Best Eyeliners of 2022
The Very Best Eyeliners of All Time That Will Pass Your Incredibly High Standards
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When it comes to eyeliner, there are a handful of things you probably look for before committing. Is the color super pigmented? Is it specially made for long-lasting wear? Is the formula smudge proof? These are all things that are essential for creating a look you'll love and for that pencil or marker to earn a permanent spot in your cosmetics bag. When it comes to eyeliner, different types are best for different makeup looks.
Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner is perfect for those looking to achieve an intense, precise eyeliner look. It usually comes in the form of a marker or pen with a felt tip. It's great for achieving different eyeliner styles, such as bat-wing eyeliner or winged eyeliner, because of how thin and precise the tip is.
Gel Eyeliner
Gel eyeliner is a semisolid eyeliner that typically comes housed in a small jar with a screw-on cap. The eyeliner is usually applied with an angled eyeliner brush. Gel eyeliner is great if you're looking to apply your eyeliner look with just one swipe because the color goes on extremely pigmented.
Kohl Eyeliner
Kohl eyeliner is a black powder that is used to darken eyebrows, eyelashes, and eyelids. Modern kohl eyeliner comes in different forms, such as pencil. Kohl-eyeliner pencils are typically made with more oil, which makes applying the eyeliner easy and snag free. It's perfect for a smoky eye, or it would be great in the waterline because of the deep color.
Pencil Eyeliner
Pencil eyeliner is perfect for those who are looking for a soft eyeliner look. Pencil eyeliners come in the most versatile sizes and colors, with everything from a muted, soft brown to a vibrant blue or purple. Pencil eyeliner can also be smudged easily, which makes it ideal for creating a smoky-eyed look. Pencil eyeliner is also great for beginners who are still learning how to do different eyeliner looks. It can be removed easily without too much trouble, and it's forgiving when it comes to application.
POPSUGAR beauty editors have tried dozens of eyeliners throughout their careers and have loads of favorites in gel, liquid, and pencil varieties. While most of the ones on this list are dark, inky-black shades (like the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner), many of them (like the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil) come in a bevy of hues.
Ahead, you're sure to find an eyeliner that you'll fall in love with and might even become your long-term pick.
Best Matte Liquid Liner: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
The Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner ($19) features a nonclumpy formula that applies so smoothly and is super easy to build.
Best Kajal Eyeliner: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner
The South Asian-inspired Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner ($20) has a smooth texture and an aloe-vera-infused formula that helps the product glide onto the eyes with minimal tugging. Once applied, it gives you a dry finish that truly won't budge no matter the situation.
Best Mechanical Gel Eyeliner: Hourglass Mechanical Gel Eyeliner
The 1.5-mm Hourglass Mechanical Gel Eyeliner ($20) is so thin, you'll be able to get the most precise line you've ever achieved. It's available in five transfer-proof colors, so you'll want to pick it up in every shade.
Best For Winged Eyeliner: Benefit Roller Liner Matte Liquid Eyeliner
In one swipe, the Benefit Roller Liner Matte Liquid Eyeliner ($12-$22) will go on as an opaque, ultrablack line that won't fade throughout the day.
Best For Cat Eyeliner: Lâncome Artliner Precision Point Liquid Eyeliner
The long handle of the Lâncome Artliner Precision Point Liquid Eyeliner ($31) makes it easy to grip, allowing even winged-liner novices to perfect that cat eye.
Best Eyeliner Pencil: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Few liners are as black as the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($22) in Zero. These pencils don't budge, smudge, or fade and are available in seemingly endless shades.
Best Waterproof Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Cat-eye devotees have long favored the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($23) for its long-lasting formula and precise tip.
Best Liquid Eyeliner: DHC Liquid Eyeliner EX
The teeny-tiny tip of the DHC Liquid Eyeliner EX ($20) makes getting a sharp line a breeze. It is also water resistant and won't smear throughout the day.
Best Nyx Eyeliner: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
For the price of a fancy Starbucks drink, you can enjoy a quality eyeliner like the Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner ($8). The slender brush tip allows you to effortlessly draw on a wing in no time.
Best Drugstore Eyeliner: CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Liquid Liner
Even the most intense HIIT workout is no match for the waterproof CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Liquid Liner ($8). Although it feels lightweight, this formula is heavy duty.
Best Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner: Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner
You won't believe how dark and creamy the black shade of Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner ($4) goes on. It's ideal for the waterline when you're eager for a super-dark eye look.
Best Maybelline Eyeliner: Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Precisely defining your eyes is easy with the superfine Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Eyeliner Pencil ($6-$15). It's available in black, brown, and charcoal, so you can use it for all of your makeup moods.
Best Felt-Tip Eyeliner: Em Cosmetics Felt Tip Eyeliner
Once you try the smooth, beautiful formula of the Em Cosmetics Felt Tip Eyeliner ($22), you may never go back to your ex-liner again. The felt marker makes it easy to control your hand for the perfect line.
Best Gel Eyeliner: MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline Gel Eyeliner
Few makeup glides on smoother than a gel liner, and MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline Gel Eyeliner ($19) is truly the most pigmented. Simply dip your brush into the pot, and sweep across your lash line for a fast look.
Best Double-Sided Eyeliner: Tartiest Double Take Eyeliner
You'll have both an excellent liquid and pencil liner with you when you bring along the travel-size Tartiest Double Take Eyeliner ($16). Plus, both sides are waterproof.
Best Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil: Laura Geller INKcredible Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil
The Laura Geller INKcredible Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil ($22) slides onto your eyes as smoothly as butter and comes in vivid, no-fade shades like blue and teal.
