How to Choose the Right Makeup Sharpener for Your Pencils

Quick Answer

To choose the right makeup sharpener, first check your pencil's diameter and formula. For creamy gel eyeliners like Velvet Love, use a sharpener with a larger opening and a dual-blade design to avoid breakage. For standard lip liners, a compact sharpener with a single blade often works fine, but a dual-blade gives you more control. Always match the sharpener size to your pencil to prevent waste and snapping.

A good makeup sharpener is a small tool that makes a big difference in how your eyeliner and lip liner pencils perform. Using the wrong sharpener can lead to broken tips, wasted product, and frustrating application. Whether you're sharpening a creamy gel eyeliner or a firm lip liner, the right sharpener keeps your pencils precise and ready to use.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider: blade type, opening size, material, and portability. We'll also share specific product recommendations from Zoeva to help you make an informed choice.

Blade Type: Single vs. Dual

The blade is the heart of any sharpener. Single-blade sharpeners are simple and work well for standard pencil sizes. They're often compact and easy to use, but they can be less precise with softer or creamier formulas. If you're using a gel-based eyeliner pencil, a single blade might tug or break the tip.

Dual-blade sharpeners have two openings: one for standard pencils and one for jumbo or oversized pencils. This versatility is a major advantage if you own a mix of pencil sizes. The dual-blade design also allows for more controlled sharpening, which is especially important for delicate formulas like those found in gel eyeliners.

• For creamy eyeliners, choose a sharpener with a larger opening and a sharp blade to avoid crumbling.
• If you only use standard-size pencils, a single-blade sharpener may be sufficient and more portable.

Size Compatibility: Check Your Pencil Diameter

Not all pencils are the same thickness. Standard eyeliner and lip liner pencils typically measure around 8-10mm in diameter, but some jumbo pencils can be up to 12mm or more. Using a sharpener with an opening that's too small will break the pencil or shave off too much product. An opening that's too large won't grip the pencil properly, resulting in an uneven tip.

Before buying a sharpener, measure the diameter of your pencil or check the product description for size specifications. Many sharpeners indicate compatible sizes on the packaging. If you have multiple pencils of different sizes, look for a sharpener with multiple openings to cover all your needs.

• Always check the pencil diameter before purchasing a sharpener.
• A sharpener with multiple openings is ideal if you own both standard and jumbo pencils.

Material and Build Quality

Sharpeners come in plastic or metal. Plastic sharpeners are lightweight and inexpensive, but the blades can dull faster and the body may crack with heavy use. Metal sharpeners are more durable and often have sharper blades that last longer. They also provide better control and are less likely to break if dropped.

If you plan to use your sharpener daily or travel with it frequently, investing in a metal sharpener is worth it. Look for a sharpener with a comfortable grip and a container to catch shavings, which makes cleanup easier and keeps your makeup bag clean.

• Metal sharpeners are more durable and provide better control.
• A shavings catcher keeps your workspace and makeup bag tidy.

Portability and Convenience

If you often touch up your makeup on the go, a compact sharpener that fits in your purse or makeup bag is essential. Some sharpeners come with a cap or cover to protect the blade and prevent shavings from spilling. Others have a built-in container for shavings, which is a handy feature for travel.

Consider how often you'll use the sharpener and where. For home use, a larger sharpener with multiple features might be fine. For travel, a small, sturdy sharpener with a protective cap is more practical.

• Look for a sharpener with a cap or cover for safe travel.
• A built-in shavings container is a great convenience for on-the-go use.

Decision Rules for Choosing a Makeup Sharpener

• Check pencil diameter: Measure the diameter of your eyeliner or lip liner pencil. Standard sizes are around 8-10mm, but jumbo pencils may be larger. Choose a sharpener with an opening that matches your pencil size to prevent breakage and waste. Use a ruler or caliper to measure your pencil before buying.
• Consider blade type: For creamy gel eyeliners, a dual-blade sharpener with a larger opening is safer. For firm lip liners, a single-blade sharpener may be sufficient. Dual-blade sharpeners offer more versatility if you own multiple pencil types. If you have a mix of pencil sizes, opt for a dual-blade sharpener.
• Evaluate material and durability: Metal sharpeners are more durable and provide better control, but they are often pricier. Plastic sharpeners are budget-friendly but may dull faster. If you use your sharpener daily, invest in a metal one. For long-term use, choose a metal sharpener with a comfortable grip.

Product Facts

• Velvet Love Eyeliner Pencil (Metallic Rose Quartz): The highly pigmented, gel-like, creamy formulation of the eyeliner pencil creates dramatic definition in just one stroke. Once applied, it stays in place all day. Because of its creamy gel formula, this pencil requires a sharpener with a sharp blade and a properly sized opening to avoid smudging or breaking the tip during sharpening.
• The Classics Eyeliner Edit: Choose any three Velvet Love Eyeliners and enjoy a Velvet Makeup Pouch and single sharpener on us. These eye essentials glide on in seconds and enhance every look. This set includes a sharpener, making it a convenient option if you're trying Velvet Love eyeliners for the first time. The included sharpener is designed to work with these specific pencil sizes.
• 317 Wing Liner Brush: The ZOEVA 317 Wing Liner Brush is designed to help you create precise, defined eyeliner looks with ease. Ideal for use with gel, cream, liquid, and powder eyeliner. While not a sharpener, this brush pairs perfectly with sharpened pencils to create precise lines. It's a good addition if you want to achieve a winged look with your Velvet Love eyeliner.

Which Sharpener Fits Your Needs?

Best for

• People who use creamy gel eyeliners like Velvet Love and need a sharpener that won't break the tip.
• Makeup users who own a variety of pencil sizes and want a single sharpener that handles all of them.

Not for

• Those who only use standard-size pencils and prefer a minimal, travel-friendly tool.

Choosing the right makeup sharpener comes down to knowing your pencil sizes and formulas. A dual-blade metal sharpener with multiple openings is the most versatile choice for most makeup bags. For creamy gel eyeliners like Velvet Love, a sharpener with a larger opening and sharp blade is essential. Keep your sharpener clean and replace it when the blade dulls to protect your pencils and ensure a precise line every time.