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Purchasing a new eyeliner pencil (and tbh, figuring out how to use it like a pro) can feel like an impossible task, especially when virtually every makeup brand offers an eyeliner pencil in their lineup. What’s the best liner that won’t skip or drag?! Which one won’t smudge after an hour?! Should I go for pricier option or choose a drugstore eyeliner?! Do I need a gel formula or a creamy one?! Should I buy a colorful eyeliner or a classic black one?! So many questions, so many options, so little mental space to figure it all out. So to makes things easier for ya, I researched and tested a ton of different eyeliner pencils to bring you this list of the top 12.
Our top picks for best eyeliner pencil:
Keep reading for a full breakdown on all the best eyeliner pencils, along with the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a new one.
Pros
- Clean formula is made without sketchy ingredients
Cons
- Some testers say the pigments can transfer after a few hours of wear
Into clean, green makeup? Then you'll love this eyeliner pencil from Jones Road. The high-performing formula is made without questionable ingredients (like parabens or synthetic fragrance) and delivers high-impact color that can be worn sharp or smudged.
THE REVIEW: "This can be applied in a line or smudged with your fingers or brush for a blended look," says one review. "I love the smooth consistency of it—another fabulous Jones Road product!"
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Best Metallic Eyeliner Pencil
Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Waterproof Micropencil Eyeliner
Pros
- Made with color-changing chrome pigments
Cons
- Some reviewers say the pencil tip is prone to breaking
Hop on the Euphoria makeup bandwagon with this shade-shifting eyeliner pencil (it comes in 10 stunning shades) from makeup artist Danessa Myrick's beauty line. The metallic chrome pigments transform colors in different lighting to create a cool, eye-catching effect. Plus the formula is water-resistant and super creamy too.
THE REVIEW: "This eyeliner looks amazing in sunlight," says one tester. "It glides on very smoothly and the tip is fine enough to make really sharp, precise lines."
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Best Eyeliner Pencil for Smokey Eyes
Makeup By Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Ideal for creating smokey, smudgy liner looks
Cons
- Some testers said it gave them a raccoon-eye effect by the end of the day
If a smokey eye is your signature makeup look, then this dual-ended eyeliner pencil is about to your new BFF. The creamy gel formula sets to a matte finish and can be easily smudged out using the built-in brush. For a two second smokey eye, trace the pencil tip above your lash line and then blend up and out using the brush.
THE REVIEW: "This liner is so pigmented and creamy," reads a review. "It glides right on without a problem and it blends beautifully!"
4
Best Precision Eyeliner Pencil
Shiseido MicroLiner Ink Eyeliner
Pros
- Has an easy-to-maneuver precision tip
Cons
- The delicate tip can break if applied with too much pressure
Made with a microfine pencil tip, this ultra-precise eyeliner makes it super easy to create sharp, crisp lines—even if you're an eyeliner novice. It gives you max control over your eye look and the creamy, no-skip texture effortless glides across your lids and lash lines—a total win-win.
THE REVIEW: "This is a great, highly-pigmented eyeliner that draws nice fine lines—it's a good choice for those who don't want heavy eyeliner," reads one review.
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Best Cult-Favorite Eyeliner Pencil
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Iconic formula is loved by beauty industry insiders
Cons
- Can be difficult to remove at the end of the day
Peek inside any beauty editor's makeup bag and I guarantee you find one (or more) of these eyeliner pencils from Urban Decay. The award-winning, 5-star rated formula checks all the right boxes when it comes to the perfect pencil liner: it goes on super smooth, coats lids in intense, highly-pigmented color, and stays in place for hours and hours.
THE REVIEW: "I don't use any other brand of liner than Urban decay—the colors are beautifully pigmented and blend so nice too," says a tester. "An oldie but a goodie! I cannot do may makeup without this," writes another tester.
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Best Highly-Pigmented Eyeliner Pencil
Araceli Beauty Ojos Perfectos Gel Pencil Eyeliner
Pros
- Highly-pigmented formula delivers max color payoff
Cons
- Some reviewers say the pencil tip can be difficult to sharpen
You know all those high-impact eye art looks you keep seeing on Insta? A super-pigmented eyeliner pencil, like this one from Araceli Beauty, is how you successfully DIY the look at home. It has a creamy texture and the bold, transfer-proof pigments delivers optimal color payoff. (P.S.it comes in 11 shades, from classic matte black to shimmery olive.)
THE REVIEW: "This is the third time I have ordered this product because I love it so much! It's easy to apply and stays on all day."
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Best Budget-Friendly Eyeliner Pencil
L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner
Pros
- Most affordable option on the list
Cons
- Some testers say the pencil tip can harden when exposed to air
Treating yourself to a new eyeliner pencil doesn't need to eat into your budget, and this option from drugstore makeup brand L'Oreal Paris is proof. This long-wearing formula costs less than $10 and has more than 7000 5-star reviews on Amazon, so you know it's a good one. I'm personally loving this bright purple shade, but it comes in a ton of neutral colors as well.
THE REVIEW: "I've tried just about every eyeliner sold in drugstores and until now, they have have either disappeared after a short time or have relocated under my eyes," says a tester. "This one works—it goes on easily and STAYS on where you put it until you take it off with makeup remover."
8
Best Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Gel texture goes on super soft and smooth
Cons
- On the pricey side for an eyeliner
Leave it to legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath to create a gel eyeliner pencil that legit feels like butter. The silky-smooth formula is infused with silicones so the pencil tip can seamlessly glide across your lids and lash lines without any tugging or skipping. Oh, and it comes with a complementary sharpener too!
THE REVIEW: "The formula is creamy, easy to blend, and long wearing too," reads one review. "I can wear it on my upper and/or bottom lash lines with no issues—plus it has great color payoff and doesn’t tug on the skin when applied too."
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Best Long-Wearing Eyeliner Pencil
Benefit Cosmetics Benefit BADgal BANG! 24-Hour Eye Pencil
Pros
- Waterproof formula stays put all day and night
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive eyes or contact wearers
Trust me when I tell you that this long-wearing eyeliner pencil DOES. NOT. BUDGE. Once you swipe it on, the pigments set to a water and transfer-resistant matte finish that stay put for up to 24 hours. It's a must for all your summer pool parties and beach outings.
THE REVIEW: "Finally, a product that actually does what it claims. It is so easy to apply and really does last all day. The best I have used."
10
Best Multitasking Eyeliner Pencil
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil
Pros
- Multi-use formula can be used to line your lids and lips
Cons
- Some testers said the formula can be a bit drying
Not only can you use this versatile pencil to line your eyes, you can use it to define your lips, shape your brows, and highlight and contour your favorite features depending on the shade you use. It comes in 39 different colors, from warm neutrals to vibrant jewel-tones, that are designed to be worn alone or layered together to create an array of full-face makeup looks.
THE REVIEW: "I use this on my eyes and lips anytime I want to do a stylish look I use this," says a tester. "It's great for every day or you can use one of the bright colors and be very expressive."
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Pros
- Made with all-natural, non-irritating ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's not as long-lasting as other eyeliners on the market
Specially formulated for those with sensitive eyes, this eyeliner pencil is as gentle as they come. It's made with all-natural ingredients, like jojoba oil and coconut oil, to soothe and condition your eye area while defining and lining your eyes.
THE REVIEW: "I love this clean eyeliner," says a review. "It has smooth application and doesn't irritate my eyes like other brands of eye pencil products tend to do."
12
Best 2-in-1 Eyeliner Pencil
Tarte Double Take Eyeliner
Pros
- Dual-ended pen has both a pencil and liquid tip
Cons
- Some testers say the liquid liner can be runny
This convenient duo from Tarte has all your eyeliner needs covered. On is a long-wearing gel eyeliner pencil that can be used for defining your eyes and waterline, and on the other is a high-performing liquid eyeliner that's perf for creating wings and flicks.
THE REVIEW: "I have this eyeliner in black and brown," says a tester, adding "I've been using for over 5 years and keep coming back to it—hands down the best on the market."
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How to choose an eyeliner pencil:
Consider your eyeliner pencil's texture
Gels, creams, kohls, kajals...eyeliner pencils come in a variety of textures and formats, and each one has its own purpose. Gel and cream eyeliner pencils with super-fine tips are ideal for drawing precise lines and defining your waterline. Kohls and kajals? They're great for smudging out to create a lived-in look or a smokey eye.
When in doubt, opt for a water-resistant formula
IDK about you, but my worst worst nightmare is runny eyeliner, which is why I always choose a formula that's labeled "water-resistant" or "water-proof". It's a guaranteed way to make sure your eyeliner stays in place if you have oily eyelids or if you're wearing your liner to the beach or pool.
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Why trust Cosmo?
Lauren Balsamo is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing makeup stories that range from the best all natural foundations to the greatest cream blushes on the market. She regularly tests and analyzes eyeliner pencils and other makeup products for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists and cosmetic chemists to assess new formulas and brands.
Lauren Balsamo
Deputy Beauty Director
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.