Best Eyeliner for 2026
Discover comprehensive eyeliner reviews featuring expert analysis of top brands, formulas, and application techniques to help you achieve flawless eye definition. Our in-depth comparisons cover everything from liquid and gel to pencil and felt-tip eyeliners, empowering you to make informed purchasing decisions for your beauty routine.
Updated January 2026 • 18 Products Analyzed
The Good
- Creamy, pigmented formula glides on smoothly and easily
- Budge-proof, waterproof finish lasts all day
- Comfortable to wear with excellent color payoff
- Versatile shade complements multiple eye colors and tones
Charlotte Tilbury Eyeliner Pencil
Charlotte Tilbury's creamy eyeliner pencil delivers a pigmented, smooth application with impressive staying power throughout the day. The formula glides on effortlessly, sets to a truly budge-proof finish, and works beautifully across various eye colors. While the quality is excellent and worth the investment, shade selection is limited and fair skin tones may find some shades less flattering.
The Bad
- May appear unflattering on fair skin tones
- Requires sharpening rather than twist-up design
The Good
- Smooth, easy glide application perfect for wings
- Long-lasting, smudge and sweat-proof all day
- Flexible brush tip works for various eye shapes
- Consistently praised after years of repeat purchases
Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Liquid Eyeliner
Too Faced's Better Than Sex Easy Glide Liquid Eyeliner delivers exceptional smudge-proof performance with a smooth, precise application that appeals to both beginners and experienced users. The long-wearing formula resists sweat, water, and tears throughout the day, though some users note it may not be entirely waterproof in extreme conditions. Most reviewers consistently praise its ease of use and durability, making it a standout choice for those seeking reliable daily wear eyeliner.
The Bad
- Not entirely waterproof in extreme swimming/festival conditions
- May smudge slightly for some users depending on skin type
The Good
- Precise brush applicator for easy, professional cat-eye application
- Waterproof, smudge-resistant formula lasts all day
- Longevity—product lasts for months without drying out
- Safe for sensitive eyes, no irritation
Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner
Clinique's High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner is a premium, waterproof eyeliner that delivers crisp, long-lasting lines with effortless application. Users consistently praise its precision brush, smudge-resistant formula, and impressive durability—lasting all day and even multiple hours when reapplied. The product is particularly valued for its gentle formulation suitable for sensitive eyes and exceptional longevity, making it a go-to choice among eyeliner enthusiasts.
The Bad
- Cap can fall off easily, causing product to dry out
- Takes time to dry, may mark skin above eyelids
The Good
- Waterproof and long-lasting all-day wear
- Glides on smoothly like butter
- Rich, vibrant black color
- Minimal smudging or creasing
Tarte Sex Kitten Eyeliner - Black
Tarte Sex Kitten Liner is a highly-rated eyeliner praised for its all-day wear, waterproof formula, and smooth application. The product delivers a rich black color with impressive durability, though some users report recent formula changes affecting longevity. At its current price point, it offers excellent performance for both everyday wear and professional makeup artists.
The Bad
- Some reports of recent formula inconsistency
- May require reapplication in extreme conditions
The Good
- Exceptional smudge-proof and waterproof formula lasts all day
- Smooth, easy application with precise coverage and pigment
- No color transfer or fading in any conditions
- Works beautifully with Bobbi Brown eyeliner brushes
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is a premium waterproof formula that delivers exceptional staying power and precision application. Users consistently praise its smudge-proof performance and long-lasting wear throughout the day, though some note it commands a higher price point and can dry quickly.
The Bad
- Premium price point higher than competitor products
- Product dries out relatively quickly in the container
The Good
- Precision roller tip enables smooth, easy application
- Quick-drying formula lasts 24 hours without smudging
- True matte finish with intense, vibrant black color
- Beloved by repeat customers across 20+ years
Benefit Roller Liner True Matte Liquid Eyeliner
The Benefit Roller Liner is a precision liquid eyeliner praised by users for its smooth application, quick-drying formula, and long-lasting matte finish that withstands daily wear. Its innovative roller tip design makes creating precise lines and cat-eye flicks effortless, earning it a loyal following among makeup enthusiasts. While most users rave about its durability and waterproof claims, some report inconsistency with smudge resistance, particularly in tear-prone areas.
The Bad
- Waterproof claims inconsistent; can smudge in tear areas
- Premium price point may not justify variable performance
The Good
- Ultra-fine tip enables precise, clean lines
- Quick-drying formula with 12-hour wear time
- Smooth glide-on application without tugging
- Excellent value for professional-quality results
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner
L'Oreal's Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner delivers precise, long-lasting lines with its ultra-fine 0.4mm felt tip and quick-drying formula. Users consistently praise its smooth application, bold color payoff, and all-day wear without smudging, making it a reliable choice for both everyday and dramatic looks. While the formula's durability is excellent, some find the quick-drying aspect requires swift corrections and careful removal techniques.
The Bad
- Dries quickly, making corrections difficult
- Requires dedicated makeup remover for removal
The Good
- Precise flexible tip for customizable line thickness
- Exceptional staying power and waterproof performance
- Affordable luxury alternative to high-end brands
- Cruelty-free and PETA-certified formula
NYX Epic Ink Liner
NYX Epic Ink Liner is a highly-rated waterproof liquid eyeliner offering professional-quality application at an affordable price point. The precise flexible tip allows for both fine details and bold lines, with excellent staying power and quick-drying formula. While most users praise its performance and cruelty-free formulation, some report issues with tip fraying and cap durability.
The Bad
- Tip frays quickly with repeated cap opening
- Cap can loosen without obvious indicator
The Good
- Glides on smoothly without tugging or skipping
- Intense color payoff that lasts all day
- Creamy, comfortable formula with vitamin E and jojoba oil
- Works beautifully on waterline and for precise application
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner is a premium pencil liner beloved for its creamy, smooth formula that applies effortlessly without tugging. With rich color payoff, excellent long-wear performance (up to 16 hours), and hydrating ingredients, it delivers salon-quality results. However, some users report sharpening difficulties and concerns about formula consistency.
The Bad
- Difficult to sharpen; tip wears down quickly
- Premium price point may not justify performance for all users
The Good
- Ultrasmooth application with precision control
- Long-wearing and waterproof formula
- Works well with eyeshadow and false lashes
- Trusted MAC brand with proven durability
MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline
MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline is an ultrasmooth gel eyeliner offering the precision of liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Most users praise its long-wearing, waterproof formula and smooth application, though a few report smudging issues and note that a separate brush is required. Overall, it's a well-regarded product that delivers professional-quality results for daily wear and special occasions.
The Bad
- Requires separate brush for application
- Not consistently waterproof for all users
The Good
- Unique deep brown shade enhances green and warm-toned eyes
- Innovative long flexible applicator with gradual thickness for precision
- Smudge-resistant, water-resistant, long-lasting formula
- Easy application and removal with excellent color payoff
Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner - Big Truffle
The Fenty Beauty Flyliner is a premium deep brown liquid eyeliner with a versatile flexible felt-tip applicator that delivers precision and long-lasting wear. Users rave about the unique color and exceptional applicator design, though some note the limited shade range and slightly shorter wear time compared to competitors. Overall, it's a high-quality, easy-to-apply option perfect for achieving both subtle and dramatic eye looks.
The Bad
- Limited color options beyond brown and black
- Wear time shorter than some competing long-wear formulas
The Good
- Exceptional staying power and smudge resistance
- Creamy, smooth application that glides effortlessly
- Affordable price with vegan and cruelty-free formula
- Rich color payoff and bold, defined lines
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a creamy, ultra-pigmented waterproof eyeliner that delivers impressive staying power and smooth application at an exceptional price point. With over 31,000 reviews and great ratings, customers praise its smudge resistance, easy application, and vibrant black color, though some note the retractable mechanism feels unstable and product quantity is limited.
The Bad
- Flimsy retractable mechanism lacks stability
- Limited product quantity in tube
The Good
- Excellent color payoff and smooth, precise application
- Highly durable formula resists smudging and rubbing
- Exceptional value; outperforms pricier luxury brands
- Long-lasting pen lasts approximately 3 months of daily use
ColourPop BFF Liquid Liner
ColourPop BFF Liquid Liner is a budget-friendly, high-pigment eyeliner pen that delivers professional results with its precision felt tip and transfer-resistant formula. Users consistently praise its smooth application, bold color payoff, and remarkable longevity, making it an exceptional value compared to luxury alternatives. However, some concerns exist regarding cap design durability and occasional drying issues across different color formulations.
The Bad
- Cap design can cause product to dry out over time
- Some color variations dry too quickly or underperform
The Good
- Rich, bold pigmentation with single-swipe coverage
- Smooth, creamy application glides effortlessly
- Long-lasting, waterproof wear throughout the day
- Affordable price point for quality performance
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Long-Lasting Eyeliner Pencil
The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner Pencil delivers impressive pigmentation and smooth application with a creamy gel formula that claims long-lasting waterproof wear. While most users praise its bold color payoff, longevity, and ease of application, some report sharpening issues and occasional smudging that conflict with the waterproof claims. Overall, it's a reliable, affordable eyeliner that performs well for most users despite minor inconsistencies.
The Bad
- Sharpener compatibility issues cause splintering
- Occasional smudging despite waterproof claims
The Good
- Long-lasting, smudge-proof wear all day
- Creamy, smooth application and excellent color options
- Stays put on waterline and doesn't irritate sensitive eyes
- Quality brand with excellent pigment payoff
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Gel Liner is a highly-rated eyeliner pencil praised for its long-wearing, smudge-proof performance and beautiful color selection. Most users love the creamy application, excellent pigment, and waterline staying power, particularly those with hooded or sensitive eyes. However, some users report sharpening difficulties and inconsistent wear, with a few experiencing premature smudging.
The Bad
- Difficult to sharpen to a fine point for thin lines
- Inconsistent wear and smudging for some users
The Good
- Precise brush tip creates smooth, controlled lines
- Waterproof and smudge-resistant throughout the day
- Rich, bold black color with excellent staying power
- Affordable price with long-lasting formula
L'Oreal Infallible Flash Cat Eye Eyeliner
L'Oreal's Infallible Flash Cat Eye is an affordable, waterproof liquid eyeliner with a brush tip applicator that delivers precise lines and vibrant black color. Users praise its smudge-resistant formula and all-day staying power, though some note the stencil cap is less effective than advertised. Overall, it's a reliable choice for both everyday wear and cat eye looks at its current price point.
The Bad
- Cat eye stencil cap is ineffective for most users
- Brush tip hairs can become damaged with powder products
The Good
- Precision tapered brush tip for easy application
- Long-lasting wear (6-8+ hours) with minimal smudging
- Affordable price point with sensitive skin formula
- Conditions lashes while delivering bold color
Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Eyeliner Serum
Physicians Formula Eye Booster is a dual-purpose 2-in-1 eyeliner and lash-conditioning serum that delivers a precise, opaque black line with a tapered brush tip. Highly praised for its ease of application, long-wear formula, and hypoallergenic properties, it's an affordable option for daily wear. However, some users report quality inconsistencies and occasional formula issues requiring shaking to revive.
The Bad
- Quality control inconsistencies across batches
- Formula can dry out quickly, requiring shaking to revive
The Good
- Extremely long-wearing and smudge-proof formula
- Smooth, easy application with precise brush tip
- Water-resistant with darkly pigmented matte finish
- Excellent value despite premium performance
Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Perfect Strokes delivers exceptional longevity and smooth application with its vegan matte liquid formula, earning widespread praise for its smudge-proof wear and ease of use. While most users rave about its long-lasting performance and darkly pigmented finish, some report durability issues with the pen construction and occasional formula consistency problems. At its current price point, it represents strong value for those seeking a reliable, professional-quality eyeliner.
The Bad
- Pen construction prone to separating and falling apart
- Ink occasionally dries up requiring shaking or remixing