Let’s face it—creating a flawless eye makeup look using eyeliner seems like second nature for some and near myth for others. But when you see someone apply razor-sharp liner in seconds without hesitation, it’s easy to forget that eyeliner is a skill developed over time. There’s a lot to think about while you’re doing your eyeliner and if you’re like me, you may have questions about how to get winged liner sharp enough or prevent a smoky eye from resembling a black eye.
When I first began to wear the product regularly as a teen, my shaky hands alone were enough to convince me I wouldn’t ever be able to pull off the perfect liner look. Years later, I can say with complete confidence that I’ve gotten the cat-eye liner look down (in addition to cracking the code to streak-free waterlined eyes). With the help of celebrity makeup artists Andrew Dahling and Sloane Casper along with beauty expert Becca Raziuddin, I’ve compiled a list of the best eyeliner pencils, pens, and pots for anyone looking to level up their makeup game.
What Does a Beginner-Friendly Eyeliner Look Like?
Perhaps one of the most important things to know about eyeliner before you start shopping for your perfect match is that it can come in many forms. For some people, a liquid pen or cream pencil liner may help them achieve their unique makeup goals more than a gel-based pot eyeliner or one with a highly pigmented kajal formula. Beginners should consider opting for an eyeliner that is easy to use (made with an ergonomic design) and has a fuss-free cleanup.
According to Casper, gel pencils and pots are the secret to learning how to tightline the eyes (which Casper believes is the first step a beginner should take when learning to do their eyeliner). “These products stand out to me for beginners because they aren’t as runny as liquid, and they provide some time to clean up or perfect eyeliner before it sets and becomes smudge-proof,” says Casper. “Once you learn your best liner angles and techniques, you can upgrade to a liquid and start playing with looks that challenge you.”
How to Pull Off Flawless Application
Now that you know what to shop for in a beginner-friendly eyeliner, there are a few tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your product. Before doing any other makeup, Casper suggests starting with your eyeliner and perfecting it. “This way, you avoid eye shadow fallout or feeling bad about messing up your perfect eye shadow just because your eyeliner wasn’t straight,” she explains. Try using a waterproof gel pencil that can glide across the skin, smudging away any mistakes, and following with a liquid liner. “Practice makes perfect. Learn your eyelids and how to flatter or accentuate your shape. Use short strokes with a pencil liner first. Then smudge them to create a line,” Casper encourages.
Raziuddin agrees that gel liners are the way to go for a breezy application, adding that it’s also smart to avoid using an eyeliner that dries too quickly to correct any errors. “When it comes to learning how to apply eyeliner, you want to choose an eye liner that goes on smoothly and gives you time to correct any mistakes,” says Raziuddin. To start an eyeliner look, she recommends keeping your eye slightly open to avoid adding too much liner to the lid, starting from the inner portion of the lash line and working your way out to the corner—and having a Q-tip and makeup remover near by for mistakes.
The Best Eyeliners for Beginners, Listed
1. Pencil Eyeliners
Make Up For Ever
Artist Color Pencil Longwear Eyeliner
For beginners, the first eyeliner Dahling recommends is this ultra-creamy eye pencil by Make Up For Ever. It’s high pigment and easy-to-blend formula combined with a sharpen-able precision tip offers a smooth application ideal for creating anything from eye-catching graphic lines to a sensual, smoky wing.
Customer Review: “This pencil is amazing. It’s super blendable and can be worn on eyes, brows and lips. Definitely will last you for a while because it’s very pigmented and all you need to use is a small amount. Love it!”
Pros: Can be sharpened for clean, precise lines every time
Cons: None
Pat McGrath Labs
PermaGel Eyeliner Pencil
Another recommendation from Dahling, the Pat McGrath’s Labs PermaGel Eyeliner Pencil is a must for anyone struggling to get high pigment results without sacrificing definition. Its formula is soft and silicone-enriched, meaning there won’t be any snagging or skipping during application. The liner also comes in an array of editorial-inspired shades perfect for all fashion and beauty lovers looking to create runway-worthy eye looks.
Customer Review: “Legitimately the best pencil liner I’ve ever used. Extremely creamy, waterproof and long lasting. Nothing stays so well in my waterline. The sharpener included is amazing as well!”
Pros: Glides onto the skin with ample time for manipulation of product
Cons: Not ideal for use on the waterline, as it is not waterproof
bareMinerals
Mineralist Lasting Eyeliner
If your biggest qualm with most eyeliners is that they don’t last, Raziuddin suggests giving this BareMinerals option a try. In addition to being waterproof and long-lasting, the Mineralist Lasting Eyeliner delivers long-lasting color that doesn’t smudge or flake no matter how long you wear it. Its unique formula is crafted from a blend of avocado oil and aloe vera, which nourishes the skin while staying creamy for blending.
Customer Review: “The best eyeliner I’ve ever bought for my waterline! Goes on smoothly. It has buildable opaqueness, something I never knew I’d appreciate. Bleed resistant in my fine lines. Doesn’t gunk up in the corners of my eyes. Best of all, doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes like a lot of gel eyeliners do!”
Pros: Waterproof and transfer-proof formula has up to 12 hours of wear
Cons: You may notice slight smudging when worn in humidity
Shiseido
MicroLiner Ink Fine Eyeliner
An eyeliner with an extremely fine tip can be the best option for a makeup newcomer who wants to achieve a natural-looking wing with a flick of the wrist. Shiseido’s MicroLiner Ink Fine Eyeliner is infused with high-impact pigments for saturated, matte color that’s smudge- and flake-proof. This retractable pencil also uses thermo-sensory technology, which transforms the formula from solid to liquid when it touches the skin.
Customer Review: “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for in a non-liquid eyeliner. 1) doesn’t smudge 2) does not require sharpening 3) super thin 4) easy to remove. I have very oily eyelids and paired with an eyeshadow primer, I had zero issues with smudging. It’s perfect!”
Pros: Has an ink-like texture that doesn’t smudge or streak
Cons: The thin tip is extremely fragile—use with care
2. Liquid Eyeliners
KVD Beauty
Tattoo Liner Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
If you ask any beauty editor, there’s a good chance they were hooked on this waterproof liquid eyeliner at one point or another. (I still use it on the regular.) The Tattoo Liner is legendary in the beauty community for a reason: It has major color payoff and is extremely long-wearing. Recently, the liner has undergone a clinical reformulation for even, high-intensity pigment and smooth application.
Customer Review: “I’ve used tons of different liners over the years, and I always end up going back to this one! The brush, formula and pigmentation is something that no other brand can beat. An absolute holy grail! 100% worth the price.”
Pros: Features an aluminum pen designed to resist dry-out
Cons: Eyeliner doesn’t stay put for long on oily eyelids
Make Up For Ever
Aqua Resist Color Ink 24HR Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
I’ve previously touted this eyeliner as having one of the best white pigments in its lineup, but the formula itself is worth praising for its long-lasting, waterproof qualities and high-intensity hues. Its ultra-precise tip also makes for mistake-proof application (i.e., you won’t have to keep a makeup wipe or micellar water on hand for frantic fixes). My favorite shade this eyeliner comes in is Striking Chameleon: a duo-chrome color with blue and violet hues.
Customer Review: “If you’re anything like me and absolutely suck at eyeliner looks, this product is for you. It is super easy to use because of how fine the tip is and is also super pigmented so you don’t have to go over and over it again.”
Pros: Has an ultra-precise tip perfect for bold and artistic designs
Cons: Some flakiness and fallout within a couple hours of wear
Stila
Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner
Raziuddin and Casper both love this long-lasting Stila eyeliner. The aptly named Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner stays in place without smudging, flaking, feathering, or running and has a thin, marker-like tip that’s easy to use. It’s also one of the few eyeliners I’ve been hooked on over the years since I’ve never experience any tugging or skipping of the skin during application.
Customer Review: “After using this eyeliner for a few weeks, I don’t think I’ll go back to another brand. The applicator is very easy to use and the eyeliner goes on smoothly. It dries quickly and really is waterproof. It doesn’t smudge at all until I use makeup remover at night.”
Pros: Ideal for all skin types and textures
Cons: The eyeliner dries very quickly (make sure you work fast)
Ilia
Clean Line Liquid Liner
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to fine clean eyeliner formulas that perform as well as you need them to. Ilia’s Clean Line Liquid Liner, however, does an amazing job of creating a flawless liner look using clean, carbon-free ingredients. It also features a fine felt tip that can easily be controlled to create the eyeliner of your dreams with a quick-dry formula.
Customer Review: “I like the soft, felt tip applicator on this liner. It’s easy to create a thin line on my top lash line and then gently sweep it out for a winged liner effect. It doesn’t smudge, but it was easy to remove with eye makeup remover when I messed up the line and needed to try again! Plus, it’s carbon black-free.”
Pros: Can be used for everything from barely there liner looks to bold designs
Cons: While the liner goes on bold, it fades significantly throughout the day
SheGlam
Pro Precision Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
If you haven’t tried this waterproof liquid eyeliner, you’re missing out on one of the biggest cheat codes for mess-free eye makeup. SheGlam is know for its affordable price points for high-quality products, and its Pro Precision eyeliner continues that legacy with waterproof, pigment-rich formula and an extremely fine felt tip. It’s also easy to control, meaning there will be a lot less opportunities for you to make a mistake with your liner look.
Customer Review: “I love the precision of this liner!!! So easy to make a cat eye or swirl or lighting, whatever!! It lasts so long too! I don’t even need primer! The tip is so perfect, like felt not a brush. Flawless!”
Pros: Formula lasts all day without needing reapplication
Cons: None
3. Kajal Eyeliners
Iconic London
Smokey Eye Duo Kajal Eyeliner + Eyeshadow
Not feeling confident in your eyeliner or eye shadow skills? Consider adding this dual-ended long-wear cream eye shadow and eyeliner crayon to your makeup lineup. Both sides of this multipurpose tool feature creamy and blendable formulas infused with a high crystalline wax blend for easy buffing, translucid film forming polyme to set the product in place, and intense pigments for long-lasting color payoff.
Customer Review: “Perfect for creating an easy, smokey eye. The eyeliner end gives you razor-sharp precision. I think that the entire line gives you good value for money. The eyeshadow end can be used on the waterline quite comfortably. needs to be set with powder.”
Pros: Can be easily buffed and blended before it sets into place
Cons: Doesn’t blend as flawlessly with powder shadows
Milani
Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil
Whether your goal is to create a precise, tapered wing or a smudged-out smoky eye, this kohl kajal eyeliner pencil will be your best friend. Not only does it blend seamlessly onto the skin, but its formula is designed to stay put with a waterproof formula that won’t budge until you decide to remove it. It’s also self-sharpening, which means you won’t ever have to bother with a sharpener.
Customer Review: “This is my go-to waterline eyeliner! It last all day and doesn’t smudge. I love how pigmented the black color is and how it’s a twist up pencil. Really great formula for the price!”
Pros: No sharpening needed—simply twist for more product
Cons: Not ideal for tightlining, as the eyeliner does transfer
Kulfi
Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner
I was introduce to this eyeliner just over a year ago, and I’m still spreading the news about how quick and easy the Underlined Kajal Clean eyeliner is to use. I love all of Kulif’s products, but this one has been a particular favorite of mine because it delivers bold color and is completely drag-proof. Plus, it’s formulated with aloe vera extract and vitamin E to keep the skin moisturized and ensure it glides effortlessly over the skin.
Customer Review: “I always struggle with my eyeliners running down my under eyes after a long day and even waterproof ones haven’t worked. This product STAYS ON! It glides on smoothly and the pigment is chef’s kiss! So worth the price.”
Pros: Offered in six shades with matte and shimmer finishes
Cons: Has minimal smudging that can be easily corrected
Byredo
Kali Kali Kajal Pencil
Did you know Byredo came out with a line of makeup that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is high-performing? The Kali Kali Kajal Pencil, for example, offers a creamy, easy-glide application with high color payoff. It can also be applied to the waterline and lash line or smudged across the lid for a stunning smoky look. I also love that its formulated to be resistant to sweat and humidity, perfect for those of us who are always on the go no matter the weather.
Customer Review: “This will be my go-to eyeliner from now on, Byredo does not disappoint! I find the crayon super easy to use and the pigment is fantastic and really rich. The sharpener is great also. I love the quality of the color and find it really flattering… so great to have something other than black or the standard choices.”
Pros: Can be applied to both the waterline and lash line without irritation
Cons: Offered at a high price point
4. Cream and Gel Eyeliner Pots
Dahling swears by this highly pigmented eyeliner by Ingot for long-lasting eye makeup. Its unique formula is water-resistant, smudge-proof, and quick-drying. The AMC Gel Eyeliner’s creamy texture is easy to use for makeup experts and novices alike, making this one an easy pick for beginners to the art of eye makeup. It also comes in several eye-catching shades ranging from classic ink black to aqua blue.
Customer Review: “I have a very watery waterline yet this eyeliner stayed put all day long. A little bit goes a long way! This is my go-to eyeliner now! I apply it using a thin, angled liner brush with a firm, tapered point. I usually remove it with a Q-tip and micellar water.”
Pros: Offers the perfect matte finish with no smudging or flaking
Cons: None
Chanel
Calligraphie de Chanel
While the price point of this eyeliner is definitely higher than most, you can count on Chanel to provide some of the best, easy-to-use makeup products for beginners. The Calligraphie de Chanel is a long-wearing, cream eyeliner that offers intense color payoff using a high concentration of pigments. It’s also formulated with oils, which allow for a creamy texture that glides onto the skin without skipping or snagging.
Customer Review: “Easy to use! Long lasting and goes on close to the lash line and does not smear. I would prefer a thinner brush so that the line is not so thick. I use the the regular Chanel liner brush to smooth out the edges, but would prefer to have to use only one brush. I do like that once the gel is set, the product stays in place and lasts all day.”
Pros: Delivers a a striking, vinyl finish in seconds
Cons: Offered at a luxury price point
KVD Beauty
Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner, Shadow & Brow Pigment
Right now, I’m definitely more of a fan of neutral eye makeup looks, but if I wanted to add color for a special occasion, this eggplant purple eyeliner pomade would be the way to go. Also offered in black, browns, and more unexpected snow white and apple red, this three-in-one product can be used as an eyeliner, eye shadow, and brow pomade to make doing your makeup that much easier.
Customer Review: “Personally, I LOVE this as an eyeliner! First pomade purchased for the use of an eyeliner actually. Super long lasting. It passes the cry test, 100%. It stands the test of time for sure. Will be purchasing again.”
Pros: Formula is vegan and cruelty-free
Cons: Has a tendency to dry out in between wears
Bobbi Brown
Long-Wear Smudge-Proof Gel Eyeliner
Last, try using this best-selling Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner that’s easy to use and offers major fade-proof definition. It’s gel formula makes this product glide easily across the skin (no skipping or snagging here) with precise application and a matte finish for up to eight hours of wear. In other words, its a must-have for any eyeliner look you want to achieve.
Customer Review: “My favorite eyeliner, ever. It’s easy to apply with a brush, goes on like butter, and stays in place. I keep trying other eyeliner, but I’m not sure why, because I always come back to this one. It’s perfect for building, or keeping it simple.”
Pros: Goes on smooth and stays put for all-day wear without reapplication
Cons: None
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
