What to Look for in Eyeliners

Choosing the right eyeliner can elevate your makeup look and ensure long-lasting wear throughout the day. Here are key factors to consider when shopping for eyeliners.

1. Formula Type

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Eyeliners come in various formulas, such as pencil, gel, liquid, and cream. Each offers a different finish and level of control—pencils are great for beginners, while liquids and gels provide bold, precise lines.

2. Longevity and Smudge-Proof Wear

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Look for waterproof or long-wear formulas if you need your eyeliner to last all day without smudging or fading, particularly in humid conditions or on oily eyelids.

3. Color Payoff

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A highly pigmented eyeliner ensures intense color with just one swipe. Consider whether you want classic black, brown, or a pop of color to match your style.

4. Ease of Application

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Consider the applicator design and how smoothly the product glides on. Some eyeliners have flexible felt tips for sharp wings, while others offer retractable pencils that don’t require sharpening.

  1. 1

    Neen

    5 REVIEWS
    A high-pigment pencil that doesn’t tug and just glides on.
  2. 2

    RevitaLash

    1 REVIEWS
    A richly pigmented, easy-to-use, cream eyeliner formula for high-impact, stay-true color.
  3. 3
    1 REVIEWS
    An essential in every eye artist’s toolbox, this tried-and-true liner creates all the stroke styles you need.
  4. 4
    7 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A waterproof gel eyeliner that glides on effortlessly to deliver high-impact, 12-hour wear without smudging, bleeding, or fading.
  5. 5

    Tom Ford

    750 REVIEWS
    A creamy, blendable gel-pencil liner that accentuates a dramatic look.
  6. 6
    203 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Fine-tip design creates sleek, defined looks effortlessly, while the creamy, blendable formula smudges softly for smokey eye looks. 
  7. 7

    Tom Ford

    1,902 REVIEWS
    Complete the look of the Tom Ford seductive eye with exceptional polish, using this innovative, dual-ended liquid liner.
  8. 8

    Victoria Beckham Beauty

    30 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A creamy, smudge-free eyeliner with vivid, high-performance colors that simply demand attention.
  9. 9
    55 REVIEWS
    An automatic, retractable eye pencil with an integrated pencil sharpener.
  10. 10

    Chantecaille

    10 REVIEWS
    For wide-awake eyes

What to Look for in Eyeliners

Choosing the right eyeliner can elevate your makeup look and ensure long-lasting wear throughout the day. Here are key factors to consider when shopping for eyeliners.

1. Formula Type

Citrus catapult arrow

Eyeliners come in various formulas, such as pencil, gel, liquid, and cream. Each offers a different finish and level of control—pencils are great for beginners, while liquids and gels provide bold, precise lines.

2. Longevity and Smudge-Proof Wear

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for waterproof or long-wear formulas if you need your eyeliner to last all day without smudging or fading, particularly in humid conditions or on oily eyelids.

3. Color Payoff

Citrus catapult arrow

A highly pigmented eyeliner ensures intense color with just one swipe. Consider whether you want classic black, brown, or a pop of color to match your style.

4. Ease of Application

Citrus catapult arrow

Consider the applicator design and how smoothly the product glides on. Some eyeliners have flexible felt tips for sharp wings, while others offer retractable pencils that don’t require sharpening.