You might read this title of this and go, ‘Really?  But surely everyone has a black eyeliner…’  While yes, this is true let’s face it, there’s always something wrong with the black eyeliners that we own.

For years I suffered with black smudges because I just assumed that’s what happened when you wore a kohl liner.  I dreaded peeking into my compact mirror to see my inner corners bleeding liner.  Fast forward a few years and I uncovered a select few eyeliner pencils that are my go to that don’t cause any of these annoying problems.  Why suffer when your eyeliner can stay perfect all day long?

Before I start, there is a difference between eye pencils and kohl pencils.  I thought I would mention this as every time I talk about this with people their face is blank.  Without going into the science and ingredients an eye pencil is harder and a kohl pencil is a softer material.  Therefore a pencil is great for liner but a kohl is better for smudgier, smokier eyes.  Personally I prefer kohl pencils as when I want to have winged liner I use a gel or a liquid.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, £15.50

I can always count on this eyeliner when I am in a rush and need a smoky eye, FAST.  With it’s seriously soft tip it doesn’t drag on the eye allowing colour to glide on effortlessly.  A highly moisturising pencil with Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Cottonseed Oil allows for creamy, easy application.  Once the pencil is applied however, it stays in place all day without the need to check up on it.

An impressive range of colours will have you weak at the knees the next time you visit the counter, Perversion however is the nicest black shade I have ever seen.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil, £18.50 

Similar to the 24/7 Glide On, Estee Lauder’s pencil is an extremely creamy and versatile eyeliner perfect for eyelids and waterline.  In addition to 12 hours wear it is water resistant allowing it to stay in your water line all day making it the go to for days where you are going from office to party.  The colour in this liner doesn’t smudge out unless you use the smudger allowing for precise application.  This pencil sets very quickly so I wouldn’t recommend using as the base for a smokey eye unless you are working very quickly.  That being said as it sets so quickly there is no fear of it transferring to your upper eyelid.

Again, a wide range of colours to choose from with Onyx as the black.  Might I suggest Burgundy Suede (used in blog picture) as it’s such a beautiful colour and one of my go to eyeliners for clients makeups.

The Body Shop Smokey Eye Definer, £9

For something a little more defined instead of something smudgier look no further than this pencil from The Body Shop.  The formula glides on and doesn’t catch or pull on your eyelids and gives a perfect line every time.  You can of course smudge it out if you wish as it comes with a smudger on the other end but is great without.  This liner is excellent for those that want and eyeliner look but without the dramatic effect as a subtle look is easier achieved with this liner.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua XL, £16

This pencil is The Notebook-proof.  You could go swimming, have a crying session, have drink thrown over you or simply wash you hair and this eye pencil will not move.  Definitely on the thicker, creamier side of eye pencils so perhaps not for those looking something natural but this pencil is ideal for someone who is constantly smoking out your waterline.  It blends effortlessly but once that sucker has set it isn’t coming off until it is pried off with your cleanser.

Coming in a variety of finishes from Matte, Diamond, Satin, Metallic and Iridescent there is definitely a finish and colour that will take your fancy.  This is a Saturday Night out kinda eyeliner…

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajaal Eye Liner Pencil, £2.99

There are very few drug store eye liner pencils that I would trust but this one from Rimmel has made the cut into the Top 5.  I burn through quite a lot of eye liner and that can wreak havoc on my bank balance so for sheer price alone this pencil is amazing.  I use this shade Jet Black constantly when I am using it as the base for a smokey eye.  I run it all over the eye and blend the life out of it with my Mac 217 Brush creating a beautiful, easy smokey eye.  On it’s own for actual liner purposes it has a tendency to bleed out a little on my eye, this isn’t a big deal so I don’t care but as a base for a smokey eye it’s the one.

So there you have it, a list of my favourite eye pencils that I use for wings, smudgy eye and smokey eyes.  Have you used any of these or do you use one that I need to try – let me know!

You can find my other Top 5 Posts HERE

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