Meet the make-up double agent: the latest drop of gel eyeliners are a magnificent marriage of precision and cloudy mystery, whichever way you swing.

Now here is a riddle – how does ONE eye pencil go on as sharply as a liquid liner, yet smudge just as beautifully as a kohl?

Welcome to the new age of the gel liner. Basically, the secret’s in the texture,  which means that rather than instantly be absorbed into the lid upon application it sits on top of the skin and takes time to dry, buying you some time to wield that creativity… and then stays put.

So, you can either smudge it as you wish while the product is still wet, or draw that perfect glossy line and wait for it to set dry. It’s like a liquid liner and a pencil in one! Best of all, it doesn’t bleed, due to its lightweight formula that sits like silk on the skin avoiding any cracks or it crumbly you may have experienced with felt tip liquid liners.

Who doesn’t love to draw a precision line with the option to blend? It’s the kind of hard-working super product that I love, because it suits the demands and versatility of busy women. 

Wanna know my favourites? Read on.

Sephora Collection Intense Gel Eyeliner

For those of you looking for a subtle splash of colour to bring out your eye colour, but don’t have the expertise or time to use full-contour eyeshadow, this is your ultimate score. Simply line your eye to your desired liner shape, then go in and smudge that baby for the ultimate, smoky pop of vibrancy.

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Liquid Gel Liner

For the more experienced painter this award-winning long-wearing eyeliner pot offers 12 power-packed hours of waterproof and sweat/ humidity-resistant wear. Highly pigmented, this gel formula can work for both subtle and dramatic looks that are easy to master, but won’t smudge or fade. Simply dip the tip of the Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush (sold separately) into Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner to coat both sides of the brush. Wipe off any excess on the back of your hand ( think of it as your palette), then working quickly, apply the liner in short, even strokes close to the lash line, from the inner to the outer eye corner. Smudge softly with a finger or a cotton tip for a smouldering effect, or leave to dry.

Shu Uemura lasting soft gel pencil

With just a few clicks, this Tokyo-future-scape inspired liner will draw a precise eyeliner softly and easily. The new 1.5 mm tip will clearly define your eyes and stay put with its waterproof, tear-proof and smudge-proof 12-hour formula. I love the softer shades for a sultry and eye-popping effect that can lighten up a more defined line. 

Marc Jacobs Beauty Finer Liner Ultra Skinny Gel Eye Crayon

Why this rocks: the creaminess of a gel pot eyeliner has been fused into a crayon to deliver perfect glide in a high gloss finish. I love the luxury of this long-lasting gel eyeliner, with its versatile application due to a gorgeous creaminess and super fine tip that allows the sharpest of edges – for even the most makeup challenged of us. Apply straight for flawless, precise lines, or smudge immediately after lining for an instant smokey eye. Once it sets, it’s budge-proof all day ( and night) long.

 IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

This range of gel liners are for those that love the look of a smudged liner or shadow, but can’t keep it on due to sweaty lids or creasing. Say, if your eyelid touches the liner and it transfers on the lid?! Here, however, you simply need to choose your shade (there are 10x classic shades to choose from), line and smudge. Try smudging it along the bottom lash line too or even better, in the water line for that ultimate sexy smoky look.

CREDITS

Product review/Makeup: Max May / Words: Alina B / Model: Izzy