Eyeliner has been around since Egyptian times, where Cleopatra used to use it to highlight her eyes.
Back then they didn’t have the wide array of formulas we have now and often had to resort to using products that scratched and damaged the skin. They did use kohl however, which is still in use in many solutions today, though we’ve refined it - as it used to be made from a mix of ores, ash, and burnt almonds!
It wasn’t just used as a superficial aid back then as it was believed that kohl could restore poor eyesight and reduce eye infection (they didn’t have Specsavers).
Eyeliners come in many forms nowadays.
You have pencil, gel, pen and liquid to choose from, each which require varying levels of skill and dexterity.
Pencil is best for beginners and for a thick smokey look, whilst liquid provides you the feline flicks favoured by many a pop artist. Gel is a good way to make sure your liners stays all day, but out of the bewildering array on offer, which should you opt for?
Here are our top five eyeliners on the market...
Best For: Liquid Liner Virgins
Bourjois Liner Feutre £5.86
This felt tip pen is a great way for novices to learn how to use liquid liner. Messier than a pencil, but far easier than full-on liquid, the generous tip allows you to experiment with a variety of looks, from thick goth-like strokes, to more delicate wing-tips. I find the colour stays a long time, and really shapes the eye.
Best For: Day to Night Colour
Prescriptives Longwear Kohl Liner, £14 from Debenhams
This eyeliner is incredibly easy to use as it’s in twist up pencil format, reminiscent of those pens you use to use when you were in high school. Part of the Well-Suited collection, this long lasting liner leaves a rich creamy colour and glides on effortlessly, with zero drag. It’s waterproof, too, and I really like the slim line it provides- as you can wear it quite light in the day and layer it up for a more dramatic line at night.
Best For: Smokey Eye Fans
Mac Eye Pencil, £10
This has been a staple in my makeup bag for many years now, as it lasts such a long time. The kohl pencil gives you a nice thick line that can be tapered with correct blending, and it provides a very thick intense colour. It’s especially great for lining the inner rim of the eyes as you only need one stroke and if it’s freshly sharpened it can also create very thin lines for flicks.
Best For: Long Lasting Colour
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil, £10 from Look Fantastic
It’s rare that a hard wearing eye pencil feels nice to apply, as often they have a texture that chafes. This pencil glides on the eye in one smooth caress and provides you with a rich thick colour that lasts all day. Its creamy formulation makes it easy to blend and it looks great on the top lid and inside the eye. The formula is waterproof and lists Vitamin E and jojoba oil amongst its ingredients which is why it feels so gentle to wear.
Best For: Creating Defined Flicks
Stila Liquid Eyeliner $16 from Stila
This is a great tool for creating a sexy eye. It comes in a pocket friendly tube which can easily slip into this seasons min-clutches and glides on the skin in a smooth line. The tip is fine enough to create delicate lines, whilst a little gentle pressure lets you create a more dramatic look. Best of all, it’s easily removed at night, with no need to tug on the skin.
Image via DreamGlow's Flickr