I love eyeliners. They're probably the most used items I have in my kit. I love how they make a difference to an eye look. Bigger eyes? Smaller eyes? A wicked wing? Just natural? Whatever look you're going for, eyeliners will always add an extra oomph.

Eyeliners are everywhere nowadays, thanks to the constantly growing beauty world. I remember years ago that some of the eyeliners I encountered were crap. They're too rough, too dry, they lacked pigmentation, and they weren't waterproof. Thankfully, that's not the case anymore. Liners are amazing now and they now come in different kinds, shapes, and sizes.

So I have here a list/compilation of the five different kinds of eyeliners for everyone out there. Whether you're a makeup newbie, a makeup collector and lover, a professional makeup artist, or just someone curious or who's confused as to what's what- may this somewhat help you to find the perfect liner to use on a daily basis...or just for fun!

Warning: Mildly photo heavy!

Let's get started! 

1. Gel

Ease of Use: 4/5

Availability: 4/5

Staying Power: 4.5/5

Brands: MAC, Bobbi Brown, essence, e.l.f., Maybelline, L'Oreal, Inglot, Illamasqua, Clinique, Smashbox

Overall: 4.5/5

This is my most favorite type. Gel liners are easy to find because they come in small pots and are usually used with an eyeliner brush. I like using this the most because gel liners are creamy thus they're easier to control especially when used with the right brush. They also last the longest compared to the other types since they set in place quickly. Looking for a long lasting liner for your waterline? Try using this. And don't worry, they come in different colors too! <3

2. Cake

Ease of Use: 3.5/5

Availability: 3/5

Staying Power: 3/5

Brands: Graftobian, Make Up Store, Illamasqua, Laura Mercier, Ben Nye

Overall: 3.5/5

Cake liners are like gel liners in pressed powder form. To be able to use this you need to have two products: water and a brush. Basically, you either put some drops of water to the product or wet your brush to soften the product. The texture is so light it almost feels like a thinned out version of a gel eyeliner. However, once it dries, it turns back to its original powder state. So if you applied it and accidentally rubbed your eye even after it sets, you'll have liner residue on your hands. Honestly this kind is fussy. You'll need water at all times to be able to use it because it's quite hard to use if not wet. And you'll always need a brush. So if you're one who's always on the go, better skip this one.

3. Pencil (Common & Retractable)

Ease of Use: 3.5/5

Availability: 5/5

Staying Power: 3.5/5

Brands: MAC, Elizabeth Arden. Kryolan, Urban Decay, NYX, e.l.f., essence...basically, almost all makeup brands!

Overall: 3.5/5

 Ah yes, the most basic and common type of liner. It's also the most available and most likely to be hoarded. Pencils can be used in different ways: lining, smudging, filling the brows. However, pencils vary in pigmentation. Some pencils are so pigmented they can pass as kohl and some not so much that you just want to throw them out your window. They also vary in packaging. Most of these are in pencil form and need to be sharpened. Some are retractable, no more sharpening but they're prone to breaking because they're softer. One plus though is they're available in different colors. Blue, purple, pink, white, green, black, brown, silver, gold. They're pretty much the Skittles of the bunch. Taste Swatch the rainbow.

Oh and if you're looking for pigmented pencils, go for the Urban Decay ones. They're amazeballs.

4. Kohl/Kajal

Ease of Use: 4/5

Availability: 4/5

Staying Power: 4/5

Brands: MAC, Catrice, Smashbox, Rimmel, Laura Mercier, L'Oreal, Lancome, Prestige

Overall: 4/5

This is the creamier, smudgier version of the pencil liner. I actually prefer using kohl because it's so soft and doesn't tug my eye upon application. They're also a dream to smudge, making it a perfect tool for creating smokey eyes. They're perfect to use in the waterline too because they last longer than regular pencils. 

If you ever buy a kajal similar to the last photo, be ready for a minty feel when you use it. Apparently, kajals like this from India (okay it's not really from India BUT an Indian classmate of mine from beauty school bought this from me from Little India in Singapore. So I guess it's close?) has soothing ingredients that contribute to the mint feeling. Personally, I felt like my eyes were burning when I applied this to my waterline and it got me so traumatized that I never used that kajal again. :)) 

5. Liquid

Ease of Use: 3/5

Availability: 4/5

Staying Power: 3.5/5

Brands: Kryolan, e.l.f., essence, Stila, Eyeko, Smashbox, YSL, NYX, K-Palette

Overall: 3/5

Last but not the least. Honestly, not a big fan of liquid liners. I don't know why but I think it's because of the texture. Liquid liners are watery but they feel weird when they dry because they're so stiff. Do you know that liquid liners crack after several hours after application? Ugh, I can't be bothered. Another thing I don't like: the tip. Can someone give me a liquid liner with an angled tip? That might change my mind with it. Speaking of tips, liquid liners come in three: the pen, the felt, and the brush. Personally, I find the felt tip to be the easiest to use. I find the pencil tip to be quite tricky because it's so straight and long. And lastly, for the love of all things bright and holy, stay away from the ones with the brush tip. They're the worst. They'll splay like crazy.

So there you have it. I hope I provided you with some knowledge about liners. I really love liners so I take this quite seriously (teehee). The very first thing I look for a liner is pigmentation, followed by texture (dry, soft, creamy, liquidy/runny), staying power, finish (matte, glittery), and color. My most favorite color of liner is black.

What's the type of eyeliner you love using the most?