Best Eye Liners

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
    Cream Shaper For Eyes

    Clinique

    Cream Shaper For Eyes

    $28
    4,809 REVIEWS
    Creamy eyeliner pencil with a hint of shimmer works to shape and define with intense, stay-put color.
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  2. 2
    Long Wear Gel Eyeliner

    Bobbi Brown

    Long Wear Gel Eyeliner

    $37
    2,902 REVIEWS
    New from the Camo Luxe Collection, this 12-hour waterproof eyeliner offers the precision of a liquid and the ease of a gel in rich camouflage-inspired limited-edition shades.
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  3. 3
    Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner

    Jane Iredale

    Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner

    $26
    411 REVIEWS
    Create the sexy look you love with new improved Mystikol Powdered Eyeliners!
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  4. 4
    The Feline Flick

    Charlotte Tilbury

    The Feline Flick

    $32
    206 REVIEWS
    Enhance the look of your eye shape for wider-looking eyes in seconds.
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  5. 5
    Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil

    Sisley Paris

    Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil

    $73
    102 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    An automatic, retractable eye pencil with an integrated pencil sharpener.
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  6. 6
    Phyto-Khol Star Matte Eye Pencil

    Sisley Paris

    Phyto-Khol Star Matte Eye Pencil

    $73
    60 REVIEWS
    An automatic, retractable eye pencil with an integrated pencil sharpener.
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  7. 7
    Satin Kajal Liner

    Victoria Beckham Beauty

    Satin Kajal Liner

    $34
    55 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A creamy, smudge-free eyeliner with vivid, high-performance colors that simply demand attention.
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  8. 8
    Dawn to Dusk Gel Eyeliner

    Lune+Aster

    Dawn to Dusk Gel Eyeliner

    $26
    31 REVIEWS
    BestSeller Exclusive
    This 14-hour long-wear gel eyeliner offers the precision of a liquid liner and the control of a gel without smudging.
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  9. 9
    Phyto-Khol Perfect Eye Pencil

    Sisley Paris

    Phyto-Khol Perfect Eye Pencil

    $75
    18 REVIEWS
    Eye pencil with a firm and ultra-smooth tip that leaves a perfectly accurate line.
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  10. 10
    Auto-Graphique Liner

    Surratt

    Auto-Graphique Liner

    $44
    12 REVIEWS
    Long-wearing, refillable, essential. Our liquid liner has a Japanese calligraphy-inspired brush, perfect for creating super-precise, long-lasting cat eyes and other graphic looks.
    View full details

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.

When it comes to defining and enhancing your eye makeup look, finding the best eyeliner is essential. Whether you prefer a classic pencil, a long-lasting gel, or a precise liquid formula, the right eyeliner can make all the difference. Our curated selection of top-rated eyeliners is based on real user reviews, ensuring that you can confidently choose from the best options available. From smudge-proof to waterproof, and everything in between, our collection offers a variety of eyeliners to suit your individual style and needs.

FAQ

What types of eyeliners are available? + -

Eyeliners come in several forms, including pencil, liquid, gel, and cream. Each type offers different finishes and application techniques to help you achieve your desired look.

How do I choose the right eyeliner for my eye shape? + -

Selecting an eyeliner depends on your eye shape and the look you want to create. For example, liquid liners are great for sharp, defined lines, while pencils can be smudged for a softer effect. Experimenting with different styles can help you find the best match.

What is the difference between waterproof and regular eyeliners? + -

Waterproof eyeliners are formulated to resist moisture and stay put throughout the day, making them ideal for long wear or humid conditions. Regular eyeliners may be easier to remove but might not last as long in wet environments.

Can eyeliners be used on both the upper and lower lash lines? + -

Yes, most eyeliners can be applied to both the upper and lower lash lines. However, some formulas are specifically designed for certain areas, so always check product recommendations for best results.

How can I prevent my eyeliner from smudging? + -

To minimize smudging, start with a clean eyelid and consider using an eyeshadow primer. Setting your liner with a matching eyeshadow can also help lock it in place for longer-lasting wear.