You’re going out and you have an amazing party dress, party shoes, and accessories, but you’re completely lost when it comes to makeup. Don’t worry, we’ve been there too. A great nighttime makeup trick is winged eyeliner–it makes your lashes appear thicker, and stands out (in a good way). In order to achieve the fullest and longest lasting cat eyes, we’ve tested 5 different ways to apply eyeliner and weighed the pros and cons to help you look your best–from eyeliner markers to pens.
To get the look (a la Nicole Richie and Keira Knightley), apply a thick black line on the top lid continuing up and out about one fourth of an inch. With just this simple stroke of liner, you add a flirty sparkle to your eyes
Eyeliner Marker, like Physicians Formula: Eye Definer Felt-Tip Eye Marker ($13.90)
Pros
- Narrow tip means extremely easy application, like a fine tip Sharpie for your eyes
- Easy to draw thick or thin lines
- Easy to darken by coloring repeatedly over the same spot
- Doesn’t smudge onto eyelids when blinking
- Doesn’t take time to dry
Cons
- Dull color quality compared to a liquid liner
- Requires several applications to get a fully darkened look
Eyeliner Pen, like Dior: Diorliner Precision Eyeliner ($31)
Pros
- Super dramatic color quality
- Easy application with a fine tip brush
- Less messy than liquid, but the same effects
- Requires only one application throughout the night
Cons
- Sometimes drips while applying
- Initially smudges onto eyelids when blinking
- Costs twice or three times as much as other eyeliners
Liquid Eyeliner, like Revlon: ColorStay Liquid Liner Blackest Black ($7.49)
Pros
- Super dramatic color quality
- Relatively simple applicator brush
- Requires only one application throughout the night
Cons
- Drips while applying
- Initially smudges onto eyelids when blinking
- Sometimes runs as the night wares on
- Difficult to thinly apply, particularly on bottom lid
Pencil Eyeliner, like NP Set Eyeliner, Paris Black ($15)
Pros
- Easy top and bottom liner application
- Includes smudging eraser to eliminate any mistakes without the aid of eye makeup remover
Cons
- Easily smudges if you touch your eyes
- Needs reapplication throughout the night
- Dull color quality compared to liquid liner
- Not ideal for cat eyes; better for a simply lined eyes or smokey eyes
Matte Eyeliner, like Elizabeth Arden: Color Intrigue Gel Eyeliner, Black ($17.50)
Pros
- Umm… we’re having trouble finding any
Cons
- Requires several applications to get dark color quality
- Messy
- Bristly brush that doesn’t create a thin or straight line
- Extremely hard to draw a steady line
- Clumps in corners of eyelids
Check out our favorite best mascara and lip balm, plus see some of the stars best red carpet looks with our guide to celebrity dresses. Get the scoop on all of this week’s the hottest sales with our online sample sale calendar.
