Best Eyeliner for 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.