Best Gray Eye Liners of 2026

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

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Gray eye liners are a popular choice for those who want to create a subtle yet striking look. These eyeliners come in a variety of shades, from light gray to charcoal, and can be applied in a variety of ways to achieve different effects. Some people prefer to use gray eyeliner to create a smoky eye, while others use it to add definition to their lash line. Whatever your preference, gray eye liners are a versatile and essential addition to any makeup collection. They can be used to create a range of looks, from natural to dramatic, and are suitable for all skin tones.

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
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Eyeliner Cover #TOP 2
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Eyeliner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil Cover #TOP 3
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gray Eye Liners

#TOP 1

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

81336
Grey
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, Grey

The e.l.f. Retractable Eyeliner is a creamy and ultra-pigmented waterproof liner that offers ultimate staying power. Whether you want to define your lash line, waterline, or create a bold look all over the lid, this retractable pencil delivers intense color that lasts all day. It can be smudged for a smoky effect or left to set for a budge-proof finish. The liner is 100% cruelty-free and vegan, making it a great choice for those who prioritize ethical beauty products. With e.l.f. Cosmetics, you can enjoy professional-quality products at affordable prices, because beauty should be accessible to everyone.

What We Like
Waterproof and long-lasting
Creamy and ultra-pigmented
100% cruelty-free and vegan
#TOP 2

Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Eyeliner

041554588934
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Eyeliner Cover
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Automatic Gel Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Blendable, Smudge Resistant, Matte Eyeliner For Up To 36HR Wear, Midnight Mocha (Smokey Gray), Packaging May Vary

The Maybelline Gel Eyeliner offers a blendable, waterproof formula that ensures your eye look stays flawless for up to 36 hours. You can easily create a smokey effect with its dual-ended design, featuring a precise tip for lining and a blender for softening edges. This eyeliner glides on smoothly thanks to its gel-powder formula, making application a breeze. Plus, it comes in four iconic shades, catering to different styles and preferences. With this product, you can achieve stunning eye looks effortlessly.

What We Like
Long-lasting wear
Blendable and smooth application
Dual-ended convenience
Multiple color options
#TOP 3

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil

MPE10
Gray
1 Count (Pack of 1)
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil, Gray

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil is a smudge-proof and smooth retractable eye liner that provides intense pigment coverage and holds for hours. The eyeliner pen is available in natural to bright shades, allowing for any eyeliner look. Additionally, the product is cruelty-free, and NYX Professional Makeup offers a full range of eye makeup products, including eyeshadow palettes, false eyelashes, eyeliners, concealers, setting sprays, eyebrow makeup, and more.

What We Like
Retractable with no need to sharpen
Intense pigment coverage
Cruelty-free
#TOP 4

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Eyeliner

0071249664117
Grey
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Eyeliner Cover
L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics Makeup Infallible Grip Precision Felt Eyeliner, Smudge Resistant, Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner, Grey, Grey, 0.03 fl oz

The L’Oréal Infallible Eyeliner is designed for long-lasting wear, providing a smudge-proof and waterproof experience that can last up to 30 hours. You can achieve ultra-thin, precise lines effortlessly thanks to its felt-tip applicator, which ensures smooth strokes without any skips or mess. This eyeliner is also ophthalmologist tested, making it suitable for those with sensitive eyes. With a variety of five vibrant shades, you can easily create the look you desire, whether it's a subtle definition or a bold statement.

What We Like
Long-lasting wear
Precise felt-tip applicator
Waterproof and smudge-resistant
Suitable for sensitive eyes

Almay Gel Eyeliner

7256907001
100 All Day Grey
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Almay Gel Eyeliner Cover
Almay Gel Eyeliner, Waterproof, Fade-Proof Eye Makeup, Easy-to-Sharpen Liner Pencil, 100 All Day Grey, 0.045 Oz

Experience intense color with the Almay Gel Eyeliner. This waterproof and fade-proof eyeliner comes in an easy-to-sharpen liner pencil. The smooth and creamy formula glides effortlessly onto your lids, providing bold color that lasts up to 24 hours. The pencil barrel is made from 85% recycled paper, making it a sustainable choice. Formulated without harmful ingredients like parabens and phthalates, this eyeliner is suitable for sensitive eyes. It is hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, and fragrance-free. Whether you're going for a dramatic look or a subtle enhancement, the Almay Gel Eyeliner delivers long-lasting, intense color.

What We Like
Intense color
Waterproof and fade-proof
Easy-to-sharpen pencil
#TOP 6

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Smoke Liner - Slate Smoke

800897216870
Slate Smoke
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Smoke Liner - Slate Smoke Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Smoke Liner, Vegan Smokey Eyeliner - Slate Smoke (Gray)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Smoke Liner - Slate Smoke is a vegan smokey eyeliner stick that goes on like a liner and blends out like eyeshadow. With its 2-in-1 application, you can line, blend, and lift with ease using the all-in-one eye liner and paddle brush that enables you to lift and diffuse in seconds. The product is available in 12 bold and unexpected shades. NYX is a cruelty-free brand that does not test any of its products on animals.

What We Like
Easy 2-in-1 application
Buildable eyeliner goes on like a liner and blends out like eyeshadow
Available in 12 bold and unexpected shades
Cruelty-free brand

Neutrogena Smokey Kohl Eyeliner

Smokey Gray
Neutrogena Smokey Kohl Eyeliner Cover
Neutrogena Smokey Kohl Eyeliner with Antioxidant Vitamin E, Water-Resistant & Smooth-Gliding Eyeliner Makeup, Smokey Gray, 0.014 oz

Get bold and long-lasting eye makeup with Neutrogena Smokey Kohl Eyeliner in Smokey Gray. This highly pigmented, water-resistant, and smooth-gliding eyeliner is easy to apply, creating rich color instantly with just one swipe. It is formulated with Vitamin E and is smudgeable for the first 30 seconds, allowing you to create the perfect smokey eye. Once it dries, it becomes smudge and flake-resistant, creating a glamorous full eye effect with rich color that does not fade. Plus, it is gentle on the eyes, making it effortless to apply.

What We Like
Water-resistant and long-lasting
Easy to apply with rich color in one swipe
Smudgeable for the first 30 seconds, creating a perfect smokey eye
Gentle on eyes and glides on smoothly
#TOP 8

Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Eyeliner

695GW-30
30 PEWTER
Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Eyeliner Cover
Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Grey Eyeliner Pencil, Easy to Apply, Smooth Glide, Up to 24 Hour Wear, Pewter

The Maybelline Waterproof Eyeliner is designed to help you achieve a variety of eye looks with ease. Its self-sharpening tip ensures precision, allowing you to create everything from subtle lines to bold statements. The smudge-resistant, waterproof formula means you can enjoy your makeup without worrying about touch-ups throughout the day. With a range of rich colors available, you can express your style whether you prefer classic black or playful hues like green or blue. Maybelline has established itself as an expert in eye makeup, offering products that enhance your natural beauty.

What We Like
Self-sharpening tip
Waterproof formula
Smudge-resistant
Variety of colors
Easy application
#TOP 9

Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner

SG_B07JCLRTXK_US
Smokey Gray
0 ounce (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner Cover
Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner, Eye Makeup with Antioxidant Vitamin E, Bold Precision Eyeliner, Smudge- and Water-Resistant, Smokey Gray, 0.004 oz

Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner in Smokey Gray is a highly pigmented and smudge-resistant eyeliner makeup. Its applicator facilitates quick and easy application for solid lash lines that won't crack or melt. Formulated with the antioxidant Vitamin E, the eye makeup is gentle, water-resistant, and ideal for precise waterline application. It helps eyes pop and seem larger, making it the perfect addition to your daily beauty routine.

What We Like
Highly pigmented and smudge-resistant
Quick and easy to apply with an even line in just one stroke
Formulated with antioxidant Vitamin E for gentle and water-resistant application
#TOP 10

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil

S4030105
URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil Cover
URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil - Smudge-Proof, Long-Lasting, Transfer-Proof, Up to 16HR Wear, Smooth No-Tug Formula, Smoke (Deepest Matte Gray) - 0.04 oz

Get award-winning, waterproof eyeliner with URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in Smoke. This ultra-creamy formula glides on smoothly and stays soft for smudging, but dries down to a long-lasting finish for all-day wear. The deepest gray with a matte finish, this eyeliner is made with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil to condition and soften the skin. Keep your eyeliner sharp with the Grind House Double Barrel Pencil Sharpener and pair with our Eyeshadow Primer Potion to create a custom cream eyeshadow.

What We Like
Award-winning waterproof eyeliner
Ultra-creamy formula glides on smoothly and stays soft for smudging
Made with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I wear grey eyeliner?

Gray eyeliner is a versatile option that can be worn in various situations. It is particularly suitable for daytime looks as it provides a softer and more forgiving appearance compared to black eyeliner. Gray eyeliner is a great alternative that can be used to create subtle and natural-looking eye makeup looks.

Editor's Notes

During our gray eye liner research, we found 48 gray eye liner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 496,210 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gray eye liners list. We found that most customers choose gray eye liners with an average price of $6.62.

The gray eye liners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gray eye liners, including e.l.f., MAYBELLINE, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, L'Oreal Paris, Almay. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.