Welcome to Ibcre.com, your trusted hub for all things eyeliner! As a seasoned eye makeup artist with over a decade of hands-on experience and a content creator for Ibcre, I’ve had my fair share of experimenting with countless eyeliner brands. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Mac Cosmetics Eyeliner – a staple in many professional kits and a favorite among beauty enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey into the art of defining your eyes, mastering MAC eyeliners can truly elevate your makeup game. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right product to perfecting your application.
MAC Cosmetics is renowned for its high-quality, long-lasting, and vibrant makeup products, and their eyeliner range is no exception. With a diverse selection designed to cater to every preference and skill level, MAC offers solutions for creating everything from subtle definition to dramatic winged looks. Understanding the nuances of each MAC eyeliner product is key to unlocking your full potential.
Unveiling the MAC Cosmetics Eyeliner Lineup
MAC offers a versatile array of eyeliners, each with unique characteristics and application methods. Knowing which type of MAC Cosmetics eyeliner to use for a particular look or purpose is the first step to achieving flawless results.
1. Liquid Eyeliners: For Precision and Drama
MAC’s liquid eyeliners are champions of precision. They are perfect for crafting sharp, defined lines, bold wings, and intricate designs.
- MAC Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Liner: This is a cult favorite for a reason. Its super-pigmented, ultra-fine brush tip allows for incredibly precise application, and once it sets, it truly doesn’t budge. Ideal for creating a sharp cat eye that withstands tears, sweat, and long days.
- MAC Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner: Featuring a pen-style design with a fine, tapered brush tip, this MAC Cosmetics eyeliner offers a smooth, continuous flow of product, making it excellent for beginners and experienced users alike for quick, effortless lining.
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Our Picks for the Best Eye Liner in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, Packaging May Vary, 203 Brown, 0.01 oz (Pack of 2) |
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| 2 | Rev Clrstay Eyelnr Blk Vi Size .01 O Revlon Colorstay Eye Liner 1697-12 Black Violet 0.01oz |
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| 3 | Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil, Black [201], 0.01 oz (Pack of 12) |
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| 4 | REVLON ColorStay Multiplayer Liquid-Glide Eye Pencil, Multi-Use Makeup With Blending Brush, Blends Then Sets, Creamy Texture, Waterproof, Smudge-proof, Longwearing, 401 Checkmate, 0.03 Oz |
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| 5 | NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - Black, Vegan Formula |
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| 6 | Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, 202 Black Brown, 2 pack |
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| 7 | REVLON Pencil Eyeliner, ColorStay Eye Makeup with Built-in Sharpener, Waterproof, Smudgeproof, Longwearing with Ultra-Fine Tip, Black Brown, 0.01 Oz |
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| 8 | Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, 202 Black Brown, 0.01 oz |
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| 9 | Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, 201 Black, 2 pack |
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| 10 | Foldable Eyeliner Stamp, Eye Liner Pen Tool for Beginners, 2026 Eyeliner Pencil Set for Perfect Wings (Black) |
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2. Gel and Pot Eyeliners: Smooth Glide and Intense Color
Gel eyeliners, typically housed in a pot, offer a creamy texture that glides on smoothly, providing intense color payoff and excellent control. They require a separate brush for application.
- MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline: This iconic MAC Cosmetics eyeliner is a gel formula that delivers rich color and a long-wearing, smudge-proof finish. It’s incredibly versatile for tight-lining, creating smoky effects, or sharp wings. The consistency makes it easy to work with, offering a bit more playtime before it sets compared to liquid liners.
3. Pencil Eyeliners: Versatility for Every Look
Pencil eyeliners are perhaps the most user-friendly and versatile, perfect for smudging, defining the waterline, or creating a softer look.
- MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil: Known for its rich, smoky color and soft texture, this pencil is perfect for smudging out for a rock-and-roll vibe or for lining the waterline for added intensity.
- MAC Technakohl Liner: This automatic pencil eyeliner offers a precise application with a smooth, gel-like texture. It’s waterproof and long-wearing, making it a great all-rounder for various looks, from a crisp line to a slightly smudged effect.
- MAC Eye Kohl: A traditional kohl pencil with a creamy, rich formula ideal for defining the lash line and blending for a softer, diffused look. It’s also fantastic for the waterline.
Mastering MAC Cosmetics Eyeliner for Every Eye Shape
The secret to a stunning eyeliner look lies in understanding your eye shape and tailoring your technique. No matter if you have monolid, hooded, round, or almond eyes, there’s a MAC Cosmetics eyeliner technique for you.
1. Monolid Eyes
- Technique: For monolid eyes, where there isn’t a visible crease, focus on creating a thicker line directly above the lash line. When your eyes are open, only the top part of the line might be visible, so make it substantial enough to show. A winged liner can extend outwards and slightly upwards.
- Product Recommendation: MAC Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner or MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline with an angled brush for a crisp, bold line that opens up the eye.
2. Hooded Eyes
- Technique: The key here is to keep the line thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken it as you move outwards. A “bat wing” technique, where the wing is drawn with your eye open to ensure it’s visible above the hood, can be very effective. Fill in the space when your eye is closed. Tight-lining with a MAC Cosmetics eyeliner is also crucial to define the lash line without taking up too much lid space.
- Product Recommendation: MAC Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Liner for ultimate precision and longevity, or MAC Technakohl Liner for tight-lining.
3. Round Eyes
- Technique: To elongate round eyes, focus on extending the eyeliner horizontally. Start a thin line from the inner corner, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner, and create a slightly extended wing that points straight out rather than upwards. This creates an almond-like illusion.
- Product Recommendation: MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline for a smooth, elongated line, or MAC Technakohl Liner for easy blending and extension.
4. Almond Eyes
- Technique: Almond eyes are incredibly versatile and can pull off almost any eyeliner style. A classic thin line along the lash line that slightly thickens at the outer corner, with a subtle flick, enhances their natural shape beautifully. You can also experiment with bolder wings.
- Product Recommendation: Almost any MAC Cosmetics eyeliner works here! MAC Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Liner for sharp wings, or MAC Eye Kohl for a softer, smudged look.
Choosing the Right MAC Eyeliner Color for Your Skin Tone and Style
While black is the classic choice, MAC Cosmetics eyeliners come in a spectrum of colors that can transform your look.
- Classic Black (e.g., Blacktrack Fluidline): Universally flattering, perfect for everyday definition, dramatic smoky eyes, or bold wings.
- Browns (e.g., Dipdown Fluidline): Softer than black, ideal for a more natural look, especially for those with fair skin or lighter hair. It provides definition without being too harsh.
- Navy or Deep Plum: These shades can make the whites of your eyes appear brighter and are a fantastic alternative to black for adding a subtle pop of color and sophistication.
- Metallics (e.g., shades in Technakohl Liner): Gold, bronze, or silver can add a festive touch or highlight the eyes, especially when layered over a black liner or used on the inner corner.
“Choosing the right eyeliner shade is like selecting the perfect accessory for your outfit,” says fashion and beauty expert, Isabella Ramirez. “A well-chosen MAC Cosmetics eyeliner color can enhance your natural features and complement your overall style, bringing out the best in your eyes.”
Top Tips for Long-Lasting MAC Eyeliner
You’ve mastered the application, but how do you ensure your MAC Cosmetics eyeliner stays put all day?
- Prep Your Lids: Always start with a clean, dry eyelid. Applying an eye primer (like MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base) creates a smooth canvas and helps your eyeliner adhere better.
- Set with Shadow: After applying your liquid or gel MAC Cosmetics eyeliner, lightly dab a matching eyeshadow over it. This “sets” the liner, preventing smudging and increasing longevity. For pencils, you can also gently pat a translucent setting powder over the line.
- Waterline Wisdom: For waterline application, ensure the area is dry. You can gently blot with a cotton swab. Use a long-wearing, waterproof MAC Cosmetics eyeliner designed for the waterline, like MAC Technakohl Liner.
- Avoid Excessive Rubbing: Be mindful of touching or rubbing your eyes throughout the day.
Common MAC Eyeliner Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even the pros make mistakes! Here are some common eyeliner blunders and how to correct them with your MAC Cosmetics eyeliner.
- Uneven Wings: This is a classic! If one wing is higher or longer than the other, don’t panic. Dip a small, flat brush into micellar water or makeup remover and gently clean up the edges. You can also use a small piece of tape to create a crisp, symmetrical line.
- Smudged Line: If your liner smudges while applying, use a cotton swab dipped in remover to clean it up before it dries completely. If it smudges later in the day, try setting it with eyeshadow next time.
- Too Thick a Line: If your line ends up thicker than intended, you can try to refine it with a bit of concealer on a flat brush around the edges. For liquid liner, it’s sometimes best to remove and restart for a cleaner look.
- Gap Between Liner and Lashes (The “Gap-osis”): This happens when you don’t get the liner close enough to your lash line. To fix it, gently lift your eyelid and tight-line the upper waterline with a MAC Cosmetics eyeliner pencil to fill the gap.
Essential Tools for Your MAC Eyeliner Kit Checklist
To get the most out of your MAC Cosmetics eyeliner collection, having the right tools is essential:
- Angled Eyeliner Brush (e.g., MAC 266S Small Angle Brush): Indispensable for gel eyeliners and for creating sharp wings with liquid liners.
- Fine-Tip Eyeliner Brush (e.g., MAC 210 Precise Eyeliner Brush): Excellent for intricate details and very thin lines with gel or liquid formulas.
- Smudger Brush (e.g., MAC 219S Pencil Brush): Perfect for diffusing pencil or gel liner for a smoky effect.
- Eyelash Curler: Curls lashes away from the lid, giving you more space to apply eyeliner.
- Cotton Swabs & Micellar Water: Your best friends for quick clean-ups and corrections.
- Eye Primer (MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base): Essential for longevity and smooth application.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAC Cosmetics Eyeliner
Q1: What is the best MAC Cosmetics eyeliner for beginners?
A1: For beginners, the MAC Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner (pen-style) is highly recommended due to its easy-to-use felt tip and smooth application. MAC Technakohl Liner pencils are also great for their blendability and forgiving nature.
Q2: Is MAC Liquidlast Liner truly waterproof?
A2: Yes, MAC Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Liner is renowned for its exceptional waterproof and smudge-proof properties. Once it sets, it is extremely durable and can withstand humidity, sweat, and water.
Q3: Can I use MAC Fluidline on my waterline?
A3: While MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline is long-wearing, it is not specifically designed for the waterline. For waterline application, it’s generally better to use a pencil eyeliner like MAC Technakohl Liner or MAC Eye Kohl, which are formulated to be safe and comfortable for the inner rim of the eye.
Q4: How do I prevent my MAC eyeliner from smudging under my eyes?
A4: To prevent smudging, ensure your under-eye area is prepped with a light layer of setting powder. For your top lash line, use a long-wearing, waterproof MAC Cosmetics eyeliner and set it with a matching eyeshadow. Avoiding heavy moisturizers directly under the eyes can also help.
Q5: What’s the difference between MAC Kohl Power and MAC Eye Kohl?
A5: MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil generally offers a more intense, darker pigment and is often designed for a rich, smoky effect. MAC Eye Kohl is a traditional, creamy kohl pencil that is also highly pigmented but might be slightly softer and more easily blendable for a diffused look. Both are excellent for the waterline and smudging.
Q6: How long do MAC pot eyeliners like Fluidline last once opened?
A6: MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline typically has a shelf life of around 6 months after opening. It’s important to keep the pot tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out, and always use a clean brush to maintain product hygiene.
Conclusion
The world of MAC Cosmetics eyeliner is rich with options, offering something for every skill level, eye shape, and desired aesthetic. From the razor-sharp precision of Liquidlast to the creamy versatility of Fluidline and the user-friendly glide of Technakohl pencils, MAC empowers you to define, enhance, and express your unique style. Remember to prep your eyelids, choose the right product for your intended look, and don’t be afraid to experiment with color. With these expert tips and a little practice, your MAC Cosmetics eyeliner will become your secret weapon for captivating eye looks that last. Now go forth, create, and let your eyes do the talking!
