Top10 Best Eyeliners to suit every style, budget, and skill level
It can be a challenge to find the perfect eyeliner. You may want to create a dramatic look that would cut through glass or a soft, smudged effect for the daytime. Or, you might prefer something that will last a workout, or even a tear-jerking movie. The right product will define your eyes and elevate your makeup, while boosting your confidence.
Wrong products can cause smudging and skipping. They also lead to frustration. This guide is perfect for anyone, whether you’re an experienced makeup artist or are just beginning your beauty journey. The definitive list of top 10 eyeliners has been compiled after extensive testing and research. We have considered everything, from longevity and pigmentation to ease of application and value for money. There is a product for everyone.
What to look for when choosing an eyeliner
Let’s first break down what makes an eyeliner great. Understanding these factors will help you choose the product that best suits your needs.
This is what eyeliner looks like. Liquid liners provide precise, sharp lines. Gel liners are great for both smudging and drawing lines. Pencil liners can be used to create a smoky, soft effect. They are also the easiest.
Finish: Would you like a metallic finish, a matte black or a high gloss shine?
Pigmentation: The most effective eyeliners are opaque and rich in color, without appearing streaky or patchy.
It is important to ensure that the formula has a long-lasting, smudge-proof finish. The formula should not fade, move to your eyelids, or appear under your eyes before midday.
Applicator: The brush or felt tip or pencil tip can make or ruin the application process. Choose an applicator with a comfortable grip and that gives you control.
The Best Eyeliners available, curated by our experts
We have carefully considered the top ten eyeliners which consistently outperform all the others.
1. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner
The Best Waterproof Eyeliner Overall
Stila: Stay All Day Liner is a cult classic for a good reason. It’s the go-to liner for many makeup enthusiasts. The fine-pointed felt tip makes it easy to create anything from a thin line to a dramatic cat-eye.
Why it’s Great: This intense jet-black is extremely pigmented, and dries to a matte finish. It is waterproof and smudge proof, true to its name. It will not move even in rain, sweat or tears.
Who is it best for? Anyone looking for a long-lasting, foolproof liquid liner. This is a great option for those with oily lids.
It is at the high end of the range.
2. Maybelline New York TattooStudio Sharpenable Gel Pencil
The Best Eyeliner at Drugstores
The performance of this pencil by Maybelline is comparable to liners that cost three times as much. The creamy gel formula glides smoothly on the skin without pulling or tugging, and delivers intense color payoff.
Why it’s Great: Once set, the eye liner is incredibly durable and smudge resistant. It’s easy to use, and the pencil format makes it perfect for beginners. The eye liner is available in many popular colors.
Best for: Anyone who wants a high quality, affordable eyeliner with performance comparable to a luxury item.
It is a traditional pencil and requires sharpening.
3. Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Liquid Eyeliner Pen
Best Luxury & Effortless Applicaiton
Charlotte Tilbury’s eyeliner is now even more magical with this dual-ended pencil. The waterproof, richly pigmented pencil can be sharpened into a fine tip. The other end has a unique smudger to create a smoky look in seconds.
Why it’s Great: It is extremely soft and blendable, but sets to a non-transferable finish. It is impossible to beat the versatility of having both a liner and smudger all in one product.
Best For: People who want to create a smokey eye look or love multi-tasking products.
Considerations: The product is high-end and luxurious.
4. Epic Ink Liner by NYX Professional Makeup
Best Liquid Liners at Drugstores
NYX Epic Ink Liner has been praised as the best liquid liner dupe. The brush tip is flexible and designed to prevent fraying. This allows for an extremely precise and fluid application.
Why it’s Great: It is a deep black ink that dries with a semi matte finish. It is a great eyeliner because it has a long-lasting effect and is water resistant.
Best For: Beauty lovers on a tight budget who do not want to compromise quality.
If the brush is not properly stored, it can release a lot of product.
5. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eye Pencil
Best Pencil for Intense Color
Urban Decay’s 24/7 pencil is legendary. The creamy texture of these pencils literally glides on the lid and waterline without dragging.
Why it’s Great: Color range is vast and vibrant. They are creamy but dry to a water-proof, long-lasting eyeliner that is resistant to fading and smudging.
Best for: Anyone who enjoys using pencil liner to highlight their waterline, or anyone looking for a colorful and bold look.
They can be more difficult to sharpen because they are so soft.
6. Physicians Formula Eye Booster Serum + 2-in-1 Eyeliner Booster for Lash Growth
The Best for Sensitive Vision
This product is popular with those who have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses. This liquid liner has an ultra-fine tip brush that creates a sharp, clean line.
Why it’s Great: It contains a lash-boosting protein and natural conditioners that nourish the lashes with time. The product is hypoallergenic, free of fragrance, and has been ophthalmologist-tested.
Best For: People with sensitive eyes, those who wear contact lenses, and anyone else looking for an eyelash product that has added benefits.
Take into consideration: The effects of the lash serum are an added bonus and not a substitute for a dedicated treatment.
7. L’Oreal Paris Infallible grip mechanical gel eyeliner
The Best Gel Eyeliner for Beginners
This mechanical pencil offers the convenience of a pencil and the intensity of gel. The fine, self-sharpening tip allows for excellent control and the gel formula grips the lids securely without transferring.
Why it’s Great: It is incredibly easy–no need to sharpen. It is waterproof, and it lasts for the entire day without smudging. This makes it a contender in eye liner’s category.
Best For: Newbies to makeup and those who love the look of gel but prefer the simplicity of a pencil.
You can’t customize the point because of its mechanical component.
8. KVD Beauty Tattoo POMADE vegan gel eyeliner
The Best Gel Pot Liners for Dramatic Looks
Pot gel liner offers dramatic effect and ultimate control. KVD Beauty’s iconic formula is waterproof and intensely pigmented. It dries to a matte finish, which won’t fade or crack.
Why it’s Great: It is a small amount of product that goes a long way. It can be applied with a brush that is angled, allowing for a precise application.
Best For: Advanced users and makeup artists who are looking for maximum control, a matte finish that lasts a long time.
Considerations: This requires a separate brush, and the learning curve is steeper than with a pencil or pen.
9. Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner
The Best for Smooth Application
Rihanna’s Fenty beauty created a mechanical pen that solves problems. It is designed to be tug proof, and offers a smooth, easy application without pulling on the delicate eye area.
Why it’s Great: It is incredibly creamy, pigmented and available in an array of gorgeous matte and shimmer shades. Once it’s set, the product is long-lasting and smudge proof.
Best for: Anyone who dislikes the tugging sensation of traditional pencils, and prefers a luxury, easy-to use format.
Considerations: An expensive mechanical pencil.
10. elf H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen
Ultimate Budget Waterproof Pick
You’ve come to the right place if you want a water-proof eyeliner without breaking the bank. This felt-tip elf pen delivers waterproof and smudge proof performance at a price you can’t beat.
Why it’s Great: The 24-hour wear claims are true, as the product can withstand water and humidity. The felt tip offers good control when creating wings.
Best For: Anyone on a tight budget or who needs a waterproof liner that can be used for swimming or sports.
Considerations: This tip isn’t quite as flexible or fine as some of the higher-end options.
Quick Guide to Finding Your Perfect Match
Beginners: Use a mechanical gel pen (like L’Oreal infallible grip) or a pencil that can be sharpened (like Maybelline TattooStudio). These pencils are the easiest to use and offer the best control.
If you have an oily lid, choose a liquid formula that lasts a long time (Stila), or a gel formula with waterproof properties (KVD pomade). Use an eyeshadow primer before applying any eyeshadow.
If you’re on a tight budget, the NYX Epic Ink Pen and elf H2O Proof Pen are both excellent products at drugstore prices.
For the Waterline: Use a creamy, ophthalmologist-tested pencil like the Physicians Formula or Urban Decay 24/7.
Eyeliners are a fascinating and vast world. Consider your budget, your skill level and your needs when choosing your favorite product. Do not be afraid to try out these eyeliners. Each one has something unique. You’ll master the perfect line with the right tools.
What is your favorite eyeliner of all time? What did we miss? Comment below to share your thoughts and suggestions!