The 8 Best Eyeliners

A great eyeliner can transform an entire look, whether you want a barely-there tightline, a sharp graphic wing, or a smudged-out smoky eye.

Yet with dozens of formulas, finishes, and applicator styles flooding the market, choosing the right one is anything but straightforward.

Pencil, liquid, and gel liners all behave differently on lids, waterlines, and lash lines, and the “best” formula for one person can be a smudged disaster for another depending on skin type, skill level, and wear-time needs.

This guide cuts through the noise.

Our team at ProductFind analyzed published product specifications, synthesized expert review consensus from beauty editors and professional makeup artists, and combed through verified buyer feedback to surface the most reliable eyeliners across every major format and budget.

If you want a clear-cut recommendation to pair with your mascara routine or your broader foundation and base makeup setup, our ranked picks below are the place to start.

Eyeliners Buying Guide

Finding the right eyeliner comes down to matching formula, finish, and applicator to how you actually wear it day to day. The sections below walk through the factors that matter most, so you can make a confident choice before spending a cent.

Formula Type: Pencil, Gel, or Liquid

Eyeliner formula is the single biggest factor in how a product performs on your eye shape and skin type. Pencil liners, including both traditional wood-cased and retractable mechanical styles, are the most beginner-friendly because they allow for controlled, buildable application.

A soft wax-based or creamy pencil glides easily along the waterline and blends out for smoky effects, while firmer formulas deliver a crisper line on the lid.

If you tend to want versatility in a single product, a quality pencil is hard to beat.

Gel liners occupy the middle ground.

Whether housed in a pot or delivered through a gel-infused pencil, they combine the bold pigment of a liquid liner with a touch of blendability, and they tend to set into a longer-wearing finish than standard wax pencils.

Liquid liners, typically dispensed through a felt-tip pen or fine brush, are the go-to when precision is the priority. A fine-tip liquid liner is what makes a clean winged flick possible on the first try.

The trade-off is that liquid formulas leave no margin for error and can look harsh if the tip is too stiff.

Dual-ended products that combine liquid and gel in one tool are gaining traction among verified buyers who want both precision and blendability without carrying two separate liners.

If you also layer eye makeup with concealer for brightening or color correction, knowing your liner formula helps you layer products in the right order without pilling or creasing.

Waterproof and Wear-Time Claims

Virtually every eyeliner on the market claims some level of waterproofing, but the reality ranges from “smudge-resistant” to genuinely sweat-proof and humidity-proof.

Verified buyer data consistently shows that wear time is one of the most polarizing attributes: a liner praised for 12-hour hold in one climate might fade or transfer after a few hours in hot, humid conditions or on oily lids.

When evaluating wear claims, look at independent expert consensus rather than brand-stated hours. Liners with polymer-based gel formulas and silicone-locking technology tend to outperform basic wax pencils in longevity benchmarks cited by professional makeup artists.

If you have oily lids or live in a warm climate, prioritize liners with confirmed waterproof formulas and matte finishes, since satin or shimmer formulas are more likely to migrate into the crease over the course of a day.

It is also worth noting that aggressively waterproof formulas require an oil-based remover or a dedicated micellar formula to remove cleanly without tugging the delicate skin around the eye. Factor removal into your routine before committing to a long-wear option.

Pigmentation and Finish

Pigmentation quality determines how much work your liner actually does in one stroke.

A richly pigmented liner in jet black reads as bold and graphic even with a single pass; a lower-pigment formula might require two or three layers to achieve the same visual impact, which adds time and increases the risk of smearing.

Expert review consensus across beauty publications consistently ranks pigment density as one of the top predictors of overall eyeliner satisfaction.

Finish is a style preference, but it affects the overall look significantly. Matte finishes tend to look more editorial and precise, while satin finishes provide a slight sheen that catches light naturally and suits everyday wear.

Shimmer and glitter liners are trend-dependent and best reserved for accent use. For the vast majority of daily eye looks, a deep matte or soft satin black delivers the most versatile results.

Applicator Design and Ease of Use

The applicator directly determines how much control you have over line thickness and shape. Retractable mechanical pencils eliminate the need for a sharpener and deliver a consistently sharp tip throughout the product’s life, making them particularly practical for everyday users.

Wood-cased pencils with a built-in sharpener offer similar versatility but require the extra step of sharpening before each precise application.

For liquid liners, tip geometry is critical. A flexible felt tip gives more forgiveness on curved lids, while a rigid micro-brush tip allows for hair-thin precision but demands a steadier hand.

Buyers new to liquid liner are generally better served by a medium-stiffness felt tip that offers a balance of control and flexibility. Advanced users who want razor-sharp lines often prefer a brush-style applicator that mimics a calligraphy pen.

Ergonomics matter too. A barrel that is too thin or too wide can cause hand fatigue during application, and a cap that seals poorly will dry out a liquid liner quickly.

Verified buyer reviews frequently flag cap quality as a durability issue, particularly for felt-tip pens used daily.

Ingredient Considerations and Skin Sensitivity

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive on the face, which makes ingredient quality more relevant for eyeliner than it might seem.

Fragrances, certain preservatives, and heavy waxes can trigger irritation or allergic reactions along the lash line and waterline.

Vegan and cruelty-free formulations have grown more common across the price spectrum, and several brands now disclose full ingredient lists on product pages, making it easier to cross-reference against known sensitivities.

If you wear contact lenses, pay particular attention to ophthalmologist-evaluated claims and avoid using any liner on the inner waterline unless it is explicitly labeled as safe for that use.

Liner particles that migrate into the tear film can cause discomfort and in some cases affect lens clarity.

Expert reviewers and makeup artists who work with lens wearers consistently recommend applying liner just outside the lash line rather than on the waterline for the safest daily use.

Budget vs. Performance: Where the Value Actually Lies

One of the most consistent findings from our research is that price and performance do not scale linearly in the eyeliner category. Several drugstore and mass-market liners outperform their prestige counterparts in verified buyer satisfaction for wear time and pigmentation.

The primary advantages of higher-priced liners tend to be texture refinement, more sophisticated finishes, and packaging quality rather than dramatically superior longevity or color payoff.

That said, budget liners in the pencil category sometimes sacrifice tip consistency, meaning you get more variation in line width as the product wears down.

For users who demand hair-thin precision every session, a mid-range to premium mechanical pencil or fine-tip liquid liner is worth the incremental cost. For everyday definition or smudged looks, a well-formulated budget pencil delivers outstanding value.

Pair your eyeliner with a strong mascara pick to complete the eye look without overspending on either product.

Why You Should Trust Us

ProductFind is an independent review publication with no brand partnerships that influence editorial outcomes.

Every product in this guide was evaluated through our structured research process: we analyze published product specifications, synthesize expert review consensus drawn from professional makeup artists and beauty editors, and assess verified buyer feedback across major retail platforms.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.

Each eyeliner in this roundup receives a PF Score on a scale of 0 to 10, reflecting its performance across criteria including formula quality, wear time, pigmentation, applicator design, and value for money.

Scores are assigned using a consistent rubric applied across the entire category, so you can compare picks fairly regardless of brand or price tier.

The highest-scoring products earn placement at the top of the list; no amount of marketing spend changes a product’s rank.

ProductFind may earn a commission if you purchase through links in this article. That affiliate relationship has no bearing on scores, rankings, or editorial recommendations. Our only goal is to help you make a well-informed purchasing decision.

We apply the same independent standard across every category we cover, from concealers to foundations and beyond.

Final Thoughts

After evaluating eight eyeliners across pencil, gel, and liquid formats and price tiers ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range premium, a clear hierarchy emerged. Here are our standout picks by use case:

• Best Overall: Maybelline Tattoo Studio Automatic Gel Pencil earns the top spot with the highest PF Score in this roundup. Its gel formula delivers bold, long-wearing pigment in a retractable pencil that requires no sharpening, and verified buyers consistently praise its smudge resistance across different skin types and climates.
• Best Dual-Formula Pick: tarte Double Take Eyeliner stands out for combining a precise liquid liner on one end with a blendable gel on the other, giving users two professional tools in a single cruelty-free product. Its PF Score reflects strong consensus across expert reviewers who prioritize versatility and all-day hold.
• Best Prestige Pencil: URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner in Perversion is a long-standing favorite among professional makeup artists for its buttery glide and exceptional pigment depth. It earns one of the highest PF Scores in the pencil sub-category and remains one of the most consistently recommended waterproof pencils in expert review consensus.
• Best Budget Liquid Liner: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner delivers sharp, brush-tip precision at a drugstore-friendly price, with a vegan formula that receives strong verified buyer marks for line accuracy and dry-down speed.
• Best Mid-Range Gel Pencil: Julep When Pencil Met Gel Eyeliner bridges the gap between a traditional pencil feel and a gel finish, offering reliable waterproof performance for everyday to evening looks at a moderate price point.

No single eyeliner is right for every person or every look. If you are building out a complete eye makeup kit, pairing one of these liners with a strong mascara choice will cover most everyday looks without redundancy.

And if you are assembling a broader base makeup routine, our guides to foundations and concealers cover the rest of the essentials with the same research-backed approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Longest-Lasting Eyeliner Formula?

Gel-based formulas, whether in pencil or pot form, consistently rank highest for wear time in expert review consensus, particularly on oily lids.

Liquid liners with polymer-locking technology also perform very well once fully dry, though they are more vulnerable to rubbing or contact with oily skin before they set.

If wear time is your top priority, look for products that explicitly state waterproof and transfer-proof claims backed by independent reviewer validation, not just brand marketing.

How Do I Prevent Eyeliner From Smudging Under My Eyes?

Smudging under the lower lash line is almost always caused by one of two things: an incompatible formula for your skin type, or applying liner to a base that is too oily or damp.

Start by priming the eye area lightly before application. Choose a waterproof pencil or gel liner rather than a soft kohl or wax-based pencil if you have oily lids.

Setting the liner lightly with a matching eyeshadow pressed over the top also significantly extends wear and reduces creep.

Many makeup artists recommend applying liner in small, controlled strokes rather than dragging across the lid in a single pass to reduce mechanical smearing during application.

Can I Use Eyeliner on My Waterline?

Yes, but not every formula is safe or comfortable for waterline use. The inner waterline is a mucous membrane, so only liners explicitly labeled as ophthalmologist-evaluated or safe for the waterline should be used there.

Kohl-style and soft gel pencils tend to be the most comfortable options. Liquid liners are not recommended for the waterline because the formula can transfer into the tear film and cause irritation.

Contact lens wearers should take extra care and, if in doubt, restrict liner application to just outside the lash line.

How Do I Remove Waterproof Eyeliner Without Irritating My Eyes?

Waterproof eyeliners require an oil-based cleanser or a bi-phase micellar water to break down the polymer and wax bonds that keep them in place. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the eye area, which stretches delicate skin over time.

Apply a small amount of oil-based remover or micellar formula on a soft cotton pad, hold it gently against the liner for several seconds to dissolve the product, then wipe away with minimal pressure.

Repeat with a fresh pad if needed rather than increasing rubbing force. This is especially important for long-wear gel and liquid liners that resist water-based cleansers entirely.

Is There a Meaningful Difference Between Drugstore and High-End Eyeliners?

In many cases, the performance gap is smaller than the price gap suggests. Several of the highest-rated eyeliners in verified buyer data are drugstore or mass-market products, particularly in the gel pencil and liquid liner categories.

Where prestige formulas tend to pull ahead is in texture refinement, more diverse shade ranges, and packaging durability.

For everyday black liner, a well-formulated drugstore gel pencil or felt-tip liquid liner is genuinely competitive with products at two or three times the price.

Spending more makes the most sense when you want a specific shade, a particularly luxurious texture, or a dual-ended tool that combines multiple functions.

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