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Here's the truth: mastering an eyeliner look, be it a sharp-winged cat-eye or a smudgy, smoky moment, requires not only time, skill, and practice but also the right eyeliner formula. Eyeliner pencils are an ideal choice for most people because they offer more control than a liquid liner. "Pencils are are easier to work with, and even if you do want to use a liquid or gel liner, I like to layer the pencil underneath, which makes for longer wear," says makeup artist Suzy Gerstein. To apply: work in small sections. "I like to do little dashes rather than create a line in one fell swoop. Doing this allows you to assess shape and symmetry as you go, building slowly," she says. Before you can master the application, though, you need the right eyeliner pencil. Ahead, we've gathered options that make applying eyeliner easier—and even fun.
1
Best Long-Lasting Eyeliner
URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Now 15% Off
Why We Love It
Available in multiple finishes and colors
What to Consider
- It's pricey compared to other options on this list
This classic, cult-favorite pencil deserves a spot in your makeup kit. Its creamy formula truly does not budge whether you choose a matte, metallic, shimmer, or pearly finish. The range of bright and neutral colors complement all skin tones.
2
Best Drugstore Eyeliner
Revlon Pencil Eyeliner
Why We Love It
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
What to Consider
- Limited color options
Between the budget-friendly price, accessibility (available at your local drugstore), long-lasting wear, and smooth application, you can't go wrong with this eyeliner pencil. It also features a built-in sharpener.
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3
Best Pigmentation
Treslúce Beauty Intenso Gel Liner
Why We Love It
- Highly pigmented
- Buttery smooth
What to Consider
- Doesn't come with sharpener
The lightest swipe of this gel eyeliner pencil packs a punch, offering full-coverage pigmentation from a formula that's buttery smooth. Apply any of the 14 vibrant or neutral shades without worrying about tugging or pulling.
Why We Love It
- Long-lasting formula
- Smooth application
What to Consider
- It's pricey compared to other options on this list
Gerstein's advice: Gel formulas are your best bet for a long-lasting finish. She especially loves this waterproof formula for its precision and rich pigmentation. It's available in both matte and shimmer finishes.
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Why We Love It
- Variety of colors
- Vegan
What to Consider
- Some reviewers say bright colors can be patchy in application
This eyeliner has no shortage of color options, from vivid acid green and cobalt blue to rich brown and black. Gerstein loves the shade Deep Bronze Shimmer, a shimmery bronze that creates beautifully subtle looks. The formula contains nourishing vitamin E and argan oil.
6
Best Precision Eyeliner
Maybelline New York Master Precise Skinny Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Why We Love It
- Easy to control
- Affordable
What to Consider
- Limited shade range
For ultimate control and precision, try this mechanical eyeliner pencil. The thin micro tip makes it easy to create sharp lines, whether you're doing a graphic eyeliner look or lining your waterline.
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Why We Love It
- Smooth application
What to Consider
- Doesn't come with a sharpener
Jojoba oil, shea butter, and marula oil make this formula glide on so seamlessly—which is why Gerstein says she can use this pencil on the waterline. Its vibrant shades—like teal, blue, and white—are all you need to summer-ize your look.
Why We Love It
- Doesn't transfer
- Affordable
What to Consider
- Doesn't come with a sharpener
You can guiltlessly stock up on multiple colors of this gel eyeliner because it's only $7 a pop. Shop a range of 15 shades, from pastels to wearable hues. The formula is long-lasting and transfer-proof.
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Why We Love It
- Glides on easily
What to Consider
- It's pricey compared to other options on this list
Makeup artist Andrea DiSabatina recommends this pencil, which comes in five neutral shades. "I use it for both structured and smudged looks," she says. The brush on one end makes it easy to blend out lines.
Why We Love It
- Sharpener and blending brush included
What to Consider
- Not sold at Sephora or Ulta
This vegan and cruelty-free eyeliner pencil has everything you need to create beautiful makeup looks, including a soft, precise brush that makes crisp lines or smoky eyes easy to do. The silky formula is available in 12 wearable shades.
Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok
