The Different Types of Eyeliner: An Ultimate Guide

Eyeliner is one of the most transformative (and personal!) products in your beauty routine. A subtle swipe can make your eyes look more awake, while a bold line can create instant drama. But with so many types of eyeliners out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

Whether you’re a fan of classic pencil, precision liquid, or striking gel looks, exploring the different types of eyeliner is your opportunity to play with shape, texture, and intensity in a way that enhances your unique features. Thrive Causemetics® makes it easy with high-performance, vegan formulas that work across eye shapes, styles, and skill levels. Ready to find your signature look? Let’s break down the types of eyeliners and when to reach for each one.

Exploring Different Eyeliner Styles

Each eyeliner formula has its own unique advantages, and the best choice ultimately depends on your preferred finish, ease of application, and the occasion for which you're wearing it. Let’s explore the most popular types of eyeliner, including standout picks from Thrive Causemetics®.

Pencil Eyeliner: Classic Definition 

What is pencil eyeliner best for? This timeless go-to is perfect for everyday wear, from softly defining the lash line to building a smoky eye. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly types of eyeliner, with a texture that’s easy to control and forgiving if you need to smudge or blend.

Our Infinity Waterproof™ Eyeliner is a best-selling pencil for good reason. Whether you’re tightlining or defining the waterline, this is your no-fuss go-to. It delivers:

• Rich, creamy pigment that glides on without tugging

• A built-in smudger and sharpener for versatile looks

• A vegan, waterproof formula powered by nourishing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate

• Long-lasting wear that won’t budge — perfect for long days or teary eyes

• Ophthalmologist-tested for safe use on sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  
  

Liquid Eyeliner: Defined, Dramatic Lines

Few things make a statement like a sleek line of liquid eyeliner. Ideal for cat eyes, wings, and graphic designs, liquid formulas offer ultra-pigmented color and a sharp, clean finish.

Is gel or liquid eyeliner better for beginners? While gel has a slightly creamier glide, a brush-tip eyeliner pen offers the easiest entry into liquid precision.

If you want to put your liquid eyeliner skills to the test, two go-to Thrive Causemetics® favorites to try:

• Infinity Waterproof™ Liquid Eyeliner Pen: With a tapered felt tip, this liquid eyeliner delivers smooth, smudge-proof lines in seconds. It’s designed for control, perfect for creating a flick or defining the lash line. Ophthalmologist-tested and packed with clean ingredients, it’s a makeup bag essential.

• Brilliant Eye Brightener™ Sparkling Liquid Eyeliner: A multitasking shimmer liner that brightens and enhances the eyes. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like mango seed oil and macadamia oil, this buildable, lightweight formula adds definition and a pop of sparkle — ideal for glam nights or daytime radiance.

Gel Eyeliner: Creamy Precision

Gel eyeliner delivers the best of both worlds: the glide of a cream with the staying power of a liquid. It’s usually available in two forms: pots, which are typically applied with an angled or fine-tipped brush for precise, customizable lines, and pencils, which offer the same creamy texture in an easy-to-use format, requiring no additional tools. Use gel eyeliner when you want dramatic wings, smoky definition, or long-lasting detail that won’t budge. While we don’t currently have a gel eyeliner in our collection, we would love to hear from you. Share in the comments if this is a product you would be excited to see in the future!

What Type of Eyeliner is Best for Older Eyes?

As the skin around the eyes becomes more delicate, softer eyeliner formulas that don’t tug or migrate are key. So, what type of eyeliner is best for older eyes? Look for pencil eyeliners that offer smooth application and waterproof eyeliner that won’t smudge into fine lines.

Our waterproof eyeliner checks every box — it’s gentle, richly pigmented, and stays exactly where you apply it, all day long. Bonus tip: Swap vibrant blacks for rich browns or deep plums to soften the overall look.

When to Choose Pencil Eyeliner

Looking for flexibility without the fuss? Pencil eyeliner is one of the most versatile and user-friendly formats in any makeup routine. 

• For effortless, everyday definition: A pencil liner is perfect for subtly enhancing your natural lash line. It adds just enough depth to make eyes pop without looking overly made up, making it ideal for work, casual outings, or minimal makeup days.

• For lining the waterline or tightlining: A pencil is the safest and most effective method for defining the inner rim of the eye. 

• For beginner-friendly versatility: New to eyeliner? Pencils are forgiving. You can smudge them out for a soft look or sharpen the tip for more definition. And if you make a mistake, it’s easy to correct.

• For smoky eye or soft glam: Pencil liners are ideal for building layered looks. Use the built-in smudger on our Infinity Waterproof™ Eyeliner to blend your line into a perfect, lived-in effect.

When to Choose Liquid Eyeliner

If sharp, dramatic lines are your signature, or something you’ve always wanted to master, liquid eyeliner brings the drama.

• For crisp, defined lines like cat eyes: Liquid liners are designed for precision. The brush-tip applicator makes it easier than ever to create sharp, clean flicks — even if you’re not a pro.

• For glam or editorial-inspired looks: Liquid formulas are ideal for creating exaggerated wings, negative-space liner, or floating creases. 

• For high-impact color payoff and precision: Liquid eyeliner lays down saturated pigment in one swipe. No skipping, no fading, just intense definition that sets and stays.

When to Choose Gel Eyeliner

Want the pigment of a liquid with the glide of a cream? Gel eyeliner strikes the perfect balance. It’s ideal for bold, winged looks and gives you complete control over the thickness, shape, and intensity of your line.

When to Choose Waterproof Eyeliner

Whether you're heading to an all-day event or just want zero smudging, waterproof eyeliner is the beauty MVP you’ll want in your kit.

• For long-wear occasions: Weddings, beach days, or sweaty workouts — any time your eyeliner needs to last from morning until night, waterproof is your best bet.

• For smudge-resistant, all-day definition: Lock in color that won’t run, flake, or fade, even in humid or emotional situations.

• For sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers: Waterproof formulas are ideal for eyes that water easily or are prone to irritation.
  

Define Your Eyes, Your Way

Your eyeliner should enhance your features, suit your lifestyle, and align with the looks you love. It can also serve as the go-ro product to help you experiment! From crisp wings to smudged-out definition, understanding the different types of eyeliner helps you create a signature style with confidence. With Thrive Causemetics, you get high-performance, clean formulas designed to deliver on every front: pigment, precision, and long-lasting wear.

Need help narrowing it down? Take our Best Eye Makeup for Me Quiz to find your perfect match based on your eye shape, preferences, and skill level.

Browse our full collection of eyeliner makeup, featuring pencil, liquid, and waterproof options, and transform your look today!