Are you a fan of the classic winged liner? Perhaps you prefer a bold and dramatic cat-eye, or maybe you're all about natural, subtly defined eyes? Whatever your style, this guide will help you discover the perfect eyeliner to compliment your unique look.
Eyes are often considered the most expressive feature of one's face, and the art of applying eyeliner can transform them into mesmerising focal points. The perfect eyeliner serves as a versatile tool, capable of enhancing your natural eye shape, creating striking drama, or adding a touch of sophistication to your daily look.
We've scoured the market to curate a list of the top eyeliners, each with its unique attributes, to cater to diverse preferences and needs. From pencil and gel to liquid and marker, these eyeliners offer an array of features, including smudge-proof formulas, vibrant pigments, long-lasting wear, and precision applicators.
Explore our recommendations, tips, and insights, and get ready to enhance your eye makeup game to a whole new level. Your stunning eye look is just a few strokes away!
Key factors to consider when making a choice for an eyeliner
- Type of Eyeliner: Eyeliners come in various forms, such as pencil, gel, liquid, and marker. Each type has its own advantages. Pencils are great for a smudged or subtle look, gels offer precision and versatility, liquids give sharp lines and intense colour, and markers are user-friendly for beginners.
- Formula: Consider whether you want a waterproof, smudge-proof, or long-lasting formula. Waterproof eyeliners are ideal for all-day wear, while smudge-proof options are excellent for preventing makeup mishaps.
- Colour: Eyeliners are available in a wide range of colours beyond traditional black, including brown, navy, green, and more. Choose a colour that complements your eye colour and the overall makeup style you're aiming for.
- Application Ease: Some eyeliners come with fine tips or brushes for precise application, while others have more forgiving applicators. Consider your level of expertise and the look you want to achieve.
- Eye Shape: Your eye shape can influence the type of eyeliner you choose. For instance, pencil eyeliners work well for round eyes, while liquid or gel eyeliners can create the illusion of almond-shaped eyes.
- Longevity: Think about how long you need your eyeliner to last. Some are great for a quick daytime look, while others are designed for all-day wear and can withstand humidity and sweat.
- Removal: Consider how easy it is to remove the eyeliner at the end of the day. Look for options that come off cleanly with your preferred makeup remover.
How we chose them for you
- Diversity: We recognized that makeup is a highly personal art form, and one size does not fit all. Therefore, we curated a diverse selection of eyeliners to cater to various preferences, eye shapes, and style preferences.
- Value for Money: We compared the features, quality, and price of each eyeliner to make sure you receive excellent value for your investment. Our aim is to provide you with options that balance performance and affordability.
- User-Friendly Information: We've presented the information in a user-friendly manner, complete with tips, insights, and considerations, to help you make an informed choice based on your individual needs and goals.
- Customer Feedback: We considered the valuable input of everyday users who have shared their experiences with different eyeliners. Real-world experiences and testimonials from consumers like you were integral to our selection process.
- Brand Reputation: We placed a strong emphasis on choosing products from reputable brands with a track record of producing quality cosmetics. This ensures that you're investing in reliable and safe options.
Below are some of our finest recommendations on eyeliners currently trending in the market
Maybelline New York's Colossal Bold Liner is a highly pigmented, smudge-proof, and waterproof liquid eyeliner that can be your go-to for long-lasting, intense eye looks. This 3g bold black eyeliner defines your eyes effortlessly, whether you're aiming for a winged, butterfly, or a simple swipe style.
With a brush tip applicator and an easy-to-use long handle, this eyeliner lasts up to 24 hours, making it perfect for daily use. While it sets like a film in one bold stroke, it's important to note that some users have reported concerns about the brush quality. Embrace the iconic Maybelline quality and achieve your desired eye looks with confidence, just be aware of the occasional brush quality issue.
Specifications:
- Price: 192
- Type: Liquid eyeliner
- Colour: Bold Black
- Finish: Matte
- Special Features: Long-lasting, waterproof, smudge-resistant
- Duration: Up to 24 hours
- Quantity: 3g
- Applicator: Brush tip
Pros:
- Intense, bold pigmentation
- Waterproof and smudge-resistant
- Long-lasting wear
- Versatile for different eye looks
- Easy application with brush tip
- Affordable and readily available
Cons:
- May not suit sensitive eyes
- Liquid formulas can be tricky for beginners
- Removal can require extra effort
User’s Review: Regular day makeup or for any function makeup, this eyeliner is must... long lasting and for attractive looking.. valuable for money.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for its intense pigmentation and long-lasting, smudge-proof formula, making it a top choice for Amazon shoppers seeking a reliable and affordable eyeliner.
Our Top for you pick: https://amzn.to/47oPRmN
The 2-in-1 Waterproof Eyebrow and Gel Eyeliner from Swiss Beauty can be a multipurpose addition to your cosmetics collection. This 7g product has a rich black colour and serves as both an eyeliner and an eyebrow definer. Its highly pigmented, oil-free formula, contained in a clear gel base, guarantees a smooth application devoid of creases.
Quick drying and creamy texture allow for sweat-resistant, precise, smudge-proof lines. The round cap on the bottle is comfortable to hold and makes application simple. Although it offers a gel formula that lasts for a long time and can create dramatic eye looks, some users have found it difficult to apply, and it might not be paraben-free. Enjoy the product's versatility while keeping these things in mind.
Specifications:
- Price: 299
- Type: Gel Eyeliner & Eyebrow Definer
- Shade: Black
- Item Form: Gel
- Finish Type: Creamy
- Special Feature: Water Resistant
- Material Type Free: Oil Free
- Skin Type: Normal
- Coverage: Full
Pros:
- Versatile 2-in-1 product
- Intense pigmentation in a gel base
- Smooth, quick-drying creamy texture
- Long-lasting and sweat-resistant
- Convenient, comfortable grip for application
Cons:
- Difficult to apply for some
- Not entirely smudge-proof
- Contains parabens
- May cause lower lash spillage.
User’s Review:I have tried various expensive brands of eyeliner including sephora and Mac, but this one beats them all by far! I even slept with it one night and it was still intact the next morning!!
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for Swiss Beauty's dual-purpose 2-in-1 gel eyeliner and eyebrow definer with intense pigmentation, backed by the brand's reputation for quality and versatility.
Our Top for you pick: https://amzn.to/3QNpGke
Maybelline New York's Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, a makeup essential designed to enhance your eye looks with its highly pigmented, oil-free gel formula. This 2.5g gel eyeliner in "Blackest Black" comes with an expert liner brush for precision. It's ideal for creating defined lines and various captivating looks, perfect for everyday use.
The intense black finish adds drama to your eyes, making them stand out. With a practical applicator brush that glides smoothly, it's easy to achieve the desired effect. However, some users have reported mild eye irritation, so it's essential to be cautious if you have sensitive eyes. Elevate your eye makeup game with Maybelline's trusted quality, but be mindful of potential sensitivity.
Specifications:
- Price: 347
- Item Form: Gel
- Colour: Blackest Black
- Finish Type: Glossy
- Special Feature: Oil-free, Smudge Resistant, Travel Size
- Product Benefits: Defined, Long-lasting, Smudge Proof, Waterproof
- Duration: 36 hrs stay
- Net Quantity: 2.5 gram
Pros:
- Highly pigmented gel liner
- Expert liner brush included
- Intense black finish
- Easy-to-use applicator brush
- Long-lasting, 36-hour wear
- Ideal for captivating eye looks
Cons:
- May not be suitable for sensitive eyes.
- Glossy finish may not suit everyone.
- Gel formula may dry out
- Not paraben-free
User’s Review: I have used many other kajal or eyeliners for that matter, however I must say that this is a true magic. It's easy to apply and smudge if you are trying to achieve a smokey eye and also best if you have dry skin. As many eyeliners get dry or cracked this is best for dry skins. Do buy.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for its highly rated, long-lasting formula with 4.2 stars from over 17,000 Amazon reviews, offering intense colour and expert precision.
Our Top for you pick: https://amzn.to/3MxIcKC
Colorbar's Ultimate Matte Finish EyeLiner, a 1ml sleek pencil that adds striking definition to your eyes in no time. In the classic "Black" shade, this eyeliner offers a unique and effortless way to achieve bold eye looks. With its professional flexible brush, it provides precision and even application, ensuring a jet-black finish.
Designed for women, it's suitable for those with sensitive eyes and contact lenses, having been dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested. Although, some users have reported drawbacks, including the liner being too dry and not lasting as long as desired. While it's easy to apply, be aware that it may require touch-ups throughout the day.Nevertheless enhance your eye makeup with Colorbar's expertise, but consider these potential limitations for a seamless experience.
Specifications:
- Price: 435
- Type: Pencil Eyeliner
- Colour: Black
- Net Quantity: 1ml
- Finish: Matte
- Applicator: Professional flexible brush
Pros:
- Quick and easy application
- Professional, flexible brush for accuracy
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
- Dermatologically tested
- Sleek, pencil design
- Affordable option
Cons:
- Eyeliner tends to dry quickly
- Limited staying power (2 hours)
- Fades easily, especially from inner corners
- May require frequent touch-ups
User’s Review: I Love this! It's easy to apply. It's not waterproof but that's what I prefer as waterproof products could block one's tear gland as a result of major chances of infection...
Value for money is quite satisfactory as its longevity is about 4-5 months in my case. I apply almost daily.
Why it's worth buying: While it has some drawbacks, its ease of use and precision make it a convenient choice for enhancing your eye makeup.
Our Top for you pick: https://amzn.to/47nqHF5
The Dazzler Hi-Def Eyeliner, a versatile 1.1g gel eyeliner in classic "Black" is perfect for creating a wide range of eye looks, from subtle daytime elegance to bold, dramatic nighttime allure. With a velvety matte finish, this eyeliner adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to your makeup routine, boosting your confidence for the day ahead. It boasts a host of unique features, including being smudge-proof, waterproof, long-lasting, quick-drying, and lightweight.
The single-stroke application ensures precise lines every time, saving you both time and effort. Plus, it's an ethical choice as a vegan and cruelty-free product. However, some users have reported that it may not be entirely sweat-proof and might require reapplication after a short duration. Experience luxury with this eyeliner that comes with an added benefit of eyebrow pencil. It's a win-win!
Specifications:
- Price: 178
- Form: Gel
- Colour: Black
- Finish: Matte
- Item Weight: 1.1g
- Special Features: Vegan, Cruelty-free
- Coverage: Full
- Skin Type: All
- Ethical Choice: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Pros:
- Versatile for various looks
- High-quality matte finish
- Smudge-proof and quick-drying
- Lightweight and easy application
- Ethical choice (vegan & cruelty-free)
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons:
- Not entirely sweat-proof
- May require frequent reapplication
- Small quantity (1.1g)
- May not last as long as expected
User’s Review:You can buy it with eyes closed... I bought black and brown... Worth it. Quick to dry. One stroke is all you need. Easy application.. so, GO FOR IT.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for versatile looks and ethical choice. High-quality matte finish adds sophistication.
Our Top for you pick: https://amzn.to/47mjzbM
Frequently asked questions ( FAQs)
How can I apply eyeliner for different eye shapes?
- Tailor your eyeliner application to your specific eye shape. For example, winged eyeliner can elongate round eyes, while tightlining can make small eyes appear larger.
Is eyeliner safe for sensitive eyes?
- Look for eyeliners that are hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and suitable for sensitive eyes. These products are less likely to cause irritation.
How can I prevent eyeliner from smudging or running?
- To prevent smudging, use smudge-proof or waterproof eyeliners. Additionally, setting your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow or translucent powder can help lock it in place.
Can I use eyeliner on my waterline or tightline?
- Yes, you can use eyeliner on your waterline (inner rim) or tightline (upper waterline). However, ensure the product is safe for use in these sensitive areas and won't irritate your eyes.
How do I remove eyeliner effectively?
- Use a makeup remover or a gentle cleanser to remove eyeliner. Be sure to choose a product suitable for your skin type and eye area.
Final verdict
Our curated list of recommended eyeliners offers a diverse range of options to suit various preferences, styles, and needs. We've taken into account factors like ease of application, brand reputation, and ethical considerations to ensure a well-rounded collection.
While each product may have its unique strengths and occasional drawbacks, our aim is to empower you to make an informed choice based on your individual requirements. Enhance your eye makeup game with confidence, knowing that our recommendations have been carefully selected to help you achieve stunning eye looks.
