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
    Long Wear Gel Eyeliner

    Bobbi Brown

    Long Wear Gel Eyeliner

    $37
    2,908 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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  2. 2
    Gel Eyeliner

    Tom Ford

    Gel Eyeliner

    $51
    757 REVIEWS
    Gel Eyeliner is a creamy, blendable gel-pencil liner that accentuates a dimensional eye look.
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  3. 3
    Pencil Eyeliner

    Jane Iredale

    Pencil Eyeliner

    $24
    461 REVIEWS
    Pencils so soft they won't pull on your delicate skin.
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  4. 4
    Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner Stick

    Bobbi Brown

    Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner Stick

    $34
    238 REVIEWS
    Fine-tip design creates sleek, defined looks effortlessly, while the creamy, blendable formula smudges softly for smokey eye looks. 
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  5. 5
    Satin Kajal Liner

    Victoria Beckham Beauty

    Satin Kajal Liner

    $35
    90 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A creamy, smudge-free eyeliner with vivid, high-performance colors that simply demand attention.
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  6. 6
    Dawn to Dusk Gel Eyeliner

    Lune+Aster

    Dawn to Dusk Gel Eyeliner

    $26
    37 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.
    View full details
  7. 7
    Ligne Noire Eyeliner

    Sisley Paris

    Ligne Noire Eyeliner

    $85
    16 REVIEWS
    Long-lasting and highly pigmented revitalizing fortifying eyeliner.
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  8. 8
    Side Eye Liner

    Neen

    Side Eye Liner

    $22
    5 REVIEWS
    A high-pigment pencil that doesn’t tug and just glides on.
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  9. 9
    Dawn to Dusk Liquid Eyeliner Precision Pen

    Lune+Aster

    Dawn to Dusk Liquid Eyeliner Precision Pen

    $26
    1 REVIEWS
    Exclusive
    This high-impact jet black matte liquid eyeliner pen with a precision felt-tip creates precise, smudge-proof lines.
    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.