s so easy to apply and the pigment is amazing. It stays on all day without smudging. Highly recommend!"
Clinique’s Quickliner for Eyes Intense is ideal for newcomers who need something simple to apply and long-lasting.
Exclusive Insights:
- Retractable Tip: No need for sharpening
- Smooth Application: Glides on effortlessly
- Long-Lasting: Stays put all day without smudging
Customer Review:
"I love this eyeliner pencil! It’s so easy to use and the retractable tip is super convenient. It stays on all day without smudging. Highly recommend!"
Benefit’s Roller Liner Liquid Eyeliner is a great choice for beginners who want an easy-to-use product that stays in place.
Exclusive Insights:
- Precision Tip: The ultra-fine tip allows for precise lines
- Long-Lasting: Stays put all day without smudging
- Waterproof: Perfect for those emotional moments or rainy days
Customer Review:
"The precision tip is a game-changer. I even wore it to a wedding and cried my eyes out, and it didn’t move an inch!"
Tips for Applying Eyeliner Like a Pro
Now that you’ve got your hands on the best eyeliners for beginners, here are some tips to help you apply them like a pro:
- Start with a Clean Canvas: Make sure your eyelids are clean and oil-free before applying eyeliner. Use an eye primer to help your eyeliner stay put.
- Use a Steady Hand: Rest your elbow on a flat surface to keep your hand steady while applying eyeliner.
- Draw Small Dots: If you’re struggling to draw a straight line, try drawing small dots along your lash line and then connect them.
- Use a Q-Tip: If you make a mistake, use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover to clean it up.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing and you’ll get the hang of it.
Techniques That Will Make Your Eyes Pop
Welcome to the wild, wonderful world of eyeliner techniques! Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s no denying that eyeliner can transform your look from "meh" to "wow" in seconds. So let’s dive into the hilarious and fabulous world of eyeliner techniques that will make your eyes sparkle and your friends question your makeup skills. Ready? Let’s go!
Winged Eyeliner: Flight Mode Activated
If there’s one eyeliner look that’s practically a rite of passage, it’s the winged eyeliner. This technique is all about extending your liner out past the outer corner of your eye like you’re giving your lids their very own runway. Apply eyeliner with precision to achieve that perfect flick—it’s basically like drawing a tiny arrow pointing to the heavens. And if it’s a little uneven, just call it “artistic interpretation” and fly on!
Pencil Eyeliners: The OG Tool
Before liquid liners took over, pencil eyeliners were the unsung heroes of eye makeup. They’re easy to use and great for those days when you need to apply eyeliner quickly. A smooth pencil glides over your upper lid, allowing you to create a thin line with minimal fuss. Just be sure to sharpen it or you might end up looking like you had a tragic encounter with a crayon.
Liquid Liner: For Those Who Dare
Liquid liner is like the roller coaster of the eyeliner world—exciting, thrilling, and with a few sharp turns. This product can give you the sharpest, most defined lines, making it perfect for those who want their eye makeup to make a statement. Use an eyeliner brush for precision, but remember: liquid liner is not for the faint of heart. One wrong move and you might end up with more drama than you bargained for!
The Classic Thin Line: Simple Yet Stunning
Sometimes, less is more. The thin-line technique is all about keeping it understated yet fabulous. Apply eyeliner with a steady hand to create a sleek, minimalistic look that highlights your eyes without stealing the show. It’s like the little black dress of eye makeup—timeless and always in style.
The Cotton Swab Dipped Fix: For When Things Go Awry
Oops, got a smudge? Fear not! A cotton swab dipped in a little makeup remover can be your best friend. Gently correct any eyeliner mishaps without needing to start from scratch. It’s like having a tiny, non-judgmental makeup artist right there in your bathroom, ready to rescue you from your beauty blunders.
The Smudged Look: Relaxed Chic
For those days when you’re feeling a bit rebellious and don’t want to fuss with perfect lines, the smudged look is your go-to. Use a pencil eyeliner to draw a line, then take a cotton swab or your trusty eyeliner brush to blend it out. It’s the makeup equivalent of rolling out of bed and still looking fabulous. Effortless, chic, and totally Instagrammable.
The Outer Edge Drama: Because Why Not?
When you’re feeling extra and want to take things up a notch, why not add some drama to the outer edge of your eyes? Extend your eyeliner beyond the typical winged look, creating a more pronounced outer corner for that high-impact effect. Just remember, if someone asks, you’re not trying to intimidate them; you’re simply embracing your inner diva.
Eyeliner techniques are like your makeup toolkit’s best friends—each with its own unique flair and fabulousness. From winged eyeliner to the smudged look, there’s a style to fit every mood and occasion. So grab your eyeliner brush, pencil eyeliners, or liquid liner, and get ready to experiment. Whether you’re aiming for a sharp wing or a smudged masterpiece, just remember to have fun and let your eyes do the talking.
Conclusion
Whether you’re channeling your inner cat lady with a classic cat eye or going full Picasso with a daring new look, your eyeliner can totally become your makeup BFF.
We hope this guide has been your eyeliner GPS, steering you toward the perfect pick. Don’t be shy—play around with colors, textures, and formulas to create jaw-dropping eye magic.
And above all, have a blast with it! Find that perfect liner, and remember, a killer eyeliner can be your secret weapon for an epic look.
Thanks for hanging out with us on this eyeliner adventure. We were all once beginners - even the world's best makeup artists! Now go out there and flaunt that fabulous new liner style!
Related:
Best Eyeliner Brush to Create the Perfect Look Every Time
Best Gel Eyeliner for Precise, Eye-Catching Looks