A good eyeliner can do more for your face than almost any other product: it defines, lifts and turns tired eyes into a deliberate look in under a minute. The trick is finding a formula that suits your hand, your eye shape and your day. This guide to the best eyeliners is built around what is selling fastest on Amazon right now, from drugstore pencils that live in every makeup bag to prestige liquid liners from the Premium Beauty store.
Whether you want a soft smudged line, a sharp cat eye or something waterproof enough for a wedding, you will find a match below, plus practical advice on choosing between pencil, gel and liquid formulas.
Best Eyeliners at a Glance
- Best Overall Pencil: Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
- Best Liquid Liner: NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
- Best Budget Liquid: wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Eyeliner
- Best for the Waterline: e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
- Best for Beginners: Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen
- Best Long Wear Pencil: Wonderskin 1440 Longwear Eyeliner
- Best Luxury Liquid: stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
- Best Luxury Pencil: Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner
- Best Shade Range: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
The 9 Best Eyeliners to Buy Now
All of the best eyeliners below appear on Amazon’s current Eye Makeup or Luxury Beauty best seller lists. We describe what each brand says about wear, finish and application so you can match a liner to your routine.
1. Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
Revlon’s ColorStay pencil is one of the top-selling eyeliners on Amazon, and it is easy to see why. The brand says it is transfer-proof, waterproof, smudge-proof and fade-proof with up to 24-hour wear. It has a built-in sharpener and a smudger on the end, so you can go from a clean line to a smoky edge with one tool. It is ophthalmologist tested and suitable for the waterline, and comes in matte and shimmer shades.
Who it is for: anyone who wants one reliable pencil that does everything, at a budget-friendly price.
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
- Waterproof, smudge-proof and transfer-proof
- Up to 24-hour wear
- Built-in sharpener and smudger
- Ophthalmologist tested
2. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
Epic Ink is the go-to liquid liner for anyone chasing a crisp cat eye. It has a flexible, ultra-precise brush tip, so pressing lightly gives a fine line and pressing harder gives a bolder one. The finish is matte black and waterproof, with up to 24-hour wear according to NYX. The brand is certified cruelty-free by PETA.
Who it is for: winged liner fans who want control and intense black color.
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
- Flexible precision brush tip
- Waterproof matte black finish
- Up to 24-hour wear
- Cruelty-free
3. wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Eyeliner
This is one of the most affordable best eyeliners you can buy, and it performs above its price. wet n wild describes it as smudge-proof, flake-proof and even cry-proof, with up to 16 hours of wear. An ultra-fine brush and a tank delivery system keep color flowing evenly. Like all wet n wild products, it is cruelty-free.
Who it is for: students, beginners and anyone who wants a dependable liquid liner without spending much.
wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Eyeliner
- Waterproof, flake-proof and cry-proof
- Up to 16-hour wear
- Ultra-fine brush
- Cruelty-free
4. e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
e.l.f.’s No Budge pencil is creamy, ultra-pigmented and waterproof, and the brand recommends it for the lash line, the waterline or even all over the lid as a base for eyeshadow. The retractable design means there is no sharpening. It is vegan and double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and PETA.
Who it is for: anyone who loves a tightlined or smoky look and wants intense color that stays put.
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
- Creamy, ultra-pigmented formula
- Waterproof wear
- Retractable, no sharpening
- Vegan and cruelty-free
5. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner
If liquid liner makes you nervous, start here. Maybelline designed the Hyper Easy pen with a flex-tip brush and a hexagonal grip for stable control, promising a smooth line without skips or gaps. It has a satin finish, a waterproof formula and up to 24 hours of wear according to the brand.
Who it is for: beginners and anyone with shaky hands who wants a smoother, easier wing.
Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner
- Flex-tip brush for easy control
- Hexagonal grip
- Waterproof, satin finish
- Up to 24-hour wear
6. Wonderskin 1440 Longwear Eyeliner
Wonderskin named this pencil after the number of minutes in a day, and the brand promises 24-hour, transfer-proof, budge-proof and smudge-proof wear. What makes it clever is the 30-second window: you can smudge the line for a smoky effect right after applying, before it sets. It is vegan, cruelty-free and BHT-free.
Who it is for: long days, hot weather and anyone whose liner usually migrates by lunchtime.
Wonderskin 1440 Longwear Eyeliner
- 24-hour wear
- Smudge within 30 seconds, then it sets
- Transfer and smudge-proof
- Vegan and cruelty-free
7. stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
stila’s Stay All Day is a multi-award-winning classic and one of the best-selling luxury eyeliners on Amazon. The fine, marker-like tip makes precise lines easy, the formula dries quickly, and the brand says it will not smudge or run from day to night. It has a satin finish and is available in several shades beyond black.
Who it is for: anyone who wants a prestige felt-tip liner that makes a sharp wing feel effortless.
stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
- Fine marker-like tip
- Waterproof, quick-drying formula
- Satin finish
- Multi-award-winning classic
8. Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner
Lancôme’s Le Stylo is a creamy, waterproof pencil made for both the lash line and the waterline. It comes in nine shades with matte and metallic finishes, and has a built-in smudger for blending a soft gradient or smoky eye. Lancôme says the buttery texture sets to a long-wearing finish that will not budge or flake.
Who it is for: anyone who prefers a soft, blendable pencil and loves the feel of a luxury makeup bag staple.
Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner
- Creamy, waterproof pencil
- Matte and metallic shades
- Built-in smudger
- For lash line and waterline
9. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Urban Decay’s 24/7 pencil is legendary for its color range, with more than 30 shades in several finishes. The brand says the formula is ultra-creamy and skip-free, with 50% hydrating ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil and cottonseed oil. It stays blendable for a moment before setting, and it is vegan and cruelty-free.
Who it is for: anyone who wants to go beyond black with bronze, plum, navy or metallic shades.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
- More than 30 shades
- Creamy, skip-free formula
- 50% hydrating ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
How We Chose the Best Eyeliners
We reviewed Amazon’s live Best Sellers lists for Makeup, Eye Makeup and Luxury Beauty, then read each product page for wear time, finish and application details. We aimed for a mix of formulas (pencil, gel and liquid), skill levels and price points from budget-friendly to prestige. We did not test these products ourselves. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we research.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Eyeliners
The best eyeliners for you depend on the look you want and how steady your hand is. Here is how the main formulas compare.
Pencil Eyeliners
Pencils are the most forgiving. They are easy to smudge, work on the waterline and suit natural or smoky looks. Creamy pencils like Lancôme Le Stylo and Urban Decay 24/7 blend beautifully, while waterproof ones like Revlon ColorStay hold up better on oily lids.
Gel and Retractable Liners
Retractable gel pencils, such as e.l.f. No Budge, combine the ease of a pencil with deeper, longer-wearing color. They are ideal for tightlining and quick definition.
Liquid and Felt-Tip Liners
Liquid liners give the sharpest, most graphic line and the most intense black. Felt tips (stila, Maybelline) are easiest to control, while brush tips (NYX, wet n wild) offer finer detail once you have practiced.
Waterproof or Not
Waterproof formulas last through tears, humidity and workouts, but need an oil-based remover. If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, read labels carefully and choose ophthalmologist-tested options when you can.
How to Apply Eyeliner Like a Pro
Start with a primed, clean lid so the line grips. With a pencil, draw short connected strokes along the lash line rather than one long line. For a wing, pull an imaginary line from the outer corner of your lower lashes toward the tail of your brow, mark the tip, then connect it back to the upper lash line and fill in.
Keep a cotton swab and micellar water nearby for clean-up, and finish with mascara to blend liner into the lashes. Our guide to the best luxury mascara has the perfect partners for any of the best eyeliners above.
Eye Safety Tips for Eyeliner
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers practical eye cosmetic safety advice that every liner fan should know.
- Never share eyeliner. Bacteria can pass from one person to another.
- Replace liquids regularly. Most liquid liners should be replaced every few months.
- Sharpen pencils often. A fresh tip is cleaner and gives a sharper line.
- Stop if your eyes are irritated. Discontinue use and see a doctor if irritation persists.
- Remove makeup every night. Use a gentle remover, especially with waterproof formulas.
FAQ: Best Eyeliners
Which eyeliner is best for beginners?
A felt-tip pen like the Maybelline Hyper Easy or a creamy pencil like the Revlon ColorStay is easiest to control. Both forgive small mistakes and can be smudged for a softer look.
What is the best eyeliner for the waterline?
Choose a creamy, waterproof pencil that is labeled safe for the waterline, such as e.l.f. No Budge, Revlon ColorStay or Lancôme Le Stylo.
How do I stop eyeliner from smudging?
Prime your lids, choose a waterproof or long-wear formula, and set pencil liner with a matching eyeshadow. Wonderskin 1440 and stila Stay All Day are among the best eyeliners for staying power.
Is liquid or pencil eyeliner better?
Neither is better overall. Liquid gives sharp, graphic lines, while pencil is softer and more versatile. Many people keep one of each.
Final Thoughts on the Best Eyeliners
The best eyeliners make definition easy, whatever your skill level. Revlon ColorStay is the all-rounder, NYX Epic Ink and wet n wild Breakup Proof are standout liquids, e.l.f. and Wonderskin excel at staying power, and stila, Lancôme and Urban Decay deliver a luxury finish.
To complete your eye look, explore our picks for the best luxury eyeshadow palettes and the best luxury makeup primers.
