I spent several weeks testing five of the most popular eyeliners across different categories — from high-end to budget-friendly picks — to find out which ones truly deliver. I wore them through humid days, long meetings, and emotional nights (yes, I cried a little for science).
Each eyeliner was tested for ease of application, pigment intensity, longevity, smudge resistance, and comfort on sensitive eyes. Here’s everything you need to know before buying your next eyeliner.
Quick Buying Guide — Questions to Ask Yourself
Before you buy, consider these key points:
- Do you prefer a liquid, pencil, or pen formula? (Pens give precision, pencils are softer and blendable.)
- Will you use it for tightlining or waterline? Not all eyeliners are safe for this.
- How important is waterproof performance in your routine?
- Are you seeking vegan, cruelty-free, or fragrance-free options?
- What’s your budget — drugstore or premium?
Eyeliner Types at a Glance
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid / Pen | Sharp wings, defined looks | Precise, fast-drying | Can be tricky for beginners |
| Pencil | Everyday or smokey eyes | Blendable, easy to control | May smudge |
| Mechanical Pencil | On-the-go use | No sharpener needed | Tip may dry over time |
| Gel / Cream | Intense pigment, long wear | Rich color, durable | Requires brush skill |
| Waterproof Formulas | Humid weather, long wear | Sweat and tear-proof | Harder to remove |
Our Top Picks by Category
| Category | Product |
|---|---|
| Best budget liquid pen | Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner — Pitch Black |
| Best creamy pencil | Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil — Perversion |
| Best mechanical pencil | L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Pencil (2-count) |
| Best for sensitive eyes | Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner — Waterproof |
| Best vegan / budget pick | e.l.f. Intense Ink Eyeliner — Blackest Black |
Hands-On Reviews — Tested and Compared
Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner
Tested by: Me (everyday use, gym, and outdoor wear)
Best for: Beginners or anyone who wants a steady, skip-free pen.
Why We Like It
This drugstore gem features a flexible tip that glides smoothly and allows excellent control for precise wings. It dries fast, resists light sweat, and delivers a strong black pigment.
Pros
- Affordable yet professional finish
- Flexible tip for easy wings
- Great color payoff
Cons
- Tip can dry out if not capped tightly
- May fade slightly in extreme humidity
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Tested by: Me (for waterline and smokey eye looks)
Best for: Intense pigment and long wear with a creamy texture.
Why We Like It
This is one of the smoothest eyeliners I’ve ever used — buttery, blendable, and richly pigmented. It’s perfect for smokey eyes or waterline definition. Once it sets, it’s not going anywhere until you remove it.
Pros
- Super creamy and glides effortlessly
- Excellent color intensity
- Long-lasting and waterproof
Cons
- Needs sharpening (no twist-up)
- Premium price
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Pencil
Tested by: Me (office and travel days)
Best for: Those who want easy, no-sharpen convenience.
Why We Like It
The mechanical design makes it super convenient for quick applications. It stays smooth and precise, offering solid pigment without smudging throughout the day. Comes as a 2-pack for excellent value.
Pros
- Twist-up mechanism (no sharpener needed)
- Consistent, even color
- Great value for money
Cons
- Slightly drier than cream pencils
- Less ideal for heavy blending
Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner
Tested by: Me (during allergy season with contact lenses)
Best for: Sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Why We Like It
Clinique’s formula feels gentle yet delivers precision and durability. It’s ophthalmologist-tested and didn’t cause any irritation for me. The finish is sleek, long-lasting, and tear-resistant.
Pros
- Great for sensitive or watery eyes
- Waterproof and smudge-proof
- Precise, fine felt tip
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- Requires a proper remover for full clean-up
e.l.f. Intense Ink Eyeliner — Blackest Black
Tested by: Me (night outings and long-wear testing)
Best for: Cruelty-free, budget-conscious shoppers wanting strong pigment.
Why We Like It
e.l.f. proves you don’t need to spend much for dramatic results. It’s bold, cruelty-free, and delivers a solid matte black finish. The tip is precise, though the formula dries quickly, so work fast.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Very intense pigment
- Great price point
Cons
- Tip may dry out after a few months
- Slightly less waterproof than premium liners
Other Things to Consider
When choosing an eyeliner, also keep in mind:
- Removal: Waterproof formulas need oil-based removers.
- Eye Sensitivity: Look for ophthalmologist-tested or hypoallergenic claims.
- Climate: If you live in humid areas, waterproof is essential.
- Application Skill: Beginners may find felt-tip pens easier.
- Budget: Drugstore brands like Maybelline and e.l.f. now rival high-end performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which eyeliner lasts the longest without smudging?
From my testing, the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil — Perversion held up best. It resisted sweat, tears, and even a hot afternoon, staying intact for over 12 hours.
2. What’s the best eyeliner for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers?
The Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner — Waterproof is gentle, ophthalmologist-tested, and safe for sensitive eyes.
3. What’s the best eyeliner for beginners?
If you’re new to eyeliner, try Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner — Pitch Black. Its flexible tip is forgiving, making it easy to draw wings and correct mistakes.
4. Which eyeliner is cruelty-free and vegan?
The e.l.f. Intense Ink Eyeliner — Blackest Black is both vegan and cruelty-free, making it ideal for ethically minded beauty lovers.
5. What’s the best eyeliner for everyday wear?
The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Pencil is perfect for daily use. It’s easy to apply, smudge-resistant, and requires no sharpener — ideal for workdays or travel.
Conclusion
After testing all five, I can confidently say each eyeliner shines for a specific reason.
If you’re new to liquid liners, go for the Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner — Pitch Black — it’s budget-friendly and easy to control.
For premium long-wear performance, the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil — Perversion is unbeatable.
If you want something gentle for sensitive eyes, Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner — Waterproof delivers a balanced mix of comfort and precision.
For quick, everyday use, choose L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Pencil.
And if you’re all about cruelty-free makeup, e.l.f. Intense Ink Eyeliner — Blackest Black proves affordability doesn’t mean compromise.
Each of these eyeliners earned its place after real testing — so whether you want precision, longevity, or ethical beauty, you’ll find your match here.
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