Whether your goal is to achieve a sharp and sleek cat eye or an adventurous art deco design, using eyeliner pencils is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your makeup game. I don't claim to be a seasoned professional or makeup extraordinaire, but as a beauty editor, I've for sure seen my share of eye makeup looks that can only be achieved with the help of an eyeliner pencil and the steady hand of a person who knows how to get the most out of their eye makeup. Though I bounce between gel, cream, liquid, and glitter formulas, it's the eyeliner pencil I reach for the most for one simple reason: It's one of the most versatile tools in a professional makeup artist's kit and a beginner's bag.
Here's the thing—an eyeliner pencil may not be the first tool you think of when planning out your makeup (or, if you're anything like me, just going in with new products and hoping for the best) but makes the biggest difference in your finished look. Keep reading for tips and tricks on how to use them from one of the industry's most celebrated experts and 10 eyeliner pencils you should consider giving a try.
The Perfect Eyeliner Pencil
I reached out to Sarah Tanno, the global artistry director of Haus Labs, for the scoop on everything you need know about eyeliner pencils. As expected, she not only spilled her personal product preferences but also gave us some helpful guidance on how to go about selecting the right products. "I like eyeliners that have a liquid-like texture that don't dry too fast, but when it does dry, won't smudge or move out of place when set," says Tanno. "The formula is very important when it comes to finding a long-wearing, non-irritating eyeliner." Her go-to pick is Haus Labs' Optic Intensity Eco Eyeliner ($22).
Its formula is clean, vegan, and cruelty-free in addition to being waterproof and safe to use on sensitive eyes. "I love that there’s a brush on one end so you can really create the perfect line with precision," she says of the product. It's available in matte and shimmer finishes across 13 shades, and Tanno shared her favorites: Black Onyx Matte because it produces bold pigment while being gentle on the waterline, White Onyx Matte to brighten the eyes when applied to the waterline, and Deep Coco Matte because, "not only is it a gorgeous rich brown for the eyes, [but] it also makes a great lip liner!" Discovering a multipurpose product makes it that much better.
Tanno's Top Pick
When it comes to using your new eyeliner pencil, Tanno recommends paying special attention to readying the product (i.e., sharpening it if possible) before softly and swiftly dragging it across the base of the lash line. "If you are going to blend out, I suggest doing one eye at a time since the dry-down time is about 15 seconds," Tanno recommends. Like any process, practice makes perfect. Your first attempt to apply eyeliner may not have the best results, but it definitely gives you hints as to how much pressure to apply, the best way to hold the pencil, and how best to work with its formula.
Feeling ready to give it a try? You'll need to find your ideal eyeliner pencil first. Scroll on to check out the nine other products I've been switching in and out of my makeup routine depending on what I'm in the market for when I embark on one of my many shopping trips. Everything's here—from the best product to use on the more sensitive areas of the eyes to one that will stand the test of time.
Best Overall: Chantecaille Luster Glide Silk Infused Eyeliner
I'm kicking things off with my personal favorite eyeliner from Chantecaille. All you need to know about this one is that its silky-smooth formula glides onto the skin just like a liquid eyeliner would but offers excellent color payoff and shine.
Customer review: "This is the best eyeliner I have ever used and I've tried numerous ones. The colors are gorgeous, so easy to apply and most of all the liner stays put all day. What more could you ask for! I purchased it in two different colors."
Pro: Transfer-proof and long-wearing
Con: Highest price point
Best Waterproof: Lancôme Le Stylo Waterpoof Long Lasting Eyeliner
I have watery eyes year-round thanks to the perfect storm of allergies and extremely sensitive eyes. Trust me—once you apply this Lancôme eyeliner, it won't go anywhere until you decide it should with the help of an oil-based makeup remover.
Customer review: "Can’t find enough words to describe how freaking good this eyeliner is! No smudges after more that 10 hours on the sun and activities . I honestly could not believe how they managed to create this amazing formula."
Pro: Formula has major staying power
Con: Slight smudging with all-day wear
Best Drugstore Option: E.l.f. Satin Eyeliner Pencil
There's no need to dig deep into your wallet to afford to best makeup products. The Satin Eyeliner Pencil provides everything you could possibly need for an eye makeup look for the low price of just $3 (and you get a sharpener!).
Customer review: "This is the only eyeliner pencil i'll ever use for my under eye. it's such a good price and lasts forever."
Pro: Most affordable price point
Con: Takes some effort to blend
Best for Beginners: Natasha Denona Macro Tech Eye Crayon Pigment Pencil Eyeliner
A good rule of thumb to go by when trying an eyeliner pencil for the first time is the bigger the tip, the easier it is to control placement. Natasha Denona's pencil eyeliner allows its user to create eye-catching makeup looks with minimal effort.
Customer review: "I got all three of these and the whole collection the day it launched on the Natasha Denona site. These pencils are absolutely amazing. They glide on and after a few minutes of smudging time, set and stay put!"
Pro: Applies easily and smoothly
Con: Transfers when used on oily skin
Longest-Lasting: Persona Cosmetics 24 HR Waterproof Eyeliner
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: This is one of the most underrated eyeliners out there. Persona Cosmetics' 24 HR Waterproof Eyeliner glides on for all-day, all-night wear with a creamy, blendable formula you can trust not to budge.
Customer review: "These are amazing eye pencils! Persona did it right! Creamy, easy to blend and once it sets, doesn't budge! Great for tight lining or water line! Love!"
Pro: Safe to use for tightlining and on waterline
Con: Not ideal for creating sharp wings
Best White: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick
Want to learn a magic trick? Use a white pencil, like this one from Nyx Professional Makeup, along the waterline to add to the whites of your eyes so they appear wider and less fatigued. No more having to hear "you look tired" on minimal-makeup days.
Customer review: "This liner is so smooth and glides on without tugging. But best of all, it does not smudge. Once it's set, it is set! My favorite liner to use. I only carry this in my pro kit now. Thank you Nyx!"
Pro: Does not tug or pull on the skin
Con: R-application required when worn on sensitive, watery eyes
Best Brown: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Longwear Eyeliner
I'm a fan of chocolate-brown eyeliners on all skin tones. This one, part of Lancôme's Drama Liqui-Pencil Longwear Eyeliner line, is a chic vinyl brown shade with a matte finish. I favor using dark-brown pencils over others when my goal is to create a natural-looking wing.
Customer review: "Love this eyeliner pencil. It goes on smoothly and lasts all day. I've never had the color brown before, but I think it's perfect. Warmer than black. Will be my go to purchase in the future."
Pro: Easy to use; smooth, creamy formula
Con: Challenging to sharpen after heavy use
Best for Waterline: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Isn't this gorgeous plum shade yummy? Its formula is too since it's ideal to use on the waterline, is completely waterproof, and delivers intense, smudge-proof eye makeup for up to 16 hours. What's more, it's crafted from hydrating ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil to protect the skin.
Customer review: "The color is rich and the pencil glides on great. I apply it directly and blend it with a small brush. I have this pencil in three colors now. It lasts and the tip won't break like others do."
Pro: Ideal to use on sensitive parts of the eye
Con: Reapplication required—product shifts
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes Eyeliner Pencil
Use this pencil to shape and define the eyes with an intensely pigmented yet creamy formula that doesn't smudge, transfer, or irritate the eyes. It can also be used to create thick and thin lines depending on the amount of pressure applied and, of course, the size of the pencil point.
Customer review: "This eye pencil is more pigmented than the regular Quickliner, but less pigmented than the Quickliner Intense. It still applies very easy fast. The shade I had to get is Egyptian—a gorgeous very dark green with slight yellow undertones, and shimmer."
Pro: Offers a hint of shimmer
Con: None
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