Still searching for the perfect tool to create the perfect winged flick? Have no fear. Our Beauty Panel, composed of Preview Associate Beauty Editor Belle Rodolfo and Style Bible’s Deputy Associate Editor Janey Aniban and Associate Fashion and Beauty Editor Zoe Laurente, is here to help you find the best eyeliner that’ll give you the sleekest cat eye in no time.
GEL
Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in brown, available at leading department stores
Belle says: For the more experienced, because it involves dipping a brush into the right amount of product, managing it, etc. It’s fairly easy but may intimidate newbies.
Expert Tip: Use a wet brush for a smoother application but make sure to clean up after so the brush – and your cat eye – stays sharp.
Use it: On a long day.
Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner, Rustan's
Janey says: When I feel like flexing my eyeliner application muscles, I reach for gel liner. It’s the only thing that you can use to create sharp edges or blurred lines. This one is a breeze to apply and comes in fun colors, too!
Use it: For long days (and even longer nights).
Smoky 2-in-1 Gel Liner and Brow Definer in Brown, The Body Shop
Zoe says: I haven’t got the steadiest of hands when it comes to applying eyeliner. But thanks to the the short handle of the brush that comes with this pot of gel liner, creating the perfect winged flick becomes A LOT easier.
Use it: On days when you don’t have the time for touch-ups.
PENCIL
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Kajal Liner in Black Amethyst, Rustan's
Belle says: People easily cross out a creamy, pigmented pencil when drawing a precise eye because they think it’s all smudgy, but they forget the crucial part: sharpening it. My favorite thing about experimenting with this when drawing a winged liner is that if you mess up, you can smudge it and use as eye shadow.
Use it: For a night out. The color is lighter than black but cooler than brown.
L’Oréal Color Riche Le Kohl, Rustan's
Janey says: I’m a big fan of the smokey eye, but combine that with a cat-eye and I’m all over it. Before applying eye shadow, sketch out your elongated eye shape by drawing on a cat eye. Blend out the line (it’ll be easy to do with this super soft pencil) and voila! Now you have a rough guide for your eye look. Smoke out your shadow as usual.
Use it: For elongated eye shadow looks.
Nichido Eyebrow Pencil in Chestnut, Watsons
Zoe says: Pencils are my go-to simply because you can easily smudge them and create the perfect Kate Moss-esque smokey eye in the event that you mess up a cat eye. Now, what’s great about using brow pencils is that they’re softer compared to most eyeliners, allowing you to easily erase and correct any mistakes. I personally like using brown since it’s more subtle compared to a sharp black line, perfect for everyday wear.
Use it: For recreating the beauty look at Givenchy’s Spring 2015 show.
LIQUID
Eye of Horus Liquid Define in Babylon Brown, available at leading department stores
Belle says: My absolute fave! I wear this everyday. Liquid/pen is the most user-friendly out of all liner types, but this is easier than usual because its tip is the perfect length and softness. Meaning you have so much control over your application! Any longer or swishier and it’ll be difficult to just sweep on (the calligraphy-type tips tend to produce messier lines).
Use it: Everyday! The new-gen liquid liners no longer dry thick (the ones that look raised or are so obviously on the skin) nor are they prone to cracking, so they look as flat and natural as a pencil does.
Expert tip: Don’t start from the inner corners-out. Start where you want the point to be, ideally level with the crease of your eye and in the middle of the invisible line that goes from the end of your brows to the outer corners of your eyes. Use tape, tissue, or a card to make that line, but with practice you’ll learn to just wing it.
Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Lid Line Lash, available at leading department stores
Janey says: If we’re being honest here, the only time I’d touch liquid liner is if it was filled with glitter. This helps elevate your cat eye to the nth level. A sharp cat eye is good but make one entirely out of glitter and people think you’re a makeup god. You’re welcome.
Use it: When you’re feeling extra fancy.
Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen, Rustan's
Zoe says: Liquid eyeliners are the bane of my existence. They’re messy and complicated. However, they do deliver when it comes to creating a sharp and precise cat eye. Find a pen with a tapered tip that allows you to adjust the thickness of the line easily. This one is also great for tight lining your eyes and filling in all the way to the inner corners of your eye.
Use it: If you have a shaky hand.
Got any beauty related questions you'd like answers to? Hit us up in the comments!
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