Contrary to popular belief, eyeliner is a makeup product that comes in a wealth of options and can be applied in a bunch of different ways. Yet, purchasing one doesn’t have to be too daunting of a task.
Beginners may be weary of trying their hand at liquid eyeliners (note of reassurance: I’ve been there, and it does take a learning curve). Needless to say, pencil eyeliners are commonly reached for, largely in part to their easy swipe-on maneuver and virtually mess-free result, when done right.
“Pencil eyeliners are usually wax based and a lot are safe for inner rim use,” Natalie Dresher, bridal and special event makeup artist, told the New York Post. “Liquid liner is more ‘paint-like’ and are not safe for inner rim use. Liquid liners create a more precise point or line, whereas pencil liners can create softer lines and be smudged out.”
When I was in middle school, I vividly remember shopping with my mom at my mall’s beauty counter for brown colors to suit my light hazel-brown eyes. I used to apply pencil eyeliners before rushing to my first high school class on time, too, and now they’re a staple on my makeup vanity.
Not to mention, you can even create a clean, smudged-out wing with a good eyeliner pencil. In fact, I usually apply eyeliner pencil first, and then take an small angled brush, dip it into my favorite brown eyeshadow to define the line a little more. You’d be surprised by how longer your lashes look once you apply mascara — especially a tubing mascara — as this method also offers some more natural glam.
It’s only natural my love affair with eyeliner pencils has morphed into a review for the New York Post Shopping section. Ahead, find my top 11 picks — from Maybelline to Too Faced — along with swatches of each one. You’ll also want to check out the comparison table at the end for top brands tested, at a glance.
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How we tested
I’ve been formally testing eyeliner pencils for three years, with some newer picks in this review up to three times, at least. When it comes to eyeliner pencils, it’s more or less a first-impressions review style, but I took note of the following criteria for this cross-comparison:
- Pigmentation: Because eyeliner pencils aren’t as vivid as, say, a liquid eyeliner, pigmentation is key. I noticed which eyeliner pencils offered a suitable amount of pigmentation without overspilling.
- Precision: Above all else, precision is key. This is how you can create a thin line or build it out more (aka, this is make-or-break when it comes to how versatile it’ll be).
- Longevity: You don’t want to reapply an eyeliner pencil, especially if you’re wearing mascara and don’t want to mess with your curled, upturned lashes. I took note of which ones lasted the most throughout the day.
Best Eyeliner Pencil Overall
Iconic London Smokey Eye Duo Kajal Eyeliner + Eyeshadow
Pros:
- Highest quality formulation and pigmentation tested
- Fair price point
- Creamy glide that’s waterproof and long-wearing
Shade tested: Midnight Black
Iconic London’s new Smokey Eye Duo Kajal Eyeliner + Eyeshadow impressed not only myself but my family and friends who have been on the hunt for the perfect eyeliner pencil. It lasts all day, is easy to blend and buff out if you so choose and glides on like a dream. It’s also just $25 for you to pick up without breaking the bank.
Best Drugstore Eyeliner Pencil
Maybelline TattooStudio Long-Lasting Sharpenable Eyeliner Pencil
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Gives your eyes a subtle shimmery pop
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- The cap could be better quality, though not a dealbreaker
Shade tested: “982 Emerald Lights”
For a drugstore eyeliner, I was colored impressed — literally — with the Maybelline TattooStudio Long-Lasting Sharpenable Eyeliner Pencil. It’s a surefire dupe for the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($25) — one I’ve used in high school, but didn’t find was the best for my sensitive eyes — and is ultra-creamy while staying in place.
It has a good pigment, though isn’t as pigmented as some others tested. However, you can’t beat the price, and it’s one I usually reach for.
Best Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Waterproof Liner
Pros:
- Stayed the most intact out of all eyeliners tested
- Excellent pigmentation
Cons:
- Not as precise and pointed as some others tested
Shade tested: “Blackout”
Shop the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Waterproof Liner if you’re looking to splurge a bit on something long-lasting and ultra-buildable. Not only does this particular eyeliner last all day (without budging, smudging or irritating) but its twist-up packaging is beginner-friendly.
Not to mention, when I used makeup remover, it stayed intact the most, though eventually came off (aka, a testament to how it doesn’t budge!)
Best Long-Wear Eyeliner Pencil
MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil
Pros:
- Excellent value for the price
- The brush on the flip-side is a nice touch for blending
Shade tested: “Soft Brown”
MAKEUP BY MARIO never disappoints, and its Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil is a hidden treasure worth mining up in your cart. For the money, you have an extra-long pencil that glides on beautifully.
While it doesn’t have the finest tip, I love how creamy and “fresh” it looks on my eyes. Plus, its brush on the flip-side makes it excellent for smudging out a bit.
Best Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Too Faced Killer Liner 36 Hour Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Pros:
- Incredibly pigmented without smudging
- Buildable pigmentation
Cons:
- The point on this eyeliner fades quickly, so you’ll have to sharpen it more often
Shade tested: “Killer Chocolate”
Long live the days of gel eyeliner pots (if you don’t love applying eyeliner with a brush, that is). The Too Faced Killer Liner 36 Hour Waterproof Gel Eyeliner makes it easy to swipe on a line —without too much fuss — and comes in a variety of impressive shades.
I’m a big fan of the brand’s Lady Bold Lip Liner ($23), so this product is a testament to its well-formulated liners. Additionally, it’s one of the best pigmented options that lasts all day, though I can’t say I’ve worn it for 36 hours straight, as its name suggests.
Best Waterline Eyeliner Pencils
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Eyeliner
Pros:
- Best pick for sensitive eyes
- Comes with a sponge-like brush on the flip-side for customized eye looks
Cons:
- Pigmentation isn’t as pronounced as some others on this list
Shade tested: “07 Really Black”
Your waterline is at the bottom of your eyes and allows you to safely define your eye area while not applying it to your skin. Because of this, you want an eyeliner apt for sensitive eyes, and I’ve always used the Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Eyeliner.
I like applying this as a regular eyeliner too, in addition to my waterline, but this one does a great job at both (we love a multi-purpose product!) Just shy of $25, it’s worth the add-to-cart maneuver.
Glossier No. 1 Pencil Creamy Long-Wearing Eyeliner
Pros:
- Affordable price point, considering the quality
- Creamy, pigmented finish
Shade tested: “Ink”
The trendy brand all over social media is back with its fantastic No. 1 Pencil Creamy Long-Wearing Eyeliner. Truthfully, I can’t believe it’s less than $20, either, and it’s your standard run-of-the-mill option that’s easy to apply and has a suitable pigmentation.
Best Eyeliner Pencils for Beginners
tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow & Liner
Pros:
- Versatile product
- Precise applicator
Cons:
- Has a marker-like finish, so it isn’t the most natural, compared to others tested
Shade tested: “Mauve Luster / Black”
Much like the Iconic London Smokey Eye Duo Kajal Eyeliner + Eyeshadow — the “best overall” pick, the tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow & Liner allows you to quickly apply eyeshadow for a more put-together eye look and then swipe on the eyeliner afterward. Its precision is one I adore, and its pigmentation is both dark while not budging.
Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
Pros:
- Excellent color shades
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- Not as pigmented as some others tested
Shade tested: “Bedroom Black”
Queen Charlotte, you’ve done it again with your Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil. It’s one you’ll have to sharpen before some others on this list, but it lasts quite long and is easy to apply. Pro tip: use it as a waterline eyeliner pick as well; it’s great for that, too.
For more options, check out our full Charlotte Tilbury brand review.
caliray Surfproof Easy Glider Eye Definer Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Pros:
- Waterproof and doesn’t budge
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- Not offered at a variety of online retailers, though not a dealbreaker
Shade tested: “Night Diving”
Designed for beginners in every sense of the word, the caliray Surfproof Easy Glider Eye Definer Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil has a creamy, pigmented formulation that allows you to build out your eye look beautifully. Not only is it waterproof (a pro, in my book) but it’s just $20 and one you should certainly try if you want to define your eyes, but don’t want to think too much about it.
Best Eyeliner Pencil Worth the Splurge
Chanel STYLO YEUX Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner
Pros:
- Silky smooth application
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- Some may not like its twist-up design
Shade tested: “88 Noir Intense”
Splurge on eyeliner with the Chanel STYLO YEUX Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner. Given the brand’s reputation and history of producing quality makeup products, $35 isn’t too much of a price to pay for a compact, easy-to-apply option.
While you’ll need more than one coat — especially at the outer corner of your eyes — you can spot its quality by way of its silky smooth feel.
Our Top Brands, Compared
| Brand | Ranking | Why it’s worth it | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iconic London | Best Overall | Highest quality formulation and pigmentation tested; Fair price point; Creamy glide that’s waterproof and long-wearing | $$ |
| Maybelline | Best Drugstore | Budget-friendly price; Gives your eyes a subtle shimmery pop; Long-lasting | $ |
| Bobbi Brown | Best Waterproof | Stayed the most intact out of all eyeliners tested; Excellent pigmentation | $$$$ |
| MAKEUP BY MARIO | Best Long-Wear | Excellent value for the price; The brush on the flip-side is a nice touch for blending | $$ |
| Too Faced | Best Gel | Incredibly pigmented without smudging; Buildable pigmentation | $$ |
| Clinique | Best Waterline | Best pick for sensitive eyes; Comes with a sponge-like brush on the flip-side for customized eye looks | $$ |
| Glossier | Best Waterline | Affordable price point, considering the quality; Creamy, pigmented finish | $ |
| tarte | Best for Beginners | Versatile product; Precise applicator | $$$ |
| Charlotte Tilbury | Best for Beginners | Excellent color shades; Easy to apply | $$$ |
| caliray | Best for Beginners | Waterproof and doesn’t budge; Easy to apply | $$ |
| Chanel | Worth the Splurge | Silky smooth application; Easy to apply | $$$$ |
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
