Best Black Eye Liners of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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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

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner Cover #TOP 1
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
ftb score rating icon 9.9
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner Cover #TOP 2
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner: Long-Lasting, Waterproof, and Versatile Cover #TOP 3
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner: Long-Lasting, Waterproof, and Versatile
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Black Eye Liners

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
Smudge-proof
Long-lasting
Creamy texture

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
Easy application
Long-lasting
Vegan formula
Precise and even lines
Suitable for sensitive eyes
#TOP 3

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

I0005168
BLACK
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner: Long-Lasting, Waterproof, and Versatile Cover
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil, Eye Makeup Stocking Stuffers for Women, Built-In Sharpener, Waterproof, Smudgeproof, 201 Black, 0.01 oz (Pack of 1)

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

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 5

Kaely Black Gel Eyeliner Pencil

Kaely
A-2Pcs-Black&Black
2 Count (Pack of 1)
Kaely Black Gel Eyeliner Pencil Cover
Kaely 2Pcs Black Gel Eyeliner Pencil,Natural Black Eyeliner Cream Waterproof Smudge Proof,Eye Liner Black Smokey Eyeshadow Palette Stick Crayon,Goth Halloween Makeup,delineador de ojos contra el agua

The Kaely Gel Eyeliner offers incredible versatility, allowing you to use it not just as an eyeliner, but also as a lip liner, eyeshadow, or eyebrow pencil. This multifunctional product ensures you have everything you need for your makeup look in one pencil. You’ll appreciate its waterproof and smudge-proof formula, which lasts all day without fading, making it ideal for busy days or special occasions. The creamy texture glides on smoothly, helping you achieve precise lines effortlessly. Plus, it comes in attractive packaging, making it a thoughtful gift for loved ones during any celebration.

What We Like
Multifunctional use
Long-lasting and waterproof
Easy application
Attractive packaging

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eye Liner Pencil

34788273001
Black
Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eye Liner Pencil Cover
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner, Long-Wearing, Ultra-Smooth, Smudge-Proof, 001, Black, 0.04oz

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eye Liner Pencil is an ultra smooth and creamy formula that glides on easily and won't run or smudge from day to night. It has a high intensity color for an instant color impact and is ophthalmologist tested, making it suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes. Customers love the ease of application, long-lasting wear, and the fact that it doesn't smudge.

What We Like
Smooth and creamy formula
High intensity color
Long-lasting wear
Does not smudge
Suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes

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
Smudge-resistant
Precise application

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
Hyper easy brush tip for a smooth glide
Revolutionary flex-tip brush for optimal control and easy, stable application
Waterproof formula that lasts up to 24 hours without smudging
#TOP 9

e.l.f. High-Pigment Liquid Eyeliner

21702
Jet Black
e.l.f. High-Pigment Liquid Eyeliner Cover
e.l.f. Liquid Eyeliner, High-pigment Liquid Eyeliner With Extra-Fine Brush Tip, Easy Glide Smudge-proof Formula, Jet Black

The e.l.f. Liquid Eyeliner is designed for easy application and precise eye definition. With its extra-fine brush tip, you can effortlessly achieve a perfect line without pulling or skipping, making it perfect for both beginners and pros. Whether you prefer a subtle look or a bold statement, this high-pigment formula allows you to customize your eye makeup to suit any occasion. Plus, its smudge-proof feature ensures that your eye makeup stays intact throughout the day, so you can feel confident without constant touch-ups.

What We Like
Easy application
Precise and defined lines
Long-lasting wear
Customizable looks

wet n wild Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

601A
Baby's Got Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
wet n wild Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner Pencil Cover
wet n wild Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner Pencil - Rich Hyper-Pigmented Color, Smooth Creamy Application, Long-Wearing Matte Finish Versatility, Cruelty-Free & Vegan - Baby's Got Black

wet n wild Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Black is a highly pigmented and long-lasting eyeliner that glides smoothly and creates any look you want. The liner provides a creamy and rich color application without smudging. It is a popular choice amongst celebs and makeup artists.

What We Like
Highly pigmented and long-lasting
Smooth and creamy application
Versatile to create any look
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 1,202,197 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 $6.41.

The black eye liners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of black eye liners, including e.l.f., NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, REVLON, wet n wild, Kaely. 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.