Eyeliner is one of the most popular  eye makeup there is. It can make even the smallest eyes appear larger. Applying it correctly is key; you don't want the line to be too dark, harsh and obvious or you risk looking overdone. If you have to much black or brown it eventually just makes you look like a racoon and doesn't enlarge the eye at all.

You can use an eyeliner pencil, a liquid liner or an eyeliner brush dipped into a deep shadow to line eyes. If you use a pencil, set the line with eyeshadow because penciled lines tend to melt and won't stay put all day.

There are four main formulas available on the market: each produces a different effect.

Depending on its texture, eyeliner can be softly smudged or clearly defined. There are four main formulas available on the market: each produces a different effect.

Liquid eyeliner  is an opaque liquid that usually comes in a small bottle and is applied with a tiny brush or felt applicator. It creates a sharp, precise line.

Powder-based pencil  is eyeliner in a wood pencil. It is generally available in dark matte shades.

Wax based eye pencils  are softer pencils and contain waxes that ease application. They come in a wide variety of intense colours as well as paler shades such as white or beige. Wax-based eyeliners can also come in a cone or a compact with brush applicator.

Kohl eyeliner  is a soft powder available in dark matte shades. It is most often used in black to outline the eyes. It comes in pencil, pressed powder, or loose powder form.

Less commonly found is gel eye liner, , which is a softer gel liner that can be easily applied with an eyeliner brush. It can be precisely applied and is much softer than Kohl.

The safest eyeliners are made of filtered high purity synthetic iron oxide.

High Hazard Ingredients to watch out for are methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol and imidazolidinyl Urea according to www.cosmeticdatbase.com

 
To avoid spreading or picking up eye infections, do not share eyeliner pencils. Of all the eye makeup  that you use, eyeliner pencils are the most likely to touch the inner surfaces of your eyes, and the most likely to break or injure the skin and allow bacteria to enter.

It may be tempting to borrow a friend's eyeliner or eye shadow pencil but do not do it because it may cause an infection. While you are thinking about safety, you should also replace your eyeliner pencil every six months or so to prevent infection - it makes a great excuse to pick up the latest colors and styles.