By Sheila
Gel eyeliners are one of the myriad of options available when it comes to applying your eyeliner. Not to say that there aren’t a myriad of options when it comes to pretty much any cosmetic product, but you get my point!
So, why gel as opposed to pencil, powder or liquid eyeliners? Gel liners are a lot more flexible than many other types. Gel eyeliners allow for dramatic looks as well as more subtle, and it’s a tad easier than applying liquid liner. However, there is a trick and here’s how to avoid getting gunky clobs of gel on your lids.
In this breakdown, I’m using a Stila Smudge Pot, which is my favorite because the texture is just right and it doesn’t smudge, ironically speaking! I’m also using MAC’s #210 brush, which is PERFECTION. It may take some practice, but this thin liner brush works wonders and allows you to adjust the size of your liner — you can make it as thin or thick as you like!
Step 1: Dip your brush into the gel eyeliner container. Twirl it around and make sure you load a good amount of the gel onto your brush.
Hello, dry hands.
Step 2: Using the back of your hand as a palette, work the brush so that the product is evenly distributed and apply. If you need tips, check out my tutorial on applying liquid liner.
Step 3: Clean yo’ brush! I use a bit of MAC’s brush cleanser on a tissue, but will deep clean the brush once a week or so.
The cleansing of the brush afterward is the number one reason I avoid using gel liners, to be totally honest. However, I do often use darker colors as a base for smoky eyes. Speaking of smoky eyes, I’ll have to make a future Breaking Down Beauty on a quick and easy way to achieve them.
Do you include a gel eyeliner into your beauty mix?
I’ve never tried a gel eyeliner before, I actually didn’t even know they existed until a few months ago. I’m currently doing project 10 pan and am banning myself from buying beauty products for a while, but when I’m back to purchasing, I would love to find a gel eyeliner to try out. I’m wondering if there are any drugstore brands that are good?
I haven’t tried them, but a lot of people have raved for the L’oreal HIP gel liners.
I use gel liners as bases quite often, but don’t use it as actual liner unless I’m doing an old Hollywood/pinup look with thick liner
I started with gel liners and never looked back! Now I’m completely obsessed with gel liners. Even my mom has given up on pencils and liquid. I was first taught the swirling method to use gel liners but then I make the surface look messy so now I just dip little by little even if it takes some time :p Is that Stila Smudge Pot Little Black Dress? I regret not getting that shade! Quite unfortunately I have too many gel liners than I can get through with
I often do an old Hollywood makeup look, and gel liner is the best way to create a nice dark cat eye. Bonus-It won’t budge until you take it off.
I like MAC Fluidline. I’ve never had trouble applying liquid liner, but I like that Fluidline dries almost instantly. With liquid I would have to sit with my eyes closed for a bit to avoid liner being transferred onto my brow bone.
Thanks, Sheila! I’ve always wanted to try gel liners, but never got around to it. Maybe I’ll actually have to do it now!
The HIP liners and Physician’s Formula are just as good as any high end brand if used correctly, I’ve used them both for years.