The Best Eyeliner Pencils for Every Look and Budget
Find the top eyeliner pencils that deliver bold lines, smudge-proof wear, and stay-all-day color for every style and budget.
The right eyeliner pencil can transform your makeup routine, whether you’re after a subtle definition, a dramatic cat eye, or an easy smokey look. With countless options ranging from drugstore staples to luxury finds, choosing the perfect formula for your needs can feel overwhelming. This guide rounds up the standout eyeliner pencils across every category, sharing expert picks for lasting color, smooth application, and next-level performance, alongside tips for every skill level and style.
Why the Right Eyeliner Pencil Matters
Unlike liquids or gels, pencil eyeliners offer a unique balance of control, blendability, and versatility. They’re an essential in any beauty kit for:
- Defining lash lines with quick, precise strokes
- Creating effortless smokey eyes
- Layering and blending with eyeshadow
- Lining sensitive waterlines safely
- On-the-go application without fuss
What to Look For in an Eyeliner Pencil
- Formula: Consider gel, kohl, waterproof, or traditional pencil based on your eye look and comfort.
- Longevity: Look for pencils promising smudge-proof, long wear—especially for long days or humid conditions.
- Shade Range: The best picks offer classic black and brown as well as fun metallics and bold hues.
- Blendability: A creamy texture helps for smokey looks, while firmer pencils give precise definition.
- Ophthalmologist-tested: Especially important for sensitive eyes and waterline use.
How We Chose the Best Eyeliner Pencils
Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing by beauty editors, input from professional artists, and real-world wear throughout busy days, workouts, long nights, and all weather conditions. Key criteria included:
- Application ease and smoothness
- Pigment intensity
- Staying power and resistance to smudging/fading
- Sensitivity for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes
- Price and value for money
Top Eyeliner Pencils of the Year
1. Best Overall Eyeliner Pencil
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: This cult favorite delivers rich pigment in over 30 shades and is repeatedly praised for its budge-proof wear, creamy application, and versatility—from crisp lines to smudged-out drama.
- Texture: Ultra-smooth gel, easy to blend but sets quickly
- Finish: Available in mattes to metallics
- Why Editors Love It: Reliable, vibrant, and long-wearing on both lash line and waterline
2. Best Drugstore Eyeliner Pencil
Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Liner: This affordable pick punches above its price with intense pigment and a gel texture that doesn’t budge—even on oily lids.
- Texture: Gel-based; creamy yet smudge-resistant
- Staying Power: Waterproof, sweat-resistant
- Available Shades: Over 10, ranging from classic black to metallics
- Best For: All-day wear and tightlining
Review Highlight: “This liner stays put all day without fading, yet is easy enough to blend for a smokey effect.”
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3. Best Eyeliner for Waterline
Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner: Specially formulated for sensitive eyes, this kohl-inspired pencil creates a deep, defined look that resists waterline smudging or migration.
- Formula: Clean, richly pigmented, and ophthalmologist-tested
- Unique Feature: Extra smooth for delicate waterline use
- Why Pros Choose It: Suits all skin tones and stays crisp on tricky inner rims
4. Best Luxury Eyeliner Pencil
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner: Loved for its butter-soft application and bold color payoff, this designer pick lets you perfect both sharp definition and a hazy, lived-in eye.
- Finish: Satin-matte, rich shades
- Smudge Factor: Blendable before setting, then locks into place
- Why It Stands Out: Formulated for sensitive eyes with a luxurious feel on application
5. Best Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner: This pencil delivers intense results similar to a gel pot, with super-saturation and high-endurance staying power.
- Sensation: Glide-on texture with zero tugging
- Longevity: Up to 24-hour wear
- Best For: Sharp wings and graphic looks
6. Best Eyeliner for Sensitive Eyes
Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner: Recommended by ophthalmologists, this liner has vitamin E for comfort and is specifically designed to minimize irritation while offering all-day color.
- Why Dermatologists Approve: Gentle on eyes, vitamin-enriched, tug-free
- Features: Smudgeable for 30 seconds, then fully set
7. Best Kohl Eyeliner
Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘n’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil: Known for its liquid-like glide and smoky payoff, this kohl pencil works for both bold lines and diffused edges without irritating the lash line or waterline.
- Finish: High-pigment, demi-matte
- Main Drawback: Slightly tricky to sharpen
- Best Use: Everyday wing or full-on smokey eye
Top Application Tips for Flawless Liner
- Warm up the tip on the back of your hand to help pencils glide smoothly.
- For smokey looks, smudge the liner immediately after applying, before it sets.
- Use small, short strokes rather than one long line for smoother, more even results.
- For sharp wings, angle your pencil from the outer corner of your lower lash line up toward your brow tail.
- Always sharpen your pencil for a crisp line, and sanitize regularly—especially for waterline use.
How to Choose the Right Eyeliner Pencil for You
| Need | Recommended Type | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday Definition | Kohl or gel-based pencil | Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil |
| Long-Lasting, Waterproof | Waterproof gel | Maybelline TattooStudio Gel, Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel |
| Sensitive/Waterline | Kohl, ophthalmologist-tested | Kulfi Underlined Kajal, Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘n’ Kohl, Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner |
| Luxury Feel & Performance | Satin-finish, high-pigment pencil | Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner |
Expert Advice from Makeup Artists
- For round eyes: Focus color on the outer third for a more almond-shaped look.
- For hooded eyes: Tightline upper lashes and keep the line thin at the inner corner.
- For smokey eyes: Layer pencil under shadow for longer-lasting depth.
- All-day wear tip: Set pencil liner with a coordinating powder shadow to lock it in place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between gel, kohl, and regular pencil eyeliners?
A: Gel eyeliners deliver flexible, creamy color with waterproof staying power—great for single-swipe lines or smokey blends. Kohl pencils are soft and blendable for easy smudging and lining delicate waterlines. Traditional pencil eyeliners can be either firm or creamy, offering balance for everyday wear.
Q: How do I stop my eyeliner from smudging or transferring?
A: Opt for waterproof formulas or set your liner with a matching powder shadow. Prepping your lids with a matte primer or concealer can also cut down on oil and keep color in place longer.
Q: Can I use eyeliner pencils on my waterline?
A: Yes, but choose ophthalmologist-tested pencils specifically labeled as safe for the waterline and sensitive eyes. Sharpen before each use to remove any bacteria.
Q: How do I sharpen twist-up eyeliner pencils?
A: Many twist-up pencils have a built-in sharpener in the cap or at the base. If not, gently twist to expose a finer tip and clean it regularly with tissue.
Q: What’s the best way to remove waterproof eyeliner?
A: Soak a cotton pad with a dual-phase, oil-based or micellar eye makeup remover. Hold on the eyelid for 10 seconds before gently wiping for easier, lash-friendly removal.
Editor’s Tried-and-True: Honorable Mentions
- NYX Epic Wear Liner Sticks — Bold color, budget-friendly, and ultra-long-wear.
- L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner — Drugstore staple for a reason: creamy, lasting, and versatile.
- M.A.C. Eye Kohl — Loved for rich black pigment and blendability for classic smokey eyes.
- Sephora Collection 12hr Contour Eye Pencil — Huge shade range, reliable wear, affordable price point.
Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Pencil Awaits
Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or a beauty maximalist, there’s a perfect eyeliner pencil to suit every look, budget, and eye shape. Focus on the finish, formula, and staying power you need. Don’t hesitate to experiment with color or test different tip styles until you find your holy-grail liner—because the right line can make all the difference in your routine.
References
- https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/best-eyeliners-for-waterline/
- https://www.magazine.co.uk/the-hub/cosmopolitans-eyeliners-that-last
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a62802968/clinique-mascara-eyeliner-review/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/g65413034/best-eyeliner/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/gallery/long-wearing-eyeliners-that-absolutely-wont-budge
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