ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr

How to Sharpen Your Eyeliner and Lip Pencils with the ON POINT Pencil Sharpener

How to Sharpen Your Eyeliner and Lip Pencils with the ON POINT Pencil Sharpener

By ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr | Published: 2026-08-06

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to sharpen eyeliner and lip pencils like a pro with the ON POINT Pencil Sharpener. Get tips for a precise tip, avoid breakage, and maintain your pencils.

If you’re a makeup lover, you know the struggle of a dull eyeliner or lip pencil. A blunt tip can tug at your skin, create uneven lines, and make precision nearly impossible. That’s where a quality sharpener comes in—and the ON POINT Pencil Sharpener is designed to give you a perfect point every time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to sharpen your pencils effectively, share tips to avoid breakage, and show you how to keep your tools in top shape.

ON POINT Pencil Sharpener
ON POINT Pencil Sharpener

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, mastering the art of sharpening is essential for achieving flawless makeup looks. A sharp pencil not only applies more smoothly but also allows for finer details, whether you’re creating a winged liner or defining your lips. Let’s dive into the steps and techniques that will make your pencils last longer and perform better.

Why a Good Pencil Sharpener Matters

A dull pencil can ruin your makeup application. It can pull at the delicate skin around your eyes, cause uneven lines, and even break the pencil tip mid-application. A high-quality sharpener like the ON POINT Pencil Sharpener ensures a clean, precise cut every time, preserving the integrity of your pencil and saving you money in the long run.

Moreover, a good sharpener prevents wastage. When you use a cheap or dull sharpener, you often end up shaving off more product than necessary, shortening the life of your pencil. With the ON POINT sharpener, you get a consistent point with minimal waste, making it a smart investment for any makeup enthusiast.

  • Precision: A sharp tip allows for detailed application, especially for eyeliner and lip liner.
  • Hygiene: Sharpening removes the top layer of product that may have collected bacteria or oils from your skin.
  • Longevity: Proper sharpening reduces breakage and extends the life of your pencil.

Step-by-Step: How to Sharpen Your Eyeliner Pencil

Sharpening an eyeliner pencil may seem straightforward, but there’s a technique to get the perfect point without breaking the lead. Start by placing your pencil into the ON POINT Pencil Sharpener’s appropriate hole—the smaller hole is for standard eyeliner pencils, while the larger one is for jumbo pencils or lip liners. Insert the pencil straight and twist gently, applying even pressure.

Twist the pencil slowly and steadily, stopping as soon as you feel resistance. Over-twisting can cause the tip to break. Remove the pencil and check the point—if it’s not sharp enough, give it another gentle twist. For a super fine point, you can use a tissue to wipe away any shavings from the tip before use.

  • Always sharpen before each use to ensure a clean, hygienic application.
  • If the pencil feels soft, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before sharpening to harden the formula and prevent breakage.
  • Clean the sharpener regularly to prevent buildup of product residue, which can dull the blade.

How to Sharpen Lip Liner Pencils Like a Pro

Lip liners have a softer formula than eyeliners, which makes them more prone to breakage during sharpening. To avoid this, use the larger hole of the ON POINT Pencil Sharpener, if available, and twist very slowly. Apply minimal pressure and let the blade do the work. If the pencil is too soft, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before sharpening.

Another pro tip: always sharpen lip liners with a gentle, steady hand. Rushing can cause the tip to snap off, wasting product. Once sharpened, you can use the tip to outline your lips precisely, then fill in with the flat side for a long-lasting base.

  • For a precise lip line, sharpen to a fine point—it helps in creating crisp edges.
  • If your lip liner breaks, don’t panic—just sharpen again, but this time with even lighter pressure.
  • Store your pencils point-down in a cup to keep the tips protected and ready to use.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Pencils

Proper sharpening is only part of the equation. To get the most out of your pencils, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat can soften the formula, making it more prone to breakage. Also, always cap your pencils when not in use to prevent them from drying out or collecting dust.

Regularly clean your sharpener by twisting a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol through the blades. This removes product buildup and keeps the blades sharp. A well-maintained sharpener will give you a consistent point every time, and your pencils will last longer.

  • Invest in a high-quality sharpener with dual holes for different pencil sizes.
  • Avoid dropping your pencils, as impact can cause the core to crack.
  • If you notice the wood splintering, it’s time to replace the pencil—it’s not worth the risk of scratching your skin.

Pairing Your Sharpened Pencils with the Right Makeup

Once your pencils are perfectly sharpened, you can create stunning looks. For a bold eye, use your eyeliner pencil to define your lash line, then set it with a matching eyeshadow to prevent smudging. For lips, a sharp lip liner can help you achieve a precise, symmetrical shape and prevent your lipstick from feathering.

To complete your makeup routine, consider using the Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder to lock in your look, or the On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Sunscreen Makeup Setting Spray SPF 28 Travel-Sized for a long-lasting, shine-free finish. These products work beautifully with your sharpened pencils to ensure your makeup stays put all day.

Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
  • Use a sharp eyeliner to create a precise winged look—the sharp tip makes it easy to draw a clean flick.
  • A sharp lip liner is perfect for overlining your lips subtly, giving you a fuller pout without looking overdone.
  • Set your eye makeup with a light dusting of setting powder to prevent creasing.

Mastering the art of sharpening your pencils with the ON POINT Pencil Sharpener is a small skill that makes a big difference in your makeup routine. Not only will you achieve precise, professional-looking application, but you’ll also extend the life of your favorite pencils. Remember to sharpen gently, store properly, and keep your sharpener clean. Pair your perfectly sharpened pencils with the Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder to set your look, and you’ll be ready to conquer any makeup challenge with confidence.

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