I’ve always believed that eyeliner is where artistry and precision collide. From subtle tightlining to bold wings that could cut glass, eyeliner is a small but powerful detail that completely transforms your gaze. Whether I’m going for a smoky drama or a soft, everyday enhancement, the right eyeliner doesn’t just define—it elevates.
Over the years, I’ve swatched, smudged, and stress-tested countless eyeliners. Some melted off by noon. Others tugged at my lash line like I was drawing with a crayon. But the 17 on this list? They’re the real MVPs. Each one brings something unique to the table—texture, staying power, richness of pigment, ease of application, and that elusive je ne sais quoi we all crave in a beauty staple.
Let’s dive in. Here are 17 eyeliners that truly deliver—and how I use them, what they feel like, and why I keep repurchasing them.
1. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil
Price: ~\$8 | Available at: Amazon, Ulta Beauty
I keep coming back to this one for one simple reason: it’s bulletproof. The texture is creamy enough to glide effortlessly but not so slippery that it smudges where it shouldn’t. I love the white shade for the waterline—it instantly brightens tired eyes and makes me look like I slept 8 hours (even if I didn’t).
Tip: Use a setting spray on a fine angled brush, pick up product from the pencil tip, and tap it over the line for extra staying power.
2. Jillian Dempsey Natural Eyeliner
Price: ~\$20 | Available at: Amazon, Credo Beauty
This one feels like silk. No tug, no crumble, and made with clean ingredients that actually soothe the delicate eye area. The pigment payoff is rich, and it blends like a dream. My favorite shade is Jet Black, which gives intensity without harshness.
Bonus: It smells subtly herbal, which I appreciate in a world full of overly fragranced products.
3. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil
Price: ~\$36 | Available at: Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue
If you love tightlining (lining the waterline just above your lashes), this pencil is your new best friend. It’s dense, dark, and doesn’t flake. I use it to build out my lash base when I want volume without wearing falsies.
Application tip: Use it in short, feathered strokes and layer with black eyeshadow for a plush, smudgy lash line.
4. Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner
Price: ~\$20 | Available at: Sephora, Kulfi Beauty
One word: smooth. This liner melts onto the skin and holds like a tattoo. Made with South Asian skin tones in mind, the colors like Nazar No More (a deep indigo) and Rain Check (a cool brown) pop against any complexion. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E, so it never irritates my sensitive eyes.
Hot tip: Perfect for smoky, dramatic looks. Blend quickly—it sets fast!
5. Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil
Price: ~\$23 | Available at: Sephora, Ulta Beauty
This pencil was made specifically for the waterline, which makes it unique. Most eyeliners fade or pool there, but this stays put without giving you raccoon eyes. It’s creamy yet sets to a soft-matte finish that doesn’t move.
Why I love it: I use this when I need all-day wear without touch-ups. The taupe shade is great for softer definition.
6. Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Liner
Price: ~\$8 | Available at: Walmart, Target
A sleeper hit. This liner is unapologetically bold, deeply black, and smooth. It creates drama in one stroke—no need to layer. If I’m doing a sultry evening eye, this is the one I reach for.
Downside: Limited colors—but that black? Chef’s kiss.
7. Kat Von D Tattoo Pencil Liner
Price: ~\$23 | Available at: Sephora, Ulta Beauty
This one is a fighter. Waterproof, transfer-proof, and impressively pigmented. It’s gel-based, so it’s soft, but it locks down like a liquid. I wear this on days I expect sweat, tears, or unexpected rainstorms.
Note: It can be hard to get a super crisp line unless it’s freshly sharpened, so keep a sharpener nearby.
8. Maybelline TattooStudio Sharpenable Gel Pencil
Price: ~\$6 (on sale) | Available at: Amazon, Ulta Beauty
An unbeatable drugstore gem. This pencil glides on like luxury and stays like a promise. It comes in a rainbow of shades—I love the Hunter Green for hazel eyes. It’s waterproof and resists fading, even on oily lids.
Tip: Use a light touch—it’s very creamy and goes on thick.
9. Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner
Price: ~\$23 | Available at: Sephora, Fenty Beauty
I love that this line embraces creativity—metallics, mattes, and shimmers in wild hues. The formula is rich and bold, and the twist-up packaging means I never need to sharpen it.
Personal favorite: Bad Bride, a metallic rose gold that’s stunning in the inner corners.
10. Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Duo Liner
Price: ~\$32 | Available at: Charlotte Tilbury, Revolve
This double-ended pencil is for those “no-makeup makeup” days. One end is a flesh-toned nude that neutralizes redness on the waterline. The other is a deep chocolate brown perfect for a barely-there lash enhancement.
Trick: Line your lower lash line with the nude to open your eyes when you’re tired or hungover.
11. Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner
Price: ~\$14 | Available at: Sephora
This one gets everything right: affordability, blendability, and water resistance. It has a built-in smudger and sharpener, which makes it great for travel. I keep one in my purse at all times.
Go-to color: Matte Plum. Unexpectedly flattering on every eye color.
12. Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil
Price: ~\$29 | Available at: Sephora
Luxe. Velvety. Drama-packed. This pencil was made for the red carpet. The pigment payoff is ridiculous—one swipe and you’re done. It’s blendable for a few seconds, then locks in for the night.
Pro tip: Smudge it with your finger before it sets for a bombshell effect.
13. Glossier No. 1 Pencil
Price: ~\$18 | Available at: Glossier.com
This one’s for the fun-lovers. The matte finish is striking, and the colors (Rococo eggplant! Patina blue!) are straight out of a dream. The formula is soft but dries to a budge-proof layer.
Why I like it: It’s not intimidating. Great for experimenting or trying colored liner for the first time.
14. Guide Beauty Eyeliner Duo
Price: ~\$50 | Available at: Guide Beauty
Designed with accessibility in mind, this kit includes a precision applicator and a pot of gel liner. The ergonomically-designed tool helps those with unsteady hands or motor limitations draw perfect lines.
Respect where it’s due: This is innovation with empathy. The black shade is rich and stays all day.
15. Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner
Price: ~\$34 | Available at: Bergdorf Goodman, Victoria Beckham Beauty
I didn’t expect to fall in love with this, but I did. The colors are lush—Bordeaux, Olive, Navy—and the texture is creamy and deeply pigmented. It glides on but doesn’t smear. Plus, it’s ophthalmologist-approved.
Bonus points: Feels like skincare. It contains vitamin E and panthenol.
16. Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner
Price: ~\$26 | Available at: Ilia Beauty, Sephora
Ilia’s version of a gel liner is a dream for sensitive eyes. It’s soft, richly colored, and glides on without pulling or irritating. The brown shade is softer than black and perfect for casual days.
Tip: Warm the tip on the back of your hand for smoother application.
17. Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil
Price: ~\$24 | Available at: Sephora, Macy’s
Multi-use magic. This pencil works on lips, eyes, brows—anywhere. The matte texture gives it versatility, and the color range is unmatched. My favorite is “Limitless Brown,” which doubles as brow filler and a soft eyeliner.
Heads-up: Use separate pencils for lips and eyes. Don’t mix!
Where to Shop
If you’re looking to buy any of these, here’s where I find the best deals and fastest shipping:
- Sephora (wide variety, lots of minis to test before committing)
- Ulta Beauty (great return policy and frequent BOGO deals)
- Amazon (for drugstore finds and speedy delivery)
- Brand Websites like Fenty Beauty, Glossier, and Ilia often have exclusive shades and bundles
Eyeliner isn’t just a product—it’s a statement. And whether that statement is “Don’t mess with me” or “Let’s brunch,” one of these 17 pencils will help you say it with clarity and style.
Let me know which one you’re dying to try—or if you’ve already got a favorite from this list!
