Best Eyeliners According To Our Research

The first and most important decision is choosing your formula. Each type has its own unique strengths and is suited for different looks.
Liquid Eyeliner: The go-to for sharp, precise, and dramatic looks.
How it works: A fluid formula applied with a fine-tipped applicator.
Applicator Types:
Felt Tip (Pen): Like a marker, these are often firmer and easier to control, making them a great starting point for beginners to liquid liner.
Brush Tip: Like a tiny paintbrush, these offer more flexibility and can create the absolute sharpest, finest lines. They require a steadier hand but offer unparalleled precision.
Pros: Delivers intense, saturated color; creates crisp, clean lines; excellent staying power.
Cons: Has a steep learning curve; mistakes are less forgiving and harder to clean up.
Best For: Creating the perfect cat-eye, a sharp wing, or a graphic liner look.
Pencil Eyeliner: The most versatile and beginner-friendly option.
How it works: A classic pencil that comes in two main forms: a traditional pencil that requires sharpening or a retractable, automatic pencil.
Sub-Types:
Kohl/Kajal: These are exceptionally soft, creamy, and pigment-rich, designed for easy smudging and smoldering looks.
Gel-Based Pencils: A modern hybrid that offers the creamy glide of a gel in the convenient form of a pencil. They set to a long-wearing, often waterproof finish.
Pros: Easy to use and control; very forgiving of mistakes; perfect for smudging and smoking out; great for the waterline.
Cons: May not create as sharp a line as a liquid; traditional formulas can smudge if not long-wearing.
Best For: Everyday definition, tightlining, smoky eyes, and beginners.
Gel Eyeliner: The professional’s choice for versatility and staying power.
How it works: A creamy, waxy formula housed in a small pot, applied with a separate, fine-tipped eyeliner brush.
Pros: Combines the intensity of a liquid with the control of a pencil; incredibly long-lasting and often waterproof; allows for total artistic control based on the brush you use.
Cons: Requires a separate brush, which needs to be cleaned regularly; the pot can dry out over time if not sealed properly.
Best For: Anyone who wants a bulletproof, versatile liner for both sharp wings and smudgy looks.

For a Razor-Sharp Cat-Eye: Your best bet is a liquid eyeliner with a fine brush or felt tip. A gel eyeliner with a precise angled brush is a close second.
For a Soft, Smoky Eye: A creamy pencil eyeliner, especially a kohl or kajal, is essential. Apply it and use a smudging brush or your finger to blend it out before it sets.
For Natural Definition (Tightlining): Tightlining is applying eyeliner to the upper waterline to create the illusion of fuller lashes. A waterproof pencil or a gel liner applied with a flat brush works best for this, as they are less likely to transfer.

For Oily Eyelids: If your eyeliner always smudges, you need a formula that is explicitly “waterproof” and “smudge-proof.” Gel liners and waterproof liquid liners are your most reliable options.
For Hooded Eyes: To prevent transfer onto your brow bone, choose a quick-drying, waterproof formula. A thin line applied as close to the lashes as possible is often the most flattering.
For Mature Eyes: The skin around the eyes can be more delicate. A very creamy gel-based pencil that glides on without any tugging or pulling is the perfect choice.

The key is to set the area. After applying your concealer, go over your lower lash line with a light dusting of translucent setting powder before applying eyeliner. Also, make sure you’re using a waterproof or long-wearing formula.

Tightlining is the technique of applying eyeliner directly to your upper waterline (the strip of skin just beneath your upper lashes). It fills in the gaps between your lashes, making your lash line appear fuller and thicker for a very natural, eye-defining look.

Practice is key, but a few tricks help. Start by drawing the flick first, angling it from the outer corner of your eye up towards the tail of your eyebrow. Then, draw a line from the tip of the flick back to your lash line, creating a triangle. Finally, fill in the triangle. Using a felt-tip liquid pen can make this much easier for beginners.

A waterproof pencil eyeliner is the safest and most effective choice. Look for creamy formulas specifically designed for waterline use. Avoid using liquid eyeliners on your waterline, as they are not formulated for that sensitive area and can cause irritation.

Use a bi-phase or oil-based makeup remover. These are designed to break down long-wearing and waterproof formulas gently. Apply the remover to a cotton pad, hold it over your closed eye for 15-20 seconds to dissolve the makeup, and then gently wipe away.

Sometimes! You can try reviving it by adding a single drop of a mixing medium like Inglot Duraline or even a contact lens solution. Mix it in with a clean brush, and it should bring the creamy texture back to life.