Best Eyeliner for Men: How to Choose and Rock the Look

The Complete Guide to Eyeliner for Men: How to Choose, Apply, and Rock the Look with Confidence

Men's makeup is no longer taboo—it's mainstream, celebrated, and incredibly practical. Eyeliner, once considered strictly feminine, has become a powerful tool for men to enhance their features, express creativity, and project confidence. From subtle definition to bold artistic statements, eyeliner offers versatility that complements any style.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about eyeliner for men: choosing the right type, mastering application techniques, finding your signature look, and wearing it with confidence. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this is your ultimate resource for rocking eyeliner unapologetically.

---

Why Men Are Embracing Eyeliner

Breaking the Gender Barrier

Makeup has no gender. Throughout history and across cultures, men have worn cosmetics—from ancient Egypt to punk rock. Today's movement toward gender-neutral beauty simply reclaims this truth.

The Benefits of Eyeliner for Men

• Enhances eye shape: Defines and accentuates your natural eye structure
• Makes eyes appear larger: Strategic application creates the illusion of bigger, more expressive eyes
• Adds intensity: Makes your gaze more striking and memorable
• Covers imperfections: Hides uneven eyelids or lash gaps
• Creative expression: Allows artistic freedom and personal style
• Professional polish: Subtle liner enhances on-camera appearance
• Confidence boost: Looking good translates to feeling good

Who Wears Eyeliner?

• Celebrities: Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, Machine Gun Kelly, Jared Leto
• Musicians: Rock, punk, K-pop artists
• Actors: For red carpets and personal style
• Fashion icons: Runway models and designers
• Everyday men: Professionals, students, anyone who wants to

---

Types of Eyeliner: Complete Breakdown

1. Pencil Eyeliner

What It Is

Traditional pencil format—twist-up or sharpenable. Most beginner-friendly option.

Pros:

• Easy to control and apply
• Forgiving for mistakes (smudgeable)
• Great for tight lining
• Buildable intensity
• Portable and convenient
• Perfect for beginners

Cons:

• Can tug on delicate eye skin
• Less precise than liquid
• May smudge throughout day
• Needs sharpening (traditional pencils)

Best For:

Beginners, natural/smudged looks, tight lining, quick application

Application Tips:

• Warm pencil on hand first (softer application)
• Use short, light strokes
• Smudge immediately with finger for softer look
• Set with matching powder eyeshadow for longevity

2. Gel Eyeliner

What It Is

Cream-gel formula in a pot, applied with brush. Combines precision of liquid with forgiveness of pencil.

Pros:

• Extremely pigmented
• Long-lasting and waterproof
• Smudge-proof once set
• Precise application with right brush
• Versatile (thin or thick lines)
• Buildable intensity

Cons:

• Requires separate brush
• Learning curve for application
• Can dry out in pot
• Sets quickly (less time to blend)
• More expensive than pencil

Best For:

Intermediate users, dramatic looks, long wear time, waterline application

Application Tips:

• Use angled eyeliner brush (easier control)
• Wipe excess product off brush
• Work in thin layers (buildable)
• Set lid with powder before applying
• Clean brush after each use

3. Liquid Eyeliner

What It Is

Liquid formula with fine-tip applicator (brush or felt tip). Most precise option.

Pros:

• Sharpest, most defined lines
• Intense, opaque color
• Long-lasting wear
• Best for winged/cat eye looks
• Doesn't smudge once dry
• Water-resistant formulas available

Cons:

• Steepest learning curve
• Unforgiving of mistakes
• Can be harsh for natural looks
• Takes practice to master
• Dries quickly (can't blend)

Best For:

Experienced users, bold/dramatic looks, winged liner, precise definition

Application Tips:

• Rest elbow on surface for stability
• Use small strokes, don't draw one long line
• Start thin, build thickness gradually
• Keep Q-tip with micellar water nearby for fixes
• Felt tip easier than brush for beginners

4. Kohl/Kajal Liner

What It Is

Ultra-soft, creamy pencil traditionally used on waterline. Ancient formula from Middle East/South Asia.

Pros:

• Softest, creamiest texture
• Effortless application
• Perfect for waterline
• Naturally smudgy finish
• Enriched with nourishing ingredients

Cons:

• Smudges easily (transfers to lower lid)
• Less precise than other types
• Needs frequent touch-ups
• Not ideal for sharp lines

Best For:

Smudged, smokey looks; waterline application; dramatic Middle Eastern-inspired looks

Quick Comparison Table

Type	Difficulty	Precision	Longevity	Best Use
Pencil	Easy	Medium	Medium	Beginners, daily wear
Gel	Medium	High	High	Dramatic, long-wear
Liquid	Hard	Very High	Very High	Winged, precise lines
Kohl	Easy	Low	Low	Smudged, waterline

---

Choosing the Right Eyeliner Color

Black

Effect: Most dramatic, defines strongly, makes eyes pop

Best for: Bold looks, evening wear, dark eyes, creating intensity

Skin tones: Universally flattering, especially stunning on deeper skin

Brown

Effect: Softer than black, natural definition, warm

Best for: Daytime wear, natural looks, lighter eyes, warm skin tones

Skin tones: Especially flattering on fair to medium skin with warm undertones

Navy/Dark Blue

Effect: Subtle alternative to black, brightens whites of eyes

Best for: Blue/green eyes (makes them pop), modern take on black

Skin tones: All, particularly striking on lighter skin

Gray/Charcoal

Effect: Softer than black, sophisticated, modern

Best for: Professional settings, mature looks, gray/blue eyes

Skin tones: Flattering on fair to medium skin with cool undertones

White/Nude

Effect: Makes eyes appear larger and more awake

Best for: Waterline (inner rim), highlighting, creating illusion of bigger eyes

Not visible from distance: Subtle enhancement

Colored (Green, Purple, Blue, etc.)

Effect: Artistic, bold, creative expression

Best for: Fashion-forward looks, special occasions, artistic styles

Tip: Use complementary colors to make eyes pop (purple for green eyes, green for brown eyes)

Recommendation by Experience Level:

• Beginners: Start with brown or dark gray (more forgiving)
• Intermediate: Graduate to black for intensity
• Advanced: Experiment with colors and creative looks

---

Essential Application Techniques

Tight Lining (Most Natural Look)

What It Is:

Lining between your lashes, not on the lid. Creates the illusion of fuller, darker lashes without obvious liner.

How To:

1. Look down into a mirror placed below eye level
2. Gently lift upper lid
3. Using waterproof pencil or gel, dot liner between individual lashes
4. Fill in entire lash line this way
5. No visible line on lid—just fuller-looking lashes

Best For:

Beginners, professional settings, natural enhancement, men who want definition without obvious makeup

Upper Lash Line (Classic Look)

How To:

1. Start from inner corner (or 1/3 in if going for natural)
2. Stay close to lash line
3. Use short, connecting strokes (easier than one long line)
4. Gradually build thickness from inner to outer corner
5. Thickest point should be outer third of eye
6. Don't extend past outer corner for natural look

Lower Lash Line

How To:

1. Start from outer corner
2. Line outer 1/3 to 1/2 of lower lash line only (full lower line can make eyes look smaller)
3. Use softer color than upper (brown if top is black)
4. Smudge with finger or brush for softer effect
5. Connect to upper liner at outer corner (optional)

Waterline (Inner Rim)

Upper Waterline:

Black or dark liner makes eyes look more intense and dramatic. Pull down lower lid, look up, apply to inner rim of upper lid.

Lower Waterline:

• Dark liner (black/brown): Dramatic, sultry look. Can make eyes appear smaller.
• White/nude liner: Makes eyes appear larger and more awake. Great for tired-looking eyes.

How To:

1. Use waterproof kohl or gel liner
2. Gently pull down lower lid
3. Look up for lower waterline
4. Apply liner to wet inner rim (feels weird at first—you'll get used to it)
5. Blink several times to distribute

Winged/Cat Eye (Bold Look)

How To:

1. Line upper lash line as normal
2. At outer corner, draw small line angling upward toward end of eyebrow
3. Connect tip of wing back to liner on lash line, creating triangle
4. Fill in triangle
5. Adjust length and angle to preference

Tips:

• Start with small wing—you can always make it longer
• Use tape as guide (place at angle from outer corner toward temple)
• Both wings should match in length and angle
• Requires practice—don't give up!

Smudged/Smokey Look

How To:

1. Apply pencil or kohl liner generously to upper and lower lash lines
2. Immediately smudge with finger, cotton swab, or smudge brush
3. Blur line upward and outward
4. Add dark eyeshadow on top and blend for extra smokiness
5. Imperfect is perfect—intentionally messy

---

Step-by-Step Application Guide for Beginners

What You'll Need:

• Brown or dark gray pencil eyeliner (beginner-friendly)
• Mirror (preferably magnifying)
• Q-tips
• Micellar water or makeup remover (for mistakes)
• Good lighting

The Process:

Step 1: Prep Your Eyes

• Clean skin, no oily residue
• Apply eye cream and let absorb (10 minutes prior)
• Set eyelids with translucent powder (prevents smudging)

Step 2: Practice Without Product

• Hold liner, get comfortable with grip
• Practice motion without actually applying
• Identify where you want line to go

Step 3: Start with Tight Lining

• Easiest place to start
• Look down, lift upper lid
• Dot between lashes
• Builds confidence

Step 4: Upper Lash Line

• Start from middle of eye (easier than inner corner)
• Short, light strokes along lash line
• Stay close to lashes
• Keep line thin
• Extend to outer corner
• Go back and fill in inner corner

Step 5: Check Symmetry

• Open eyes, look straight ahead
• Check if both eyes look similar
• Adjust as needed
• Doesn't have to be perfect—close enough!

Step 6: Clean Up Mistakes

• Dip Q-tip in micellar water
• Gently clean up any smudges or uneven areas
• Sharp Q-tip can create sharp edges

Step 7: Set (Optional but Recommended)

• Dust matching dark eyeshadow over liner with small brush
• Sets liner, prevents smudging, intensifies color

---

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Line Too Thick

Problem: Overwhelms eye, looks heavy

Solution: Start thin, build gradually. Less is more, especially for beginners.

2. Uneven Lines

Problem: One eye looks different from the other

Solution: Do small sections on both eyes alternately, rather than completing one eye fully first. Use reference points (middle of pupil, outer corner).

3. Tugging on Eyelid

Problem: Causes irritation, premature wrinkles, uneven application

Solution: Pull from brow bone or cheekbone instead. Use firmer pencil that doesn't require pressure.

4. Wrong Formula for Skin Type

Problem: Oily lids cause smudging; dry lids cause skipping

Solution: Oily lids need waterproof gel or liquid; dry lids work with creamy pencil. Always prime lids.

5. Harsh, Unblended Lower Line

Problem: Looks stark and unnatural

Solution: Always smudge lower liner. Use softer color. Only line outer half.

6. Not Setting Liner

Problem: Smudges, transfers to upper lid (panda eyes)

Solution: Set with matching eyeshadow. Use waterproof formulas. Prime lids first.

7. Skipping Cleanup

Problem: Messy, unprofessional appearance

Solution: Keep Q-tips and micellar water handy. Clean as you go.

---

Eyeliner Looks for Men: Style Guide

The Natural Enhancement (Beginner-Friendly)

Look: Subtle definition, barely noticeable

How: Brown tight line + thin upper lash line, stop at outer corner

Best for: Professional settings, first-timers, daily wear

The Classic Rock (Intermediate)

Look: Black upper and lower liner, slightly smudged

How: Black pencil on upper and lower lash lines, smudge lower

Best for: Concerts, casual outings, making a statement

The Smokey Eye (Intermediate-Advanced)

Look: Dramatic, sultry, intentionally messy

How: Heavy black kohl on upper and lower, smudge aggressively, add dark shadow

Best for: Night out, parties, artistic expression

The Cat Eye/Wing (Advanced)

Look: Bold, sharp, striking

How: Liquid liner with extended wing at outer corner

Best for: Fashion events, photoshoots, confident statement

The Editorial/Artistic (Advanced)

Look: Creative, boundary-pushing, colorful

How: Colored liners, graphic shapes, negative space

Best for: Fashion-forward individuals, creative industries, self-expression

---

Product Recommendations for Men

Best for Beginners:

• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: Creamy, easy to apply, long-lasting
• MAC Technakohl Liner: Versatile, comes in many shades
• NYX Professional Makeup Slide On Pencil: Budget-friendly, great quality

Best Gel Liner:

• Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner: Affordable, long-wearing
• MAC Fluidline: Industry favorite, highly pigmented
• Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel: Smudge-proof, waterproof

Best Liquid Liner:

• Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner: Precise felt tip, long-wearing
• KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner: Cult favorite, intense black
• NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner: Budget option, great performance

Best Kohl:

• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero: Waterline-safe, intense black
• Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon: Creamy, pigmented

---

Wearing Eyeliner with Confidence

Start Small

• Begin with subtle looks at home
• Practice before going out
• Build up to bolder looks gradually
• Tight lining is invisible but effective

Own It

• Confidence is key—wear it like you mean it
• Don't apologize or explain (unless asked)
• Your face, your rules
• Those who matter won't judge; those who judge don't matter

Ignore Negativity

• Some people have outdated views—that's their problem
• Surround yourself with supportive people
• Remember: countless successful men wear makeup
• Style is personal—yours is valid

Join the Community

• Follow male makeup artists on social media
• YouTube has extensive tutorials
• Reddit communities offer advice and support
• Makeup stores have male-friendly staff

---

Maintenance and Care

Removing Eyeliner

• Never sleep in liner: Can cause irritation, styes, infections
• Use oil-based remover: Especially for waterproof formulas
• Be gentle: Don't tug or rub aggressively
• Soak cotton pad: Hold on closed eye for 10-15 seconds, then wipe
• Double cleanse: Follow up with gentle cleanser

Eye Health

• Don't share liners: Prevents infection transmission
• Replace regularly: Pencils every 12 months, liquid every 3-6 months
• Keep applicators clean: Especially for gel liner brushes
• Avoid if eye infection: Don't use liner during pink eye or styes
• Test for allergies: Patch test new products on inner arm

Storage

• Store in cool, dry place
• Cap tightly to prevent drying
• Keep pencils sharpened (bacteria accumulates on tips)
• Gel liners: close lid tightly, can add drop of Duraline if drying out

---

Key Takeaways

• Eyeliner is for everyone: Gender-neutral tool for enhancement and expression
• Start with pencil: Most beginner-friendly, forgiving
• Brown before black: Softer, more natural for learning
• Tight line first: Easiest technique, most natural result
• Practice makes perfect: Don't expect perfection on day one
• Set your liner: Prevents smudging, extends wear
• Less is more initially: Build up gradually
• Confidence is key: Own your look unapologetically
• Proper removal essential: Protect eye health
• Have fun: It's just makeup—experiment and enjoy!

Eyeliner is a powerful tool for self-expression, enhancement, and confidence. Whether you prefer subtle definition or bold artistic statements, there's a technique and style that works for you. Start with the basics, practice consistently, and most importantly—wear what makes YOU feel good.

Ready to elevate your grooming routine? Check out our complete men's grooming guide for more tips and techniques.