Whether you’re just branching out into winged liner or one viral TikTok away from becoming a celebrity MUA, the best eyeliners are key to nailing that look that keeps coming to you in your dreams (you know the one). The cream of the crop includes precise liquid liners, velvety gel eyeliners, and even pots of plush pigment paired with precision-driven brushes. Although each pick has its perks, they all share the goal of making your eye makeup come alive and staying put from your first swipe to bedtime cleanse without creasing, smudging, or transferring. To narrow down the best of the best, we chatted with makeup artists and tested tons of formulas ourselves to determine what makes them so good, and why you might be the next one to fall in love.
Our Top Eyeliners
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: The 2024 Best of Beauty-winning Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner draws inspiration from kajal—a buttery, richly pigmented eyeliner traditionally cooked up with natural ingredients in kitchens across South Asian households and worn for centuries to ward off the evil eye. Kulfi brings the practice into the present day with this smudge-proof color that glides skillfully onto lids and waterlines. You get a solid 20 seconds of easy-blending playtime before it sets firmly in place. Makeup artist Amrita Mehta is among its many fans, giving kudos to the vibrant shades ideal for tightlining or “smudging out into an all-over color or smoky eye look.”
Tester feedback from former Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein
“Just a few quick strokes are all I need to define my eyes with Kulfi’s pigmented eyeliner. A quick tip: For a longer-lasting, budge-proof look, I wipe my waterline with a Q-tip, then swipe on this liner, and finally use a black eye shadow powder as a tinted setting powder of sorts. It never fails to keep smudging at bay.”—Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer
- Finish: shimmer, matte
- Shades: 8
- Waterproof: yes
Best Self-Sharpening: Smashbox Always Sharp Longwear Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
Why it’s worth it: We love kohl for its smudgy softness and liquid liner for its precision, and Smashbox’s Always Sharp Kohl Eyeliner delivers both in one sleek pencil. It’s creamy enough to smudge and smoke out, with a tip that never goes blunt. The genius? It self-sharpens every time you twist the cap (goodbye, grimy sharpeners at the bottom of your bag). The pigment is bold across the board—though we have a soft spot for the rich violet shade—and once you blend this waterproof formula into place, it locks in tight without budging or flaking.
Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
“It’s all in the cap. Every time you open this eyeliner, the cap sharpens the tip automatically (my jaw dropped the first time I tried it). All of the shavings and residue stay in the cap—it’s a totally mess-free experience that doesn’t require me to dig my sharpener out and stand over a trash can. It’s also super-easy to apply and doesn’t pull on my eyelids (ouch!). The color payoff is dark and stays put for hours, even on my oily eyelids. I’m in love with Sumatra, a black-brown that makes my green eyes pop.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
- Finish: matte
- Shades: 5
- Waterproof: yes
Best Splurge: Chanel Le Liner De Chanel
Why it’s worth it: Chanel is synonymous with luxury, and Chanel’s Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner is synonymous with: “Oh my god, your eyeliner looks amazing.” The water-resistant formula is latex-based for a firm grip, ensuring that deep, saturated pigment stays put and stays pretty. You can get super precise with your lines, thanks to a tapered tip that narrows to a thumbtack-level point. Of course, this liner comes in a classic, rich black, but we especially love the uniquely dark oxblood shade—Rouge Noir (a.k.a. “Red Black”). Wear it on a bare lid with a bit of mascara, or layer it with a smokey eye for a sultry nighttime vibe.
Tester feedback from Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“My days of thick, forgiving winged eyeliner are long behind me, so I’m all about precision and control with my eyeliner formulas these days. Chanel’s Le Liner de Chanel has a fine tip applicator that’s quite stiff compared to others I’ve tried, which I find to be ideal for keeping my lines tight and clean. The formula is definitely a liquid but not so loose that it’s runny and stressful—I love dragging my fingertip along the outer wing to slightly soften the tip—and this eyeliner has just enough viscosity that I can safely manipulate the wing with my fingers without fear that I’m going to end up with inky fingerprints all over my face. You can do a lot with this eyeliner which really helps justify the price tag, IMO.”—Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
- Finish: liquid
- Shades: 3
- Waterproof: no, water-resistant
Best Liquid: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: Ask any Allure editor about eyeliners, and chances are they’ll tell you a felt-tip liquid liner is an essential—namely, Stila’s Best of Beauty-winning Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. Depending on the pressure and how you angle your hand as you apply, this liner can oscillate with sharp wings and silky swaths seamlessly. You can count on this waterproof formula to never skip, bleed, or tug and lend a matte finish that keeps you company from dawn to dusk. Grab this star in a classic, jet-black, or warm brown for a more natural look.
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I don’t have the steadiest hand, but I’ve found the relatively firm brush of Stila’s liquid liner to be especially forgiving. It never skips or drags on my lid as I’m drawing, and the color truly doesn’t budge once it sets.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Finish:
- Shades: 2
- Waterproof: yes
Most Blendable: Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: We’ve tried more creamy liners than we can count, but Hourglass’s Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner still manages to impress. It glides on like silk, then sets to a budge-proof finish—no smearing, no bleeding, no frantic bathroom touch-ups. Our editors can’t get over how blendable it is (hat’s off to beeswax), making it as easy to smoke out as it is to wear clean and precise. Available in four matte shades plus one subtle shimmer, it’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward staple you’ll want in your routine every single day.
“I have light brown eyes, and I’m always on the hunt for a purple-toned eyeliner that leans more brown—something that’s not super obvious but still brings out the hazel in my eyes. The chestnut shade of this twist-up liner is exactly that. It has subtle maroon undertones that bring out my light brown eyes without looking overdone. And I have to mention the blendable formula. I use it for everything from a soft, smudgy look to a tight, thin line that makes my eyes look a little more awake. It’s a do-it-all product I now can’t finish my makeup without.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
- Finish: shimmer, matte
- Shades: 5
- Waterproof: yes
Best Pencil: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil
Why it’s worth it: An “absolute favorite” of makeup artist Rose Siard, the Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil marries intensity and effortlessness. “It blends easily and has a built-in brush for smudging,” she says, adding that once the formula dries, it sets and stays in place. We’ve worn it everywhere—upper lids, lower lids, even the waterline—and its smudge-proof promise holds up every time. Each pencil even comes with its own sharpener, so you get a perfect point with every use.
“It took less than 15-minutes with Mario Dedivanovic to convince me to start wearing eyeliner again. After forgoing the product for years since it took too much time and gave me anxiety to get my lines even, I picked up the Master Pigment Pro liner and it’s been a match made in eyeliner heaven. Plus, the pencil is ideal for beginners as the dual-tip pencil comes with a brush to smooth out any rough spots.
I start by tightlining my upper waterline and using a q-tip to clean up an excess on my lower line. Then I slowly begin lining my upper lid from the outer corner and working my way to mid-lash. Using the brush, I smooth out my inevitable bumps and continue to layer and blend until I have the color I’m happy with. Once I’ve finished with a strong coat, I apply my shadow and then go back in with the eyeliner once I’ve finished to beef up the color and definition. In under 10 minutes, I have defined eyes and carry on with my base products.”—Kassidy Silva, social media director
- Finish: matte
- Shades: 8
- Waterproof: no
Best Colorful: Valentino Colorgraph Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Why it’s worth it: Amid a sea of jet-black liners, we more than appreciate the occasional flare of eye-popping brightness. Valentino’s Colorgraph Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil has range, offering vivid pinks and electric purples alongside the can’t-go-wrong classic coal. But color is just the start—while you’ve probably tangoed with plenty of liners sporting built-in spongy smudgers, this dual-ender boasts a tiny, rounded bristle brush for blending with exacto-level precision. Whether doing waterline eyeliner, defining your upper lashes, or blending broad strokes into eyeshadow-esque coverage, this liner is ready to play.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“The easiest way to jazz up my makeup is to go in with a bright gel liner, and Valentino’s Colorgraph in Pink PP stole my heart even before I received the sample. It’s pigmented and easy-gliding, so I can do each eye in less than 15 seconds, but it dries to a non-budge matte. You do have to sharpen relatively often, but that’s just how it goes! If you want shimmer, I like Brown Fondant for a cute everyday brown, or for something bolder, I also like the shimmery Purple Dose.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Finish: shimmer, matte
- Shades: 6
- Waterproof: yes
Best Matte: One/Size Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen
Why it’s worth it: One/Size proves its point with the Liquid Eyeliner Pen, which has a matte, waterproof formula that locks in all day, so your liner stays put no matter the activity. The felt-tip applicator is saturated with the ink, which applies seamlessly and never drags, stops, or catches on the eyelids, so you’ll never have to retrace your lines. And, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it has the most precise tip on our list—perfect for beginners and anyone who feels shaky-handed after one too many coffees.
Tester feedback from Allure graphic designer Briana Rengifo
“I’m obsessed with this liner. It glides on so smoothly and is a rich black color, which I love. The formula is waterproof, so it holds up great throughout the day. With my watery eyes, I absolutely need something that will not crease or budge, and this liner is just that. I sometimes like to smudge it for more of a kohl effect.” —Briana Rengifo, graphic designer
- Finish: matte
- Shades: 3
- Waterproof: yes
Best Gel: Jones Road Gel Liner
Why it’s worth it: We’ll say it with our chests: The gel liner pot-and-brush combo is hugely underrated. Sure, dipping a petite paintbrush into a pot of pigment and wielding it steadily across your lid can seem intimidating, but we promise it’s easier (and way more satisfying) than many of its peers. Take the Jones Road Gel Liner, for example. This creamy, richly pigmented, and water-resistant formula is a primo pick for your upper lid, creating crisp, transfer-proof lines wherever you sweep the angled brush. Turn the brush flat-side-down for thick, bold strokes, or use the slender tip for peak precision. Just make sure to screw the cap back on super tightly when you’re done—otherwise, it’ll dry out and become basically unusable.
“If you’re a gel liner newbie, this could be the one for you. The formula is so creamy that it makes it almost impossible to mess up, especially if you use the brand’s ultra-thin brush to apply it. I like adding a thin line of the Brown shade to my upper lids on days when I want to add just a little bit more oomph to my everyday makeup look.”—Kara McGrath, content director
- Finish: gel-to-matte
- Shades: 4
- Waterproof: no, water-resistant
Best Waterproof: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Why it’s worth it: Urban Decay’s 24/7 eyeliner pencil is the ultimate multi-tasker: 35-plus shades, five finishes, and a glide so smooth it practically melts into the skin. The waterproof formula is loaded with vitamin E and jojoba oil, so it stays creamy going on but locks down the second it sets——through humidity, sweat, and a sweaty dance floor. You can smoke it out, wing it sharp, or wear it all over as shadow, and it won’t budge until you decide to take it off. (Fair warning: You’ll need a strong cleansing oil or makeup remover because this pencil does not quit.)
Tester feedback from Allure associate social media manager Katherine Gunderman
“I love the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil so much I have it in eight colors, seriously. From black, brown to electric shades, this liner never fails me, and the colors push me to experiment with my looks when I’m not going for a classic black or brown. It stays put all night long but is easy to work with and blend out when applying. I use this across my top lashes, on my water line, and for a winged look.”—Katherine Gunderman, associate social media manager
- Finish: matte, satin, metallic, shimmer, glitter
- Shades: 38
- Waterproof: yes
Best for Graphic Lines: Half Magic Magic Flik Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: In keeping with the hypnotic, spirited vibe of all Half Magic goodies (the brand is the brainchild of Euphoria head makeup artist Donni Davy, so duh), the Magic Flik Eyeliner breaks the mold with a unique, flexible paddle tip. It’s flat, saturated with pigment, and encircled by a felt outer that you can rotate to create super-graphic, calligraphic sweeps of black. Or, if you press it flat against your lid, it becomes a geometric stamp for tiny, Twiggy-esque lines beneath your bottom lashes. The formula is in it for the long haul, reliably non-smeary and flake-free. Just give the pen a shake before use and store it cap-side-down so the pigment doesn’t dry out.
Tester feedback from Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
“I hesitate to call most anything an innovation, but Magic Flik is the true definition of one. Unlike any eyeliner I’ve ever seen, this liquid eyeliner pen has a flat applicator with a curved edge. It’s basically a calligraphy pen, meaning you can make just about any type of line you want depending on how you hold it—quick wings are a breeze, but so are bold, graphic designs.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
- Finish: liquid
- Shades: 1
- Waterproof: yes
Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liquid Wear Liner
Why we love it: When it comes to budget-friendly liners, Nyx’s Epic Ink Liner (a 2024 Best of Beauty winner) is our no-brainer pick. Makeup artist Christian Briceno previously told Allure that this liner is bold, smooth, and it actually stays put (we’re talkin’ up to six hours!). The brush tip is precise enough for razor-thin flicks but flexible enough to wing out something dramatic. During testing, we found that it may need a quick touch-up after several hours due to some light flaking, but the formula layers easily without getting clumpy, and the fix takes just seconds. Our editors keep the classic jet black in constant rotation, but the electric blue and peachy pink shades are just as tempting—and at this price, why not grab more than one?
Tester feedback from Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
“Nyx professional makeup always has such good eye products, so I’m not surprised their Epic Wear liner has become one of my go-tos. It has a thick brush with a precise tip, so I can easily draw on wings and graphic lines. The liner dries matte and doesn’t bleed or drip even when I’m super sweaty (thank you, humidity). The only minor downside is that it chips after 6+ hours of wear.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
- Finish: glitter, matte, metallic
- Shades: 15
- Waterproof: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I choose an eyeliner?
Choosing the right eyeliner is all about knowing your preferences and considering what role you want it to play in your makeup routine. “I love gel eyeliners because they give you a level of both control and precision that you don’t get from liquid liners or traditional pencils,” says makeup artist Kasey Spickard. Meanwhile, London-based makeup artist Vincent Ford leans toward waterproof formulas, praising their precision and smudgeless staying power throughout the day. As for liquid liners, Florida-based makeup artist Allison Kaye is partial to inky, felt-tip liners, which she says are “great for delivering consistently opaque pigment with every stroke.”
As you weigh your options, look closely at each product’s claims. If you live in a humid climate, make sure it says “waterproof” or “water-resistant” on the package. And if your eyes tend to get irritated easily, opt for ophthalmologist-tested formulas. And so on. Finding your go-to liner might involve a little trial and error, but honestly, we think that’s half the fun.
How should I apply eyeliner?
At the end of the day, you should apply your eyeliner however you want to, but if you’re after a bit more of a professional approach, there are some guidelines to keep in mind. If you’re using an eyeliner pencil, Houston-based makeup artist Rose Siard says: “As soon as you draw your line, start smudging. I work one eye at a time, so I have more blending time.” If you’re using liquid eyeliner, it’s a whole other beautiful beast. We have an entire course on cat-eyes, but if you’re after specifics based on your eye shape, here’s the handy guide from our waterproof eyeliner roundup, according to Lavonne Wood, a bi-coastal makeup artist:
Round eyes