Whether you’re just branching out into winged liner or one viral TikTok away from becoming a celebrity MUA, the best eyeliners are key to nailing that look that keeps coming to you in your dreams (you know the one). The cream of the crop includes precise liquid liners, velvety gel eyeliners, and even pots of plush pigment paired with precision-driven brushes. Although each pick has its perks, they all share the goal of making your eye makeup come alive and staying put from your first swipe to bedtime cleanse without creasing, smudging, or transferring. To narrow down the best of the best, we chatted with editors, makeup artists, and even board-certified dermatologists about their favorite eyeliners, what makes them so good, and why you might be the next one to fall in love.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner, $20
• Best Waterproof: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $24
• Best Precision: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner, $42
• Best Black: Half Magic Magic Flik Eyeliner, $23
• Best Colorful: Valentino Colorgraph Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil, $38
• Best Gel: Jones Road Gel Liner, $32
• Best Liquid: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner, $32
• Best Splurge: Sisley Paris Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Liner, $73

Frequently Asked Questions

• How should I choose an eyeliner?
• How should I apply eyeliner?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner

Why it's worth it: The 2024 Best of Beauty-winning Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner draws inspiration from kajal—a buttery, richly pigmented eyeliner traditionally cooked up with natural ingredients in kitchens across South Asian households and worn for centuries to ward off the evil eye. Kulfi brings the practice into the present day with this smudge-proof color that glides skillfully onto lids and waterlines. You get a solid 20 seconds of easy-blending playtime before it sets firmly in place. Makeup artist Amrita Mehta is among its many fans, giving kudos to the vibrant shades ideal for tightlining or "smudging out into an all-over color or smoky eye look."

Tester feedback: "Just a few quick strokes are all I need to define my eyes with Kulfi's pigmented eyeliner (no wonder it's an Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning formula)," commerce writer Jennifer Hussein says. Hussein has a special trick to wick away smudge-causing moisture. "A quick tip: For a longer-lasting, budge-proof look, I wipe my waterline with a Q-tip, then swipe on this liner, and finally use a black eye shadow powder as a tinted setting powder of sorts. It never fails to keep smudging at bay."

Finish: shimmer, matte | Shades: 8 | Waterproof: yes

Best Waterproof: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Why it's worth it: Ask any Allure editor about eyeliners, and chances are they'll tell you a felt-tip liquid liner is an essential—namely Stila's Best of Beauty-winning Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. Depending on the pressure and how you angle your hand as you apply, this liner can oscillate with sharp wings and silky swaths seamlessly. You can count on this waterproof formula to never skip, bleed, or tug, and lend a matte finish that keeps you company from dawn to dusk. Grab this star in a classic, jet-black or warm brown for a more natural look.

Tester feedback: "I don't have the steadiest hand, but I've found the relatively firm brush of Stila's liquid liner to be especially forgiving," says Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai. "It never skips or drags on my lid as I'm drawing, and the color truly doesn't budge once it sets."

Key ingredients: liquid | Shades: 2 | Waterproof: yes

Best Precision: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner

Why it's worth it: Chanel is synonymous with luxury, and Chanel's Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner is synonymous with: "Oh my god, your eyeliner looks amazing." The water-resistant formula is latex-based for a firm grip, ensuring that deep, saturated pigment stays put and stays pretty. You can get super precise with your lines, thanks to a tapered tip that narrows to a thumbtack-level point. Of course, this liner comes in a classic, rich black, but we especially love the uniquely dark oxblood shade—Rouge Noir (a.k.a. "Red Black"). Wear it on a bare lid with a bit of mascara, or layer it with a smokey eye for a sultry nighttime vibe.

Tester feedback: "My days of thick, forgiving winged eyeliner are long behind me, so I'm all about precision and control with my eyeliner formulas these days," says commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann. "Chanel's Le Liner de Chanel has a fine tip applicator that's quite stiff compared to others I've tried, which I find to be ideal for keeping my lines tight and clean. The formula is definitely a liquid but not so loose that it's runny and stressful—I love dragging my fingertip along the outer wing to slightly soften the tip—and this eyeliner has just enough viscosity that I can safely manipulate the wing with my fingers without fear that I'm going to end up with inky fingerprints all over my face. You can do a lot with this eyeliner which really helps justify the price tag, IMO."

Finish: liquid | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: no, water-resistant

Best Black: Half Magic Magic Flik Eyeliner

Why it's worth it: In keeping with the hypnotic, spirited vibe of all Half Magic goodies (the brand is the brainchild of Euphoria head makeup artist Donni Davy, so duh), the Magic Flik Eyeliner breaks the mold with a unique, flexible paddle tip. It's flat, saturated with pigment, and encircled by a felt outer that you can rotate to create super-graphic, calligraphic sweeps of black. Or, if you press it flat against your lid, it becomes a geometric stamp for tiny, Twiggy-esque lines beneath your bottom lashes. The formula is in it for the long haul, reliably non-smeary and flake-free. Just give the pen a shake before use and store it cap-side-down so the pigment doesn't dry out.

Tester feedback: "I hesitate to call most anything an innovation, but Magic Flik is the true definition of one," says senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen. "Unlike any eyeliner I've ever seen, this liquid eyeliner pen has a flat applicator with a curved edge. It's basically a calligraphy pen, meaning you can make just about any type of line you want depending on how you hold it—quick wings are a breeze, but so are bold, graphic designs."

Finish: liquid | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: yes

Best Colorful: Valentino Colorgraph Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil

Why it’s worth it: Amid a sea of jet-black liners, we more than appreciate the occasional flare of eye-popping brightness. Valentino's Colorgraph Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil has range, offering vivid pinks and electric purples alongside the can't-go-wrong classic coal. But color is just the start—while you've probably tangoed with plenty of liners sporting built-in spongy smudgers, this dual-ender boasts a tiny, rounded bristle brush for blending with exacto-level precision. Whether doing waterline eyeliner, defining your upper lashes, or blending broad strokes into eyeshadow-esque coverage, this liner is ready to play.

Tester feedback: "The easiest way to jazz up my makeup is to go in with a bright gel liner and Valentino's Colorgraph in Pink PP stole my heart even before I even received the sample. It's pigmented and easy-gliding so I can do each eye in less than 15 seconds, but dries to a non-budge matte," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "You do have to sharpen relatively often, but that's just how it goes! If you want shimmer, I like Brown Fondant for a cute everyday brown—or sometimes I'll go extra bold with the also shimmery Purple Dose."

Finish: shimmer, matte | Shades: 6 | Waterproof: yes

Best Gel: Jones Road Gel Liner

Why it's worth it: We'll say it with our chests: The gel liner pot-and-brush combo is hugely underrated. Sure, dipping a petite paintbrush into a pot of pigment and wielding it steadily across your lid can seem intimidating, but we promise it's easier (and way more satisfying) than many of its peers. Take the Jones Road Gel Liner, for example. This creamy, richly pigmented, and water-resistant formula is a primo pick for your upper lid, creating crisp, transfer-proof lines wherever you sweep the angled brush. Turn the brush flat-side-down for thick, bold strokes, or use the slender tip for peak precision. Just make sure to screw the cap back on super tightly when you're done—otherwise, it'll dry out and become basically unusable.

Tester feedback: "If you're a gel liner newbie, this could be the one for you," says content director Kara McGrath. "The formula is so creamy that it makes it almost impossible to mess up, especially if you use the brand's ultra-thin brush to apply it. I like adding a thin line of the Brown shade to my upper lids on days when I want to add just a little bit more oomph to my everyday makeup look."

Finish: gel-to-matte | Shades: 4 | Waterproof: no, water-resistant

Best Liquid: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner

Why it's worth it: Another Best of Beauty winner (noticing a pattern yet?), Lisa Eldridge's Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner makes every flick of your wrist count. The flexible, tapered tip ensures fluid strokes without any skipping or snagging, and the ultra-black pigment offers immediate intensity, so you don't need to layer your line to achieve that inky payoff. Perfectly fashioned for cat eyes, graphic sketching, and subtle lash-line definition, this liner stays smudge-proof, budge-proof, and transfer-proof for up to 24 hours of elegant wear.

Tester feedback: "My signature cat eye is created using this inky, long-lasting black pen," says senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor. "It never skips, and its fine point makes it easy to effect a sharp wing."

Key ingredients: liquid | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: no

Best Splurge: Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Liner

Why it’s worth it: The Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Liner comes in a generous herd of finishes and hues, automatically retracts with easy clicks up or down, and even features a built-in sharpener. It delivers precisely the creaminess you need for smooth application and the firmness for precision that lasts. Only the matte pigments are waterline-friendly, but the others look gorgeous blended onto your top lid—an easy way to make your eyes pop. Thank skin-loving ingredients like rosehip oil, bisabolol, and vitamin E acetate for that dreamy glide.

Tester feedback: "This is an excellent liquid eyeliner, with a fine but firm felt tip that allows for precise application and control," says senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick. "It's virtually smudge-proof, which is excellent for a chronic eye-rubber like myself who needs an eyeliner that cements to my skin for the full day."

Finish: shimmer, matte | Shades: 16 | Waterproof: yes

More eyeliners we love:

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

Why it's worth it: L'Oréal Paris's Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner is the kind of product that makes CVS feel like Sephora. The hype reveals itself after just one swipe: ultra-smooth, waterproof, packed with color payoff, gentle on sensitive eyes, and lasts on your lid for up to 36 hours (though we sincerely hope you never actually have to test that claim). Snag this affordable yet impressive crayon in one of eight colors…or two of eight, or three of eight, and so on. The built-in smudger makes smokey eyes easy, too. And if you want to sharpen? Lay a tissue on a flat surface, softly spin it, and drag the pencil until the point becomes more precise.

Tester feedback: "The glide on this liner has the perfect balance: It doesn't drag and pull, but it's also not so slippery that you know the color is going to smush around all over your lid," says contributing editor Marci Robin.

Finish: cream | Shades: 8 | Waterproof: yes

Best Dual-Ended: Estée Lauder Smoke & Brighten Kajal Eyeliner Duo

Why it's worth it: For the "more is more" types, Estée Lauder's Best of Beauty-winning Smoke & Brighten Kajal Eyeliner Duo is your girl. Each pencil has a thoughtful pairing of two complementary hues—a grounding "Define" shade to anchor your look and an "Illuminate" shade to bring the chutzpah. Better yet, both sides are safe to use on your waterline, allowing for extra play. Of course, you can rock each shade solo, but we encourage you to embrace your inner artist. No matter how you draw, you're in for a velvet-smooth application and a stunning final product.

Tester feedback: "These liners create the best of both worlds: They can stay crisp and sharp or blend out to a beautiful, seamless smoky eye," says contributor Sam Escobar.

Finish: cream | Shades: 4 | Waterproof: yes

Best for Sensitive Eyes: Ilia Clean Line Gel Liner

Why it’s worth it: Ilia’s Clean Line Gel Liner is a stays-put, gel-to-matte formula that goes on smoothly and locks in to last as long as you need it…and then some. It starts out malleable, allowing for blending and (intentional) smudging to achieve your design, and then, like any good gel option, dries down to an immovable streak. This formula is also a welcome reprieve for people with sensitive eyes. “It swaps carbon black—a common irritant—for charcoal powder, making it a gentler option for sensitive eyes,” says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Michigan. “Even though it’s water-resistant, it’s neither drying nor difficult to remove,” adds Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. Use a heavy hand for more opacity, and trace lightly for a blurry finish.

Finish: matte | Shades: 2 | Waterproof: no, water-resistant

Best for Tightlining: Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner

Why it’s worth it: Nothing beats a neat band of black along your lash line, and Laura Mercier’s Caviar Tightline Eyeliner agrees. The gel formula glides fluidly on the inner edges of your lids (top and bottom) for 16 hours of creaseproof, waterproof long-wear that pairs dreamily with the brand’s Caviar Stick Eyeshadow. Before it sets, you’ll get a little bit of time to diffuse the liner with a flat brush tip if you like, and then get to enjoy hours and hours of wear. The secret behind its silky, tug-free application? A boost from ingredients straight out of your skin-care routine: “Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, it nourishes and smooths the delicate eye area as you line,” explains Dr. Fahs.

Finish: matte, shimmer | Shades: 4 | Waterproof: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I choose an eyeliner?

Choosing the right eyeliner is all about knowing your preferences and considering what role you want it to play in your makeup routine. "I love gel eyeliners because they give you a level of both control and precision that you don't get from liquid liners or traditional pencils," says makeup artist Kasey Spickard. Meanwhile, London-based makeup artist Vincent Ford leans toward waterproof formulas, praising their precision and smudgeless staying power throughout the day. As for liquid liners, Florida-based makeup artist Allison Kaye is partial to inky, felt-tip liners, which she says are "great for delivering consistently opaque pigment with every stroke."

As you weigh your options, look closely at each product's claims. If you live in a humid climate, make sure it says "waterproof" or "water-resistant" on the package. And if your eyes tend to get irritated easily, opt for ophthalmologist-tested formulas. And so on. Finding your go-to liner might involve a little trial and error, but honestly, we think that's half the fun.

How should I apply eyeliner?

At the end of the day, you should apply your eyeliner however you want to, but if you're after a bit more of a professional approach, there are some guidelines to keep in mind. If you're using an eyeliner pencil, Houston-based makeup artist Rose Siard says: "As soon as you draw your line, start smudging. I work one eye at a time, so I have more blending time." If you're using liquid eyeliner, it's a whole other beautiful beast. We have an entire course on cat-eyes, but if you're after specifics based on your eye shape, here's the handy guide from our waterproof eyeliner roundup, according to Lavonne Wood, a bi-coastal makeup artist:

Round eyes

If your irises are completely visible when your eyes are open and resting naturally, then you likely have round eyes. "Start from the outside, drawing at a downward angle toward the eye's outer corner," she advises for this eye shape. “Apply the liner inwards, stopping at the center of your lid where your pupil is when you're looking straight ahead.”

Monolids

Monolids are characterized by minimal eye creases or the lack of an eye crease. Creating the thinnest line possible is best for this shape, Lavonne says. “Place the tip of the eyeliner on the lash line at the pupil and draw to the outer corner. Then, start from the inner corner and draw it to meet the middle point.”

Almond eyes

If your eyes are more ovular than circular and have sharp outer and inner corners, you've got almond-shaped eyes. Lavonne recommends that you take advantage of your extra lid space. “Draw your eyeliner from the inner corner all the way across the lash line, then flick it out, stopping at the point where your crease starts.”

Hooded eyes

Do your creases seem to disappear when you open your eyes? That means you've got hooded eyes. "To make sure the liner doesn't disappear under your lid, create the outer wing flick where your eyelid hood starts," Lavonne advises. "Work your way inward, applying your liner in thin strokes."

Meet the experts

• Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Michigan
• Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
• Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist
• Vincent Ford, a makeup artist based in London
• Allison Kaye, a makeup artist based in Florida
• Rose Siard, a makeup artist based in Houston
• Lavonne Wood, a bi-coastal makeup artist

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide, inclusive shade range with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best eyeliners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness, a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine, or you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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