6 Popular Aegyo-Sal Pencil Picks + Foolproof Tips for Creating Bright, Youthful Eyes

Aegyo-sal pencils are part of the new generation of eye makeup tools designed to complete the eye look and visually enlarge the eyes, making them appear brighter and more expressive. When they first gained popularity, aegyo-sal pencils were simply used to highlight the under-eye area. As beauty lovers’ expectations grew, these products evolved into multi-functional eye makeup essentials.

Today, aegyo-sal pencils go by many names—tear-bag pencils, under-eye shadow sticks, or highlight-and-contour pens—and are primarily used to brighten, conceal, and add subtle under-eye dimension, creating a look that aligns with modern beauty aesthetics. Achieving natural-looking, “born-with-it” aegyo-sal is not as easy as it seems. That’s why we’re sharing six popular aegyo-sal pencil recommendations plus a complete beginner’s guide—so everyone can achieve effortlessly sparkling, wide-eyed charm.

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Where Is Aegyo-Sal? How Is It Different from Eye Bags and Tear Troughs?

Aegyo-sal refers to the narrow, raised strip (approximately 0.3–0.5 cm wide) located just beneath the lower eyelid. It becomes more prominent when you smile. Anatomically, it is formed by the orbicularis oculi muscle and is a natural facial feature.

Eye bags, on the other hand, are caused by protruding orbital fat or loose lower eyelid skin, often associated with ageing, fatigue, or fluid retention. The key difference lies in structure: aegyo-sal is muscle, while eye bags are fat or sagging skin. Aegyo-sal gives the face a youthful, lively appearance, whereas eye bags tend to make one look tired or older.

Small Detail, Big Impact: How Aegyo-Sal Pencils Work

An aegyo-sal pencil is specifically designed to enhance under-eye makeup. By applying a light or shimmery shade along the aegyo-sal area (roughly from the inner corner to the centre beneath the pupil), and softly blending a shadow shade just underneath, you can instantly create natural highlights and depth.

This visual illusion makes the eyes appear rounder, brighter, and more innocent—one reason aegyo-sal makeup is a staple in Korean-style looks.

Most aegyo-sal pencils come in a slim pen format, allowing precise application with minimal risk of mistakes. Compared to cream shadows or chunky eye sticks, they typically offer better oil control and longer wear. Their lightweight textures also reduce creasing or caking, blending seamlessly into the skin. If you want soft, doe-like eyes without invasive procedures, starting with an aegyo-sal pencil is an easy and effective choice.

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6 Popular Aegyo-Sal Pencil Recommendations: The Secret to Subtle Eye-Enhancing Charm

The key to successful aegyo-sal makeup lies in choosing the right pencil. Whether you prefer a sheer, natural glow or a more luminous finish, the following picks are all worth trying—each with its own strengths and excellent value.

1. Too Cool for School Artclass Frottage Pencil

This velvet-textured shadow pencil glides on smoothly with soft, natural pigmentation—perfect for everyday aegyo-sal makeup. Fine mineral shimmer creates a gentle rose-gold glow that brightens the eyes without looking overdone. Beginner-friendly and easy to layer without clumping, it offers excellent value for money.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon

Designed to enhance brightness, this shimmery eye pencil comes in shades tailored to different eye colours. It instantly illuminates the aegyo-sal area, creating a refined, three-dimensional eye look. Highly pigmented, long-lasting, and resistant to creasing—ideal for all-day wear, workdays, or special occasions.

3. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

A classic from a luxury brand, this pencil features a rounded tip that precisely defines the area beneath the pupil, shaping a natural aegyo-sal curve. The texture is soft-matte with subtle shimmer, delivering a polished, understated finish—perfect for those who prefer elegant, grown-up eye makeup.

4. Canmake Tear Bag Aegyo-Sal Pencil

Known for its youthful Japanese aesthetic, this pencil offers soft pastel shades with delicate shimmer to enhance under-eye brightness. Cute packaging, easy application, and a beginner-friendly formula make it especially popular among students and makeup novices. High CP value and effortlessly sweet results.

5. The Saem Dual Aegyo-Sal Pencil

This thoughtful dual-ended design features a shimmer highlight on one end and a contour shade on the other, allowing you to complete your aegyo-sal look in one step. The rounded tip makes it easy to highlight the inner corner and under-eye centre, creating natural depth without heaviness. Lightweight and non-sticky—perfect for summer.

6. Bonus Pick: Laura Mercier Liquid Eyeliner

Although not a traditional aegyo-sal pencil, many users apply a fine line of soft eyeliner beneath the aegyo-sal area to enhance shadow definition. Laura Mercier’s liquid eyeliner offers smooth application and gentle colour payoff, making it an essential supporting tool for more advanced techniques.

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How to Choose the Right Aegyo-Sal Pencil: 4 Key Buying Tips

1. Texture Matters—Choose What Works for You

• Powder pencils: Soft and natural; ideal for beginners but less long-lasting.
• Cream pencils: Rich colour and better longevity; suitable for experienced users.
• Liquid pencils: Precise and long-wearing but require speed and control.
• Pen-style designs: Portable and great for detailed work.
• Highlight + shadow combos: One light, one dark shade for depth and dimension.

2. Shade Selection Is Crucial

• Pearl white: Brightens and enlarges the eyes; best for fair skin tones.
• Champagne: Universally flattering; ideal for everyday makeup.
• Ivory beige: Subtle, “no-makeup” effect with refined results.
• Pink tones: Sweet and youthful but not ideal for puffy eyes.
• Earth tones: Used beneath aegyo-sal to create contour and structure.

3. Match Your Skin Tone and Eye Shape

• Fair skin: Pearl white, champagne, soft pinks.
• Yellow undertones: Champagne, ivory, light brown.
• Deeper skin tones: Bronze, gold, deep brown.

By eye shape:

• Monolids: Emphasise contour to add dimension.
• Inner double lids: Keep the aegyo-sal narrow to avoid shrinking the eye area.
• Double lids: More freedom—experiment with different shades and styles.

4. Check the Ingredients

The under-eye area is delicate, so ingredient safety matters:

• Avoid alcohol, fragrance, and mineral oil.
• Bonus points for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E, which hydrate and reduce creasing.

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Creating Natural Aegyo-Sal: 7 Things You Must Know Before Applying

1. Prep Comes First: Cleanse and Hydrate

• Cleanse the eye area and apply eye cream before makeup.
• Conceal dark circles and lightly brighten the under-eye area to enhance depth.

2. Where and How to Apply

• Smile gently—the raised area under the eye is your aegyo-sal guide.
• Apply in thin layers; build gradually for a natural finish.

By eye shape:

• Monolids: Emphasise shadow for depth.
• Inner double lids: Keep application minimal.
• Double lids: Flexible placement and styles.

3. Blend for a Seamless Finish

• Use a brush or fingertip to tap and blend gently.
• Avoid harsh lines—soft edges create realistic aegyo-sal.

4. Add Shadow for Dimension

• Draw a subtle contour line beneath the aegyo-sal using light or deep brown, depending on skin tone.

5. Set for Longevity

• Use setting spray or loose powder to lock in makeup.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes after setting.

6. Remove Makeup Gently

• Use eye-specific makeup remover.
• Follow with eye cream to prevent dryness and fine lines.

7. Care for Your Tools

• Clean pencils and applicators regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

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