Top Urban Decay Eyeliner Ideas: How To Choose The Best Eyeliner For You
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- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner
- Zero
- Perversion
- Smokeout
- Uzi
- Whiskey
- Mainline
- Torch
- Overdrive
- Rockstar
- 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil
- Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eyeliner Pen
- Kajal Eye Pencil
- Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner
- Top Urban Decay Eyeliner FAQs
- Need More Eye Makeup Recommendations?
- Recommended Reads:
Urban Decay is a cosmetics brand that’s best known for its intense pigments and funky branding. This brand is only becoming more popular; recently, their revenue increased by 7%.
While Urban Decay is renowned for many different eye products, such as their eyeshadows, they’re especially renowned for their eyeliners. I can’t go over every color here, but here are the eyeliners they offer as well as looks to do with some of the different colors.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner
Their 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are also a cult favorite. Their eye pencils are available in just about every color under the sun, they’re highly pigmented, and stay on for an extremely long time. If you want to experiment with eyeliner, we highly suggest trying Urban Decay eyeliner. Here’s a guide to the different colors and the looks you can do.
Vibrant, high-impact color in 5 finishes: metallic, matte, shimmer, glitter, and satin. High-performance, longwear formula: Up to 16 hours wear time, waterproof, and smudge-proof.
Zero
Zero is the quintessential color that most people choose. It’s a simple black, perfect if you want a standard black eyeliner. Zero is great because it has a gel-like look, even though it’s a pencil eyeliner. It applies very easily and you don’t need a heavy hand to apply it. This eyeliner is also safe enough to wear on your bottom lid. Because of this, you can do several different looks with this eyeliner.
This eyeliner is also good if you like the liquid eyeliner look but aren’t skilled with liquid liner yet. However, I would also recommend the color Perversion more for this look (we’ll cover Perversion next).
Ideas
As stated previously, a simple eyeliner look is all you need when wearing Zero. This girl here has eyeliner on the top and lower lashes, making her eyes pop but is also nothing too extravagant.
This look is perfect if you want to take simple eyeliner to the next level. The eyes are lined with liner at the bottom, the lids have a beautiful peachy gold shade, and fake lashes finish off this look perfectly.
Perversion
Perversion takes Zero to different heights. This color is the blackest black you will find in any eyeliner. It’s completely matte. In addition, the intense black pigment makes this eyeliner look and feel like liquid eyeliner. Because it’s in a pencil, it’s easy to apply and do other looks such as the cat-eye.
Many people also love Perversion because it stays on all day, like a liquid liner. But the formula is very creamy, so you can smudge it if you want. This makes Perversion the perfect eyeliner for all of your black-lined eyes look. I personally love both Perversion and Zero, but I use Perversion more. I also use liquid liner more than pencil liner for my top lash, but Perversion is my go-to if I don’t feel like using the liquid liner.
Keep in mind, while these eye pencils are promoted as waterproof, I’ve never experienced any waterproof benefits. They may smudge if you have oily skin or are sweating.
Ideas
With Perversion, don’t be afraid to get creative! Instagram user @baby_succubuz created this incredible look, doing an intense cat eye with Urban Decay’s Perversion eyeliner. The pencil shows up even when used with the intense pink and purple colors, resulting in an eye-popping (pun intended) look!
But you can still use Perversion as a simple eyeliner pencil. Instagram user @aanchalbeautyy lines her lower lid with Perversion while using sunset-like colored eyeshadow and fake lashes to warm up her eyes.
Smokeout
Not sure if you want black or brown eyeliner? Choose Smokeout! Smokeout is the perfect super dark brown that borders on black. I actually received this color as a sample.
I honestly have several Urban Decay eyeliner colors, but they’re all at my boyfriend’s apartment in Montreal (yes I leave makeup there when I visit him so I don’t have to pack any). Smokeout is the only UD eyeliner I have at my place now. I swatched it so you can see what the color looks like.
Keep in mind, Urban Decay also has an eyeliner called Smoke. This is different than Smokeout; Smoke is more of a gray color.
Ideas
I couldn’t find any inspiration online, I guess this eyeliner isn’t super popular. But I just use this liner for casual looks. If I want some eyeliner but am not looking for anything extravagant, I just use Smokeout. I apply it close to my top lash line, on my waterline, and a little on my bottom lash line. I never extend my liner too far into the inner corner; I end slightly past where my natural lash line ends.
Uzi
This is one of my all-time favorite Urban Decay eyeliner colors and one that I don’t use enough. The color is so unique; it’s a soft black with silver shimmer. But the silver glitter really stands out, giving your eyes a flashy, metallic look.
Again, this is a great color if you want something other than black. But unlike a lot of the colors I mentioned, this one stands out on its own. That’s why I tend to make this color the centerpiece, as you will see in my ideas section.
Ideas
Shockingly, I can’t find any tutorials with this eyeliner look, except for this image by Instagrammer @tasha_etheral7. But the way she used Uzi is the way I would use it. As you can see, Uzi stands out on its own, so there’s not much else you need to do.
I line Uzi on my upper and lower lash line, usually using a neutral base like white to accentuate the color. I will usually match Uzi with a gray on my crease, sometimes a light silvery gray and other times a darker gray, depending on where I’m going.
Whiskey
Are you not a fan of black eyeliner? If you prefer brown, Urban Decay definitely has a color for you.
Whiskey is one of their highest-rated brown colors. It has a rich brown color and is very matte, perfect as an everyday shade. Not only that, but it’s very pigmented. Whiskey is ideal if you want to do a smudged look or even wear it as an eyeshadow.
Ideas
YouTuber COCOBEAUTEA has the perfect look with Urban Decay’s Whiskey eyeliner. She does a gorgeous soft yet glowing eyeliner look and uses Whiskey on her lower lash line. Whiskey plus her beautiful and natural-looking eyeshadow accentuates her eyes but isn’t too dramatic. The rich brown color of Whiskey looks perfect with the neutral eyeshadows she chooses for this look.
Mainline
This is actually a color I’ve never used, but other beauty bloggers are raving about this color. Looking more at this color, I can see why. It’s a medium-to-dark blue, but the blue is almost muted. It’s matte and is perfect if you want a subtle pop of color.
Since this is a darker color, it will line and define your eyes flawlessly. It’s a great color too apply to your upper and lower lash lines if you want to wear something different than black.
Ideas
Instagrammer @aileron_beauty created the prettiest look with the Mainline eyeliner. She uses this warm, pinky shade as the shadow and lines her eyes slightly with Mainline. And the color especially looks beautiful with her blue/green eyes! This is definitely the perfect color for subtle looks that feature a pop of color.
Of course, you can do a full intense blue with Mainline! I love the look that Instagrammer @alyonza did. She lines her top and bottom lid with Mainline and features a lovely, metallic teal on her lids with a deeper blue smoke on her outer lids. It makes her blue eyes stand out even more.
You can also use Mainline for a smoky look. That’s what YouTuber Sona Gasparian did. For this look, she combined Mainline with several different other Urban Decay eyeliner shades for a unique yet pretty blue/gray smoky eye look.
Torch
I never saw this color, but a part of me wants to go out on a whim and buy this color. It’s a unique copper/red shade. While it’s a matte color, it has a wet look. Looking at the swatches online, the color looks intensely pigmented. I can see this being a pretty color on the upper lash line or smudging it for a warm, sunset look.
Ideas
I love this look that YouTuber Samantha Schuerman did with this liner and with the UD liner, Alkaline. She also used the Urban Decay Heat palette to create this stunning, fiery eyeshadow look.
She combined Torch and Alkaline, using Alkaline on the outer corner of her eye and Torch on the inner corner. I never thought to do that, which added an extra pop of color to her eyes.
Overdrive
Overdrive is a deep green with a shiny sheen. Looking at the swatches, this color is very pigmented but you also see the beautiful shine. I can see this color would look great with green eyes as well as golden brown and hazel eyes.
Ideas
Instagrammer @ashlynn_moraless does a cute yet simple look. She wears Overdrive on her waterline with gold eyeshadow and black eyeliner on her upper lash line. This look is easy but makes her brown eyes pop!
You can also do a full-on green eyeshadow look with this color. Instagrammer @alexandradeadlynightshade uses Overdrive on her lower lash line but also uses sparkly green eyeshadow on her upper lid. This is the perfect look if you want to play with green eye makeup!
Rockstar
Like I said, my Urban Decay eyeliners are at my boyfriend’s apartment so I can’t remember the exact purple I have, but I think it’s Rockstar. Either way, the purple I have is one of my absolute favorites. The color is technically described as “plum” (it looks purple to me) and is a very warm, shiny color. From my experience, it adds some color to your eyes in a very subtle way.
My eye color is brown/light brown/hazel (they change colors) so purple is definitely one of my go-to’s. This shade makes my eyes pop but is dark enough so the color isn’t too loud. I don’t usually wear super bright eyeshadow colors, so that’s fine for me.
Like some of the other eyeliners I mentioned, this is also a great color if you’re just looking for something other than black. When applying it to your waterline, it will define your eyes without making them look too bright.
Ideas
Now, this video features a ton of different eye looks, but the look featuring Rockstar is the first one. The Zoe Report featured an Urban Decay makeup artist on this episode, and the look he did is similar to one that I usually do with this liner.
It’s a very subtle purple look, with a creamy white as the base and mauve/purple in the crease and outer corner. I usually always use a creamy white as the base to accentuate the lovely purple of the liner. Depending on where I’m going, I will usually use an accent color in my crease.
I would also recommend experimenting with other colors for this look. One of my favorite Urban Decay colors is Flame from the Vice palette, and I use that color constantly. Flame is a red-orange color that’s super sparkly. I know I’ve used it with the Rockstar liner to create an awesome contrast but one that’s still subtle. Again, I usually apply a creamy white as a base and a color like Flame in the crease.
24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil
This 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil glides on easily and goes anywhere you want to put it. And after the color sets, it won’t budge. Urban Decay's 24/7 formula doesn’t contain any mineral oil, paraffin or preservatives.
I’ll be honest, I had no idea Urban Decay released a waterline-specific eyeliner. That’s kind of genius if you ask me. Some eyeliners look amazing on my upper lid but weird on my waterline, so making a waterline-specific eyeliner actually makes sense.
According to the description, this is a creamy eye pencil that lasts all day. This is intriguing for me since my eyeliner tends to smudge on the lower lid (yes, which includes UD eyeliner — why I included that not-waterproof warning previously).
Ideas
Since this liner is meant to go on the waterline, you can use it with virtually any look. YouTuber Lisa Stevens pairs her eyeliner with amazing rose eyeshadow.
Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eyeliner Pen
This ultra-fine, flexible brush tip gives you full control over your shape and flick. Plus, the waterproof formula keeps on going until you say “when," from office hours to after hours, plus any sweat sessions in between.
If you want that intense liquid liner look for the perfect cat eye but want precision from your eyeliner pen, you don’t have to look too much farther than the Perversion Eye Pen. This eye pen features the staple blacker-than-black shade Perversion in a fine point liquid eyeliner pen. This way, you have more control over the eyeliner.
I have to admit, I’ve never used this one before and there’s a reason why. The Perversion Mascara irritated my eyes like crazy, so I’ve always been afraid to try this eyeliner (even though the Perversion pencil liner doesn’t cause me irritation at all).
My go-to eyeliner pen is the Kat Von D Ink Eyeliner, but that’s just me.
Ideas
Instagram user @melissamat_ used the Perversion liquid liner for this incredible look. Her eyeliner is extremely intense, even against her bright eyeshadow and fake lashes.
Kajal Eye Pencil
Urban Decay is offering Kajal Eye Pencils as a limited edition product. I’ll be honest, guys, I have no idea what a kajal eye pencil is. Apparently, this is an eyeliner meant for the upper and lower waterline.
These Kajal Eye Pencils are inspired by Prince, to get his signature intense eyeliner look. Apparently, these eyeliner pencils are creamy and easy to apply. They come in two colors: black and white.
Ideas
Judging by some of the pictures I’ve seen, including this one from YouTuber @beautyby_savi, the Kajal Eye Pencil doesn’t look too different from Perversion. But this is a good option if you want that intense black color in a product that’s made for the waterline.
Since it’s a product made for the waterline, it’s very versatile. @beautyby_savi pairs this eye pencil with a gold smoky eye.
Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner
The thin-tipped brush gives you control and creates precise fine lines. Want more sparkle? Use the side of the brush to sweep sparkle all over your lids. Wear it alone, apply it over Urban Decay’s eyeshadow or eye pencil, or turn up intensity by layering multiple shades together.
Guys, I’ll be honest, I’ve tried these before and I don’t recommend them. They apply unevenly and you need to apply multiple coats in order to get that intense glitter.
Then again, it could have been the color I used. I had a bright pink one and can’t find it on their website. Maybe that one color was bad and they discontinued it.
Read More: Urban Decay Heavy Metal Review: Is This Eyeliner a Gamechanger?
Ideas
I will say, I am thinking differently about this eyeliner as I’m watching YouTuber’s SMLx0’s tutorial. Now, the clip is sped up while she’s applying the liner, but it does look like she has to put on different coats. But hers is still coming out a lot better than mine did.
Otherwise, I love the look she did. She uses a warm taupe on her lid with a beautiful winged eyeliner. She traces the glitter over the eyeliner, resulting in a gorgeous sparkle that accentuates her eyeliner.
Top Urban Decay Eyeliner FAQs
Question: Do You Have to Sharpen Urban Decay Eyeliner?
Answer: Yes — these aren’t retractable eyeliners. Fortunately, you don’t have to sharpen them too much.
Question: Does Urban Decay Have an Eyeliner Sharpener?
Answer: Yes! It’s called Grindhouse. However, I just use a cheap eyeliner sharpener I got from the drugstore. It works just fine.
Question: How Long Does Urban Decay Eyeliner Last?
Answer: This eyeliner is promoted as lasting for 16 hours, but there are different factors that come into play. The liner lasts significantly longer on the upper lid compared to the bottom lid. And certain colors last longer than others.
Question: Can Older Women Wear These Fun Colors?
Answer: As far as I’m concerned, wear whatever eyeliner you want — regardless of age! But if you want to follow the rules, brown eyeliner is recommended. I love Smokeout but Whiskey and Rockstar are also good options.
Question: What Is Tightlining?
Answer: You probably heard of the eyeliner technique called tightlining. This is when you apple eyeliner on your top waterline. It creates a subtle look yet it has so many benefits, such as making your lashes look fuller and enhancing your eyes even more.
Question: Is It Safe to Put Eyeliner on Your Waterline?
Answer: It’s completely safe to put eyeliner on your waterline. Just make sure you’re only using a pencil liner. Keep in mind, the eye area is very sensitive, so you’ll want to exercise caution when applying eyeliner to the waterline.
Question: Do You Need Eyeliner?
Answer: Can you get away with not wearing any eyeliner? Well, yeah, but you’ll need some great mascara. To define the eyes, you need to frame their shape. Eyeliner does this perfectly, though great mascara can also do the trick.In addition, you can smudge eyeshadow into the lower and upper lid, though I find this to be very tricky.
Question: Can You Only Wear Eyeliner on the Top Lid?
Answer: Wearing eyeliner only on the top lid will make your eyes look bigger and more lifted. If you want to wear liner on the bottom lid but think black is too intense, choose a lighter color such as a pale gray or brown.
Question: How Do You Keep Eyeliner From Smudging on Your Lower Lid?
Answer: Okay, YouTuber Stephanie Lange is brilliant.
So, this is something I struggle with, too. I notice dabbing your eyes with powder, avoiding touching that area at all costs, not using A LOT of eyeliner, and using high-quality eyeliner work for the most part. But occasionally, I still get some running.
But Stephanie Lange suggests you dab your waterline with a Q-Tip before applying your eyeliner to dry your eyes. I suggest watching her entire video to learn how exactly to do that without poking your eye out.
Need More Eye Makeup Recommendations?
Urban Decay is one of the best brands for eye makeup, but they’re not the only brand. Here are some of our other recommendations for eye makeup brands.
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