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The 11 Best Eyeliner Pencils I’ve Tried for Bold Looks That Last (and I’ve Tried Over 50)
Lining your eyes doesn’t have to be a chore.
Byrdie
TL;DR
The Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner is my top pick due to its silky-smooth application, buildable color, and luxurious wear time. It easily created any look I was after. A close second is the Makeup By Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil, thanks to its intense pigmentation, creamy texture, and easy-to-hold packaging.
The right liner can make all the difference, whether you’re after a precise wing or a smudgy, smoky effect. My first eyeliner experience was with an amazing Lancôme liner from my mom’s makeup bag; from there, I was hooked. Over the years, I’ve gone back and forth between super high-end eyeliners and drugstore brands. While I’ve always loved a black liner, lately, I’ve been experimenting with browns and purples to make my brown eyes pop (thank you, TikTok, for that tip).
There are many types of eyeliner formulas, so for the sake of simplicity, I decided to test pencil and gel varieties. I considered the ease of application, wear time, pigmentation, and removability while testing each product. I was genuinely surprised by how many were top performers. Ahead, I’m sharing the eyeliner pencils that impressed me the most.
Top Picks
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner at Amazon$25
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Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil at Amazon$63
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NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick at Amazon$9
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Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner at Amazon$21
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MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eye Liner at Ulta
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Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil at Amazon$26
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Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner Stick at Sephora$34
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MAKE UP FOR EVER Pencil Eyeliner at Amazon$26
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Danessa Myricks Beauty Waterproof Micropencil Eyeliner at Sephora$24
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Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Eye Pencil at Sephora
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Best Overall
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
Shades: 18 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner was the star of my testing experience, which is why I crowned it the best eyeliner pencil overall. Applying this eyeliner feels like gliding silk across your skin. It’s effortlessly smooth and creamy and easily creates delicate lines and bold strokes. I tried the shade “Cocoa,” a rich brown eyeliner that worked perfectly with my complexion. One swipe of this vibrant and impressive pigment delivered a stunning color payoff.
I’m not typically a fan of smoky eye looks on myself, but this eyeliner completely changed my mind. It was so easy to blend and create a natural smudged-out effect. True to its waterproof claim, it held up outdoors (although it did fade a tiny bit by the end of the day) and was easy to remove with eye makeup remover. The luxurious feel and versatile range of finishes make this liner a must-have in my book.
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil
Shades: 3 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For years, Kim Kardashian’s makeup has been #goals, and I’ve definitely wondered how to achieve her striking eye looks and flawless base. Luckily, her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, created his own makeup line and provides tips and tricks to get a similar stunning look. His Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil makes you feel like a pro, even if you aren’t one. It allows me to create both dramatic and simple looks effortlessly. Just one swipe yields a fully pigmented color, and the texture is incredibly creamy. It doesn’t dry immediately, giving me time to blend and perfect my look before it sets.
The brush included is average; it wasn’t terribly effective for creating a smudged, smoky look. To achieve a better smoky eye effect, I recommend using a different eyeliner brush designed for smudging.
Best Drugstore
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick
Shades: 24 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
I love to find an affordable yet effective product, and that’s this NYX eyeliner in a nutshell. I applied about two to three layers of the shade Periwinkle Pop for full pigmentation, which delivered a beautiful, bright color that remained consistently bright throughout the day. I can see myself choosing this one for that no-makeup makeup look as well as more bold, night out looks. The formula was on the dry side, so not the easiest to blend or smudge out. However, I felt it still performed well, especially considering it’s under $10.
Best Budget
Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner
Shades: 18 | Cruelty-Free: No
This waterproof pick from Sephora may be inexpensive, but it’s also easy to use and creates gorgeous, everyday looks. It comes in a whopping 18 shades, some of which are incredibly vibrant for bolder looks. I also love the variety of finishes available, from shimmer to glitter to matte.
It does last for most of the 12 hours it claims to hold up for, although I did notice some fading and smudging by the end of the day. For all-day events or high-intensity activities, it may require touch-ups. The formula was a bit more blendable—especially since it comes with a blending sponge on the tip,— but blending out with a separate eyeliner brush or my finger worked best.
Best Gel
MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eye Liner
Shades: 14 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you love adding a pop of color to your eyes, this gel eyeliner pencil from Mac is a standout. It offers intense pigmentation that’s ideal for adding some drama to your eye looks. There are 15 neutral and vibrant shades available that are sure to elevate any makeup look. I can use its thin tip to create precise lines, whether I’m going for a subtle look or something bolder.
While this gel eyeliner pencil is great for crafting lines, the formula isn’t very blendable. However, the more I applied, the longer it stayed on, even on super-hot days. So more is better with this one.
Best Long-Wearing
Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil
Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: No
I love a long-lasting liquid eyeliner; this best eyeliner pencil pick performed just as well but with the creamy consistency I love in a gel. It applied incredibly smoothly, no tugging required. I blended the liner with ease and effortlessly created a smoky effect. It brought me back to when I first started using Lancôme eyeliner; even to this day, it doesn’t disappoint.
The pigment remained consistent throughout the day and didn’t smudge. It also didn’t really fade over a long day of making a few returns at the mall and spending hours at a friend’s birthday dinner. Even after I accidentally rubbed my eye, it didn’t budge. I just wish it came with a sharpener.
Best Pigmented
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner Stick
Shades: 5 | Cruelty-Free: No
This eyeliner stick is perfect for creating a bold, thick cat eye look. It provides a full color payoff with just one swipe and is perfect for tightlining. While I prefer a thinner tip, this eyeliner’s thick tip was easy to use and didn’t make me feel like I was overapplying the product.
The long-wear formula holds up well throughout the day, which is always great for when you’re running from errand to errand. However, if you tend to rub your eyes, some of the product may transfer to your hand, causing some fading.
Byrdie
Best Waterproof
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pencil Eyeliner
Shades: 10 | Cruelty-Free: No
Everyone needs a waterproof eyeliner in their makeup bag that can withstand the heat and humidity of summer, and the Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Resist Eyeliner does exactly that. The formula is a great balance between creamy and slightly dry, which helps it stay in place. It lasted a solid 10 hours without fading or smudging, even when my face started sweating at the beach.
It was comforting to know that the formula has been approved by an ophthalmologist to be safe for sensitive eyes and contact-wearers. A downside is the limited shade range. Most of the available colors are on the darker side, so I’d love to see more lighter shades in the future.
Best Multi-Chrome Finish
Danessa Myricks Beauty Waterproof Micropencil Eyeliner
Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
I wasn’t a fan of metallic eyeliners until I tried this one from Danessa Myricks. The shade Charoite, a royal purple, was as gorgeous on my eyes as I’d hoped it would be. While it requires a few layers to achieve full pigmentation, the vibrant color payoff is worth it.
This best pencil eyeliner stayed put even when exposed to water and humidity, proving its waterproof claims. The tiny, slim tip is perfect for creating precise lines, and I can build up the product to achieve thicker lines if I want to. I do wish it lasted longer—it doesn’t make it 20 hours before fading.
Best for Sensitive Eyes
Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Eye Pencil
Shades: 5 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We all have hectic schedules, so the last thing we need is an eyeliner that packs a punch when applied, only to fade away just a few hours later. The pigmentation of this Pat McGrath liner truly blew me away. After one application, I was able to achieve a nice dark shade, and after two, the color was incredibly full and rich. It almost had a gel-like effect. Another big plus: It stays put all day without fading, even in balmy weather.
It’s ophthalmologist-tested, which gave me peace of mind as a contact-wearer. That said, I noticed it can smear easily, so careful application is key with this one (I’d also recommend an eye primer).
Best Shade Range
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Shades: 38 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil lives up to its name, gliding onto the eye without any pulling or tugging. The creamy texture is oh-so-smooth, likely due to its hydrating ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil. But what stands out the most about it is the number of shades it comes in—38 in a range of mattes, chromes, and shimmers.
I tried the matte black, but achieving full pigmentation required layering, and even then, it wasn’t as dark as I would have liked. That said, the eyeliner maintained its color throughout the day without fading.
What to Look for in an Eyeliner Pencil
- Tip Size: A thicker tip is ideal for creating dramatic eyeliner looks such as graphic arrows, thick wings, or smoky eye looks. A thinner tip is perfect for more precise applications, like sharp stiletto lines, abstract styles, and minimal top eyeliner (such as kitten eyes). To get a sense of the type of line an eyeliner will create, I suggest testing it on your hand at the store.
- Formula and Ingredients: Gel eyeliners have creamy, blendable formulas, while pencil eyeliners come in soft, dry, and silky formulas. Liquid liners have a satin feel and finish that come in either a firm felt tip or a soft tip. Ingredients such as various types of waxes and oils (beeswax) can help with easier and smoother application. Another important factor to consider is whether an eyeliner is waterproof. According to pro makeup artist Sam Michalska, waterproof eyeliners are designed to prevent smudging and offer long-lasting results. A waterproof eyeliner is usually best in liquid form, so the formula won’t break down on your eyelids. If you prefer to use eyeliner on your waterline, she recommends opting for non-waterproof formulas.
- Ease of Use: First, look at the shape of the eyeliner. Does it provide a stable grip and give you easy control when applying? One way to check is the weight of the eyeliner in your hand. Next, consider the design—do you prefer a twist-up or non-twist liner? A twist-up design can be easier to use, but the tip of these eyeliners can dry out over time (plus, they rarely deliver a fine tip). Lastly, I typically go for a liner with an easy-to-remove cap that protects the product and creates an airtight lock.
How We Tested Eyeliner Pencils
Byrdie
To find the best eyeliner pencils, I first compiled a list of the 15 most promising products and tested them at home, and took note of the following:
- Application: I took note of how easy the pencil was to apply, looking for formulas that created clean, precise lines without tugging. I also made a note of whether the eyeliner had a creamy or dry texture.
- Pigment: I rated how well the eyeliner matched the pigment on the packaging. I also noted how many swipes it takes to achieve the desired level of pigment.
- Wear: After wearing each eyeliner for a full day, I observed how well the eyeliner stayed put, noting any smudging or changes to the color. I also rubbed my eyes to see how well the color held up.
- Removal: I looked for eyeliners that were easy to remove, even if they were waterproof. As a contact wearer, I discarded any pencils that irritated my eyes or skin.
Meet Our Experts
For this story, Byrdie interviewed experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when buying eyeliner pencils.
- Sam Michalska is a makeup artist and Executive Director of Global Education at Ilia. She has over 15 years of experience in skincare and beauty, working with luxury brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora, and Ilia.
- Randall Intrabartola is a licensed aesthetician who specializes in radiant makeup for brides and beyond. Her work can be seen on red carpets, in bridal shoots, in editorial, and more.
Why Trust Byrdie
Karla Ayala is an experienced product review writer in the beauty industry. Over the past 16 years, she has tried over 50 eyeliners. When testing a new liner, she looks at the formula, tip size, and wear time. For this article, she also considered the ease of application and removal of each eyeliner she tested. Karla also has a cosmetology license and a background in product photography.
Ally Hirschlag
Shauna Beni-Haynes
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-eyeliner-pencils-4587577