The Eye pencil is back

Trends are cyclic, but who knew eyeliner pencils would be prominent again? Making a comeback for the ability to define the eye, create a smoky eye or dramatic dash of colour on the lids, we suspect it’s because they’re so easy to use. Read on to learn our tips and find your new perfect match, says editor Trudi Brewer.

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Today, dozens of eye makeup options exist to create beautiful looks, and we have flirted with them all. From wet powder shadows to cream and glitter, gel and liquid liners, recently, but recently, the appeal of a classic eye pencil is in demand. While a wooden pencil may seem like old technology, it offers one significant advantage: Functionality. Few makeup products are this versatile for precise lining and defining, creating a softly smudged look in seconds, not to mention they’re also almost fade-resistant. Due to the wax formulations, pencil liners warm with your skin temperature, wear for hours and often look better as the day or night goes on.

How to apply eye pencil like a pro

Choose brown over black

As you age, black pencils can look harsh, so opt for brown or bronze. You can still get a dramatic look, but it's much more muted. Brown liner is also great when blended on the lid to create a barely-there finish for that 'no-makeup, makeup look.' 

Stila Stay All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner, $41.

The ideal pencil for a long-lasting smoky eye look. It’s a waterproof, creamy liner that lasts on the lids for hours. You can use it to define or blend it all over the lids to get that cream shadow effect. There are ten shades pictured here, Spice.

Warm the Pencil every time you use it

There's nothing worse than tugging on your lids using a pencil that won't glide smoothly. This indicates the pencil is cold or old, and the wax has hardened over time. So, before you apply the pencil, sharpen it first, then rub the tip on the back of your hand; you can roll the tip between your fingers or heat the pencil with a hair dryer for a few seconds to soften the wax formula. Finally, to avoid tugging on very loose eyelid skin, choose kohl pencil, which is typically softer and glides effortlessly.

MAC Cosmetics Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eye Liner, $55.

This liner is gorgeous. It’s long-wearing, and the shade speaks to our style director, who loves colour. It’s silky-smooth, long-lasting, true-to-colour, waterproof, and wears all night long. There are 16 shades, pictured here: The Last Word.

the dash or dot technique

If you struggle to create a straight line, start by pulling the eyelid skin taut at the outer corner of the eye. Then, draw a series of dashes or dots, beginning at the inner corner of the eye and working outward. Angle the pencil against your cheek to draw with the side of it, then slowly connect the dashes or dots.

CLARINS 3 DOT LINER - NO.01 INTENSE BLACK, $56.

This liner takes the hard work out of creating dots or dashes. While it’s not technically a pencil, it gives the effect of one, and it’s idiot-proof to use, with long-wearing results.

The rim technique

Lining the eye's waterline is an excellent look for the evening. Always use a waterproof pencil and ensure it's freshly sharpened to avoid bugs transferring from the pencil to your eyes. To apply, pull your upper lid up and line under the top lid from the inside corner of the eye, working outward. Then, follow the bottom waterline in the same way. To enlarge your eye, use a beige or white pencil along the rim to give the illusion of a wide-open eye.

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon, $54.

This soft kohl pencil leaves a gorgeous shimmer thanks to synthetic sapphire, which creates a soft-focus effect. The easy-glide formula sets in 30 seconds and stays put for 10 hours. There are eight shades, pictured here: Champange Diamonds.

Create a smoky eye

To create an easy-to-achieve smoky-eye look, start with a sharp pencil and warm it up. Dot the colour along the upper and lower lashes using that dash-dot technique. Blend with a shadow brush and then set the colour with powder eye shadow over the liner. To make an impact, use contrasting colours, like brown liner and purple shadow or black liner and green shadow.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $44.

Another super-soft pencil, almost the consistency of kohl, creates a smudged, smoky-eye look. It’s creamy, waterproof, infused with jojoba oil, and delivers an envious high-impact colour. There are 13 shades. Pictured here is a gorgeous sparkly purple: Vice.

Go for colour

Coloured eyeliner can be subtle or dramatic. It can also enhance your natural eye colour. Try navy, blue, or purple to enhance blue eyes. Green or gold will brighten brown or hazel eyes.   

Jane Iredale Eye Pencil, $28.

This clean cosmetic is perfect for sensitive eyes. Made from candelilla wax and plant oils, there is no risk of this pencil tugging on the delicate skin. There are six shades pictured here: Midnight Blue.

Make Your Eyes Pop

Colouring liner in a circle around the top and bottom lash lines will close the eye and make it look smaller. To open the eye, only apply liner halfway to the middle of your eye, stop above the iris, and then blend any hard lines.