Best Overall

Clinique High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner

$28

$27 at Amazon$28 at Ulta$28 at Target

Formula: Gel-pencil hybrid | Shades: 8 | Cruelty-Free: No

Sometimes the simplest products work the best. Such is the case with this Clinique twist-up staple that hits the sweet spot between gel liner and a traditional pencil. It’s not as liquid-y as some gel liners I’ve tried, but it’s less stiff than a pencil—it glides on without snagging on skin, creating a clean line with one swipe. What makes me go back to it often is that it doesn’t bleed or smudge, which I appreciated wearing on a humid summer night for an outdoor party. For a formula so long-wearing, I expected it to stain my lid, but it effortlessly washes off with face wash or micellar water. The soft matte finish looks polished, and the dark brown color complements my deep brown eyes. If I could change one thing, it would be to add a built-in sharpener so the tip stays crisp. Still, it’s a fantastic no-frills, gets-the-job-done pick.

Lauren, tester: “I’m super into this eyeliner—it’s creamy and goes on perfectly, easy to control, and doesn’t smudge.”

Best Budget

Maybelline Gel Pencil Eyeliner

$14 at Amazon$12 at Ulta$11 at Target

Formula: Gel | Shades: 16 | Cruelty-Free: No

There’s not much you can get for $9 these days, but this eyeliner is one of them. It performs similarly to high-end versions of a basic gel liner thanks to a smooth application, precise tip, and pigmented color. According to our tester, it worked with every makeup look she tried, from natural to more dramatic. If she wanted to create a super thin line or precise wing, she used an eyeliner brush. Her only caveat: while the matte-finish color stayed on all day, it did transfer a bit over time, especially when worn on the top and bottom waterline. You’ll need eye makeup remover that works on waterproof formulas to take it off, and if it leaves a little residue in the morning, which you may not mind (our tester didn’t!).

Ashley, tester: “I loved the pigment of this eyeliner, it really showed on my skin, and it was complementary to my eye color.”

Best Budget, Runner-Up

NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick

$9

$9 at Amazon$9 at Target

$10

$8 at Walmart

Formula: Waterproof pencil | Shades: 27 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you like to get creative with your eyeliner designs, this affordable pick offers 27 shades to experiment with, ranging from an Elphaba emerald green to ’90s-vibes periwinkle purple. Our tester tried a sparkly light brown hue that complemented her eye color, but she noted it left some shimmering flecks behind the next day (even after removal). What she loved most was the creamy texture, which she described as “melting into the skin” as it rolled across her lid. The tip is easy to control, feels comfortable on the eyes, and comes off well with makeup remover (shimmer aside). For a more intense look, she recommends two liner layers. It’s pretty long-wearing aside from a little, to-be-expected transfer from the lower lash line.

Ashley, tester: “The liner was pigmented on my skin tone, the shade being a lighter brown than those I’ve used in the past. It complemented my eye color and the various eye makeup looks I wore it with. The color shows up, but if you want to intensify it, you do need to add another layer. It stayed well and held up through the day.”

Best for Smoky Eye

Valentino Colorgraph Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

$38 at Sephora$38 at Neiman Marcus

Formula: Waterproof gel pencil | Shades: 7 | Cruelty-Free: No

As our tester gently pointed out, “as you age, eyeliner can make you look like an ‘80s rock star if you aren’t careful!” This dual-ended gel liner offers a subtle smoky look, minus the telltale costume-y effect. She loved how the soft formula glides over crepey skin, leaving a flattering, long-wear, and pigmented line. The creamy texture takes a minute to set, so allow it to dry before layering on eyeshadow. Worth noting: the tip broke on her first use, and it took some trial and error to find the right sharpener (we wish Valentino Beauty sold one with the liner). She also didn’t love the paddle-shaped blending brush on the other end, and luckily, the pencil created a lovely smoky line on its own. 

Heidi, tester: “This eyeliner glides on smoothly and doesn’t tug or settle into wrinkles. It also gives you an elegant smoky eye look that isn’t too harsh.”

Best Kajal

Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner

$34 at Nordstrom$34 at Violet Grey$34 at Bergdorfgoodman.com

Formula: Kajal pencil | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For a sexy, smoky eye look—inspired by its iconic founder’s beauty style—this kajal liner is a must-try. It even comes with a smudging tool on the other end. Be ready when you use it because it glides on fast and buttery smooth (kajal liners are known for having softer tips). No repeat performances needed; it’s one line and done. It was challenging to make crisp, controlled definition, but that’s the point for this liquid-y pencil. I used a cotton swab to clean up the edges. The pigment is strong and looked incredibly sexy and dramatic against my eyes. It did bleed a bit throughout the day, especially on the waterline, and it doesn’t come off easily. The following morning, I rocked a second-day stain that I almost liked more than the original.

Lauren, tester: “The pigment is strong, flattering, and lasts. The smudging tool is really nice and feels high-quality.”

Best Pigmented

Jones Road Gel Liner

$32 at Jones Road

Formula: Pot gel liner | Shades: 4 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Not everyone is looking for an effortless, no-makeup makeup look. Those seeking a full face beat will be wooed by Bobbi Brown’s gel liner pot. You’ll need to obtain an eyeliner brush, dip it into the pigmented pot, and show off those artistic skills. Without a steady right hand, it can be tricky to apply, and without a decent brush, it can feel thick and waxy. That said, it applies smoothly, even over mature skin, leaving a bold, rich finish. One swipe is all you need. Our tester appreciated its long-lasting power (some liners get patchy, she pointed out; this did not) and how easy it was to remove later (gently with micellar water). If you’re willing to put in the effort, dramatic eyes can be in your future.

Toni, tester: “Compared to other black liners I’ve used, this one stands out for its strong pigment and staying power. The pigment is excellent—deep, true black that shows up right away with strong impact.” 

Best Long-Wear

Stila Stay All Day Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner

$23

$17 at Amazon$23 at Sephora$23 at Ulta

Formula: Waterproof gel pencil | Shades: 16 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

After learning from a TikTok filter that the most flattering shade for her brown eye color is navy, our tester was jazzed to try this matte finish gel liner in a deep blue hue. According to our tester, it complemented her daily makeup look well, making her eyes pop (thanks TikTok!). Her advice: don’t be heavy-handed (the tip can break), and pull your eyelid taut when applying, since it is on the drier side, and this will help it glide. It only took one swipe to show up, but don’t be surprised if you need to go over it to get close to the lash line. While it initially delivers on pigment, it can dull over time with wear. Luckily, the slender pencil is easy to toss into your bag for touch-ups.

Dalene, tester: “I really enjoy the color. It’s something different that I would have never naturally gravitated toward. The vibrant sapphire provides a bold color, but it gives a natural makeup look I could wear daily.”

Best Waterproof

Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner

$30

$24 at Amazon$24 at Thrivecausemetics.com

Formula: Waterproof pencil | Shades: 8 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This pencil offers the holy grail: a pencil for pigment, a built-in sharpener, and a dual-end smudger (insert: chef’s kiss emoji). This means you can get a smoky smudge or a crisp, tightline, all from one pencil. Plus, our tester loved the application and results. It glided across crepey skin lids smoothly (no tugging), and the short, thin applicator was easy to control, even if your hands aren’t super steady. The pigmented matte black shade enhanced her eyes without looking harsh. The liner lasted all day and withstood her eye drop application. The cherry on top is that it came off easily using eye makeup remover and a cotton pad. This one is a keeper.

Heidi, tester: “I like the size and width of the applicator, the spongy blending brush, and the built-in sharpener is great! I really appreciated how it glided over my textured eyelids and lasted all day.”

Best Satin Finish

Sweed Satin Eyeliner

$25 at Amazon$25 at Nordstrom$25 at Lovelyskin.com

Formula: Gel pencil | Shades: 5 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Shimmery silver, vampy Bordeaux, and cobalt blue shades make this smooth-to-apply gel pencil an excellent choice for anyone looking to update their eye makeup look. And according to our tester, the color payoff is excellent. She described it as “rich, true, and vibrant in a single swipe.” Sometimes these colorful picks can transfer easily, but thankfully, this one stays put. Our tester confirms it works impressively well—no smudging, feathering, or transfer, even after hours. To get the long-wear liner off, it does take a little extra effort (a few more swipes to target lingering sparkle). A small price to pay for hours of eyeliner perfection.

Toni, tester: “I’d recommend this eyeliner to anyone looking for a smooth, long-lasting liner that adds subtle definition.”

Best Hybrid

Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil

$26 at Amazon$26 at Sephora$26 at Ulta

Formula: Gel | Shades: 8 | Cruelty-Free: No

While our tester tends to find crayon liners hard to apply and matte finishes unflattering, this pencil won her over. The thicker pencil was easy to grip, and it also featured a structured grip with pigment that spread easily to the lash line. She tested a rich, beautiful brown that she shares is matte, but not flat, making an elevated choice for everyday wear. The good news is that this eyeliner stays put; the bad news is that it stays put. It sets quickly and doesn’t budge. So, don’t expect it to smudge or smoke out; if you make a mistake, fix it quickly. But if you’re looking for an event product, she’s your gal.

Dalene, tester: “This is the best brown color I’ve used by far. I have a brown eyeliner from another brand in this same style pen—it’s my everyday eyeliner, but the color is nowhere near as rich as this French chocolate.”

Best Pencil

Jones Road Beauty The Best Pencil

$32 at Amazon$24 at Jones Road$31 at Libertylondon.com

Formula: Pencil | Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While twist-up pencils are popular, it’s nice to have a true pencil in your makeup bag. I tend to like them since they’re a bit drier, and eyeliner smudges easily on me. Jones Road has quickly become a go-to for me, thanks to how easy and quick the application process is. The texture is pretty perfect—not too dry or too runny. It feels stiff, but still glides across the lid seamlessly. I tested a brown shade that was marketed as having a metallic finish (re: gold pearl), but it looked pretty matte to me. The pencil point comes crisp and sharp, creating a tight, flattering line for everyday wear. You’ll need a good sharpener to get it back to that level, and it’s not sold with one. It only smudges a bit on the lower lash line (it’s not going to stain your lid), and it’s also a breeze to remove.

Lauren, tester: “This is easy and quick to apply. And I love the natural, yet pigmented brown color—very flattering and subtle.”