It's also available in a playful variety of vibrant and classic colors, which includes shiny, matte, and shimmer finishes, at an inviting price point that encourages experimentation. The best part is, you dont have to spend a fortune for a quality liner. What We Love: The liner is available in tons of colorful shades and different finishes. Back to school necessity? "Try this and you'll never waste your money on more expensive brands," says another tester. To test out thistrend, try using this creamy crayon liner that promisesto stay put. "This pencil is super soft and creates nice density but it blends out effortlessly for a smoky liner look," she adds. Type: Mechanical gel pencil| Color Range: 8 shades | Waterproof: Yes. Whether you want to keep it neutral with a classic shade or go bold with a little color, there's an option below just waiting to be discovered. These affordable, top-rated options can't be beat. Over the last few few days or so I've been trying out new eyeliners just to see if something new or better is out there. While the dark kajal pencil is only available in an inky black shade, it's an intense black that's perfect for a smoldering eye makeup look. reads a review. If you like a smudgy, smokey moment, a gel or cream eyeliner pencil with a built-in blending brush or sponge is your best bet. For felt tip liners, hydrating eye drops can help to recondition the brush tip and formula. Everywhere I have seen them, they run for about $8. "Its not too soft and smudgy, but not too hard and dry, either," she says. Great price!! However, you also have just enough time to buff or blend for a sexy smudge. And it really, truly doesn't budge once it sets. Considering I've only had two in those two years, and yeah I pretty much wear makeup on an every day basis. There's so much you can do with the right kohl blend or liquid eyeliner. productslearn more about Sold! Part liquid eyeliner, part eyelash serum, this innovative 2-in-1 formula creates gorgeous wings and flicks with a felt-tip brush *and* conditions and strengthens your lashes with blend of plant oils and peptides. The rich cream-gel formula is silky smooth, making it easy to manage how thick, thin, subtle, or dramatic your eyeliner looks. Formulated with antioxidants and vitamin E, this creamy brown kohl eyeliner offers a long-wear finish that looks a bit less stark compared to traditional black kohl. I'm very impressed.". Some liners will unscrew on the end that is opposite the tip, to reveal a felt rod. This eyeliner lasts all day, stays on, doesn't smudge, rain or shine it's there, go swimming or shower and it barely moves. A single pass of any one of the three highly pigmented shades (black, brown, and teal) delivers intense color payoff. The glossy hue is also rich enough that all you need is one coat for striking definition around the eyes. Ahead, you'll find 18 of the best drugstore eyeliners you can find on shelves and online. (Ree prefers abrush and potversion too!) If using a fine-tipped pencil or pen is too tricky, consider this option instead. While the color selection is limited, the shades feature light-diffusing pigments which appear as a soft, subtle shimmer that, once applied, highlight the whites of your eyes for a more defined gaze. Now we're talking! "The real selling point for this baby is that it's beyond waterproof and doesn't pill. Type: Pencil | Color Range: 24 shades | Waterproof: No. What We Don't Love: The color selection is limited to only two shades, black and brown. From classic pencils in unexpected vibrant colors, to liquid and gel liners that hold up to the elements, these drugstore eyeliners are proof that it doesn't take a designer liner to master a gorgeous eye makeup look. For pencils that can be sharpened, a quick twist of the sharpener to remove the exposed area that is dried out is typically enough to get back to its original soft tip. This liner has a long stem that's super easy to maneuver (if you can draw a line with pen, you can use this one)plus the non-feathering formula is waterproof so you don't need to worry about your cat eye having a midday meltdown. 15 Waterproof Eyeliners That Won't Smudge, Budge, or Fade, The 12 Best Liquid Eyeliners to Nail a Cat Eye, The 12 Best Eyebrow ProductsGels, Pencils, and More, The 9 Best Magnetic Lashes for Foolproof Voluminous Eyelashes, These 12 Drugstore Mascaras Are So Good You'll Ditch Your False Lashes, The 13 Best Eyeliners for Every Look and Budget, Out of the 28 Cream Blushes We Tested, These 8 Gave Our Cheeks the Best Glow, After Over 100 Hours of Testing, We Found the Best Under-Eye Concealers, 18 Eye Creams That Work Wonders on Dark Circles, Here's How to Prevent Your Eye Makeup From Transferring, Once and For All, The Best Drugstore Waterproof Eyeliners for Hot and Sweaty Summer Days, Why Everyone Is Ditching Black Eyeliner This Summer, The Best Drugstore Lipsticks With Incredible Color Payoff, 8 Ways to Wear the Double Winged Eyeliner Trend That's Everywhere Right Now, Everything You Need To Know About Applying Makeup For Your Eye Shape. The creamy texture makes it especially comfortable for tracing along the waterline without tugging or poking at the delicate eye area, but you will need frequent sharpening to keep a fine tip for precision lining. If you don't like to fix your make up throughout the day & you want to feel confident without having to look in a mirror every time you meet someone to make sure your make up has stayed where you applied it, this is the product for you. Matte liners offer an understated definition, while shiny and shimmery liners can create a dramatic, eye-catching effect. One end is the actual eyeliner (I recommend Black Onyx for a dramatic look) and the other end is a smudger. The set comes with a pot of lacquer eyeliner and a brush for easy swiping. All other eyeliners do not compare, want to know why? We found the best drugstore eyeliner pencils around according to our Influenster community. The formula glides on SO easily and never irritates my eyes. It has a wide shade range of nine colors, in classic and playful hues. In the end, choosing the finish comes down to personal preference. CoverGirl Ink It Perfect Point Gel Eyeliner, Wet n Wild Last Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner, Pixi by Petra Endless Silky Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner. The formula is also made to not irritate sensitive eyes and skin. But truth be told, the right eyeliner can mean the difference between crisp, lined definition, and a smeary, smudgy mess. If you love a crisp wing or a bold cat eye, opt for a liquid liner formula. It's awesome for its price too, and you don't have to sharpen the little love. Identifying the right formula for your eye makeup look will help guide you to the best result. I wear it every day and love it.". Most long-wearing formulas are stubborn and wont just come off with soap and water, so youll need to invest in an oil-based eye makeup remover or a cleansing balm to fully dissolve the pigments without tugging and rubbing at your delicate eye area. The applicator makes perfect lines and the formula lasts for hours too. But anyone can master the different eyeliner formulas with a steady hand, a bit of patience, and a makeup remover to fix any mistakes. Type: Liquid | Color Range: 4 dark shades | Waterproof: Water-resistant. The difference is subtle but though I am partially color blind, I can see a difference that I like. I have always been a huge fan of NYX because not only do they make affordable products, but they make products that compete with their higher end versions. What's more, it comes with a squishy grip that makes it comfortable to use too. "There's no dragging and no skippingjust smooth color payoff. Theres a few things that are staples in our makeup bags, and a good eyeliner is one of them. If you haven't advanced to expert level when it comes to eyeliner, you probably don't necessarily want bold, thick lines on the first swipe. Every item on this page was chosen by The Pioneer Woman team. . Not always big and bam, but mostly just something quick basic and natural. I was so surprised to see that these weren't given 5 stars across the board! Haven't tried them for winged liner like a previous review so I cannot say how they are for that purpose. I Vacationed Like a Celeb on a Private Fiji Island, We've Got the *Best* Gifts for Mom Over Here, Cute Toiletry Bags That'll Make Packing Easier, Best Drugstore Eyeliner for Sensitive Eyes, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. A soft pencil liner is often best for the waterline, while felt tip pens make for great cat eye swoops. I could fall asleep in my makeup in the back of my car at school and it still be in perfect condition like I did it that morning! It stays well throughout the day but isn't completely smudge proof. So often people stick to using classic black or brown pencil liners. This best-selling drugstore eyeliner has over 1,000 five-star reviewsand we're not surprised! Like all beauty products, eyeliners have a shelf life typically between three and six months depending on the formula. So you're new to liquid eyeliner. This innovative liquid eyeliner features a wheel applicator that lets you roll your way to the perfect lined look. Say hello to bold, beautiful eyes! Naturally, this chubby eyeliner crayon is no different. A general rule of thumb is to start with sharpenable or twist-up pencil liners if you're a beginner, because they allow time to smudge and perfect before they're set. If you're looking to blend or diffuse the liner for a smokier effect, opt for a gel formula. Type: Mechanical gel pencil | Color Range: 2 shades | Waterproof: Yes. After all, you don't want to line your lids with chalky, smudge-prone liner that'll look anything but stellar by mid-day. Best of all, it's available in four colors. Welcome! Forget your standard black and brown! The pencil glides on smooth making it ideal for everything from simple lining to graphic swooping, and stays put until you decide to wash it away. The quality of NYX products is so reliable, you'll find the brand on every must-try makeup list, drugstore or not. They stay on all day, even through putting in eyedrops when my eyes dry out or I have allergies! There are plenty ofaffordable drugstore options (and truthfully, we bet no one would be able to tell the difference!). But there isn't. "I love that it comes with a smudger so you can get a lot of different looks with it. Type: Liquid | Color Range: 2 shades | Waterproof: Yes. Is Bey's New Song About the Elevator Incident? By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Type: Gel | Color Range: 4 shades | Waterproof: No. What We Don't Love: It doesn't have the finest point for precision lines. If you fall head over heels for the charcoal liner, you'll be glad to know it comes in black and brown too. During my nine years of working in the beauty industry, Ive tested hundreds and hundreds of eyeliners and have spent countless hours comparing formulas only to be continually impressed by all the drugstore options out there. I actually find the smudging end great for getting that perfect winged eyeliner. What We Don't Love: The marker tip can dull over time. The built-in sharpener and smudger on the opposite end of the pencil also make for easy lining. THE REVIEW: "This is such a creamy and long lasting liner." What We Don't Love: The creamy texture can smudge on oily lids. It's got a greatsmudge-proof formula and an ultra-fine tip. Take Influenster with you on-the-go. The are really good and I just couldn't resist to get them all. You can also find liquid or cream pigments in pots that require a fine liner brush for application. The marker is thicker than most liners and sits comfortably in your hand, allowing for better control which is especially helpful for more novice makeup do-ers. The site may earn a commission on some products. THE REVIEW: "Finding cosmetics that are free of things you don't want on your skin can be challenging, says a tester, adding "this eyeliner accomplishes that really well.". But a must have if you like tightlining or putting liner in your waterline. THE REVIEW: "This pencil applied smoothly and easily," writes a tester. The great thing about them is that they are affordable. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Experiment with your look by checking out these amazing (and affordable) drugstore eyeliners that'll make all your makeup dreams come true. There's something about the two-piece ink pot and applicator design that makes this drugstore eyeliner feel exceptionally fancy as you apply it. It can also be worn alone for a bright-eyed appeal. Thankfully, in today's modern world, finding a quality eyeliner doesn't require a high standing statusor a splurge for that matter. Promise. No wonder it has nearly all five-star reviews! But you will never go wrong with this! The soft tip glides on like a dream without dragging or tugging, and once the lines set, it's there until it meets a good makeup remover and a bit of rubbing. What has more than 40,000 5-star reviews, 12 color options, and a creamy formula that won't budge for hours? The high-performing formula won't slip, tug, or go on patchy and it's made without any potentially questionable ingredients, like parabens, silicones, or PEGs. It also swaps the drier, waxier pigments of a traditional pencil liner with a rich, creamy gel that glides on smooth, saturated with color, and stays put, even along the waterline. What We Love: The mechanical twist-up pencil gives you a fine tip for every use. Type: Gel | Color Range: 3 shades | Waterproof: Water-resistant. There have been times when I have gotten done completely lining an eye only to twist it for the other eye and it's all out. Best Pencil Liner: L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner, Best Liquid Liner: Milani Stay Put Matte 17 Hr Wear Liquid Liner, Best Gel Liner: CoverGirl Ink It Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner, Best Longwear: Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer, Best Cruelty-Free: Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner, Best for Cat Eye: Maybelline Tattoo Studio Liner, Best Color Variety: Pixi by Petra Endless Silky Eye Pen, Best for Waterline: NYX Professionals Slim Eye Pencil, Best for Sensitive Eyes: Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner. This creamy pencil eyeliner is available in five shades, all of which feature a smudge-resistant, waterproof formula. What We Love: It's formulated with conditioning olive oil and shea butter that won't irritate the eye area. What We Love: The creamy pigment is rich and inky, but sets in seconds and won't smudge. As I get older, I realize I may not look as young as I once did therefor I have toned down my look just slightly by using a dark brown eyeliner as opposed to the stark black. There are also long wear and waterproof formulas that promise to hold up through hot days, sweaty workouts, or marathon nights. Best of all, you don't need to spend an arm and a leg to try new brands. Check out the best and most affordable eyeliners in the game. This one lasts ALL DAY & well into the night without smudging. What We Love: The fine, flexible, pointy tip is ideal for precise lines and effortless wings. What We Don't Love: The formula sets fast, posing a challenge for smokey eye looks. What We Don't Love: The formula is not waterproof. Its texture is just soft enough for an easy glide application; the tip, just fine enough to master a precise tightline or dramatic wing; and the formula sets just fast enough, so lines remain crisp without any bleeding. THE REVIEW: "I can't believe how good this eyeliner is for the the price point. The feathery tip is fed by a mini built-in ink tank that dispenses a steady flow of pigment as you line, helping with an even application. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Since finding quality, affordable eyeliners can certainly take time, we decided to do the legwork for you. The liner easily twists up & glides on smoothly. The only complaint I've heard about this eyeliner is its smudginess, but if you're like me and love a smokey eye look, then this is more of a bonus than an issue. Lauren Balsamo is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nine 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. This pigmented white liquid eyeliner will serve as the perfect base for whatever color you want to layer on top. One pass of this superior pencil liner is enough to recognize it's a cut above the other pencils of its kind and at a fraction of the price. The $5 price tag is reason enough to add a pop of color to your makeup bag, and the vibrant mint green, baby blue, and purple liners will serve as a welcome change from classic black and brown. What We Don't Love: It requires a fine point eyeliner brush for application. The dual-ended pencil houses a creamy, waterproof formula on one end, and a blending tip on the other, which also pops out to reveal a tiny, shreds-free sharpener for an extra-fine point. Never steered me wrong before, besides the fact they're either sold out when I try to buy one or I find the last one standing and someone tampered with it as if they were trying to steal it. Reviewers love the formula for it's creamy texture and long-lasting finish. One endfeatures a teeny khaki brown point,while the other has an angled smudging tip. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best What We Don't Love: This pencil requires frequent sharpening to maintain a fine tip. If you're looking for a sharp line that you don't have to continuously trace over for bold, striking color, this retractable twist-up pencil delivers. Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. What We Love: The deep matte pigment is intensely bold at first swipe and holds up well to moisture. Add a subtle splash of color to your routine with a flick of teal green. These are my absolute favorite liners for the waterline. THE REVIEW: "For the price, this eyeliner cannot be beat," says a tester. This top pickhas an ultra-fine brush felt tip and a long-wear formula that promises to stay on for 12 hours. THE REVIEW: "I love love love this eyeliner! Makeup products you aren't happy with can be returned to the store, if you're not satisfied take it back, even if it's opened. "It goes on smoothly, can be built up into a thicker line if desired, and it stays where you put it.". Finding the right pigment type (kohl, kajal, liquid, gel, or cream), and application mechanism (pencil, pen, felt tip, or brush) to match your comfort level and preferred style will make for easier application. "I have been doing make up for six years and havent found anything this good.". I like to use it as an eyeliner and a cream eyeshadow allover my lids too. What We Love: This intensely pigmented liner comes in an impressive range of classic and vibrant shades. And no matter how much you build it up, the liner never gets flaky or cakey. It stays on perfectly through tears, rain, sweat. The must-try formula is hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and cruelty-free. It's better than many high end pencil liners I have tried.". Unlike most twist-up gel liners, which fall short in delivering an ultra-sharp tip, this gel pencil is sharpenable, giving you a precise point for easy lining and allowing you to better control the thickness of the lines for more dramatic cat eye styles. Scan products in-store and browse product reviews. The dual-sided liner hosts a creamy gel formula on one end, with a built-in smudger on the other, which comes in handy for subtle blending when you're going for a softer, blurred effect. Whether you prefer a smoky look or a bold cat eye, the right eyeliner can help you get it right. Because I'm so tired of trying new eyeliners that other people may rave about but disappoint me. Just be warned: You may never go back to the pricey products after lining your eyes with these. Drugstore eyeliners comes in a variety of styles and textures, and each one is best suited for certain eye looks. Drugstore eyeliners that are labeled waterproof water-resistant and/or transfer-proof are greatuntil it comes time to remove them at the end of the day. Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty contentfrom product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. Do you prefera liquid liner? This gentle drugstore eyeliner is ideal for contact wearers or anyone with sensitive eyes. My go-to eyeliner for the last EIGHT years (yes you read that right)! I've used this eyeliner for about 2 years straight, and it lasts a very long time. (Try a winged swipe of black eyeliner to achieve Ree Drummond's Pat Benatar-inspired signature look, for instance!) The finish of an eyeliner might seem like a subtle detail (as compared to the finish of an eye shadow), but shiny, matte, or shimmery liner can make a big impact on your overall look. I hope Pacifica keeps this one around for a long time!". Cobalt blue eyeliner is a fun throwback from the80s that looks every bit as stylish today. available in more colors than you knew you needed, waterproof water-resistant and/or transfer-proof, Comes with a built-in sponge for smudging and blending, Ultra-fine tip is delicate and prone to breakage, Some reviewers say the cap can come loose and unexpectedly pop off, Soft, creamy formula is great for the waterline and lashline, Waterproof formula won't smear or smudge for up to 24 hours, Some reviewers say it's difficult to remove, Gentle formula is safe for sensitive eyes, Some reviewers say the product runs out quickly, Made with clean, skin-friendly ingredients, Some reviewers say the formula is prone to smudging, Has bright, bold pigments that are smudge-proof, Some reviewers say it can be irritating to eyes, Ideal for creating thin, fine lines with ease, Some testers say the tip can get stick in the plastic casing, Not as highly-pigmented as some of the other eyeliners on the list, Helps conditions and strengthens your lashes with each use, Some reviewers say the formula isn't fully waterproof, Some reviewers say the pencil tip can be difficult to sharpen, Some reviewers say the formula is prone to creasing. Amazing pigmentation Or you can layer it on your lid as a base, put a similar eyeshadow on top of it and you got a look that will last. This unique gel-pencil liner delivers the best of both worlds: a silky gel-like formula paired with a pencil-like fine tip. IDK about you, but I love a good gel eyeliner, like this drugstore option from L'Oreal Paris. The quality is just amazing. Voil, good as new! It's sold in seven shades, including two black variations and a series of gemstone-inspired hues. "I typically do a simple cat eye for my everyday look using this without any primer and this stuff lasts all day.". Glides on easily I highly recommend.". The super-pigmented, long-lasting gel formula is hypoallergenic, derm-tested for safety, and infused with soothing and conditioning antioxidants like vitamin E. THE REVIEW: "I've used way more expensive eyeliners in the past that weren't nearly as good as this one," says a tester. THE REVIEW: "I have really struggled to find a more natural eyeliner that stays put on my oily lids but I'm happy to say I think I've found it! This drugstore buy has been better than any other eyeliner I've tried. Plus, the long-wear formula holds up impressively well through anything, including happy tears and hot yoga. Of course, you'll want to do your research first on the best eyeliners to buy. The rich pigment goes on smooth and dries in seconds, so that meticulously traced line remains smudge-free from the minute it hits your face. Easy is relative because it really depends on the look you are trying to create. Ask any beauty editor or pro makeup artist and theyll tell you the same thing: theres absolutely no reason to be over-spending on an eyeliner. Add a few drops of moisturizing eye drops (like Visine), then screw the end and shake well. Oh, and don't miss out on a drugstore eyebrow pencil either! Its free, easy, and fun. The ultra-smooth formula glides on for the easiest cat eye ever. And the inky formula deposits full, opaque color that really makes your eyes pop. It's Time For Your 2019 Influenster Final Four, New Concealers to Keep You Looking Wide Awake in 2020, 8 Eye Products to Help You Channel Pantone's 2020 Color of the Year, 5 Liquid Eyeshadows to Make All Your '70s Dreams a Reality, 10 Shimmering, Shining Pastel Products to Help You Channel Taylor Swift, The Best Products to Master the Colorful Eye & Brow Trend, 5 New Vibrant Luxe Palettes to Hoard This Spring, Mini Eyeshadow Palettes to Tote With You Everywhere. Available in eight shades, this incredibly smooth pencil eyeliner deserves a spot in every makeup collection. Win, win, win! This cult-favorite liquid liner isknown for its smooth glide, slip-proof design, and waterproof formula. These come in so many cute colors, I currently have to suggest Swerve (the standard black), Get Paid (metallic rose gold), and Honeydude (the standard nude). Plus the pigments are fast drying, so once they're on they'll quickly set to a stunning, smudge-proof finish. Eyeliner is one of the most overlooked makeup products on the market. The super-soft liner glides on smoothly and gives just enough time to smudge out for a sexy, smokey effect before it dries and sets for hours. Simply trace your lash line with the color and use the sponge to blend it out for a more natural look. The vibrant range of ultra-pigmented liners are formulated with coconut oil which keep the pencil tips silky enough to glide along the delicate waterline without poking, tugging, or pulling. The only downside to this is since the packaging isn't clear you never know when it's going to run out. What We Don't Love: The inky formula has a longer dry time. What We Don't Love: You will need a good makeup remover and gentle rub to take it off. A great option for anyone who wants to define their lashline and give their lashes a boost too. But this eyeliner pencil has an ultra-fine precision tip, so you have total control over your lines and can get the exact opaqueness and thickness you want making it ideal for newbs.