Pencil, Kajal, Gel, Liquid or Glitter: Which Eyeliner Should You Buy?

Guide to kajal, gel, liquid and glitter eyeliner types, by The Nexa Shop

Eyeliner changes a face more than almost any other product. A thin line makes lashes look thicker, kajal on the waterline makes eyes look deeper, and a wing makes the whole look more polished. But pencil, kajal, gel, liquid, felt tip and glitter liners all behave differently, and the wrong one for your skill level or your eyelids leads to smudges by lunchtime. This guide explains each eyeliner type in plain words, which one to start with, how to draw a wing, and the eyeliners we stock, all with Cash on Delivery across Pakistan.

This guide is part of our Complete Guide to Buying Makeup in Pakistan.

The eyeliner types, explained simply

Kajal (kohl pencil). A soft, creamy black pencil made for the waterline, the inner rim of the eye. It is the classic desi look: deep, slightly smoky, and forgiving. Easy for beginners, though soft kajal can smudge on oily lids.

Gel pencil or twist-up gel stick. Creamier and more intense than a normal pencil. It glides on without tugging, can be smudged for a smoky look in the first few seconds, then sets. Twist-up versions never need sharpening. The best all-rounder for beginners.

Felt-tip liquid liner (pen). A marker-style pen with a firm tip. Easy to control, which makes it the simplest way to learn a winged line.

Brush-tip liquid liner (bottle). A pot of liquid with a fine brush in the cap. It gives the sharpest, blackest line but needs a steady hand. The choice for dramatic wings and wedding looks.

Glitter liner. A liquid with fine sparkle, worn alone or on top of black liner. Perfect for weddings, parties and Eid.

Eyeliner stickers. Pre-cut adhesive wings you stick on. No skill needed, and both eyes match perfectly.

Which eyeliner should you start with?

  • Complete beginner: a twist-up gel stick or a kajal. Both are forgiving and easy to fix.
  • Want to learn a wing: a felt-tip pen. The firm tip behaves like a marker.
  • Want the sharpest, boldest line: a brush-tip liquid liner, once you are comfortable with a pen.
  • Oily or hooded lids: a waterproof liquid liner. Pencils and kajal tend to transfer onto the upper lid in heat.
  • No time to practise before an event: eyeliner stickers.

How to draw a simple winged eyeliner

  1. Prep the lid. A little concealer or eyeshadow primer on the lid stops liner from transferring on oily skin.
  2. Find the angle. Look straight into the mirror. Imagine a line from the outer edge of your lower lash line up towards the end of your eyebrow. Your wing follows that line.
  3. Draw the flick first. Start at the outer corner and draw a short line along that angle. Keep it short; you can always extend it.
  4. Connect to the lash line. Draw a line from the tip of the flick back down to the middle of your upper lash line, then fill the gap.
  5. Line from the inner corner. Draw a thin line close to the lashes from the inner corner to meet the wing. Thin at the inner corner, thicker towards the outer corner.
  6. Clean up. Dip a cotton bud in a little makeup remover and sharpen the edge of the wing.

A quick tip: rest your elbow on the table while lining. A supported arm gives a much steadier line.

Eyeliners at The Nexa Shop, by type

Kajal and gel pencils

Liquid liners, pen and brush

Glitter, stickers and tools

Keeping eyeliner from smudging in Pakistani heat

  • Choose waterproof formulas for summer, weddings and long days.
  • Set pencil liner by pressing a matching eyeshadow over it with a small brush.
  • Keep kajal to the waterline and use a liquid on the upper lid if your lids are oily.
  • Remove waterproof liner with an oil-based remover. Rubbing with water and soap tugs the delicate skin around the eye.
  • Replace liquid liners every few months and never share eye products, to avoid eye infections.

Related guides: pairing liner with shadow? See how to use an eyeshadow palette. Finishing the eye look? Read how to shape and fill your eyebrows at home, how to choose mascara for Pakistani heat and false eyelashes for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which eyeliner is best for beginners?

A twist-up gel stick or a kajal pencil. Both are forgiving, easy to smudge into shape, and simple to fix. When you want to learn a wing, move to a felt-tip pen.

What is the difference between kajal and eyeliner?

Kajal is a soft pencil made for the waterline, the inner rim of the eye, and gives a deep, slightly smoky look. Eyeliner usually means a pencil, gel or liquid applied on the upper lid along the lashes for a sharper line.

Which eyeliner does not smudge on oily lids?

A waterproof liquid liner, such as the Miss Rose Gold Cased Waterproof, TV Parlour Divine Definer or Siheglan Dense Waterproof liner. Priming the lid first also helps.

Is liquid eyeliner safe for the waterline?

No. Liquid liner is made for the upper lid. Use a kajal or a pencil labelled for the waterline instead.

How much is a good eyeliner in Pakistan?

At The Nexa Shop eyeliners cost Rs. 199 to Rs. 399, and eyeliner stickers Rs. 119, with Cash on Delivery across Pakistan.

Shop eyeliners

Every eyeliner above is in our Makeup collection, available with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan and free delivery on orders above Rs. 1,000. Not sure between a pen and a bottle? Start with the pen, because the firm tip is easier to control.

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