What’s the best eyeliner: liquid, pencil or gel?

When it comes to the best formulas, it’s important to consider what look you’re going for, along with the formula that is easiest for you to use. “For the most part, pencils are the most universal and require the least amount of skill. There are even products like ILIA's Clean Line Gel Eyeliner that combine a gel and pencil to give you a super smooth glide and staying power of a gel with the ease of a pencil,” says Michalska.

Is it safe to use eyeliner on the lash or waterline?

While it’s safe, Michalska says that it might not be the most comfortable for every single person. “Oftentimes, I see people choosing waterproof formulations to use in their waterline, which can be uncomfortable over time,” she says. This is largely because these formulas not only repel water, they can break down the presence of oils from your lids. And while you may think that this means you should opt for a waterproof option for your waterline, Michalska says that these formulas aren’t intended to be used in spaces that are constantly wet, and this can cause them to eventually break down, resulting in a messy look. She explains that while it may be counterintuitive, it’s actually better to opt for non-waterproof formulas for your waterline.

The 13 Best Eyeliner Pencils of 2023

Eyeliner can be hard to perfect, and once you’ve found your look, it can be even harder to break out of your new norm. That said, there are so many formulas out there that are created with ease of use in mind and that help you create a variety of looks. Once you’ve figured out how to use them, they may just snag a permanent spot in your routine.

Byrdie spoke with Sam Michalska, makeup artist and Executive Director of Global Education at ILIA, on how to determine the best eyeliners for different looks. Maybe most importantly, she explained that for all formulas, you should make sure to powder your undereye over your concealer, as well as your lid, before you apply the liner in order to keep it from running.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Options from Pat McGrath and Maybelline New York took home our top spots—including best overall and best drugstore. They are pencil and gel formulas that can be used to create a variety of looks that range from ultra-pigmented to lighter daytime options.

“Try dusting a bit of ILIA's Soft Focus Finishing powder on your eyelids before applying your eyeliner,” says Michalska. “Be sure to powder your concealer, as this will prevent the creaminess of your concealer from grabbing your eyeliner and mascara, stopping them from transferring under your eyes. Finally, if you struggle with smudging, keep eyeliner out of your waterline.”

To check out some of our favorite eyeliners—including gels, pencils, and liquids—keep scrolling.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Maybelline New York Master Precise Skinny Gel Eyeliner

Jump to Review

Best Shade Range:

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Blending:

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Eye Pencil at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Luxury:

Chantecaille Eye Liner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Longwear:

Sephora Collection Pencil Eyeliner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Waterline:

NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick

Jump to Review

Best Gel:

ILIA Clean Line Gel Eyeliner at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

Shiseido Kajal InkArtist Shadow, Liner, Brow at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.1

Pat McGrath

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Patmcgrath.com

What We Like

Ultra pigmented
Matte and shimmer varieties available
Applies smoothly

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers noted that it doesn't stay in place all day

Pat McGrath’s Labs Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil is made using silicone, so it moves across the eyelid like a dream. It works well if you want a crisp line, but if a smokey eye is more your thing, you can soften and smudge before it sets. It’s really pigmented, too, so you don’t have to continuously trace over it.

Price at time of publish: $29

4.1

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Very fine tip
Easily creates several looks
Long-wearing

What We Don't Like

Very little product

The 1.8-mm microtip on this pencil can be used to draw a cat eye and even allows you to get super close to the lash line—a tough feat—and it stays exactly where you applied it. The pencil automatically twists up, so you never have to worry about having a sharpener on hand, and it lasts for a whopping 24 hours of wear. The soft gel feel makes it easy to use, as well.

Price at time of publish: $9

4.6

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Marcjacobsbeauty.com

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Review

What We Like

Intense color payoff
Works well on the waterline
Several shades available

What We Don't Like

Needs to be warmed up before applying

If you want shade options, the Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner can deliver. Ranging from shimmer to matte to satin to glitter finishes, there’s something for everyone. But it doesn’t end there. The pencil itself is really creamy and pigmented, so works well to create a strong, dramatic line. And once it sets, it will not move.

Price at time of publish: $44

What Our Testers Say

"The liner didn’t smudge or run on me when I wore it on the top lash line—I found that it really held up through some long days." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester

4.4

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Huge shade range
Lots of different finishes
Blends initially but stays put

What We Don't Like

Can be hard to remove for everyday use since it’s waterproof

Not only can you choose between 33 different colors, but you can also choose between matte, metallic, satin, shimmer, and glitter finishes. This eyeliner can be easily blended on the lid to create a smokey eye—and it adds a dash of moisture thanks to vitamin E and jojoba oil.

Price at time of publish: $23

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Nyxcosmetics.com

What We Like

Inexpensive
Wide shade range
Creamy formula

What We Don't Like

Can smudge over time

This liner is so good that it’s hard to believe it’s only $5. It’s really creamy, so it glides on seamlessly, and the fine tip makes it easy to map out a subtle line. It also comes in a wide range of colors (think gold, mint green, lavender, and bronze), so you can match your makeup to your mood, and at that price, who wouldn’t want to?

Price at time of publish: $5 for Charcoal

Chantecaille

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Chantecaille.com

What We Like

Multidimensional shades
Pigmented
Long-wearing

What We Don't Like

Shades are very shimmery

The name says it all, really. This super-luxe French pick from Chantecaille is infused with silk powder, so it has an almost liquid-like effect in the form of a pencil. It smudges slightly but works best to deliver a soft, clean definition around the eye area. It’s super rich in pigment, too.

Price at time of publish: $33

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Applies smoothly
Doesn't budge or smudge
Good value
Matte, shimmer, and glitter varieties available

What We Don't Like

Not all shades available in all finishes

If you want a pencil that won’t budge, you’ve got to try this impressive option from Sephora. It’s a waxy pencil, so will apply to the skin smoothly but lock in place, resulting in a line that lasts through sweat, humidity, oily lids, and tears. It’s super opaque and comes in a wide range of colors as well.

Price at time of publish: $11

Type: Pencil | Shades: 21 | Free of: Parabens, talc, oil | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Wear Liner Stick

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nyxcosmetics.com

What We Like

Great color range
Budget-friendly
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers don't love the shimmering effect

The waterline is a tricky spot to wear eyeliner because the moisture from the eye can cause it to smudge and rub off, but this NYX option defies the odds. It’s a really rich, creamy crayon that, once set, won’t budge. Once applied, hold your eyelid open for a moment to give it a chance to dry down.

Price at time of publish: $8

Type: Gel pencil | Shades: 34 | Free of: | Byrdie Clean: | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty View On Iliabeauty.com

What We Like

Clean formula
Staying power
Great applicator

What We Don't Like

Smaller amount than other options

This is one of those rare formulas that glides on incredibly easily and actually stays put. That said, it gives you ample time to blend or smudge after application. The gel formula is in a roll-up tube that makes it easy to use and keeps it sharp for precision. Finally, the formula is completely vegan, so you don’t have to worry about any of the ingredients hurting sensitive eyes.

Price at time of publish: $26

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Shiseido.com

What We Like

Can be used for waterline, shadow, brows and liner
Waterproof
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

Waterproof options can be harder to remove

Not only can you use this formula to create amazing precision looks, but it can also be easily blended and used for eyeshadow or even eyebrows. This makes it one of the easier options to use. Plus, it’s waterproof, so it will stay put to help you avoid unwanted smudges.

Price at time of publish: $25

Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Proâ¢ Eyeliner Pencil

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Precision brush included
Rich pigment
Vegan and cruelty-free

What We Don't Like

Pigment can be harder to work with

This formula features a matte finish and a major pigment payoff. It’s gel-based and truly delivers rich color in only one swipe. While one end rolls up the liner, the other end contains a precision brush that would make creating a cat eye or detailed look much easier. The brush could also be used for blending or spreading the liner as a shadow for a smokey look.

Price at time of publish: $22

Charlotte Tilbury Matte & Metallic Double Ended Eyeliner - Eye Color Magic Collection

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Charlottetilbury.com View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Double-ended color options
Long-lasting
Easy to use

What We Don't Like

Hard to sharpen

This is a great option for creating a smokey eye because it offers two different colors all within one pencil. One half of the pencil is a matte black color that would be great for creating the initial outline, and the other half is a champagne color that can be used along the water line or inner corner of the eye. Both colors contain emollient oils and natural waxes that make them glide on and blend with ease.

Price at time of publish: $32

Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Waterproof Micropencil Eyeliner

Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Unique colors
Metallic finishes
Waterproof

What We Don't Like

No blacks or browns

Not only is this color unique, but it also looks darker in low-light spaces and lighter in sunny areas. It has a metallic finish and bronze undertones that would flatter any eye color. The roll-up pencil allows you to create detailed looks, and the formula is completely waterproof to eliminate smudging.

Price at time of publish: $22

Final Verdict

Our top pick is Pat McGrath's PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil because of its ultra-pigmented formula and stand-out hues. If you're on the hunt for a budget option, Maybelline New York's Master Precise Skinny Gel Eyeliner Pencil is your best bet. Both are great options that can be used to create a variety of looks that range from ultra-pigmented to lighter daytime looks.

Meet the Expert

Sam Michalska is a makeup artist & the Executive Director of Global Education at ILIA.

What To Look For When Buying An Eyeliner Pencil

Texture

Different eyeliner textures include gel, cream, kohl, liquid, and pencil. Most of these textures can be used to create similar looks, so it’s more about preference. With gel, cream, kohl, and pencil options, while you can get heavily pigmented formulas, these are typically better suited for those that want to blend or smudge their liner to achieve a smokier look or to create depth. Liquid liners are great for more tailored looks, like a cat eye.

Waterproof

According to Michalska, waterproof formulas are definitely the most long-lasting, however, they can look rough once they finally do break down. They might be best to use in liquid form if you’re creating a cat eye look, as this will live on the top (read: driest) part of your lid so the formula won’t break down.

Glide

While pencils that go on super smoothly can be easy to use in terms of blending, the fact that they glide on so quickly can actually make them difficult to use for newbies. To see what you think of the pencil’s glide, test it on your hand in the store.

FAQ

What’s the best eyeliner: liquid, pencil or gel?

When it comes to the best formulas, it’s important to consider what look you’re going for, along with the formula that is easiest for you to use. “For the most part, pencils are the most universal and require the least amount of skill. There are even products like ILIA's Clean Line Gel Eyeliner that combine a gel and pencil to give you a super smooth glide and staying power of a gel with the ease of a pencil,” says Michalska.
Is it safe to use eyeliner on the lash or waterline?

While it’s safe, Michalska says that it might not be the most comfortable for every single person. “Oftentimes, I see people choosing waterproof formulations to use in their waterline, which can be uncomfortable over time,” she says. This is largely because these formulas not only repel water, they can break down the presence of oils from your lids. And while you may think that this means you should opt for a waterproof option for your waterline, Michalska says that these formulas aren’t intended to be used in spaces that are constantly wet, and this can cause them to eventually break down, resulting in a messy look. She explains that while it may be counterintuitive, it’s actually better to opt for non-waterproof formulas for your waterline.

Why Trust Byrdie?

The first makeup product Emily Algar picked up as a teen (aside from foundations that were about six shades too dark) was an eyeliner pencil! And it’s been a love affair ever since. She is not a professional when it comes to makeup application, so she loves a quality product that’s going to help her achieve the perfect smoky/defined/winged eye easily.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough eyeliner pencils from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

10 of the Best Eye Pencil Sharpeners for the Perfect Point

Best Overall

Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil

Best Drugstore

Maybelline New York Master Precise Skinny Gel Eyeliner

Best Shade Range

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon

Best for Blending

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Best Budget

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Eye Pencil

Best Luxury

Chantecaille Luster Glide Silk Infused Eye Liner

Best Longwear

Sephora Collection 12 Hour Contour Pencil Eyeliner

Best for Waterline

NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick

Best Gel

ILIA Clean Line Gel Eyeliner

Best for Beginners

Shiseido Kajal InkArtist Shadow, Liner, Brow

Best Black

Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil

Best for Smokey Eyes

Charlotte Tilbury Matte & Metallic Double Ended Eyeliner - Eye Color Magic Collection

Best Waterproof

Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Waterproof Micropencil Eyeliner

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