Hey babes 👋! Let’s be real for a sec: we’ve all had those days where we try to do winged eyeliner, but end up looking like a raccoon, right? And then you spend another 15 minutes fixing it, or maybe you just scrap it altogether. UGH. So frustrating! What if I told you there’s a way to get SLAY-level eyeliner without all the stress—and in like, wayyy less time?
Today, we’re talking about pencil eyeliner and why it’s the actual GOAT if you’re on-the-go or just trying NOT to spend half your life in the bathroom fightin’ with your makeup. Let’s give that liquid liner a little break, you feel me?
Why Pencil Eyeliner > Liquid Liner for the Girl Who’s Always Rushing
OK, so don’t get me wrong—liquid liner is crazy good for that super sharp Insta-worthy wing, but we don’t ALWAYS have the time or patience for that nightmare waiting to happen. Liquid liners can seriously backfire faster than an internet scandal. Plus, they need time to dry, which is a no-go if you’ve already hit snooze like 3 times.
Pencil eyeliner? LIFE. SAVER. It’s perfect for quickies because:
- It’s Fast AF: Pencils don’t need precise application like liquids do. You literally just scribble it on, smudge if you want, and look 👌.
- No Drying Time: This is a HUGE deal. Liquid eyeliner basically holds you hostage for a couple of minutes, making you stand there with your eyes awkwardly half-open while it dries. Pencils? Nah. You’re out the door and ON your way.
- Soft & Smudgy: Wanna go for a grungy, messy smoky eye that’s effortlessly cool, like you didn’t try but you still look FIRE? Pencils are the move, sis. You can easily blend them out for that edgy vibe. Liquid liners? Girl, forget it.
If you’re someone who’s constantly checking the clock while getting ready (I see you), you are going to LOVE pencils. PERIOD.
Tips for Getting That Perfect ‘Pencil’ Game 🔥
Alright, let me hit you with some hacks that’ll seriously change your eyeliner game. These are some pencil eyeliner tips that’ll have you snatching that liner on the daily, even when you’re running late to basically everything.
1. The Classic Tightline Trick
Tightlining is literally the key to making your eyes pop without screaming, “I’VE GOT LINER ON!” If minimal is your motto, this is the hack for you. Tightlining just means lining the waterline—the part right where your upper lashes hit your eye. It makes your lashes look fuller without a full-blown cat eye moment. Super subtle. Super chic.
World Tip: Get a soft, creamy pencil for this look so you’re not tugging at your eye like a savage. Also, don’t, and I repeat DON’T attempt this after you’ve applied mascara. Smudge fest coming your way if you do.
2. Smoke It Out for That Grunge Look
Okay, sometimes we want to look perfectly imperfect in a way that says, “I slept like 3 hours but still slayin’.” That’s where the smudged, grungy eyeliner comes out to play. And TBH, pencil liners are MVP for this.
Once you’ve lined your eye (it doesn’t have to be perfect), take a smudging brush or even your finger if you’re fancy like that, and just blend it out in small circles until it looks blurry and effortless.
Pro Tip: Throw a little eyeshadow over it to set it if you want it to last all day. That way, you get that perfect combo of eyeliner and shadow but still in HALF the time it takes with liquids.
3. Pencil Flick?! Don’t Laugh—It CAN Be Done.
Ok, stick with me… Using a pencil for a wing might sound sus, right? But it’s totally doable. The trick is to start small. You don’t have to go full-blown Ariana Grande wing (unless you’re feeling it), but pencils give a softer wing that can still look deadly chic.
You literally trace a mini line from the outer corner of your eye, flick it up gently, and then fill it in with more pencil. If it’s not looking clean enough for your liking, you can even correct it with a little makeup remover on a Q-tip.
Bonus: The smudged pencil > brush clean up trick softens the whole look, so even if it’s not perfect, it still looks deliberate. Dope, right?
Best Pencils to Save You Time
I wouldn’t leave you hangin’, right? Here’s a quickfire list of pencils that are suuuper creamy, easy to work with, and don’t make you look like you got ready in a blackout.
| Product | Why It’s Amazing 💯 |
|---|---|
| Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On | Glides like silk and lasts through a zombie apocalypse. |
| NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil | Affordable, blendable, and DOESN’T pull on your lid. Perfect for smudgy vibes. |
| Marc Jacobs Highliner | A bit boujee, but worth it for that crazy color payoff. Creamiest pencil out there! |
| Milani Stay Put Waterproof | For the budget queens. Stays put, even when you’re sweaty AF. |
| Makeup Forever Aqua XL | Like, seriously waterproof. PS—perfect for tightlining and lasts ALL day. |
You’re welcome. 😊
But What About Making It Stay All Day?
Pencil eyeliner might be the microwaveable Mac & Cheese of the makeup world (quick, easy, but oh soooo good), but the downside? It’s often NOT as long-lasting as liquid ones. If you’ve got a long day or just don’t wanna worry about re-doing your liner every few hours, I got you:
- Primer First! – It’s like the Avenger’s assembling—if you want something bulletproof, build a STRONG base. Pop some eye primer on before drawing your pencil eyeliner masterpiece. This small step makes a world of difference.
- Set It With Eyeshadow – Once you’ve applied your pencil liner, tap a matching eyeshadow onto it. This locks it in place and tones down any unintended sheen. And future raccoon eyes? Canceled.
- Look for Waterproof Formulas – Especially if you live in hotter spots (hey, my fellow California girls 👋) or just have oily eyelids. Waterproof pencils literally won’t budge. Milani Stay Put and Makeup Forever Aqua XL are both total champs at keeping everything smudge-free.
Quick Everyday Eyeliner Routine for the Busy Human Being 💥
- Prime! – Takes 5 seconds, seriously just slap a lil’ primer on those eyelids.
- Line Time – Use your favorite pencil (NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil, anyone?) to line just above your top lashes. No wings today—just a simple, chic line.
- Smudge, Babe, Smudge – Get your blend onnn. A small, soft smudging brush works best, but if you’re in a rush (LOL, like we’re not ALL in a rush), use your finger and blur that stuff out, especially in the outer corners.
- Set It – Lightly press a matching eyeshadow on top of the liner to lock it in.
- Finish with Mascara – A thick coat of mascara to tie it all together and you’re DONE! Go get that coffee or whatever’s next. Your eyeliner’s chillin’.
Why You Should Ditch Stress-Filled Liquid Liners (At Least During the Week)
Not everything needs to be intense. Liquid liners are ICONIC, sure, but if we’re keeping it 100, pencil liners give you that soft, diffused vibe, and honestly? They’re less likely to make your eyes look like abstract art gone wrong. Plus, let’s just admit it—nobody’s got time to wrestle with perfectly symmetric liquid cat-eyes when you’re rushing to class or running late for that 9 AM meeting.
Pencil liners are forgiving, faster, and probs won’t make you late for life. So yeah, I’m gonna say it. You should totally let them be your go-to for everyday looks.
You got all the tea now—and girl, if you haven’t already switched from liquid to pencil still… what are you doing with your LIFE?
Catch you in the next post. 💖
