The perfect black line is a simple makeup concept that enhances the eyes. Whether you want to recreate a dramatic cat eye, a subtle line or go full-on Fendi Spring 2017, eyeliner is one of those things that can be tricky to shop for.
What is the best eyeliner?
Well, it all depends on what kind of look you’re going for. You may want to invest in the best liquid eyeliner because it glides on easily and can really dial up the drama. Eyeing that smudged, smoky look? Then an eyeliner pencil may be the way to go. Plus, pencils are easy for first-timers to get the hang of.
Which eyeliner colors are best for everyday wear?
In addition to choosing the right type of eyliner, color must be a part of your decision-making process too. Neutrals like brown or black eyeliner are great for everyday wear, while formulas with shimmer or bold colors like cobalt and teal (a la the red carpet) are fun weekend options. If you’re still unsure of what to pick, go for classic black.
What is the best eyeliner for summer?
With all the sweat and humidity, plus all the dips in the ocean, waterproof is the only way to go in the summer. The best waterproof eyeliner boasts a precision tip and a long-wear formula that won’t smudge, budge or run even when you pop out of the pool.
How do I pick the best eyeliner?
Our favorite tip when choosing the best eyeliner for you is to draw a line on the back of your hand to see if it goes on smoothly without feathering. Doing this will be a good indicator of how the product will apply to your eyes.
Whichever way you decide to go in your quest for the best eyeliner, there are many great options available. From waterproof to liquid-like gel formulas, here are the best eyeliners of 2018.
- MAC
- Chanel
- Benefit Cosmetics
- Bobbi Brown
- Tarte
- L’Oréal Paris
- Kat Von D
- Sephora Collection
- Make Up For Ever
- Stila
- Lancôme
- Guerlain
- Eyeko
- Marc Jacobs
- Charlotte Tilbury
- Urban Decay
- Pat McGrath Labs
- Mally Beauty
- Dior
To find out why these 19 eyeliners made the cut, check out the slideshow above.
Best Eyeliners 2015
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Best Eyeliners 2015 #1
Whether you like liquid, gel or pencil formulas, we've rounded up 19 of the best eyeliners out there.
Image: Imaxtree
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Gel
MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline, $18 at MAC Cosmetics
This high-pigment gel formula is touted by many beauty lovers as the best of the best in the eyeliner category. It's smudge-proof (but easy to remove) and glides on like a liquid, making application a breeze. Some of the six shades in the lineup can even double as eyebrow gel or a primer for eyeshadow because the staying power is that good.
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Gel
Chanel Calligraphie de Chanel Longwear Intense Cream Eyeliner, $35 at Nordstrom
Vinyl isn’t just popular on the fashion front. This long-lasting best gel eyeliner has a high shine finish for an eye-catching look. The specially developed fine-hair brush lets you draw precise lines, from ultra thin to bold strokes.
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Gel
Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Push-Up Liner, $24 at Sephora
In the summer of 2014, Benefit debuted the first-ever gel liner click pen and it quickly became a game-changer. The matte finish formula is waterproof and its AccuFlex tip is angled for precise lash-hugging application. However, this may not be the best option for a beginner. Gel—especially waterproof gel—dries extremely quick, so there is barely room for error and going over dry gel liner is a no-no (you'll end up with a lumpy and caked-on finish). The pen is ideal for bold, graphic lines as well as a classic winged line.
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Gel
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, $27 at Sephora
This long-wearing gel-based formula is water-resistant and is widely considered to be one of the best liners available. It goes on smoothly, despite its slightly firm texture. The finish is on the matte side, ideal for a smoky eye, and the range includes a variety of colors, including some with a subtle glint.
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Gel
Tarte Tarteist Clay Paint Liner, $24 at Sephora
This formula from Tarte has a unique blending tip that was inspired by professionals who mix makeup on a flat surface. The clay paint is made with fewer waxes, which gives it a liquid-like creamy texture for seamless application and the angled tip of the brush delivers artist-like precision.
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Gel
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner, $9.99 at Ulta Beauty
This best drugstore eyeliner must-have is just as good as the prestige brands. The price is right for the user-friendly option and it has a glossy, lacquer-like finish for a dramatic eye-defining effect. We really like the small and short bristles on the brush — it makes it easy to draw an exact line little by little, without committing to too much product.
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Liquid
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, $20 at Sephora
A quality eyeliner all comes down to the tip. This liquid liner boasts a superfine and flexible brush that glides with ease and won’t fray over time. The pigment-packed waterproof eyeliner stays in place throughout the day so you don’t have to worry about it fading, melting, cracking or running.
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Liquid
Sephora Collection Long-Lasting 12 HR Wear Eye Liner, $12 at Sephora
Leave it to a site that sells the best eyeliners to develop one of its own. Sephora’s ultra pigmented liners will hold up against any of the big name brands thanks to their flocked tips that are incredibly easy to use, even if you’re a liner novice. With 12-hour wear, this best liquid eyeliner will have you covered until you’re ready to wipe it off.
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Liquid
Make Up For Ever Graphic Liner, $24 at Sephora
This pen boasts a super-fine tip for professional results, whether you're a beginner or pro. The user-friendly pen's tip makes it easy to control for desired effect, won't feather and is ideal for getting an impeccable cat-eye.
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Liquid
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $22 at Sephora
Liquid liners can be unforgiving if they don't have a long, thin brush applicator, but this tapered style works just as well and does exactly what it claims: stays all day while being waterproof. In fact, the pen's end is fine enough to fill in any missed areas in between lashes for complete perfection.
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Liquid
Lancôme Grandiôse Bendable Liquid Eyeliner, $32 at Ulta Beauty
Lancôme’s special 35 degree bendable wand gives precise a whole new meaning. Able to pivot to allow for two stable hand positions, this best liquid eyeliner provides close access to the lash line for professional results. The matte formula dries in a flash and lasts for hours. And it’s suitable for even the most sensitive eyes.
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Liquid
Guerlain Liquid Eyeliner, $43 at Sephora
Guerlain's luxe liquid liner comes in a beautiful frosted glass bottle and was designed like a calligraphy pen for a luxurious feel. The best part, though, is how opaque the formula is and the artist brush feel of it. You can go for a simple flick and easily build upon it for a daring look.
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Liquid
Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Black Eyeliner, $12 at Nordstrom
This may be mini, but it packs a punch. The ultra precise pen can draw thick flicks or fine lines. And the formula won’t budge or smudge so your liner will stay strong all day long. Plus, the travel-size liner is ideal for any summer adventures.
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Pencil
Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon, $25 at Sephora
This editor favorite is a crayon-like gel hybrid that is incredibly easy to apply and is also forgiving for those without steady hands. We absolutely love the wide range of colors it comes in and how easily it layers on over a brown line for a tiny hint of color that can be worn to the office.
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Pencil
Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Iconic Liquid Eye Pencil, $27 at Nordstrom
An eyeliner pencil that glides on like the best liquid eyeliner? Yup, it exists. Charlotte Tilbury’s waterproof pencil promises intense color payoff that stays put for up to 14 hours. And your lines will feel fine since the formula features crushed pearl powder to stimulate collagen production and hydrate, smoothing the surface of the eyelid. In six shades, you can rock everything from an everyday black to going nude for more wide awake peepers.
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Pencil
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $20 at Sephora
This pencil's creamy texture helps it glide on and the color offering is unlike anything we've ever seen — over 35 vibrant hues. The color goes on silky and dries with a powder-like finish for a smoky look that has serious staying power.
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Pencil
Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil, $25 at Pat McGrath Labs
This best waterproof eyeliner pencil comes from makeup artist great Pat McGrath, so you know it’s a winner. Available in pearlescent and matte finishes, you don’t have to be an expert to get defined eyes. The unique formula blends the precision of a gel eyeliner with the ease of a pencil for rich, satiny pigment that goes on smooth. And since it doesn’t set right away, you’ll have plenty of time to smudge and diffuse to get your ideal eye look.
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Pencil
Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner, $18 at Ulta Beauty
Line and shade eyes with this multipurpose eyeliner pencil. The waterproof formula is rich, full and able to deliver a crisp line above, below or inside the lashline that lasts until you take it off.
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Pencil
Dior Crayon Eyeliner - Waterproof, $30 at Sephora
This eye-defining pencil is rich in pigment, completely waterproof and has a smudging tip for when you want a sultry look or a softer line. It's a favorite if you're looking for a classic deep black hue that stays put for hours on end.
