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If eyes are the window to the soul then the best eyeliners are the key to unlocking them. From a Parisian smoky eye to an ultra-precise Selena Gomez–style flick, the best eyeliners can achieve a range of results and they come in a fittingly wide range of formulas, finishes, and shades. You can trace thin lines for a subtle eye look, experiment with tightlining for undetectable dimension, or commit to a sharp wing worthy of a close-up.
Vogue’s Favorite Eyeliners
Featured in this article
Me and eyeliner go way back—a well-crafted Brigitte Bardot–esque bold wing was a defining feature of my angsty teen makeup look. Over the years, my style has since softened, requiring a more understated flick rather than bold etchings. It’s the kind of product that evolves with you: once an emblem of rebellion, now a quiet act of refinement. Throughout my journey, I have personally tested most of the popular eyeliners on the market in their many forms.
From classic kohls to ultrafine gels, there are plenty of eyeliners to choose from. To determine the best, I reviewed the contents of my makeup bag, consulted several Vogue staffers, and even turned to celebrity makeup artists who understand that every stroke tells a story. Herewith, find an edit of the eyeliners industry pros and our editors love the most, plus expert tips on how to choose and apply the best eyeliner for you. It’s all looking up from here.
In This Story
- What to Look For in an Eyeliner
- How to Apply Eyeliner
- How to Remove Eyeliner
- How We Tested
- Meet the Experts
Best Overall: Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner
- Why We Love It: Chanel’s waterproof liner is an everyday staple that earns its place in any makeup bag, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. The thin, retractable tip makes precise application effortless, and even if your hand wavers, the smudge-resistant formula ensures your eye look remains refined. Available in 16 shades and multiple finishes, this long-wear liner is as versatile as it is elegant. It comes highly recommended by makeup artist Raquel Álvarez, who previously shared the matte brown tones as her go-to for mature skin, noting they “translate into a fresher, more natural beauty look.” Best of all, it’s waterproof—so you won’t need to bat an eyelash over smearing or fading. Whether you’re dealing with hooded eyes, humid days, or an emotional evening, this liner stays exactly where you placed it.
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, synthetic wax, trimethylsiloxysilicate
- Shades: 17
- Waterproof: Yes
- Type: Kohl
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Long-wearing, waterproof formula | Some find the soft tip formula breaks easily upon application |
| Ophthalmologist-tested and safe for contact wearers |
Best Drugstore: Maybelline Tattoo Studio Automatic Gel Pencil
- Why We Love It: If you’re in the market for a high-performance eyeliner at a budget-friendly price, it’s hard to beat Maybelline’s Tattoo Studio pencil. This drugstore staple offers a supersmooth glide thanks to its gel-infused formula, making application effortless whether you’re drawing thin, precise lines or a more smoky, smudged effect. Beyond its ease of use, the pencil boasts up to 36 hours of wear, meaning your eye look stays flawless from morning meetings to late-night plans without fading. It’s the kind of reliable, wallet-friendly eyeliner that proves you don’t have to compromise on quality to achieve your eye look.
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, microcrystalline wax
- Shades: 16
- Waterproof: Yes
- Type: Gel
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Long-wearing drugstore gel pencil | Some users find this can smudge throughout the day |
| Affordable price point |
Best Liquid: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
- Why We Love It: Few eyeliners have achieved icon status quite like Stila’s All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. Garnering over 23,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this jet-black pen has been a cult-favorite since its 2009 debut, and for good reason. Designed to stay perfectly in place (all day, as the name promises), it resists smudging, feathering, and running through just about anything—it’s the kind of liner that’s breakup-proof, smudge-proof, and humidity-proof. Equally versatile, its precision tip makes it easy to create everything from pencil-thin wings to bold, statement-making eye looks, all with the control and pigment of a true classic.
- Key Ingredients: Water, ammonium styrene/acrylates copolymer, butylene glycol
- Shades: 11
- Waterproof: Yes
- Type: Liquid
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Flake-free, long-wearing formula | Can something be too waterproof? Some find this pick difficult to remove. |
| Ensures precision application |
Best for Everyday: Charlotte Tilbury Rock ’N Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
- Why We Love It: Berry hues are classic on the lips and cheeks, but they also have a place along the lash line. Charlotte’s kohl pencil—which blends like a dream—has incredibly color payoff no matter which shade you go for. The smoky berry-brown legendarily works with every skin tone and plays up the eyes. “Purples, pinks, burgundies, and cranberries bring out the green tones in hazel eyes,” celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson has told Vogue. For everyday wear, try the pencil in Eye Cheat—the universal nude hue makes the eyes appear bigger, brighter, and (illusorily) makeup-free when applied to the waterline. Otherwise, you can go for a Barbarella Brown or Bedroom black, for (you guessed it) smoked-out bedroom eyes.
- Editor’s Experience: “I’m partial to a Penélope Cruz–esque eye look—a super dark brown, gently flicked on the outer corners and a little bit on the waterline. It’s hard to beat the staying power and pigment of this pick. Plus, it glides on tug-free.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Isodedecane, synthetic wax, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene
- Shades: 8
- Waterproof: Yes
- Type: Kohl
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Dual-ended, featuring a smudge tip on one end for easy blending | Due to the super-creamy formula, the tip requires frequent sharpening |
| Creamy and highly pigmented | |
| Waterproof, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, formaldehyde-free |
Best Shades: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
- Why We Love It: “I love the creaminess of these eyeliners,” celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles says of the Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner. “Many long-wear liners drag or skip because the formula is volatile and sets almost instantly when you apply it. These are simply wonderful to use. They can be drawn on like a liquid liner and smudged out with plenty of play time before they set.” Not to mention, the shades and finishes are abundant—choose from everyday neutrals to fun colors, with mattes, shimmery metallics, and jewel tones, all available across its vast 19 options.
- Editor’s Experience: “Application glides on like a dream—so creamy and lightweight, you can barely feel it; the soft tip is best suited for a smudged look rather than a sharp wing.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, chamomile extract
- Shades: 19
- Waterproof: Yes
- Type: Kajal, which is similar to kohl but with a softer and creamier texture.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free formula | Those with oilier skin may find this pick isn’t as long-wearing due to its creamy nature |
| Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested formula | Some report that only the brand’s sharpener works well for these pencils |
| Wide range of shades and finishes |
Best Clean: Jillian Dempsey Natural Khôl Eyeliner
- Why We Love It: This cruelty-free formulation is beloved among industry pros. To wit: “My favorite black eyeliner is Jillian Dempsey’s,” notes celebrity makeup artist Romy Soleimani. For a smokey look, Soleimani suggests applying the “very rich and super black” eyeliner along the waterline and to the inside of the top lid. Though those areas can be prone to irritation, rest assured: Dempsey’s natural formula is filled with organic oils and shea butter, which nourish the skin and make for a silky-smooth glide that won’t tug or pull. The featured brush on the opposite end is an added bonus.
- Editor’s Experience: “I like Jillian Dempsey’s eyeliner for its simplicity. I feel like I really don’t know how to use liner ‘correctly,’ but this one makes it an easy feat, especially when sweeping it along my waterline for subtle definition. The formula is just the right smoothness, and the rich brown is the perfect hue for my skin tone.”—Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Organic jojoba oil, shea butter, marula oil
- Shades: 4
- Waterproof: Yes
- Type: Kohl
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Smooth and easy application with built-in smudger | Some with hooded eyes report this pick can transfer |
| Rich color payoff | |
| Cruelty-free, clean, and antioxidant-rich formula |
Best Kohl: MAC Cosmetics Eye Kohl
- Why We Love It: “[MAC] has a good range of kohl liners that are easily blendable and pigmented,” notes celebrity makeup artist Delina Medhin. Those pigments come in unexpected shades—including plum and mint green—and the liners have a matte finish with a hint of pearlescent sheen. What’s more, the formula is gentle on sensitive eyes. Tested by ophthalmologists, it’s been deemed safe for use on the waterline and for contact lens wearers.
- Editor’s Experience: “Pigmented yet waxy, after sharpening the tip, I like to first dull it on the back of my hand—that way, application isn’t scratchy on my sensitive eyelids.”—Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, triethylhexanoin, beeswax
- Shades: 8
- Waterproof: No
- Type: Kohl
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Ophthalmologist-tested | Not the most long-wearing |
| Smooth and creamy application | |
| Highly pigmented color payoff |
Best Cult-Favorite: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil
- Why We Love It: A cult-favorite eyeliner for a good reason, this is perfect for long-wear. Waterproof, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof, the formula lasts for up to 16 hours. The hydrating formula features jojoba oil and vitamin E, to ensure no drying or flaking (ever). Plus, it glides on smoothly no matter which vibrant shade you choose—and there are many to choose from. The 30-color range includes everything from classic matte black to glittery copper pink. Actor Madelyn Cline uses the pencil in her waterline. “It just makes my lashes longer and fuller and darker, even before we go in with mascara,” she previously told Vogue.
- Editor’s Experience: “During my angsty teen years, this was the only liner I had eyes for. It’s creamy, long-wearing, and super pigmented—perfect if you’re channeling Jenny from Gossip Girl.”—Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, jojoba oil, cottonseed oil
- Shades: 30
- Waterproof: Yes
- Type: Gel
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Vibrant color payoff | Color can fade after a few hours |
| Hydrating formula ensures tug-free application | |
| Cruelty-free |
Best Pot: Jones Road Gel Liner
- Why We Love It: Don’t be mistaken—pot eyeliner is far from a thing of the past. Bobbi Brown designed this formula to be both long-lasting and richly pigmented, ensuring it glides on smoothly while staying put throughout the day. While it’s not quite a waterproof gel eyeliner, it is extremely water-resistant. Its creamy, buildable texture makes it ideal for creating everything from soft, smudged lines to bold, defined wings, without worrying about transfer—perfect for hooded eyes or mature skin. This versatile eyeliner proves that classic formulas can still deliver modern performance, giving you a flawless, smudge-resistant finish every time.
- Key Ingredients: Isododecane, tribehenin, silica
- Shades: 4
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Type: Fel
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Highly pigmented payoff | Works best with the brand’s precise eyeliner brush |
| Long-wearing formula that won’t smudge |
Best Glitter: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil
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- Why We Love It: Delivering a dramatic line in a single stroke, Lancôme’s highly pigmented pencil spans eight shades and three finishes. Choices range from Seine Sprinkle, a sparkly denim blue, to the metallic Purple Cabaret and the matte Green Metro. The creamy texture lends itself to easy blending and smoking out. (Why not complete the French theme with a Parisian smoky eye?) Just note that the formula sets quickly, so it’s best to start blending tout de suite.
- Key Ingredients: Trimethylsiloxysilicate, hydrogenated polyisobutene, synthetic wax, isododecane
- Shades: 8
- Waterproof: Yes
- Type: Gel
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Rich color payoff, in a variety of shades | Some find this to be a bit drying |
| Long-wearing, waterproof formula |
Best Multiuse: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil
- Why We Love It: Waterline, lip line, brow fill, and beyond—this single pencil truly does it all (and yes, you can even smudge it onto your lids for an effortless eyeshadow moment). The formula glides on with a matte, structured finish rather than a creamy slip, giving you precision and control no matter where you apply it. Its most sought-after shades—think the perfect neutral waterline tone and taupe-brown lip liner—routinely sell out, thanks to an ongoing streak of TikTok viralily. For lips, it’s a must-have in Donni Davy’s kit, the makeup artist behind Euphoria, who famously used the shade Endless Cacao on Alexa Demie throughout the show. Meanwhile, Bella Hadid’s go-to hue is Anywhere Caffeine.
- Editor’s Note: “I might say Make Up For Ever’s liner changed my life. Shade Limitless Brown is my perfect brown. The formula is ultra creamy, surprisingly long-lasting, and incredibly versatile. I got hooked on it as a lip liner, but have recently started etching a bit along my outer waterline to subtly awaken my eyes. I keep one in every bag I carry, at my desk, in the Vogue beauty closet, and in my makeup bag at home. Couldn’t live without her.”—Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Mica, dimethicone, microcrystalline wax
- Shades: 12
- Waterproof: No
- Type: Matte color pencil
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Line your lips and lids or fill in your brows—all with once pencil | Not waterproof |
| Viral-worthy neutral colors | |
| Matte finish |
Best for Bold Pigment: Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil
- Why We Love It: There’s nothing subtle about this eyeliner—no matter which shade you pick, the color payoff pops. Spotted in Gabbriette’s Vogue France Beauty Secrets video, Pat McGrath’s long-wearing gel formula is a go-to for the edgy It girl, who called it “the best black eyeliner on the planet.” The gel eye pencil is the secret behind her iconic grungy, smudged-out eye makeup. The creamy formula blends flawlessly, making it ideal for a smoky eye or any other similarly undone look.
- Editor’s Note: “For the blackest of black eyeliners, Pat McGrath’s pick delivers. Gabriette calls it the longest-lasting waterline liner she’s ever used, though I find it fades a bit on me—but keep in mind I’m super oily around my T-zone and lids.”—Concetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Mica, isododecane, synthetic wax, carnauba wax
- Shades: 2
- Type: Gel
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Smooth, snag-free application | Limited shades |
| High color payoff |
Everything You Need To Know
What to Look For in an Eyeliner
Below, two celebrity makeup artists detail everything you need to know about choosing the best eyeliner.
- Formula: According to celebrity makeup artist Valeria Ferreira, the best eyeliners come in a range of formulations. “All formulas are great,” she says. “It just depends on what style you’re looking to achieve. A gel matte liner is great for a Bardot-esque bold liner look, while a liquid felt pen will give you a sharp and crisp 1950s cat-eye style.” As for kohl? “I love a blendable kohl pencil for a rock and roll ‘lived in’ eye look,” she says.
- Long-Wear: Whichever formulation one chooses, Ferreira specifies that it should last. “A liner must be wear-proof and pass the test of a night out,” she says, adding that waterproof formulations are generally at the top of the list. “As a contact lens wearer, I am always looking for water-resistant formulas,” she says. Those who wear contact lenses—and those with sensitive eyes—can be prone to tearing up; waterproof formulas will keep the pigment on the lashes despite a little moisture.
- Tip Size: When it comes to tip size, celebrity makeup artist Meg Boes says: “I love a fine-felt-tip waterproof eyeliner. You have more control when applying it, it doesn’t take time to dry, and it doesn’t crease. For gel and kohl eyeliners, I look for a softer formula that has an easy-to-sharpen tip.” Sharpening a pencil regularly will allow for more precise lines, of course, but it also gives gel and kohl pencils an easy glide that won’t pull or tug at the sensitive skin around the eyes.
- Ease of Use: Ease of use is another thing to consider. Echoing Boes’s sentiment, Ferreira says: “A felt pen is probably the easiest to use and gives you the most impactful result.” However, a more seasoned makeup lover might consider using a brush to complete the look. “As a makeup artist, I can get used to pretty much everything and anything. If the color and texture are right, I sometimes compromise on the applicator and use a brush to compensate,” she says. For example, gel or pressed powder liners are notoriously difficult to apply, but a small, tapered brush can help define the line.
How to Apply Eyeliner
“Always apply the liner from the inner [corner] outwards halfway, then the outer [corner] inwards to meet up,” says Boes. These smaller strokes allow for greater precision. “Plus, you get closer to the lash line.” But if your pencil or brush doesn’t hug the lash line quite as closely as you’d hoped, there is a fix. “A general rule of thumb is to fill in the space between your lashes and the actual eyeliner,” says Ferreira. “This technique can be done with a felt pen or even a kohl pencil. It frames the eye, creating contrast, and fuses with your mascara. It looks great!”
How to Remove Eyeliner
To remove eyeliner, “use an oil-based eye makeup remover and place a cotton pad on the lashes,” Ferreira says. Leave the cotton pad in place for a few seconds to let the eyeliner soften, then use gentle swipes to wipe it off.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—professional makeup artists, many of whom have celebrity clientele—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to eyeliners, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, how long-wearing the formulas are (considering factors like waterproof, smudge- and fade-resistance), and color payoff. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you. And as it turns out, we’ve been long-time testers of our favorite formulas—years before even becoming beauty writers.
Meet the Experts
- Meg Boes is a celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist based in Nashville. Her clients include Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, and Katherine Heigl.
- Valeria Ferreira is a London-based global makeup artist whose clients include Camila Morrone, Kaia Gerber, and Lily James.
- Delina Medhin is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Kamala Harris, Issa Rae, and Alfre Woodar.
- Fiona Stiles is a celebrity makeup artist whose clientele includes Gabrielle Union, Ashley Park, and Lily Collins.
