The Best Gel Eyeliners of the Year: Longwear, Smudge-Proof, and Bold Picks

Explore top-rated gel eyeliners with expert tips for smooth, long-lasting, and eye-catching looks.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Explore top-rated gel eyeliners with expert tips for smooth, long-lasting, and eye-catching looks.

When it comes to eyeliner, gel formulas hit the coveted sweet spot: bold color, serious staying power, and effortless application for both sharp lines and soft smudges. Whether you’re crafting a winged look for a night out or seeking something that lasts through work, sweat, and even tears, gel eyeliners remain an undisputed beauty essential. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top-rated gel eyeliners loved by experts and beauty fans, share what to look for when shopping for one, and answer some of your most-asked questions. Ready to meet your new signature liner? Keep reading.

Why Gel Eyeliner?

Gel eyeliners occupy a unique position in the world of eye makeup. They combine the high-impact color of liquid liners with the control and flexibility of pencils. If you’ve ever struggled with shaky lines, skipping, or fading color, gel eyeliner is often the problem-solver. Key benefits include:

Intense pigmentation for a bold, visible result.
Smooth application that glides on easily—no tugging required.
Adaptable for crisp wings, smoky looks, or subtle definition.
Longwearing and waterproof formulas, even for oily lids or watery eyes.
Smudge-proof finish that stays in place all day.

How to Choose the Best Gel Eyeliner

The perfect gel eyeliner for you depends on your skill level, eye shape, and preferred finish. Consider these factors before picking the ultimate winner for your makeup bag:

Type: Pots, mechanical pencils, or traditional pencil gels—each has unique pros and cons.
Shade selection: Classics like black and brown are wardrobe staples, but look for brands that offer unique colors and finishes.
Waterproofness: Especially important for waterlines, oily lids, or tear-prone eyes.
Sensitivity: Opt for dermatologist or ophthalmologist-tested formulas if you have sensitive eyes.
Application Needs: Consider if you want bold graphic lines or soft, blendable edges.

Editor and Expert Picks: The Top Gel Eyeliners

These standout gel eyeliners come highly rated by beauty editors, professional makeup artists, and real customers. They are chosen for performance, versatility, pigmentation, and longevity.

1. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Type: Pot gel
Best for: Longevity and precision
Key features: Waterproof, smudge-proof, 12-hour wear, high pigmentation
Details: A staple for makeup pros, this liner provides the intensity of liquid with the ease of a gel. It smooths on with a brush for razor-sharp lines or smoky effects, lasts through sweat and humidity, and comes in a range of classic and creative shades.

2. KVD Beauty Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner, Shadow & Brow Pigment

Type: Multi-use pot formula
Best for: Versatility and all-day wear
Key features: Budge-proof, richly pigmented, doubles as brow and shadow color
Details: This vegan formula boasts full coverage and an ultra-creamy consistency suitable for precise lines, bold wings, and even brow definition. Reviewers praise its resistance to creasing and flaking.

3. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Type: Pot gel
Best for: Affordable high performance
Key features: Smudge-resistant, intense finish, budget-friendly
Details: Delivers well above its price tag with easy-glide application, dramatic color payoff, and vibrant shades. Stays put for 24 hours, making it a favorite for both subtle looks and statement eyes.

4. Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel

Type: Pot gel
Best for: Custom color choices and long wear
Key features: Waterproof, fade-resistant, over 20 shades
Details: Makeup artists swear by this gel for its ultra-smooth glide and unparalleled color selection. Ideal for creative looks or matching your liner to your mood.

5. Hourglass 1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

Type: Retractable gel pencil
Best for: Precise thin lines and waterline use
Key features: The smallest tip on the market, waterproof, cruelty-free
Details: With its sleek, ultra-thin tip, this modern gel pencil is perfect for crisp cat-eyes, tightlining, and natural definition. Its mechanical style means no sharpening and mess-free application.

6. MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline

Type: Pot gel
Best for: All-day wear and pro-style finish
Key features: 16-hour hold, matte and shimmer options, requires a brush
Details: Available in a range of finishes and shades, Fluidline delivers a silky application and can go bold or subtle. The formula resists sweat and humidity for marathon makeup sessions.

7. L’Oreal Infallible Lacquer Liner

Type: Pot gel
Best for: Shiny, lacquered finish
Key features: Glossy color, easy blending, durable wear
Details: Known for its standout shine, this liner glides on for a dramatic look that can be softened out into a smoky shape. Its gel formula lets you experiment with texture and layering.

8. Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Liner

Type: Gel pencil
Best for: Beginners and quick application
Key features: Waterproof, blendable, multiple shades, drugstore price
Details: A favorite for smudge-free color that blends easily but locks down once set, making it ideal for both waterline and lash line. Offered in a wide array of finishes, from classic mattes to trendy metallics.

9. Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel

Type: Pot gel
Best for: Color variety
Key features: Highly pigmented, waterproof
Details: Beloved by makeup artists for its wide color range, this formula glides on smoothly and stays put. It’s perfect for making a statement with stand-out liner or graphic designs.

How to Apply Gel Eyeliner Like a Pro

Perfecting your gel eyeliner technique takes a little practice, but these steps make it easy to achieve flawless lines every time:

Prep your eyelids with an oil-free primer to create a smooth, budge-proof base.
Choose the right tool: Thin, angled brushes work best for pots, while pencils are great for direct application.
Pick up a small amount of product on your brush—less is more, as you can always build color.
Start at the outer corner of your eye and work inward for more control, using light, short strokes.
Tightline your eyes (for a fuller lash look) by dotting or carefully dragging gel along the waterline.
Quickly smudge or soften lines if desired, as gel sets rapidly but can be blended immediately after application.
For extra durability, set your liner with matching eyeshadow on top.

Common Questions About Gel Eyeliners

What makes gel eyeliners different from pencil or liquid liners?

Gel eyeliners blend the intensity and smoothness of liquid with the control of a pencil. They set to a long-wearing finish, making them great for both precise lines and smoky eyes.

Can I use gel eyeliner on my waterline?

Yes—many gel liners are formulated to be safe and long-lasting on the waterline, but always check for “ophthalmologist-tested” or waterline approval, especially if you have sensitive eyes.

How do I remove waterproof gel eyeliner?

Use an oil-based or dual-phase makeup remover and gently massage the area. Avoid tugging, as the waterproof formula is designed to resist water, sweat, and oil.

What brush should I use with gel pot eyeliners?

Opt for a fine-tipped or angled eyeliner brush for thin, cat-eye looks. For a smoky eye, a small, flat or smudge brush works well.

Why does my gel eyeliner smudge?

Possible reasons include oily lids, not priming, or needing a longwear/waterproof formula. Setting the liner with powder eyeshadow can increase longevity for tricky eyes.

Buying Tips: What to Look for in Gel Eyeliners

Waterproof and smudge-proof claims: Essential for oily lids or watery eyes.
Pigmentation: For bold payoff, look for reviews mentioning intense color.
Texture: Creamy yet firm textures are easiest to control and less likely to flake.
Diversity of shades: If you love color, pick brands with a wide range beyond black and brown.
Packaging: Mechanical pencils for no sharpening, pots for precision with brushes.

Table: Quick Comparison of Top Gel Eyeliners

Product	Type	Waterproof	Shade Range	Key Benefit
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner	Pot Gel	Yes	Extensive	12-hour wear, pro favorite
KVD Beauty Super Pomade	Pot Multi-use	Yes	Many	Versatility, vegan
Maybelline Eye Studio Gel	Pot Gel	Yes	Basic	Affordable performance
Hourglass 1.5mm Gel Liner	Mechanical Pencil	Yes	Selective	Precision tip
MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline	Pot Gel	Yes	14+	16-hour hold
Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel	Pot Gel	Yes	20+	Color variety
Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil	Gel Pencil	Yes	10+	Beginner-friendly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I stop my eyeliner from transferring to my eyelids?

A: Start with an eye primer or powder your lids, use a truly waterproof gel liner, and set your line with eyeshadow or translucent powder for hold.

Q: Can I use a gel eyeliner as an eyeshadow?

A: Many pot gels double as cream shadows—just blend quickly before it sets.

Q: What’s the best way to sharpen a gel eyeliner pencil?

A: For traditional pencils, use a cosmetic sharpener. Mechanical gel pencils need no sharpening—just twist up.

Q: Is gel eyeliner suitable for sensitive eyes?

A: Look for hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and fragrance-free gel liners if you have sensitive or watery eyes.

Expert Tips: Making Your Liner Last All Day

Apply primer or a matte eyeshadow as a base for your lids.
Use a precise brush and work in short, steady strokes.
Let the liner set for at least 30 seconds before blinking or layering other products.
Experiment with color: Navy, plum, olive, and metallics can widen or brighten your eye shape.
Store pots tightly sealed to prevent drying out—if needed, revive with a drop of mixing medium.

Gel eyeliners remain the gold standard for high-impact, fuss-free eye definition. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the right formula will unlock limitless creative looks while promising steadfast wear. Ready to find your favorite?

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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