Best Pencil Eyeliner

What to Look for in a Pencil Eyeliner

Choosing the right pencil eyeliner can enhance your eye look and ensure long-lasting wear.

1. Formula & Texture

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Look for a pencil eyeliner with a smooth, creamy formula that glides on easily without tugging at the delicate skin around your eyes. The ideal texture should be blendable for smudging, yet firm enough to create precise lines.

2. Longevity & Smudge-Resistance

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Consider eyeliners labeled as long-wearing, waterproof, or smudge-proof if you need all-day performance. These formulas help prevent fading, smudging, or transferring throughout the day.

3. Shade Range

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Choose from classic blacks and browns for everyday wear or explore bold colors to make your eyes pop. A wide shade selection allows you to customize your look for different occasions.

4. Ingredients & Sensitivity

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If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, opt for ophthalmologist-tested and hypoallergenic formulas. Avoid harsh chemicals or fragrances that could cause irritation.

  1. 1
    Defining Liner

    RevitaLash

    Defining Liner

    $29
    1 REVIEWS
    A richly pigmented, easy-to-use, cream eyeliner formula for high-impact, stay-true color.
    View full details
  2. 2
    Phyto-Khol Star Matte Eye Pencil

    Sisley Paris

    Phyto-Khol Star Matte Eye Pencil

    $75
    63 REVIEWS
    An automatic, retractable eye pencil with an integrated pencil sharpener.
    View full details
  3. 3
    Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil

    Sisley Paris

    Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil

    $75
    118 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    An automatic, retractable eye pencil with an integrated pencil sharpener.
    View full details
  4. 4
    Cream Shaper For Eyes

    Clinique

    Cream Shaper For Eyes

    $29
    4,969 REVIEWS
    Creamy eyeliner pencil with a hint of shimmer works to shape and define with intense, stay-put color.
    View full details
  5. 5
    Brightening Eye Kajal

    Chantecaille

    Brightening Eye Kajal

    $34
    13 REVIEWS
    For wide-awake eyes
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  6. 6
    Quickliner For Eyes Intense

    Clinique

    Quickliner For Eyes Intense

    $29
    5,088 REVIEWS
    All the intensity of liquid liner in a richly pigmented, automatic pencil.
    View full details
  7. 7
    Straight Line Kohl Eye Pencil Definition

    RMS Beauty

    Straight Line Kohl Eye Pencil Definition

    $27
    731 REVIEWS
    A classic kohl eye pencil that lines eyes with rich, creamy color in just one swipe. 
    View full details

What to Look for in a Pencil Eyeliner

Choosing the right pencil eyeliner can enhance your eye look and ensure long-lasting wear.

1. Formula & Texture

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for a pencil eyeliner with a smooth, creamy formula that glides on easily without tugging at the delicate skin around your eyes. The ideal texture should be blendable for smudging, yet firm enough to create precise lines.

2. Longevity & Smudge-Resistance

Citrus catapult arrow

Consider eyeliners labeled as long-wearing, waterproof, or smudge-proof if you need all-day performance. These formulas help prevent fading, smudging, or transferring throughout the day.

3. Shade Range

Citrus catapult arrow

Choose from classic blacks and browns for everyday wear or explore bold colors to make your eyes pop. A wide shade selection allows you to customize your look for different occasions.

4. Ingredients & Sensitivity

Citrus catapult arrow

If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, opt for ophthalmologist-tested and hypoallergenic formulas. Avoid harsh chemicals or fragrances that could cause irritation.

If you're looking for the best pencil eyeliner to add definition and drama to your eyes, look no further! This carefully curated selection of top-rated pencil eyeliners is here to help you achieve the perfect smudged or precise line. Whether you're aiming for a bold, smoky look or a subtle, everyday enhancement, our user-reviewed ranking ensures that you'll find the perfect pencil eyeliner to suit your style and needs. Dive into this list and discover the top performers that have garnered rave reviews from beauty enthusiasts just like you.

FAQ

What are the benefits of using pencil eyeliner compared to liquid or gel formulas? + -

Pencil eyeliners are known for their ease of use, making them ideal for beginners and quick touch-ups. They offer more control for precise lines or smudged, smoky looks and are typically less prone to smearing during application than liquid formulas.

How can I achieve a smudged or smoky eye look with pencil eyeliner? + -

To create a smudged or smoky effect, gently apply the pencil eyeliner along your lash line and use a smudge brush or your fingertip to blend out the line before it sets. Some pencil eyeliners come with built-in smudgers for added convenience.

What is the best way to sharpen pencil eyeliner without breaking it? + -

For best results, use a sharp cosmetic pencil sharpener specifically designed for makeup pencils. To prevent breakage, chill the eyeliner in the refrigerator for a few minutes before sharpening.

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

Yes, pencil eyeliners are versatile and can be safely applied to both the upper and lower lash lines. Their creamy texture makes them comfortable for use on delicate areas like the waterline as well.

How do I prevent my pencil eyeliner from smudging throughout the day? + -

To help your pencil eyeliner last longer, start by applying an eyeshadow primer or setting powder on your eyelids before application. After lining your eyes, you can also set the liner with a matching eyeshadow to lock it in place.