I will often just wear liquid eyeliner and something on my lips. It's enough!
I wanted to show some of my personal favorites and swatch them out so you can see the textures. I also wanted to show you don't have to spend a lot to get a good liquid liner. Companies like e.l.f. sell their liners for $1. Yes, just $1!!! Granted they're not Shu Uemura but still, it'll do in a pinch. Items like this, on the lower end of the price range, are good for girls just starting out or for people who want to practice. I say this because liquid eyeliner application can get tricky. It can go from perfect to a hot mess in seconds! Practice makes perfect so you might not want to practice using your $35 liner. Just saying! I suggest starting with something less expensive and working your way up.
Another way to get it right is to use something like the e.l.f. first then finish off with your pricier product on top.
Using a pencil is also a good way to outline in case you make a mistake, it's easier to clean up.
Personally, I prefer a felt tip when applying liquid eyeliner. I feel it glides on easier and feels more sturdy in my hand.
My favorite of all time is the Shu Uemura. No, not because it's the most expensive...Lol! It just goes on so easy and it's so precise! The product itself is like a Japanese brush. The tip consists of tightly grouped synthetic hairs that form a perfect point. It's brilliant!
What's so great about it is that you can refill it with cartridges that are sold separately. It seems like a lot of work but I just changed the cartridge this week. I've had it for over a year. It lasts for, what seems like, ever! I can clean the tip (carefully) without ruining it and I don't have to throw it away when it runs out. Considering the pen costs $20, I'm happy to keep it. I love things like this!
Almost 2 years ago Shu Uemura sadly closed all of it's stores. I believe you can now only buy their products online via their website. I was fortunate to have gotten the pen w/a few cartridges on super sale at Bloomingdale's before they shut down.
Yet another reason why I stock up :-)
Here are my top choices!
(From L to R:)
($11) Sephora long lasting eyeliner, Glittering Black
($2.74) N.Y.C Liquid Eyeliner, Black
($1) e.l.f. Waterproof eyeliner pen, Black
($20-Pen, $15 Cartridges) Shu Uemura Liquid eye liner, Black
($18) Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof liquid eyeliner, Retrograde
($29.50) Lancome Artliner, Noir & Sparkling Noir(sparkly black)
($5.99) Physicians Formula Eye definer Felt Tip Eye Marker, Warm Black
(L to R: Sephora, NYC, e.l.f., Shu Uemura, Urban Decay, Lancome, Physicians Formula)
I'll use these for different occasions. The Sephora, because it's sparkly, I'll use to go out. It's fun, festive! I'll probably pair it with sparkly eye shadow and fun lashes!
The NYC is more matte so this is good to use with matte shadow, for a deep old Hollywood glamour look. I think of bombshells from the 50's with full matte red lips.
The e.l.f. is more of an everyday liner. It's not glossy and not deep matte so it'll just sit pretty with anything I pair it with. For only $1, it stays all day without smudging. Pretty impressive!
Shu Uemura is glossy, long lasting and gets you the perfect point every time. I can wear this with most makeup. I like to wear it alone because it's SO pretty.
I usually get black because it's so crisp but I had to get the deep, sparkly purple in Urban Decay's line, it was too pretty to pass up! This is fun over a purple smokey eye (or any smokey eye for extra drama) or because it's so intense, this would be fun with just lips. But definitely a party staple! Also, this is seriously waterproof! It's not even thinking of moving so get ready to wear it for an entire evening. This is not something I'd bring to a Fashion Show.
Lancome's Artliner is a sophisticated liner. It's applicator isn't a felt tip nor is it a brush. It's velvety and goes on really smoothly. This also has great staying power!
The Physicians Formula is good for everyday because it's not glossy, matte or bright. It's just a simple liner. It's felt tip makes application a breeze as you can press it against your lash line and create a line in seconds. It's not waterproof but as long as your eyes stay dry, it'll stay put put for as long as you need it to.
Practice, practice, practice! ;-)
Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*
