Eyeliner can be a little intimidating - I mean you are putting a pencil really close to your eye all while trying to keep a steady hand! However, eyeliner can also completely change your look. Whether you want to create drama with a bold cat eye or a sexy and smoldering smoky look, eyeliner can be a very versatile tool. Here is what makes this must-have makeup such an effective tool.
How does eyeliner work?
It's helpful to understand the ingredients that go into making eyeliner:
- Base - Base ingredients are essentially the backbone of the formula. Pencils are solid formulas and use a blend of waxes, silicones and/or oils (kind of like a fancy crayon!). Liquid liners use a blend of water and polymers to help form a "film" on the skin. These ingredients are usually listed as copolymers on the label.
- Colorants - Colorants used in eyeliners (and other cosmetics for around the eye) must be approved by the FDA. This just means that colorants you might see in your nail polish aren't necessarily safe for the eye area. Typical colorants include iron oxides, titanium dioxides, mica and ultramarine pigments.
- Control Agents - These are added to make sure the eyeliner meets specifications when it's manufactured and that it maintains a high quality once you get it home. These include ingredients that control pH (the acid/base balance of the product), keep the product free of bacteria and mold and make sure the product applies nicely. In some oil-based formulas, an antioxidant may be added to keep the waxes and oils from going rancid. Typical control agents include citric acid, methylparaben, propylparaben, xanthan gum (used as a thickener in liquid liner) and tocopherol (Vitamin E).
Well, I always think knowing what ingredients go into the products you use every day is kind of interesting (but I am a bit nerdy that way!). However, I do think there are two really useful reasons to have some sense of what goes into your favorite beauty products.
- Let's say your favorite eyeliner is being discontinued. If you know what kind of base ingredients to look for, you might be able to pick a replacement without having to try so many new products (which can get time consuming and expensive!).
- If you experience irritation or an allergic reaction to your eyeliner, you might be able to figure out what ingredients to stay away from when you shop for a new one.
Liquid v. Pencil - which one is better?
Both types of liners work well and mostly the choice is simply a case of personal preference. However, there are a few differences between the two:
Pros: Easy to apply, longer shelf life (they tend to last longer and don't dry out) and they create a softer look.
Cons: Smudge easily, need to sharpen frequently and don't create as defined of a look.
Liquid
Pros: Longer lasting once applied and creates a more defined and dramatic look.
Cons: Tricky to apply (requires practice!), dry out quicker and can create a heavy look if improperly applied.
Bottom Line
I love eyeliner - I always feel like a bit of an artist when wielding my liner. Eyeliners are a safe, inexpensive and effective way to create a lot (or a little) drama. The choice between pencil and liquid really is one of personal preference and depending on the look you want to create you may want to have both options in your makeup drawer!
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