Best Eye Liners of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Eye liners are a makeup essential for many women. They come in a variety of forms, including pencils, gels, liquids, and even powders. These products are used to define the eyes, create different looks, and enhance the natural beauty of the eyes. Eye liners can be used to create a subtle or dramatic effect, depending on the desired look. They are available in a range of colors, from classic black to bold and bright shades. With the right application technique, eye liners can help to make the eyes appear bigger, brighter, and more youthful.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner Cover #TOP 1
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner
ftb score rating icon 9.9
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner Cover #TOP 2
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil, Brown Cover #TOP 3
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil, Brown
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Eye Liners

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner

K2387704
01 Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - Black, Vegan Formula

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner is a waterproof matte liquid eyeliner with an ultra-precise tip that is flexible and easy to use. It is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand, and it comes in a variety of colors. It is highly pigmented and long-lasting, and it is smudge-proof and transfer-proof. Customers love the product for its ease of use and its ability to create a perfect cat eye look.

What We Like
Long-lasting performance
Smudge-proof formula
Easy and precise application
Affordable price
Vegan-friendly
What We Don't Like
Initial dryness of tip
Requires multiple applications

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

81330
Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner Cover
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner, Creamy, Ultra-Pigmented & Waterproof, Creates Bold & Defined Lines, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Black 0.006 Oz

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a creamy, ultra-pigmented, and waterproof eyeliner pencil that provides all-day wear. It is perfect for creating bold and defined lines on the lash line, waterline, or all over the lid. It is made with skin-loving ingredients, is vegan and cruelty-free, and is easy to apply. However, it may not be suitable for tightlining and may not stay put for a whole day.

What We Like
Easy application
Long-lasting wear
Creamy texture
Affordable price
Intense color
What We Don't Like
May cause irritation
Inconsistent application

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil, Brown

MPE04
15 Smokin Topaz
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil, Brown Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Smokin Topaz, Brown Eyeliner

NYX Professional Mechanical Eye Pencil is a great choice for anyone wanting a more natural eye look on a budget. It applies very smoothly and glides on easily on the eyelids and on the waterline. The fine point of this eyeliner provides great precision and gives you the option of drawing thicker or thinner lines. The color is a rich coffee brown with copper and gold flecks, making it perfectly suitable to wear during the day. It is smudge-proof and will last for a majority part of the day. It is also retractable, so no need to sharpen.

What We Like
Intense color payoff
Smooth application
Long-lasting formula
Good price point
Waterproof consistency
What We Don't Like
Can break easily
Occasional application difficulty

Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner

BLACK
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner Cover
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, Packaging May Vary, 201 Black, 2 Pack

Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner is a cult-classic, longwear pencil eyeliner with an updated, waterproof formula that lasts up to 24 hours. It features a built-in sharpener and smudger for precise lines and a smoldering, smoky eye look. Available in 8 ophthalmologist-tested shades, it glides on smooth and is smudge-proof for the most part. It is an inexpensive eyeliner that works well and is easy to use.

What We Like
Creamy texture
Long-lasting wear
Bold pigmentation
Easy application
Retractable design
What We Don't Like
May smudge easily
Formula can be inconsistent

12Pcs Colored Gel Glitter Eyeliner Pencils Set

Set05
12Pcs Colored Gel Glitter Eyeliner Pencils Set Cover
evpct 12Pcs Green Blue White Black Brown Purple Color Gel Glitter Eyeliner Pencils Set for Women Waterline Waterproof Smudge Proof lapiz de ojos delineador de ojos contra el agua Eye Liner Makeup 1

The 12Pcs Colored Gel Glitter Eyeliner Pencils Set by evpct is a versatile 4-in-1 makeup tool that can be used as an eyeliner, lip liner, eye shadow, and eyebrow pencil. The set includes 12 different colors with matte, glitter, metallic, and pearl effects, providing a variety of fashionable options to meet your different makeup needs. The soft and smooth texture of the pencils allows for easy application and blending, while the highly pigmented formula ensures intense coloring that lasts all day. The waterproof and smudge-proof feature makes it perfect for various occasions, and it comes in a high-quality material that can be a perfect gift for your friends and family.

What We Like
Vibrant color selection
Smooth application
Long-lasting formula
Creamy consistency
Good sharpness
What We Don't Like
Some break easily
Packaging issues

Maybelline Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil

041554563337
900 DEEP ONYX
Maybelline Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil Cover
Maybelline TattooStudio Long-Lasting Sharpenable Eyeliner Pencil, Glide on Smooth Gel Pigments with 36 Hour Wear, Waterproof, Deep Onyx, 1 Count

Maybelline New York TattooStudio Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Deep Onyx is a sharpenable eyeliner that delivers pigment-rich hues, precise definition, and a 36-hour finish that lasts from day to night and beyond. This waterproof eyeliner glides on seamlessly for our longest-lasting wear yet, and is available in a range of shades to suit any mood. With no smudging, no fading, and sebum resistance, this eyeliner is perfect for creating any look.

What We Like
Smooth texture
Long-lasting wear
Vibrant color
Easy application
Waterproof
What We Don't Like
Difficult to remove mistakes
Sharpening issues

wet n wild Retractable Gel Waterproof Eyeliner

1111491
Blackest Black
wet n wild Retractable Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Cover
wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Retractable Eyeliner - Ultra-Fine Brush, Waterproof,16-Hour Long-Lasting Wear - Cruelty-Free & Vegan - Blackest Black

wet n wild Retractable Gel Waterproof Eyeliner is a waterproof, smudge resistant, ultra-fine eyeliner. Its satin gel formula glides smoothly onto your eyelids and lasts up to 16 hours. This eyeliner is perfect for creating bold and intense looks. wet n wild is a cruelty-free brand that has a wide range of makeup products for people of all ages, skin colors, and economic statuses.

What We Like
Affordable price
Long-lasting wear
Easy application
Intense color payoff
Cruelty-free and vegan
What We Don't Like
Occasional quality inconsistency
Dry formula reported

Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner

1111509
Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner Cover
wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Eyeliner - Ultra-Fine Brush, Waterproof, 16-Hour Long-Lasting Wear- Cruelty-Free & Vegan - Black

Wet n Wild's Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner is an ultra-fine brush tip pen that provides smudge-proof, flake-proof, and cry-proof staying power. It has a tank delivery system that allows for a perfect flow of richly pigmented color with every application. This eyeliner is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for beauty lovers of all ages. Customers love the smooth application and long-lasting wear, but some have noted that it is not waterproof or smudge-proof.

What We Like
Great quality
Long-lasting formula
Easy application
Waterproof
Intense pigmentation
What We Don't Like
Dries out quickly
Requires shaking for flow

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Waterproof Eyeliner

0041554076431
PITCH BROWN
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Waterproof Eyeliner Cover
MAYBELLINE New York Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Waterproof Eyeliner, Satin Finish, Pitch Brown

The Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Waterproof Eyeliner boasts of a hyper easy brush tip that delivers a smooth glide and fits any eye shape. Its flex-tip brush and custom hexagonal grip provide optimal control and stable application that lasts up to 24 hours. It comes in intense colors that do not smudge, and it creates subtle lines, smokey vibes, custom brow looks, classic tones, or a shot of color. Maybelline is the world's number 1 makeup brand, and its eyeshadow, eyeliner, brows, and mascara collections are designed to transform your look.

What We Like
Smooth application
Long-lasting color
Affordable price
Waterproof formula
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Brush tip may fray
Cap can come off easily
#TOP 10

Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Eyeliner

041554513493
10 ONYX
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Eyeliner Cover
Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Black Eyeliner, Onyx, 1 Count

Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Eyeliner features a smudge-resistant, waterproof formula and a self-sharpening tip that delivers control and definition from natural lines to boldest looks. It comes in a variety of colors and can be removed with a makeup remover. Maybelline offers a broad selection of eyeliners, eyeshadows, mascaras, and eyebrow makeup to create any look. Garnier Micellar Water can be used to remove Maybelline makeup as a gentle makeup remover at night and as a facial cleanser in the morning to prep skin for makeup.

What We Like
Smooth application
Long-lasting performance
Waterproof formula
Affordability
Variety of shades
What We Don't Like
May smudge slightly
Not always waterproof
Buying Guide Image

The Ultimate Eye Liners Buying Guide

Introduction

When it comes to makeup, eye liner can be a game-changer. It can help define and shape your eyes, making them appear larger or more dramatic. But with so many different types and brands available, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is right for you. Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect eye liner for your needs.

Types of Eye Liner

There are several different types of eye liner to choose from, each with its own unique properties and application techniques.

  • Liquid liner: This type of liner is applied with a thin brush or felt-tip pen and dries to a smudge-proof, matte finish. It is perfect for creating precise, thin lines and is ideal for a cat eye or winged look.
  • Pencil liner: Pencil liner is applied with a soft, creamy formula and can be smudged for a smoky eye effect or left as is for a more defined look. It is a good option for those who are new to liner or want a more natural finish.
  • Gel liner: Gel liner is applied with a small brush and has a creamy, long-lasting formula. It is great for creating bold, dramatic lines and is ideal for those with oily lids or who want a waterproof option.
  • Powder liner: Powder liner is applied with a small brush and is best for creating a softer, more diffused line. It is a good option for those with dry lids or who want a more natural finish.

Consider Your Eye Shape

The shape of your eyes can play a big role in determining which type of liner will look best on you. For example, if you have hooded or droopy lids, a liquid liner with a winged tip can help lift and open up your eyes. On the other hand, if you have small or close-set eyes, a pencil liner applied close to the lash line can help make them appear larger.

Think About Your Lifestyle

It's important to consider your daily routine and how long you want your liner to last when choosing a formula. If you have a busy schedule or tend to sweat or rub your eyes often, a waterproof or smudge-proof liner may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a more gentle, moisturizing formula.

Experiment with Color

While black liner is a classic choice, don't be afraid to experiment with different colors to add some fun and creativity to your look. Brown, navy, and even colorful liners can all be used to create different effects and add a pop of color to your eyes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right eye liner can be a daunting task, but by considering your eye shape, lifestyle, and personal preferences, you can find the perfect formula for you. Don't be afraid to try out different types and colors to find what works best for you. With a little bit of experimentation, you can find the perfect liner to help define and enhance your natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are eye liners used for?

Eye liner can be drawn above upper lashes or below lower lashes or both, even on the water lines of the eyes. Its primary purpose is to make the lashes look lush, but it also draws attention to the eye and can enhance or even change the eye's shape.

2. Should you wear eye liner?

Lining around the eyes can make them appear smaller. Leaving the inner corner open or applying a light shadow or pencil, there can alleviate that effect. Wearing liner on the lower eye area can brighten or define. With the right application, it can make your eyes have tremendous appeal.

3. What is the difference between eye liner and mascara?

Eyeliner is the maquillage substance intended for use on hair, while mascara is a makeup product made for use on hair (eyelash hair). Eyeliner gives the eyes their greatest appearance; mascara is used for the thickening, lengthening, and definition of eyelids, on the other hand.

Editor's Notes

During our eye liner research, we found 48 eye liner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,666,875 customer reviews through our big data system to write the eye liners list. We found that most customers choose eye liners with an average price of $6.26.

The eye liners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of eye liners, including NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, e.l.f., REVLON, evpct, MAYBELLINE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Eye Liners Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP e.l.f. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP REVLON evpct MAYBELLINE wet n wild wet n wild MAYBELLINE MAYBELLINE
Color 01 Black Black 15 Smokin Topaz BLACK Set05 900 DEEP ONYX Blackest Black Black PITCH BROWN 10 ONYX
Item Form Pencil Pencil,Creamy Pencil Pencil Pencil Gel Pencil Pencil Pencil Pencil Pencil
Finish Type Matte Natural Creamy Matte Glitter,Matte,Metallic Matte Matte Matte Satin Matte
Special Feature Waterproof Not-Tested-On-Animals Smudge Resistant Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof Not Tested On Animals Not Tested On Animals Waterproof Smudge Resistant,Waterproof
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy