Whether you’re aiming for a sharp wing, smoky finish, or subtle tightlining, the right eyeliner can elevate your entire look. With hundreds of formulas, finishes, and tools on the market, choosing the best eyeliner can be overwhelming—especially with options for every skill level from beginner to pro. This guide covers the top 10 best eyeliners across different categories, ensuring you find the perfect match for your needs and preferences.
1. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Best for Long-Lasting Precision
This cult favorite remains a top pick thanks to its ultra-fine felt tip and waterproof formula. It glides smoothly without skipping and stays put all day—perfect for winged liner enthusiasts and pros alike.
✅ Pros: Smudge-proof, precise, great for oily lids
❌ Cons: Can dry out if not stored cap-down
2. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen
Best Drugstore Liquid Eyeliner
Budget-friendly yet high-performing, this eyeliner boasts an easy-grip hexagonal pen and flexible tip for smooth, skip-free application. Ideal for beginners wanting a precise cat-eye.
✅ Pros: Affordable, user-friendly, long-lasting
❌ Cons: Not the darkest black on the market
3. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Best Pencil Eyeliner
Creamy, richly pigmented, and waterproof—this pencil works wonders for both tightlining and smoky eyes. Comes in a wide array of colors, making it ideal for creative looks.
✅ Pros: Blendable, long wear, color range
❌ Cons: Needs sharpening often
4. NYX Epic Ink Liner
Best Budget Liquid Eyeliner
Comparable to luxury liners, this cruelty-free and vegan option offers intense pigmentation and smooth flow for less than half the price of high-end brands.
✅ Pros: Bold black finish, flexible tip, waterproof
❌ Cons: Can bleed slightly if too much pressure is applied
5. KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner
Best High-End Liquid Eyeliner
Known for its brush tip (not felt), this liner gives incredible control and fluidity. The formula is vegan and smudge-resistant, ideal for dramatic wings or fine detail.
✅ Pros: Super precise, durable, ultra-black
❌ Cons: Pricey
6. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Pencil Eyeliner
Best Drugstore Pencil Eyeliner
This creamy pencil gives a rich payoff and sets in 30 seconds to a budge-proof finish. It’s perfect for waterline or lash line definition.
✅ Pros: Great value, creamy texture, long wear
❌ Cons: Can be tough to remove
7. Benefit BADgal BANG! 24-HR Eyeliner
Best Twist-Up Gel Pencil
This twist-up gel liner offers no-sharpening convenience with a formula that glides effortlessly and sets fast. Excellent for quick, everyday wear.
✅ Pros: Easy to use, lasts all day
❌ Cons: Limited shades
8. MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline Gel Eyeliner
Best Gel Pot Eyeliner
This gel liner is a favorite among makeup artists. It delivers precision with a brush, and the formula is smooth, buildable, and budge-proof.
✅ Pros: Great for smoky or defined looks, long-lasting
❌ Cons: Requires a separate brush
9. Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense
Best for Sensitive Eyes
Fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested, this eyeliner is safe for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes. The smudger tip allows easy blending.
✅ Pros: Gentle, smooth, good for subtle looks
❌ Cons: Not ideal for dramatic styles
10. Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner
Best Dual-Ended Eyeliner
This 2-in-1 eyeliner offers a liquid liner on one end and a gel pencil on the other, giving you the best of both worlds. Perfect for travel and multitasking looks.
✅ Pros: Versatile, rich pigment, waterproof
❌ Cons: Liquid side can dry out faster
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Eyeliner for You
- Beginners: Try felt-tip pens or twist-up pencils for ease.
- For Smoky Eyes: Use a blendable pencil or gel pot with a smudger.
- For All-Day Wear: Opt for waterproof formulas with proven staying power.
- Sensitive Eyes: Look for ophthalmologist-tested or hypoallergenic options.
With the right eyeliner in hand, you can experiment confidently and find a signature look that enhances your eyes and reflects your style—whether it’s bold, minimal, or glam.