Kohl Vs. Pencil Eyeliner: What Are The Differences & Benefits Of Each?

Watch any makeup tutorial or closely observe runway looks — just what is it that makes the eyes stand out? You guessed it: eyeliner. Even when you opt for a natural look and forego eyeshadow, eyeliners are usually makeup staples. From gel liners to cream liners and liquid liners to pencil liners — and more — it can be hard to pick the right one. Adding to the confusion, there's a noticeable difference between kohl liners and pencil liners, and many people find it hard to differentiate between the two. 

As a cosmetic ingredient, kohl has its roots in the Arabic world. Used to define the eyes and defend against evil spirits, kohl is still prominent in the Middle East. However, pure kohl cosmetics are banned in the United States due to health risks. "Kohl is a mineral that's never been FDA approved for cosmetics, because the way it's mined means it always contains lead," cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson told Allure. So, when you see kohl eyeliner pencils in the States, you can rest assured that they are, in fact, not kohl at all. Instead, they emulate the effect of traditional kohl eyeliner. While Wilson believes that products marketed as kohl are actually no different from traditional eye pencils, other beauty experts believe they are creamier in texture and also have a darker, more intense result. If you're trying to create a sultry smokey eye, kohl eyeliner is often a great choice. However, being slightly easier to control and resulting in a harder, cleaner line, the more precise eye pencils have their benefits, too. 

Kohl eyeliner is shaped like a pencil eyeliner, but its formulation is a little different. A kohl eyeliner is typically softer than a regular pencil eyeliner and has a crayon-like feel that allows you to better manipulate it. It also allows you to create a smudged effect, which is perfect if you want to make smokey eyes work for the spring and summer seasons that are just around the corner! Unlike regular pencil eyeliners, kohl eyeliner pens have inkier, darker hues, and their rich pigmentation is reminiscent of the original kohl products used in Middle Eastern cultures. As mentioned, modern kohl products in the United States are harmless, and many even include organic ingredients that nurture the eyes.

On the other hand, regular pencil liners aren't as soft, and they create more clearly defined lines. Modern-day eyeliner pencils have come a long way since their invention, which is often attributed to the cosmetics businessman Eugène Rimmel in the late 1800s, per The Beauty Gypsy. In the last 100 years of eyeliner, the beauty world has witnessed the transformation of the humble pencil eyeliner into several shades, colors, and glitters to suit the unique style of every makeup enthusiast. 

Both kohl and standard pencil eyeliners accentuate your eyes and complete your makeup routine. Ultimately, which one you use really comes down to your personal preferences and the look you want to create. Kohl will give you a smudgy effect, while pencil eyeliner will give you the perfect defined cat-eye look or winged appeal. If you are looking for precision, pencil eyeliner works best. If you're looking for intense pigmentation and a dramatic effect à la Cleopatra, kohl is your go-to option. If you want casual, all-day makeup, then the regular pencil is preferable as it tends to last longer than the inkier kohl formula.

Another thing to note is that kohl eyeliner can color the waterline of your eyes better due to its waterproof formula. Regular pencils, however, are not as waterproof and thus not optimal to be used inside the eye where moisture will likely ruin the desired effect. As such, if you have oily lids, kohl might be better to ensure your eyeliner stays put. On the other hand, pencils are excellent for beginners. They're easy to handle, won't smudge, and are perfect if you don't have super steady hands.