Have you ever stood in front of the mirror, eyeliner in hand, mystified by the elusive perfect cat eye? You’re not alone! Welcome to the definitive guide to 2024’s best eyeliner pencils! We’ve got the scoop on the smoothest, boldest, and most smudge-proof options available. Dive in as we reveal the top picks that’ll make mastering that elusive perfect flick as easy as a morning coffee run. Get ready to elevate your look and make those eyes pop!
Our Top Picks
Understanding eyeliner types
Before you dive into the world of eyeliner pencils, it’s essential to understand the three main types: pencil, liquid, and gel. Each type has its own set of characteristics that can enhance your eye makeup routine, depending on the look you’re going for.
- First, there’s the traditional eyeliner pencil. It’s the most versatile and user-friendly option, perfect if you’re craving that smudged, smoky eye or a subtle definition. Waterproof eyeliner pencils are a game changer for long-lasting wear, especially on those days when you’re up against the elements or need your makeup to last from day to night without a touch-up.
- Next up is liquid eyeliner, the go-to for a sharp, precise line. It’s ideal for creating dramatic looks like the classic cat-eye or winged liner. Since liquid eyeliner typically comes with a fine-tip applicator, it requires a steady hand, but the payoff is a sleek, clean line that really defines the eyes.
- Last but not least, there’s the gel eyeliner pencil. This hybrid combines the smooth application of a pencil with the precision and stay-put qualities of a gel. It’s a fantastic choice when you’re aiming for bold, standout lines that need to stay put without smudging.
Each type of eyeliner brings something unique to the table. So whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, understanding these differences can help you choose the right product for your desired effect and ensure that your eye makeup is always on point.
Features of a superior eyeliner pencil
Often, you’ll find that the best eyeliner pencils combine a smooth glide, rich pigmentation, and unbeatable longevity to elevate your makeup game. These superior liners ensure that your look stays pristine from the first flick in the morning until you decide to take it off at night. But what exactly sets these pencils apart from the rest? Let’s break down the features that make for the ultimate eye-defining tool.
Here’s what to look for when you’re on the hunt for a top-notch eyeliner pencil:
- Long-lasting performance: You want your eyeliner to stick with you through thick and thin, not smudge or fade within a few hours. A long-lasting formula is essential, especially for those with busy lifestyles or oily skin types.
- Waterproof formula: Whether you’re caught in the rain, sweating during a workout, or shedding a tear during a movie, a waterproof formula ensures that your eyeliner won’t betray you. It’s the key to smudge-proof confidence all day long.
- Pigmented color: A superior eyeliner pencil delivers intense color in a single stroke. Highly pigmented liners save you time and let you avoid going over the same line repeatedly, which can irritate delicate eye areas.
- Smooth glide & easy application: The best pencils have a creamy texture that glides effortlessly across your eyelid without tugging or skipping. This helps in crafting a perfect line with minimal effort, making them easy to apply, even for eyeliner novices.
Best overall
Credit: Victoria Beckham Beauty
For the ultimate eye-defining experience, you’ll find that the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner outshines the competition, offering unparalleled precision and longevity. Its smudge-proof and waterproof formula ensures that your look stays pristine all day, no matter the challenge. Safe for wear with contacts and rigorously tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists, you’re guaranteed a product that’s not only effective but also respectful to your eye health. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, catering to a wide range of ethical and dietary preferences.
The variety of shades available means you can choose the perfect color to complement your eyes, whether you’re going for a subtle touch or a bold statement. And with a weight of 1.2 g and an option to include a sharpener, you’re all set for precise application every time.
Best long-wear
Credit: Urban Decay
Experience the ultimate in durability with Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, the reigning champ of long-lasting eyeliners that won’t let you down. This vegan, cruelty-free wonder is the #1 eye pencil in the U.S., with one being sold every 20 seconds. You can’t cry it off, and it’s smudge-proof – because it’s Urban Decay. Your artistic creations deserve to last all day, and with this liner, they will.
With 38 vibrant colors to choose from and a creamy formula that includes hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil, it glides on without dragging or pulling. Whether you’re lining, winging, or even blending it as an eyeshadow, this multi-use pencil stays put for up to 16 hours. Get ready to create eye looks that endure as long as you do.
Best waterproof
Credit: Pat McGrath Labs
You’ll conquer any rainy day or tear-jerking movie with the unparalleled staying power of Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil, the best waterproof liner option on the market. This gel-based liner ensures that your eye makeup stays put for up to 8 hours, giving you the confidence to face any emotion or weather. Its rich, saturated colors, available in both matte and metallic finishes, glide on without skipping or dragging, making application a breeze.
Whether you’re a makeup beginner or an experienced artist, this eyeliner allows for limitless artistry and experimentation. You can create everything from fine lines to bold graphics or use it as a precise base for smokey eyes. Plus, it’s ophthalmologist-tested and safe for contact lens wearers, so you can wear it with peace of mind.
Best pigmentation
Credit: MAKEUP BY MARIO
Dive into the world of vibrant colors with MAKEUP BY MARIO’s Master Pigment Pro Pencil, known for its exceptionally pure and intense pigmentation. Whether you’re crafting a classic look with the perfect brown or a statement with rich blue, this pencil delivers a flawless line every time. You’ll love the unique blend of waxes that offers a gel-like glide, allowing for fast, easy, and accurate application.
The Master Pigment Pro Pencil isn’t just about color; it’s about control. Flip it over to use the custom brush for smudging and blending, perfect for a smokey finish. Plus, with its vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free formula, you’re making an ethical choice without compromising on quality.
Best for beginners
Credit: Shiseido
If you’re new to eye makeup, Shiseido Kajal InkArtist Shadow, Liner, Brow is your foolproof choice for creating effortless looks with a single product. Its versatility as a shadow, liner, and brow filler means you can achieve a range of styles without the clutter of multiple products. The high pigmentation ensures vivid color that makes a statement, while the long-lasting formula means you don’t have to worry about mid-day touch-ups. Plus, it’s smudge-proof and waterproof, making it perfect for all-day wear.
The creamy texture glides on smoothly, making application a breeze even for beginners. With a precision tip for sharp lines and an easy to blend formula, you can effortlessly transition from a sharp cat-eye to a smoky eye look. This all-in-one pencil is not only convenient but also nourishing for your skin, thanks to ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter.
Best for waterline
Credit: NYX Professional
For those seeking a waterline-friendly option, NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick stands out as a top performer. Its waterproof formula ensures that your liner stays put, resisting smudging, fading, and running, even in the most challenging conditions. Whether you’re going for a subtle tightline or a dramatic waterline look, this pigment-packed eyeliner delivers up to 36 hours of wear. You can choose from 33 shades, ranging from classic matte blacks to daring metallic finishes, to perfectly match your style or mood.
To apply, simply glide the eyeliner along your waterline with precision. For a sharp and defined look, maintain the tip with a double pencil sharpener. Remember, this liner isn’t just for your eyes; get creative and use it for expressive face and body art too.
Best for sensitive eyes
Credit: Clinique
You’ll appreciate the Clinique Quickliner for Eyes if you’re searching for an eyeliner that’s gentle on sensitive eyes. It’s designed to twist up, offering a gliding application that settles into a smooth blur of color that won’t budge. The no-sharpen necessity means you can say goodbye to the hassle and hello to effortless eye definition.
The silky pencil not only lines with precision but also encourages you to get creative. With the smudge tool on the opposite end, you can blend the color within 60 seconds before it sets to a transfer-resistant finish. This gives you ample playtime to achieve the look you desire, whether it’s a soft haze or a sharp wing. Remember to cap it tightly after use to keep the formula fresh and prevent drying.
Best drugstore
Credit: Revlon
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner is your go-to for budget-friendly, long-lasting eye definition available right at your local drugstore. Celebrated as America’s #1 long-wear eyeliner, its waterproof formula ensures you’re smudge-free for up to a full day. The pencil’s lightweight formula makes it a breeze to apply, giving you the drama or definition you’re craving with minimal effort.
When you’re ready to up your eye game, twist the body of this pencil to reveal just enough color. Start from the inner corner of your eye, gliding outward, for a flawless application. Whether you’re aiming for a sharp cat-eye or a softer, smoky look, the built-in smudger tool and sharpener help you achieve precision and versatility. It’s also ophthalmologist-tested, which means safety isn’t a concern.
Application techniques for beginners
Mastering the art of applying eyeliner takes practice, but you’ll get the hang of it faster with these beginner-friendly techniques. As a beginner, it’s key to find a pencil eyeliner that’s forgiving and suits your eye color and skin tone. Once you’ve got your hands on a suitable eyeliner pencil, follow these application techniques for beginners to enhance your eye look with confidence:
- Steady your hand: Place your elbow on a flat surface and rest your pinky on your cheek for stability. A steady hand means a smoother line.
- Small strokes: Instead of drawing one continuous line, use short, light strokes along the lash line. This helps to maintain control and can be easily corrected if you make a mistake.
- Connect the dots: If you’re struggling to create a straight line, draw a row of dots along your lash line and slowly connect them. This dot-to-dot method simplifies the process.
- Perfect the Flick: For the iconic flick, start with a small line at the outer corner of your eye, angling it towards the end of your eyebrow. Connect this flick back to your lash line to create a triangle and fill it in.
Questions you may have
How can I ensure my eyeliner pencil doesn’t cause an allergic reaction or irritation to my sensitive eyes?
To ensure your eyeliner doesn’t irritate your sensitive eyes, always choose hypoallergenic pencils. Do a patch test before a full application by applying a small amount on your hand. If there’s no reaction after 24 hours, you’re likely safe to use it on your eyes. Additionally, check the ingredients for potential allergens and opt for fragrance-free options. Don’t forget to replace your eyeliner regularly to avoid bacteria buildup that can cause irritation.
How do I sharpen my eyeliner pencil without wasting product or causing the tip to break?
To sharpen your eyeliner pencil, start by chilling it in the fridge for 10 minutes. This hardens the product, minimizing breakage. Then, using a sharp, clean sharpener, gently twist the pencil, applying light pressure to avoid waste. Rotate the pencil with each turn for an even tip. Sharpening before each use ensures precision and hygiene, so you’ll always have a perfect line without unnecessary product loss. Keep it simple and effective!
How do you properly sanitize eyeliner pencils to prevent eye infections, especially when sharing with friends?
To properly sanitize your eyeliner pencils and prevent eye infections, especially when sharing, you’ll need to sharpen them before each use, which removes the outer layer. Also, regularly clean your sharpener with rubbing alcohol. If you’re using a twist-up pencil, wipe it with an alcohol pad. It’s crucial not to share eye makeup, but if you must, these steps will help keep your eyes safe.
Are there any eco-friendly or sustainable eyeliner pencils available that don’t compromise on quality?
Absolutely! Brands have stepped up, blending sustainability with intense color payoff and longevity. You won’t have to compromise on quality while you’re saving the planet one eyeliner flick at a time. Look for pencils boasting natural ingredients, recyclable packaging, and cruelty-free certifications. They’re kind to your eyes and even kinder to the earth.
What is the shelf life of an eyeliner pencil, and how can I tell if it’s no longer safe to use?
You’re probably wondering about your eyeliner pencil’s shelf life. Typically, it’s safe to use for about 18 months to 2 years. To check if it’s past its prime, look for changes in texture, smell, or color. If the pencil’s become hard, smells off, or has a whitish hue, it’s time to toss it. Don’t risk eye irritation or infection by using an old eyeliner pencil.