12 Best Affordable Drugstore Eyeliners for Every Look in 2024
Smudge-proof, vibrant, and under $15—discover the best budget eyeliners for bold, precise, and long-lasting definition.
If you love a bold cat-eye, an effortless tightline, or a sultry smokey eye but don’t want to splurge on high-end beauty purchases, you’re in luck. Whether your look calls for crisp lines or easy-blended pigment, today’s drugstore eyeliners deliver the lasting power, ultra-rich color, and smooth application you crave—all at wallet-friendly prices.
Cosmo editors and real-world testers spent months evaluating pencils, gels, liquids, and pens from every major drugstore brand. Each was measured for pigment payoff, water and smudge resistance, ease of use, and overall value. Here’s a deep dive into the 12 best cheap eyeliners guaranteed to go the distance (sometimes, literally—three subway rides later-worthy).
Table of Contents
- Our Top Picks for Best Drugstore Eyeliners
- How We Chose and Tested
- Tips for Finding the Perfect Eyeliner
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Top Picks for the Best Drugstore Eyeliners in 2024
This year’s winners include everything from ultra-black liquids to everyday pencils, including waterproof options and liners loved by makeup artists and casual users alike. Here is Cosmo’s expertly tested list of drugstore eyeliners, ranked for every style and need:
1. NYX Slim Eye Pencil Long-Lasting Eyeliner
- Type: Pencil
- Shade Range: 31
- Best for: Everyday definition and tightlining
- Price: ~$6
Pros:
- Affordable and lasts for months
- Smooth, creamy application that glides on effortlessly
Cons:
- Requires regular sharpening to maintain precision
NYX’s Slim Eye Pencil is a cult classic that’s ultra-blendable but stays put all day. Reviewers love its creamy formula and unbeatable price, perfect for subtle lines or a smudged-out effect.
2. Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Liner
- Type: Gel pencil
- Shade Range: 10+
- Best for: Waterline and smudge-proof wear
- Price: ~$8
Pros:
- Impressive longevity—even in the waterline
- Delivers intense color in a single swipe
Cons:
- Not as easy to smudge out (for smokier looks)
This gel-based pencil rivals prestige brands in staying power. Its soft, bold line resists smudging and is available in a wide array of colors, from everyday brown to electric blue.
3. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner
- Type: Pencil
- Shade Range: 10+
- Best for: All-day wear, even in humid climates
- Price: ~$9
Pros:
- Gel-like application in convenient pencil form
- Won’t budge, even through tears or sweat
Cons:
- Formula dries quickly, so blend immediately if desired
L’Oréal’s Infallible Pro-Last is a favorite for hot days and long nights, delivering a waterproof finish in classic and bold shades that truly sets and stays.
4. e.l.f. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen
- Type: Liquid pen
- Shade Range: 2
- Best for: Graphic looks and winged liner
- Price: ~$6
Pros:
- Waterproof, smudge-resistant finish
- Budget-friendly; delivers precise lines effortlessly
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Cons:
- Runs out more quickly than traditional pencils
For a bold cat eye or precise flick that won’t fade midday, e.l.f.’s pen is a go-to. The flexible felt tip makes razor-sharp wings accessible even for beginners.
5. Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup-Proof Liquid Liner
- Type: Liquid liner
- Shade Range: Black, Brown
- Best for: All-day wear, even through tears and sweat
- Price: ~$5
Pros:
- Boldly pigmented; true black
- Won’t smudge or flake after hours of wear
Cons:
- Not ideal for very oily lids without primer
Fans and makeup pros agree: Wet n Wild’s waterproof liner stands up to humidity, tears, and surprise rain, rivaling expensive liquid liners for a fraction of the cost.
6. Milani Stay Put Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner
- Type: Pencil
- Shade Range: 8
- Best for: Smokey eye and waterline
- Price: ~$7
Pros:
- Soft and blendable but sets for all-day durability
- Excellent for creating sultry, smoked-out looks
Cons:
- Not as pigmented as true gel pencils
The creamy texture allows you to smudge and blend before it locks into a fade-proof finish—a must for fans of lived-in liner looks.
7. Revlon ColorStay Sharp Line Liquid Eye Pen
- Type: Liquid pen
- Shade Range: 2
- Best for: Ultra-precise lines and defined wings
- Price: ~$8
Pros:
- Easy for beginners; sharp, flexible felt tip
- Color stays vivid without fading
Cons:
- Pen can dry out if not stored properly
Its name delivers: ColorStay’s pen produces consistently sharp, drama-free lines for everything from subtle tightlining to full-on wings.
8. Essence Superfine Waterproof Eyeliner Pen
- Type: Liquid pen
- Shade Range: Black
- Best for: Quick, no-fuss application
- Price: ~$3
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable
- Super fine tip for ultimate control
Cons:
- Dries out faster than higher-end pens
This fan-favorite has a tip fine enough for micro-lining and a formula that’s waterproof—even at its low price point. Perfect for those who want definition without fuss.
9. Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner
- Type: Mechanical pencil
- Shade Range: 8
- Best for: On-the-go touch-ups
- Price: ~$6
Pros:
- No sharpener needed
- Smooth glide and smudge tip for blending
Cons:
- Not totally waterproof
Retractable, creamy, and easy to control, this eyeliner is ideal for those who want a no-mess solution for fast makeup routines and touch-ups.
10. Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner
- Type: Gel pencil
- Shade Range: 5
- Best for: Sensitive eyes, users prone to irritation
- Price: ~$8
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and gentle
- Intense color, sets quickly
Cons:
- Limited shade selection
Almay’s formula is ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin without sacrificing vibrant color or longevity.
11. Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer
- Type: Mechanical pencil
- Shade Range: 6
- Best for: Tightlining and lash definition
- Price: ~$5
Pros:
- Twist-up and includes a built-in smudger
- Resistant to water, humidity, and oil
Cons:
- Can crumble if too much pressure is applied
This eyeliner is known for budge-proof wear, excellent for precise or smudgy lines without worry.
12. LA Girl Glide Gel Liner
- Type: Gel pencil
- Shade Range: 19
- Best for: Bright, creative looks and waterline
- Price: ~$5
Pros:
- Exceptionally smooth, easy to apply
- Wide shade spectrum for creative looks
Cons:
- Can transfer on oily eyelids
Creative personalities will love the silky formula and massive shade range for everything from classic brown or nude to traffic-stopping gold and aquamarine.
How We Chose and Tested
Each eyeliner was vetted by multiple testers over several weeks. We evaluated:
- Pigment Intensity: How rich and true each shade appeared on the skin and eyes
- Longevity: Wear tests included 8+ hours, exercise, and humidity exposure
- Usability: Factored in tip/felt precision, blendability, comfort, and removal
- Value: Compared price per use and overall affordability
Where possible, customer reviews from verified shoppers supplemented real-world findings to ensure broad, inclusive data in every category.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Eyeliner
- For Tightlining or Waterline: Use a waterproof gel pencil for best longevity and minimal transfer (Maybelline TattooStudio, LA Girl Glide Gel).
- For Cat Eyes or Graphic Flicks: Opt for a stiff felt-tip pen for precise lines and wings (e.l.f. H2O Proof, Wet n Wild Breakup-Proof, Essence Superfine).
- For Smokey Eyes: Choose creamy pencils or kohl formulas that remain blendable before setting (Milani Stay Put, NYX Slim Eye Pencil).
- Sensitive Eyes: Select hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, or ophthalmologist-tested formulas (Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner).
Don’t forget:
- Always remove eyeliner completely at night to prevent irritation.
- Replace pencils and liquid liners every 6 months to avoid bacteria buildup.
- For best results, prep lids with a primer, especially if you have oily skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes a drugstore eyeliner as good as a luxury one?
A: Many affordable liners now use similar pigment and binding technologies as high-end brands, delivering bold payoff, excellent wear, and smooth application. Rigorous quality testing and brand innovation help keep drugstore options highly competitive.
Q: How do I make my drugstore eyeliner last longer?
A: Start with an oil-free primer or concealer to control lid oil. Set pencil or gel liner with a coordinating eyeshadow. For liquid liners, avoid rubbing your eyes and wait until completely dry to open them fully.
Q: Are drugstore eyeliners safe for sensitive eyes?
A: Yes—look for words like “ophthalmologist-tested,” “hypoallergenic,” or “safe for contact lens wearers” on the label. Brands like Almay and Covergirl specialize in gentle but effective formulas.
Q: Which drugstore liner is best for beginners?
A: Pen-style liquid liners (like e.l.f. or Revlon) offer control and a steady grip, making them excellent for mastering wings. Mechanical pencils like Covergirl’s are also easy to use.
Q: How often should I replace my eyeliner?
A: Every 3–6 months for liquids and about 6–12 months for pencils—faster if you notice any change in texture, smell, or performance.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Underestimate a Good Drugstore Find
The right budget eyeliner doesn’t just save you money—it can deliver all-day drama, seamless definition, and a major boost in confidence. With these 12 tested picks for every finish and application style, your next signature eye look is just one affordable product away.
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