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Beauty review roundup

The best eyeliners, in plain English

From a sharp wing to a soft smudge. We read the expert reviews and boiled them down: which liners are easiest to control, which stay put, and which suit beginners.

  • Last reviewed October 19, 2026
  • 3 eyeliners
  • 4 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner $22–$25 A precise felt tip that makes sharp lines easy. See details Best under $15 Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner $9–$12 A soft gel pencil that stays put, even on the waterline. See details Best for bold wings KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner $23–$29 A super-fine brush tip that lasts all day. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

Pick the type that matches the look.

Liquid, pencil or gel

Liquid liner (a felt-tip pen) draws sharp, crisp lines and wings. Pencil is easiest for beginners and can be smudged for a soft look. Gel pencils glide on smoothly, then set so they last.

Waterproof, and taking it off

Waterproof liner survives tears, heat and long days, but needs an oil-based remover or micellar water to take off. Rub gently instead of scrubbing.

Waterline and sensitive eyes

The waterline is the inner rim of the eyelid. Use a soft pencil made for it, sharpen it before each use, and replace eye products every few months.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

EyelinerBest forTypical priceTypeWear
1. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Best overall $22–$25Liquid (felt tip)Long-wearing, waterproof
2. Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner Best under $15 $9–$12Gel pencilLong-wearing, waterproof
3. KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Best for bold wings $23–$29Liquid (brush tip)Very long-wearing, waterproof

The 3 best eyeliners, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

  • Liquid (felt tip)
  • Long-wearing, waterproof
  • Flexible, precise tip

$22–$25typical price

A precise felt tip that makes sharp lines easier. BestReviews names it the best eyeliner overall, Reviewed made it an Editor's Choice, and Marie Claire picks it as the best black liner.

What testers liked

  • A flexible, precise tip that stays sharp.
  • Easy to apply, and doesn't smear.
  • Waterproof and long-wearing.

Common complaints

  • The tip can dry out over time.
  • Can be hard to remove, and costs more than drugstore liners.

Testers disagree on: How dark it looks. BestReviews and Reviewed were happy with the color. Marie Claire found it not very pigmented.

Skip it if: They're brand new to eyeliner. A pencil like Maybelline TattooStudio (#2) is more forgiving.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from BestReviews, Reviewed, Marie Claire.

#2Best under $15

Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner

  • Gel pencil
  • Long-wearing, waterproof
  • Works on the waterline

$9–$12typical price

A smooth gel pencil that stays put. Marie Claire names it the best affordable eyeliner for the waterline, and BestReviews calls it a classic.

What testers liked

  • Rich color that's easy to blend at first.
  • Waterproof and long-wearing, even on the waterline.
  • Eight colors, at a drugstore price.

Common complaints

  • Sets quickly, so smudge it right away.
  • Can be hard to sharpen and leave bits behind.

Skip it if: They want a crisp, sharp wing. A liquid liner like Stila (#1) is better for that.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Marie Claire, BestReviews.

#3Best for bold wings

KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner

  • Liquid (brush tip)
  • Very long-wearing, waterproof
  • Vegan

$23–$29typical price

A super-fine tip for precise, bold lines. Marie Claire names it the best waterproof eyeliner overall, and Reviewed praised its precision and staying power.

What testers liked

  • Very precise tip.
  • Great staying power.
  • Vegan, and easy to apply.

Common complaints

  • The tip can dry out over time.
  • Over $20.

Testers disagree on: How dark it looks. Marie Claire found it highly pigmented. Reviewed found the color a bit light.

Skip it if: You want a cheaper liquid liner to practice with. Start with a drugstore pen.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Marie Claire, Reviewed.

How we pick

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