What Is Your Eyeliner Type? Consult Our Ultimate Guide

Most would assume that liquid eyeliner is the most difficult to apply. However, with the proper tools, it’s actually quite the opposite. Those with shaky hands or sensitive eyes should invest in an automatic felt-tip applicator. The spongy material will fully absorb the product, making it less likely to spill into the eye creases. From there, graduate to the standard microtip, and play with unconventional designs on the lids. Cat eyes, here you come!

e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner ($4)

Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eye Liner ($6, originally $7)

Sephora Collection Long Lasting Eyeliner High Precision Brush ($12)

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner Trooper ($21)

Christian Dior Addict It-Line Liquid Eyeliner ($32)

Gel and/or cream liners are typically sold in mini pots with accompanying liner brushes. These rich formulas work best on oily skin since they tend to stay put once applied. However, be sure to wash your brushes after each use, in order to prevent crusty bristles and crooked application later on. If you revel in a lengthy makeup routine each morning, any of these will become a fast favorite.

NYX Gel Eyeliner & Smudger ($9)

L'Oréal Infallible 24HR Lacquer Intense Gel Eyeliner ($9)

Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner ($17)

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($25)

Yves Saint Laurent Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Longwear Cream Eyeliner ($30)

If you want the intensity of a smoky eye without the legwork and full lid coverage, shadow eyeliner is the ideal shortcut. Apply over a liquid or pencil liner for major color payoff, or smudge into the top and lower lines alone for a softer look. Unless it comes in the form of a retractable pen, you can also put it on with a wet or dry liner brush. Save these for a night out on the town when you want to play up your overall look and grab an admirer's attention.

Milani Shadow Eyez 12 HR Eyeshadow Pencil ($6)

bareMinerals Liner Shadow ($14)

Eyeko "Me & My Shadow" Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner ($20)

NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil ($25)

Trish McEvoy 24-Hour Eye Shadow & Liner ($33)

Whether you prefer kajal, kohl, or gel, pencil eyeliners are our number-one pick for on-the-go application. Although they're the most likely to smudge (a top layer of shadow fixes that), both retractable and sharpened pens are also the easiest to manipulate. Apply more pressure for a thick line and less for thinner results. After every couple of uses, clean the surface of your pencil liner with rubbing alcohol to prevent infection.

e.l.f. Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil ($1)

CoverGirl Perfect Blend Blend Pencil ($5)

Urban Decay "Naked" 24/7 Glide-On Double-Ended Eye Pencil ($16)

Givenchy Beauty Magic Khol Eye Liner Pencil ($25)

Charlotte Tilbury "Rock 'n' Kohl" Iconic Liquid Eye Pencil ($27)