Lip pencils and eyeliners feature prominently in our makeup bags, but did you know that almost every type of beauty product now comes in pencil form? From primers to fragrance to root touch-up tools, there’s a pencil for everything.
Makeup pencils are easy to use and deposit the right amount of color while staying in both real and imaginary lines. Whether they’re super skinny or supersized, pencils get the job done and they do it fast. Pencils are also perfect for travel and on-the-go touchups — and the slim shape makes it easy to fit into the tiniest micro bag.
Here are some unique makeup pencils to add into your kit that aren’t just another eyeliner or lip pencil.
Pencil It In: Unique Pencil Applicators That Go Beyond Eye and Lip Liners
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Face Pencil
This small-but-mighty pencil tackles the majority of complexion woes. Draw it on to conceal dark circles or redness. It can even be used for highlighting the face. The creamy formula and precise tip make it easy to apply to any area.
Bobbi Brown Retouching Face Pencil, $32 at Bobbi Brown
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Lip Scrub
Kiss flaky lips goodbye with this exfoliating lip pencil. The two-in-one pencil removes dead skin as it hydrates and attacks aging thanks to a combination of sugar, shea butter and antioxidants. The twist-up formula is also hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.
Tarte Lip Facial Lip Scrub, $16 at Sephora
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Brow Primer
There's nothing worse than spending ages crafting flawless arches only to have the color migrate to your forehead before lunchtime. That's where this brow primer comes in. The colorless wax pencil will keep all of your brow pencils, pomades and powders in place. It also helps to tame unruly brows.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer, $21 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
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Makeup Eraser
Made a mistake? Clean-ups are a cinch thanks to this chubby pencil. It's formulated with active solubilizers that instantly dissolve long-wearing and oil-based makeup. There's no need for water, soap or makeup wipes, just keep the pencil handy for overlined lips and messy cat-eyes.
NUDESTIX Clean-Up Pencil, $24 at Ulta
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All In One
Remember that four-in-one pen you had when you were a kid? This is the makeup version. The limited-edition product has everything you need to create a full makeup look, including three versatile shades for eyes (black, brown and indigo blue) and a universally flattering beige shade for lips. And the retractable pen is just as satisfying to click down as it was back in the day.
Clarins 4-Colour All-in-One Pen, $30 at Clarins
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Lip Top Coat
This chubby pencil is the perfect partner for all of your colored lip products. Layer it on top to take your lipstick from bright to moody thanks to the pencil's black tint. If you're craving something darker, keep on layering the nourishing formula. You'll be able to create countless lip shades using two products you already own. Sweet.
NYX Cosmetics V'Amped Up! Lip Top Coat, $6 at NYX Cosmetics
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Hair Color Stick
Extend the time between hair coloring appointments by using this water-resistant pencil to camouflage roots. It comes in five different colors to cover grays or regrowth until your next shampoo. The pencil even helps to disguise thinning patches.
Bumble and bumble Bb. Color Stick, $26 at Sephora
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Correcting Stick
Color-correcting palettes can be used to cover up any skin issue, from undereye circles to redness and acne. Smashbox's convenient sticks save you from fiddling with brushes and messy palettes while depositing color exactly where you need it.
Smashbox Color Correcting Stick, $23 at Smashbox
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Nail Pencil
Did you know that you can get a French manicure without nail polish? The secret is this pencil. After cleaning and shaping nails, run this pencil along the undersides to whiten the tips for a natural French mani look.
Flowery White Nail Pencil, $2.59 at Sally Beauty
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Primer
Described as "double-stick tape" for your face, this chubby stick helps lip and eye products stay put all day long. Simply draw it on, then apply color on top.
Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil, $18 at Ulta
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Lip Lock
There'll be no lipstick on your teeth with this priming pencil. Keep lipstick, gloss and lip liner from feathering, migrating or moving while filling in lines for a smoother application. And you certainly can't beat the price.
e.l.f. Studio Lip Lock Pencil, $3 at e.l.f.