{"id":1448043,"date":"2018-04-23T20:45:49","date_gmt":"2018-04-23T17:45:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1448043"},"modified":"2018-04-23T20:45:49","modified_gmt":"2018-04-23T17:45:49","slug":"we-tested-the-best-drugstore-eyeliners-these-9-seriously-rival-high-end-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1448043","title":{"rendered":"We Tested the Best Drugstore Eyeliners\u2014These 9 Seriously Rival High-End Options"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

We Tested the Best Drugstore Eyeliners\u2014These 9 Seriously Rival High-End Options<\/h1>\n

Get long-lasting pigment for less. <\/p>\n

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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Esme Benjamin<\/p>\n
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\"Esme\"Esme<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nEsme Benjamin\n<\/div>\n
\nEsme Benjamin is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over a decade of editorial experience. She was previously a wellness editor at Culture Trip, and now writes beauty, lifestyle, and wellness content for Byrdie, among other sites.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
and<\/span><\/p>\n
Anna Traver<\/p>\n
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\"Anna\"Anna<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nAnna Traver\n<\/div>\n
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    \nAnna is a beauty and style writer at Byrdie, where she writes beauty, fashion, and lifestyle product round-ups and reviews. She’s passionate about thoroughly testing products to gives readers everything they need to know before purchasing.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on October 16, 2025 01:09PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Leave a Comment<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    In This Article<\/h2>\n
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    View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    In This Article<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    • \n
      Top Picks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Reviews<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      What to Look For<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      How We Tested<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      Meet Our Experts<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Why Trust Byrdie<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      \"Two\"Two<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      Byrdie<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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      Finding the right eyeliner can be challenging\u2014you need one that doesn\u2019t smudge but is easy to remove after a long day. It also needs to perform; by that, we don\u2019t just mean last, but also create the eyeliner look you\u2019re hoping to achieve. New York City-based makeup artist Joseph Carrillo says its point needs to be equally sharp if you want your eyeliner to deliver a sharp wing. If you choose a pencil, opt for one with a sharpener or retractable packaging.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

      Despite their lower price tags, we\u2019ve learned drugstore eyeliners can perform comparably to higher-end options. So, we put more than 60 bestselling eyeliners to the test over four months. Myself, as well as our other testers, rated each eyeliner on pigment, dry time, ease of removal, and wear (long-lasting, smudge-proof, waterproof). We also spoke with a professional makeup artist and dermatologist to learn the best liner tips and tricks. Our comprehensive list highlights the best drugstore eyeliners, from pencils to liquid and gel options. Keep reading to find your perfect match.\n<\/p>\n

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      Top Picks<\/h2>\n
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      Best Overall:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      L’Oreal Paris Flash Cat Eyeliner at Amazon<\/span>$12<\/s>$9<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Pencil:<\/div>\n

      NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick at Amazon<\/span>$9<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Liquid:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      Wet n Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner at Amazon<\/span>$5<\/s>$4<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best for Cat Eye:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner at Amazon<\/span>$10<\/s>$8<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best for Beginners:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Liner at Amazon<\/span>$11<\/s>$9<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best for Waterline:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      NYX Professional Makeup Retractable Vivid Rich Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil at Amazon<\/span>$8<\/s>$6<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Gel Pot:<\/div>\n

      Revolution Gel Eyeliner Pot at Target<\/span>$9<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Brown Liquid Liner:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner at Amazon<\/span>$12<\/s>$9<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best for Smudged Looks:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner at Amazon<\/span>$8<\/s>$7<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      \nBest Overall
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      L’Oreal Paris Flash Cat Eyeliner<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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      \"L'Oreal\"L'Oreal<\/div>
      Credit: Amazon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      $12<\/span><\/div>\n

      $9 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>$9 at Target<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

      $12<\/span><\/div>\n

      $12 at Ecosmetics.com<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Highly pigmented and only needs one coat<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Lasts all day without smudging<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Includes stencil for a perfect cat eye<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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        What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Limited color selection<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          Formula and Type:<\/strong> Felt-tip liquid liner | Color Range:<\/strong> Brown, black | Finish:<\/strong> Matte | Cruelty-Free:<\/strong> Yes | Waterproof:<\/strong> Yes\n<\/p>\n

          L’Or\u00e9al’s Flash Cat Eyeliner was the star performer in our testing\u2014the liquid liner stayed on point from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. without budging. The super precise tip makes getting a sharp, crisp wing a breeze, and the deep pigment payoff means one coat is all you need. If you’re a cat eye newbie, don’t sweat it\u2014this liner comes with a handy stencil cap to help you nail the wing every single time. It dries down to a gorgeous matte finish in just seven seconds and comes off in a cinch with a cleansing balm and some micellar water.<\/p>\n

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          \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          Taylor, tester with combination skin:<\/strong> “This liner really impressed me with its longevity over the course of a full workday and night out, and didn’t fade or transfer onto my eyelids like many liners do when balmy weather enters the equation.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          \nBest Pencil
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          NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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          \"NYX\"NYX<\/div>
          Credit: Amazon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          $9<\/span><\/div>\n

          $9 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>$9 at Target<\/span><\/span>$9 at Macy’s<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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            Comes in 24 shades<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Lasts all day<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Versatile from day to night<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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            What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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              Semi-dry, not the easiest to blend out<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              Formula and Type:<\/strong> Classic eyeliner pencil | Color Range:<\/strong> Black, brown, and various colors | Finish:<\/strong> Matte | Cruelty-Free:<\/strong> Yes | Waterproof:<\/strong> Yes\n<\/p>\n

              If pencil eyeliners are your go-to, you’re sure to love this pick from Nyx. It comes in a whopping 24 shades, so we love it for adding that pop of color to a more monochromatic look. Our tester said it took about two to three swipes to get to her desired pigment, but after that, it stayed bright and present all day. And since it’s so inexpensive, you can pick up several shades and mix things up from day to night (yes, it can even do no-makeup makeup). It is somewhat drier, so it can be a bit tricky to blend or smoke out, but we love everything else about it.<\/p>\n

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              \nBest Liquid
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              Wet n Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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              \"Wet\"Wet<\/div>
              Credit: Ulta<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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              $5<\/span><\/div>\n

              $4 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>$5 at Ulta<\/span><\/span>$4 at Target<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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              What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                Extremely pigmented liquid<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                Superfine tip<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                Small and compact packaging\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                  Very wet<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                  Long dry time<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                  Formula and Type:<\/strong> Liquid liner with a felt tip brush | Color Range: <\/strong>Black, dark brown, voltage blue, electric purple | Finish:<\/strong> Matte | Cruelty-Free:<\/strong> No | Waterproof:<\/strong> No\n<\/p>\n

                  The pigment and applicator tip of this pick from Wet n Wild were both major standouts in our testing, easily getting our stamp of approval for the best drugstore liquid eyeliner. The brush is precise and thin, making it easy to get a sharp wing. The four shades are very opaque, pigmented, and vibrant. However, we were slightly disappointed with how long this one took to dry: 32 seconds. We recommend keeping your eyes closed until dry to avoid any transfer.\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                  However, once it dried, this liner had serious staying power\u2014so much so that our tester was worried about how difficult it would be to remove. However, to her surprise, both micellar water and cleansing balm removed the pigment with no problem. \u201cI wore this liner on a night out on one of the hottest, most humid nights in New York City, and it did its job. It remained intact all night and didn\u2019t move at all!” said our tester.<\/p>\n

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                    \"Photos\"Photos<\/div>
                    Credit: Byrdie<\/span><\/figcaption><\/li>\n
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                    \"Wet\"Wet<\/div>
                    Credit: Byrdie<\/span><\/figcaption><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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