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Best Eyeliners for Enhancing Your Next Eye Look

  1. stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
  2. Laura Mercier Longwear Creme Eye Pencil Eyeliner
  3. Yves Saint Laurent Dessin Du Regard Waterproof Eye Liner
  4. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Eyeliner
  5. MAC Pro Longwear Eye Liner
  6. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
  7. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
  8. Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc'er Precision Pen
  9. Stila Smudge Pots
  10. Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner With Expandable Brush Applicator
  11. Lancome Long Wear Calligraphy Gel Eyeliner
  12. Jane Iredale Jelly Jar Gel Eyeliner
  13. Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner
  14. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
  15. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
  16. Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Liquid Eyeliner
  17. MAC Superslick Liquid Eyeliner
  18. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
  19. Kevyn Aucoin Precision Liquid Liner
  20. Decay Super-Saturated Ultra Intense Waterproof Cream Eyeliner
  21. MAC Cosmetics Creme Liner
  22. Clinique Brush-On Cream Eyeliner
  23. Shiseido Accentuating Cream Eyeliner
  24. Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner
  25. Maybelline New York Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner
  26. Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
  27. CoverGirl Perfect Blend Pencil
  28. Jordana Fabuliner Bold Felt-tip Liquid Eyeliner
  29. Buyer's Guide

Did you know that eyeliner was used as early as 10,000 BC? Women long ago used it to protect their eyes from the sun, but now it is an integral part of any makeup application. Whether it’s gel, liquid, or cream – there are many options to choose from so you can get the flawless and polished look you love. From drugstore brands to high end products, there is an eyeliner that is right for every woman. With eyeliner, you can go from subtle to stunning in just a few strokes of an eyeliner brush. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best eyeliner in 2022, we have listed below for you to help decide what product is best to buy.

Best Eyeliner Worth Considering in 2022

stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - Best Eyeliner Overall

Stila's Kajal Eye Liner is made to feel as soft as the ultra-soft kajal indian eye darkener. This smooth liner pencil glides easily along the lid and will not pull at fragile skin. Made with microcrystalline wax and cerifera wax, this product holds in place once applied. Easy to apply and great for blending, this eye-liner doesn't run or cake on the lid and can also be applied on both the outer and inner eyelid without irritation. Delivering a sharp, bold color, this product is available in three different shades.

Laura Mercier Longwear Creme Eye Pencil Eyeliner - Runner Up

Laura Mercier's Longwear Creme Eye Pencil lasts all day without smudging or wearing off. Made with a creamy texture, this eye liner gently glides onto the eyelid, safely applying itself without irritating the skin. Its waterproof formula keeps the eyeliner in place even in humidity, and its synthetic wax ingredient keeps it looking smooth and beautiful. With twelve hour wear, this product imparts bright, rich color to the skin and defines the overall eye's appearance. Tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists, this product is safe to use with contacts or any skin type.

Yves Saint Laurent Dessin Du Regard Waterproof Eye Liner - Honorable Mention

Yves Saint Laurent's Waterproof Eye Liner offers the look of liquid while remaining easy to apply as a pencil. This waterproof liner will not smudge even if the face sweats or is in a humid environment. With sixteen hour staying power, this product is one of the longest-lasting eyeliners on the market. This product leaves your eyes looking highlighted, outlined and noticeable in the best of ways. Available in six simple but vibrant shades, this product can help you appear natural-looking or made-up.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Eyeliner - Consider

Estee Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil currently available in seven different shades. From onyx and coffee to forest and black plum, this pencil eyeliner comes in both natural colors as well as more vibrant shades. With one side pencil and one side smudge tip, this liner allows for precision application as well as a more natural look by smudging the product once on the lids. Staying in place for up to twelve hours, this product is water-resistant and will not feather or bleed throughout the day. Made with a lightweight, irritant-free formula, this product is both safe to use on the inner lid and made without fragrance making it a favorite among consumers.

MAC Pro Longwear Eye Liner - Best Smudgeproof Eyeliner

Whether you're looking for a dramatic eye or something more neutral, this eyeliner is sure to satisfy and leave your eyes looking stunning.MAC Cosmetics' Pro Longwear Eye liner stays in place for up to twelve hours with its powerful, waterproof formula. Made to provide smudge-free results, this liner has a creamy texture that’s easily applied and gentle on the eyelid. Available in nine different shades range from "Mountain Air" to "Snow Shadow", this product provides bold, beautiful color.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - Best Smudgeproof Eyeliner

Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner won't smudge or smear even in the worst conditions. Made with a waterproof formula, this marker-like liner draws on smoothly and stays in place. Rain, humidity, sweat and tears are no match against this award-winning product. With a finely tipped applicator, this smudgeproof eyeliner allows for precise application and detail. Available in a whopping fifteen shades, this product is perfect whether you're going for a natural look or something a little more bright and colorful.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - Best Smudgeproof Eyeliner

Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner won't smudge or smear even in the worst conditions. Made with a waterproof formula, this marker-like liner draws on smoothly and stays in place. Rain, humidity, sweat and tears are no match against this award-winning product. With a finely tipped applicator, this smudgeproof eyeliner allows for precise application and detail. Available in a whopping fifteen shades, this product is perfect whether you're going for a natural look or something a little more bright and colorful.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc'er Precision Pen - Best Waterproof Eyeliner

Made by a high-end and note-worthy design company, Marc Jacobs' Magic Marc'er Precision Pen Eyeliner is sleek, bold, and of the highest caliber. while its waterproof liquid formula makes it long-lasting and non-flaky while the calligraphy-like applicator pen makes it simple to use. Though this liner is only available in black, it is the deepest, most intense black available on the market. This product also uses a proprietary capillary system that can draw the thinnest, most discreet lines that won't fall out of place all day long.

Stila Smudge Pots - Best Gel Eyeliner

Stila Smudge Pot is a unique gel eyeliner that truly takes the cake when it comes to getting a naturally perfect look. To help it stay in place all day long, its innovative gel formula is made with a liquid base instead of powder. Additionally, its inky intensity leaves no remnants of eyeshadow powder on the eye when used in combination with other products. When used with the coordinating smudge and line brush (sold separately) and used with this product, it’s well worth the additional cost. Allowing for razor-sharp precision with the flat headed brush, this product allows smooth lines, though it can also be applied with the finger for a smudged, late night look.

Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner With Expandable Brush Applicator

Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner With Expandable Brush Applicator - Best Gel Eyeliner

Unlike many other gel liners on the market, Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner With Expandable Brush Applicator has the added benefit of coming with a brush which offers precise and flexible application . Made with a lightweight formula, this easy to apply gel liner will not irritate the skin or pull at the eyelids. Since it’s a quick-drying product, this liner will not smudge off. This product is ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested, and it’s also safe to use with contact lens or sensitive eyes.

Lancome Long Wear Calligraphy Gel Eyeliner - Best Gel Eyeliner

Lancome Liner Design Long Wear Calligraphy Gel Eyeliner is an intense smudge and waterproof liner that helps define the eyes for up to twelve hours so it’s sure to stay in place all day long. Thought this is a gel-based eyeliner, it has a rich, creamy texture that is easy to shape and gentle on the skin. While this product doesn’t come with an applicator brush, the Dual-End Liner & Smudger Brush #24 is recommended for use with it. This long-wearing formula is available in nine different shades that are both bold and beautiful.

Jane Iredale Jelly Jar Gel Eyeliner - Best Gel Eyeliner

Jane Iredale's Jelly Jar Gel Eyeliner is as versatile, vegan gel liner is available in four different shades. Creamy to the touch, this product can be applied in straight lines or with a smudged appearance. Made with rich pigments, this eyeliner is water-resistant and lasts the length of the day without smearing. This product does not come with an applicator brush, but the brand's own Angle Eyeliner Brush is recommended for easy application.

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner - Best Smudgeproof Eyeliner

Chanel's Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner is a smudgeproof liner with beautiful definition and long-lasting, waterproof results. Built as a sort of twistable pen tool, this product winds up easily to provide a thin liner crayon that’s gentle on the skin. Made with a silicone-enriched formula, this product is soft and pleasant to apply. A built-in pencil sharpener detaches off of the liner's end to provide an even more precise tool for contouring the eyes. Available in twenty-one different shades, there’s a color perfect for everyone.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - Best Long Lasting Eyeliner

Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner is so long-lasting, it's no wonder where it gets its name from. The waterproof formula works in perfect combination with its run-resistant finish that won't fade, melt or crack. Made without parabens, this eyeliner's super-pigmented formula keeps it looking bold all day long, adding to the product's quality and longevity. This eyeliner uses a thin and flexible brush tip for application, allowing for fluid lines to suit just about any look, whether simple and subtle or bold and dramatic. The application brush doesn’t fray with continual use, making the eyeliner easy to apply throughout its entire lifespan.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner - Best Gel Eyeliner

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is an award-winning product, and rightfully so. Its soft gel formula gives the look of a beautiful liquid liner once applied, but with the ease and stay power of gel. Water-resistant and long-wearing, this product stays sharp in color until it’s removed with makeup remover. Both smear and crease resistant, this eyeliner won't fall into lines or blur when wet. The Ulta Fine Eyeliner Brush is the recommended applicator tool, which is sold separately. Available in fourteen different shades, this gel liner is truly versatile for any style.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Liquid Eyeliner - Best Long Lasting Eyeliner

Estee Lauder's Double Wear Zero-Smudge Liquid Eyeliner lasts for an astonishing 15 hours, making it a go-to choice for women who don't have time for touch-ups. Once this liner has been applied and dried on the eyelids, it won't budge all day long, meaning it looks exactly the same when you take it off as when you first put it on. Made with a smudge-free, waterproof formula, you needn't worry about smearing or melting. This liner uses a superfine felt tip making it easy to draw straight and smooth contour lines. While this product is only available in two classic shades, it makes up in quality what it lacks in colors.

MAC Superslick Liquid Eyeliner - Best Liquid Eyeliner

MAC Cosmetics' Superslick Liquid Eyeliner offers extreme precision when it comes to application. Made with a water-base, this product smoothly glides on to the eyelid. Additionally, the water resistant formula keeps it in place whether it’s sweat, rain, tears or humidity. This product dries within 15 seconds, so it won't lead to a mess when you're applying eyeshadow and mascara in conjunction with it. Made with a "magic tip" that doesn't wobble or fuss, this liquid liner makes for streamlined eyelids and natural-looking contours.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - Best Smudgeproof Eyeliner

Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner won't smudge or smear even in the worst conditions. Made with a waterproof formula, this marker-like liner draws on smoothly and stays in place. Rain, humidity, sweat and tears are no match against this award-winning product. With a finely tipped applicator, this smudgeproof eyeliner allows for precise application and detail. Available in a whopping fifteen shades, this product is perfect whether you're going for a natural look or something a little more bright and colorful.

Kevyn Aucoin Precision Liquid Liner - Best Liquid Eyeliner

Kevin Aucoin's Precision Liquid Liner is one of the best, used by professionals around the world. This liquid liner comes with an ultra-fine applicator tip and dries quickly to ensure beautifully smooth lines that don't smudge. With long-lasting hold power, this product will stay in place for up to ten hours. Tested by dermatologists, this liquid liner is safe to use on sensitive eyelids. A unique ergo-dynamic grips makes this pen easy to hold and offers complete control.

best Decay Super-Saturated Ultra Intense Waterproof Cream Eyeliner

Decay Super-Saturated Ultra Intense Waterproof Cream Eyeliner - Best Cream Eyeliner

Urban Decay's Super-Saturated Ultra Intense Waterproof Cream Eyeliner is deserving of its name. The powerful waterproof formula makes it one of few cream liners that stay in place even through humidity and wet climates. Made with triple black pigments, this eyeliner is as dark as it gets, making for a pure and rich color experience. This product can easily be smudged on for a more dramatic, edgy look, or applied in straight, thin lines with an angled eyeliner brush. Long-lasting and attention-grabbing, this eyeliner offers professional quality with easy application.

best MAC Cosmetics Creme Liner

MAC Cosmetics Creme Liner - Best Cream Eyeliner

MAC Cosmetics' Creme Liner is one of the best when it comes to traditional creme eyeliners. Made to be versatile, this product can be applied wet or dry. Applied directly from the container, this liner will produce a dry, bold line, and when mixed with a small amount of water, makes for a more opaque look. Long-lasting and streak-resistant, this product will stay in place for much of the day without any need for touchups. Containing vitamin E, this creme liner is silky smooth and gentle on the skin.

Clinique Brush-On Cream Eyeliner - Best Cream Eyeliner

Clinique's Brush-On Cream Liner comes in two simple shades that help define eye color. Available in True Black and Black Honey, these two colors of the creme liner offer deep, smoky results that bring attention to the eyes. This cream liner comes with a mini eye liner brush that’s easy to travel with and bring with you on the go. Easy to smudge before drying if you're interested in a more dramatic look, or able to be applied seamlessly straight, this cream liner will leave your eyes looking their best. Tested by ophthalmologists, this product is safe to use around sensitive eyes and won’t irritate your skin.

Shiseido Accentuating Cream Eyeliner - Best Cream Eyeliner

Shiseido's Accentuating Cream Eyeliner is a lightweight cream eyeliner that is excellent for everyday use. Available in either black or brown, this product has powerful pigments in its formula to give off the appearance of concentrated color. Easy to blend, or apply swiftly and smoothly in one sleek line, this product's application is versatile depending on what look you're after. Long-lasting and gentle on the skin, this product stays in place without clumping. Tested by both dermatologists and ophthalmologist, this cream liner will not irritate the eyes or eyelids.

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner - Best Drugstore Eyeliner

Revlon's Colorstay Eyeliner was voted America's number one eye liner, making it the best bang for  your buck. Its waterproof formula prevents smearing from humidity, sweat or tears while its twistable end tip is smooth and crayon-like, allowing for streamlined application. Additionally, a small but dutiful sponge sits on the back end of this liner for blending and creating smudged looks. Available in eight different colors that range from black and brown to amethyst and sapphire, almost anyone can find a shade they agree with.

Maybelline New York Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner - Best Drugstore Eyeliner

Maybelline's Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner comes with a flexible felt tip offering smooth, precise application. Light on the skin, this liner won't pull or tug on the eyelid, making it easy and pleasant to apply. This eyeliner can be applied thinly for a more natural look, or easily made bolder for a more dramatic look. With up to eight hours of wear, this product keeps your eyes looking defined throughout the day. Tested by opthalmologists, this liner is safe on both sensitive eyes and those who wear contact lens.

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner - Best Drugstore Eyeliner

Rimmel London's Scandaleyes Gel Eye Liner uses an innovative two piece liner pot and application brush design to offer beautiful and long-lasting eye definition. Made to stay in place for up to twenty-four hours, this product is a go-to for those with long days and little time to reapply makeup. Available in four different shades, the professional application brush is excellent for getting as close to the lashes as possible. Though this product is made for a more advanced eyeliner user, its application process is easy to perfect with a little bit of practice.

CoverGirl Perfect Blend Pencil - Best Drugstore Eyeliner

Covergirl's Perfect Blend Eyeliner is a favorite when it comes to users of drugstore liners. A sponge smudger is built in to the end of this eyeliner to help with blending or achieving that perfect smoky-eye look. Simple and easy to use, this product is great for beginners to advanced make-up users while the basic pencil design allows for a sturdy grip and precise application. Available in six different shades, this liner offers a defined look that is reliable and affordable.

Jordana Fabuliner Bold Felt-tip Liquid Eyeliner - Best Drugstore Eyeliner

Jordana's Fabuliner Bold Felt-Tip Liquid Eyeliner applies as easily as a marker ensuring this long-lasting product stays in place for all day wear.. Its non-feathering tip allows for thick liner application, though thin-lined eyes can also be achievable thanks to its small end point. Its one stroke application makes it easy to create dramatically winged eyes, as well more natural-looking contours. While this product is only available in black, it’s an all-in-one liner for those who like to tread between natural and dramatic eyes.

Buyer's Guide

Eyes are among the most sensitive parts of your body, and you won't want to put something made of poor quality on them. When it comes to eyeliners, different aspects can make or break the deal for you. We have curated this buying guide for amateurs as well as experts to buy the best eyeliners.

Which type of eyeliners should you buy?

Liquid eyeliners

These are a go-to for dedicated makeup wearers due to the multitude of looks that can be created with them. Liquids usually have long-lasting formulas, depending on the quality of the formula. You might need to designate some time to learn how to apply liquid eyeliners effectively, and they take longer to apply due to the added caution required.

Gel-based eyeliners

They are relatively new to the world of cosmetics. Gel eyeliners are packaged in a container with their applicator brush. They apply similarly to liquid eyeliner but typically offer more versatility due to their ability to be blended more easily than liquid. Gels adhere nicely and rarely flake or melt. The applicator brush must be cleaned after each usage, and developing proper techniques can take some time.

Cream eyeliners

They are ideal for folks who are just beginning to use eyeliner because they are simple to apply and blend. Cream eyeliners are forgiving to some extent, as you can fix the errors due to their ease of removal. Regrettably, they are also the easiest to smudge and rub off.

Pencil eyeliners

It is the traditional method and is frequently the least expensive. They are less concentrated than liquid or gel and combine easily. Many people begin their eyeliner journey with pencil eyeliner before branching out to other varieties.

They come in a range of shades, providing a great deal of variation. However, pencils snap and do not always glide smoothly across the lashline. To achieve the finest results, choose a pencil that glides on smoothly and gently.

How to choose the color of your eyeliner?

Choose the color that complements your eyes the most. Numerous eyeliner colors are currently available. Though, undoubtedly, black will always have an undeniably seductive charm. Having said that, you may choose to experiment with alternative shades.

Gray, brown, and plum all work well to soften the image without sacrificing much of the excitement. For everyday use, especially when going to work, neutral colors are always your best pick. Blue and violet tones are ideal for evening events, particularly when coupled with vibrant eyeshadows.

White eyeliners, on the other hand, when lined around the inner edge of the lower lid, make the eyes appear bigger and more innocent. However, white liquid eyeliners are extremely uncommon and are most frequently available in pencil form. For theatrics, vibrant colors such as orange or red are frequently used. For a quick reference:

- If you have dark brown eyes, eyeliners in black, navy blue, or deep brown will give them a deeper, richer shade of brown.
- If you have light brown or amber eyes, dark blue, green, or plum liners will draw attention to them and make them appear more defined and clear.
- If you have blue eyes, bronze liners will completely enhance your baby blues.
- If you have green eyes, you can enhance them with violet or purple eyeliners.

How should you purchase the best eyeliners?

Decide which finish you prefer

While the majority of eyeliners have a matte finish, they also come in glossy and glitter finishes. Matte eyeliners are ideal for everyday use; they are subtle but effective in popping up your look. If you feel like you're in need of some additional attention, glossy and glitter eyeliners may just be the ticket.

Choose eyeliner with an easy-to-use applicator

Using eyeliner is an art form, and you will undoubtedly want the appropriate paintbrush to complete your masterpiece. Without leaning over backward, you should be able to apply liquid eyeliner to your eyes inconveniently.

Choose an ophthalmologist-tested formula

An eyeliner is something that you're going to place close to your eyes. Those are your eyes!

Choose an eyeliner that is fragrance-free and contains no superfluous additives that may irritate your eyes. A properly designed liquid eyeliner will not drag on the skin during application, making it soothing on your sensitive eye area.

Which things should you take into account about eyeliners?

Thickness

Choose an eyeliner that effortlessly offers the desired thickness. Pencil, liquid, and felt-tip liners are the three most prevalent varieties. Three of them function in unique ways to create the lines that run up your eyelashes. As their thickness varies, the lines created by them might be thin or thick.

Additionally, it is quick and easy to create soft or bold lines with pencils without messing up or leaking. In contrast, liquid eyeliner is best for creating thin, precise lines. They are extremely beneficial for drawing wings at the corners of your eyes. The felt-tip liners let you instantly draw thick but soft lines.

Longevity

The duration of the eyeliner on your eyes is critical; nobody wants it to vanish quickly. If you want to wear makeup all day, the product should be long-wearing. Nothing is more distracting than having cracking or fading lines at your lashlines when you are enjoying the party.

Smudge- and water-proof

The formula should be smudge-proof to prevent it from messing with your makeup. In rainy and humid weather, water-proof eyeliners do not smear or fade. They are extremely long-lasting and remain intact on your eyelids for the whole day. To remove a water-proof formula, use a makeup remover and a gentle face towel to gently clean your eyes.

How much do eyeliners cost?

The cost of eyeliners varies widely depending on the brand and type of eyeliners you are buying. As there are a lot of brands, both local as well as international, in the business offering top-quality products, the competition is rigorous.

In general, you can find eyeliners from known brands for as low as $4. However, these products will not be smudge or water proof, and you should be very careful while using them. On the other hand, you can expect to pay approximately $20 to $25 for a top-quality, long-lasting, smudge-free, water-proof, and skin-friendly eyeliner. We suggest investing in good quality products from high-end brands as your eyeliners will last a lifetime.

Best Eyeliners FAQs

Q: Do gel liner performs better than liquid liner?
A: Due to the fact that liquid liners require exceptional precision and typically dry quickly, there is little to no tolerance for error on your part. On the other hand, you get more control over gel liners as they glide effortlessly and are easy to fix.

Q: Which is more effective: eyeliner or pencil?
A: When applied with a brush, liquid eyeliner creates a more strong and defined line, ideal for a dramatic makeup look. Pencils offer a softer line and are ideal for smudging or blending to achieve a more natural appearance. Due to the fact that applying a delicate line with a brush involves some talent, many individuals prefer pencils.

Q: Is it appropriate for an elderly woman to wear eyeliner?
A: The majority of makeup artists advise ladies of a certain age to avoid black eyeliner. The reason for this is that black is quite harsh on the skin, and so magnifies fine lines and wrinkles.

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