Best Black Eye Liners of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Eye liners in the shade of black are a must-have in any makeup bag. They are versatile and can be used to create a variety of looks, from a subtle and natural look to a bold and dramatic one. Black eye liners come in different forms, including pencil, liquid, and gel, making it easy to find one that suits your preference and skill level. They are perfect for defining and enhancing the eyes, making them appear bigger and more attractive. Whether you are going for a classic winged liner or a smoky eye, black eye liners are an essential tool for achieving a flawless look.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Heroine Make KISSME Liquid Eyeliner Pen Cover #TOP 1
Heroine Make KISSME Liquid Eyeliner Pen
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner Cover #TOP 2
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner Cover #TOP 3
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Black Eye Liners

#TOP 1

Heroine Make KISSME Liquid Eyeliner Pen

I0088804
Brown Black
Heroine Make KISSME Liquid Eyeliner Pen Cover
Heroine Make by KISSME Liquid Eyeliner Pen with Ultra-Fine 0.1mm Tip, Waterproof Eyeliner for Sensitive Skin, Cat Eye Liner for Long Lasting Wear, Made in Japan, Brown Black SMOOTH, 1 Count

The Heroine Make KISSME Eyeliner offers bold, rich color that lasts all day, perfect for creating sharp cat eye looks or any defined eyeliner style. Its waterproof formula ensures your makeup stays smudge-proof and flawless, even in humid conditions, so you don’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day. The ultra-fine 0.1mm tip allows you to draw precise, delicate lines or dramatic strokes with ease, giving you full control over your look. Plus, the fast-drying and flake-free Japanese formula keeps your eyeliner smooth and intact, providing a polished finish every time you apply.

What We Like
Long-lasting rich color
Waterproof and smudge-proof
Ultra-fine 0.1mm tip
Fast-drying, flake-free formula
#TOP 2

Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner

7259712201
Black
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner Cover
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, 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
Long-lasting wear
Waterproof and smudge-proof
Smooth, easy application
Built-in sharpener
Great value 2-pack

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner

K2387704
01 Black
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
Easy, precise application
Quick drying formula
Long-lasting wear
Rich pigmentation
Gentle on sensitive eyes
#TOP 4

Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Eyeliner

041554513493
10 ONYX
Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Eyeliner Cover
Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Black Eyeliner Pencil, Easy to Apply, Smooth Glide, Up to 24 Hour Wear, Onyx

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
All-day wear
Easy, smooth application
No sharpening needed
Natural-looking colors
Great value

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

81330
Black
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

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

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner with Flex-Tip Brush

K3756700
PITCH BLACK
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner with Flex-Tip Brush Cover
Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner, Satin Finish, Waterproof Formula, Pitch Black, 0.018 Fl Oz

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner is designed to give you a smooth glide without skips, slips, and gaps. It features a hyper easy brush tip that fits the shape of your eye and a revolutionary flex-tip brush that gives optimal control and easy, stable application. Its waterproof formula lasts up to 24 hours with intense color that doesn't smudge. You can create subtle lines, smokey vibes, custom brow looks, classic tones, or a shot of color as per your preference. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner is part of a full line of makeup that celebrates beauty, self-expression, and creativity.

What We Like
Easy application and control
Long-lasting waterproof formula
Bold, highly pigmented color
No smudging or bleeding
Great value for money
#TOP 7

e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner 2-Pack

21155
Black
e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner 2-Pack Cover
e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner, High-Pigmented, Extra-Fine Liquid Eyeliner For Precise Definition, Long-Lasting, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Jet Black, 0.14 oz, 2 count(Pack of 1)

The e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner 2-Pack includes two extra-fine liquid eyeliners that feature a smudge-resistant formula, perfect for creating precise and high-pigmented definition with stay-put power. The eyeliner also features an extra-fine brush tip that allows for easy and precise application, making it great for natural definition or dramatic eye effects. All e.l.f. products are made from skin-loving ingredients, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and leaping bunny certified.

What We Like
Best brush control
Long-lasting wear
Easy to remove
Affordable
Cruelty-free
#TOP 8

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
Long-lasting wear
Deep black color
Easy, precise application
Affordable price
No smudging or flaking

Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup-Proof Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner

1111492
Black
Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup-Proof Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner Cover
wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Retractable Eyeliner - Ultra-Fine Brush, Waterproof,16-Hour Long-Lasting Wear - Cruelty-Free & Vegan - Black

The Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup-Proof Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner is perfect for you if you need a long-lasting, smudge-proof, and waterproof eyeliner. With its ultra-pigmented, satin gel formula that glides effortlessly on your lids, you can create bold looks that last for up to 16 hours. The precision brush applicator makes it easy to apply, and it's also cruelty-free.

What We Like
Waterproof, smudge-proof, and flake-proof eyeliner that lasts up to 16 hours
Ultra-pigmented and easy to apply with a precision brush applicator
Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly makeup brand
#TOP 10

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner: Long-Lasting, Waterproof, and Versatile

I0005168
Black
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner: Long-Lasting, Waterproof, and Versatile Cover
REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, Packaging May Vary, 201 Black, 0.01 oz

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner is a cult-classic, longwear pencil eyeliner that has been updated with a waterproof formula that lasts up to 24 hours. It has a smooth, creamy glide and stays put for bold, smudge-proof looks that stay with you all day. The eyeliner includes a built-in sharpener to get sharp, precise lines and a built-in smudger to blend and soften color for a smoldering, smoky eye look. With 10 intense shades available, you can create a multitude of eyeliner looks from defined to dramatic, winged liner, cat eye liner, and more.

What We Like
Long-lasting and waterproof formula that lasts up to 24 hours
Built-in sharpener and smudger for precise lines and smoky looks
Available in 10 intense shades for versatile eyeliner looks
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does black eye liner do?

“Black liquid liners with a glossy or metallic finish bring light to the eyes and make the whites pop even brighter.” Celebrity makeup artist Josie Volpentesta says women in their 20s should be bold and make more of a statement. Try using black liner across your lid with a “wing” at each of the outer corners.

2. Which is the blackest eyeliner?

For the darkest black liner, try the Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel. “Some gel liners, once applied to the eye, can lose the intense dark pigment, and turn almost dark gray.

3. Is it okay to put black eyeliner in eyes?

Sood-Mendiratta advises against keeping eye products for longer than about three months. “If the mascara or eyeliner is old, this increases the chances that bacteria or fungus have contaminated it. If any of this gets introduced directly into your eye, you could end up with a serious eye infection,” she says.

Editor's Notes

During our black eye liner research, we found 48 black eye liner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,493,930 customer reviews through our big data system to write the black eye liners list. We found that most customers choose black eye liners with an average price of $6.65.

The black eye liners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of black eye liners, including Heroine Make, REVLON, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, MAYBELLINE, e.l.f.. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 218 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.