The Best Eyeliners | 2023
We looked at the top 5 Eyeliners and dug through the reviews from 11 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Eyeliners.

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Our Picks For The Top Eyeliners
Never Tested on AnimalsThis eyeliner is carbon-free, pigment-free, silicone-free and vegan-friendly.
Flexible TipThis eyeliner offers optimal control and grip.
Why we recommend these eyeliners?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
The Best Overall
Honest Beauty Hypoallergenic Liquid Eyeliner
Our Take
Individuals with sensitive skin will want to go with this hypoallergenic eyeliner. It's liquid-based and formulated to create dark lines that are quite attractive. The eyeliner also lasts a full 8 hours without smudging or clumping up, so you won't have to reapply it during a workday.
Our Eyeliner Buying Guide
Eyeliner is a great way to express your creativity. However, there are so many different types of eyeliner – how do you know which one is right for your needs? A popular variety is liquid eyeliner, which allows you do draw with a sharp, precise brush to create defined lines. This is a good choice if you like the winged retro look and like making flicks or scoops at the sides of your eyes. Gel eyeliner is perfect for getting a satiny finish. It glides on smoothly and looks very professional. However, it can take a little while to get the hang of it.
For those who prefer a more subtle look, pencil eyeliner is a good choice. It can also be used to color on the waterlines of your eyes, which isn’t possible with liquid or gel eyeliner. Pen eyeliner is quick to apply thanks to the sharp tip. They don’t show up as dark as pencil eyeliner so you may need multiple coats to achieve the look you’re going for. A traditional style of eyeliner which has been used for centuries is kohl. It glides on smoothly but it is likely to smudge, so you have to be careful when wearing it. There are some smudge-resistant styles of kohl available as well. If you’re a beginner and new to makeup, cream eyeliners may be a good option. They are the easiest to rub off, so you can re-do the lines if you didn’t get them right the first time.
Simplemost Fun Fact
Did you know that the history of eyeliner goes as far back as ancient Egypt? During this time, people used kohl to trace their eyes. This kind of eyeliner was made from a type of lead sulfide combined with other minerals and then mixed with water, oil and animal fat. Eyeliner saw a boom in the early 1900s when the bust of ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti was found in 1912. She was revered as a beauty and everyone was captivated by her look – including the lines of thick, black kohl which she used to outline her almond-shaped eyes.
The Eyeliner Tips and Advice
- In addition to the type of eyeliner, you also need to think about the type of applicator – which is how you actually apply the eyeliner to your skin. Many types, such as liquids, come with a pen-like applicator, which is easy to hold and maneuver. There are also felt-tip applicators which are great for making thicker lines as well as thin ones. Keep in mind that they may dry out quickly. Another type is a brush applicator, which is similar to the type of brush you get with nail polish. It can be more difficult to control and maneuver this applicator, but you are able to create different line thicknesses with it. Pencil applicators are easy to use and a good choice for most beginners.
- Waterproof eyeliner formula are designed for long-lasting wear. However, keep in mind that they are also difficult to take off. Another issue is if you live in a humid climate, your eyeliner may be more likely to run or drip. In this case, waterproof eyeliner is a necessity.
- Opt for high pigment formula as this way you don’t need to put on multiple layers of liner in order to get a bold color. Plus, this type of eyeliner typically goes on smooth and clean and doesn’t damage the sensitive skin around your eyes.
- Most styles of eyeliner are available in multiple colors. However, arguably black eyeliner is the most popular as it works with so many different types of makeup looks and fashion style. You can also find eyeliner in other colors such as brown, blue, green and red.
About The Author
Anam Ahmed is a professional copywriter and essayist based in Toronto. She has been writing on technology, travel, parenting, and business for over 10 years, and works with a number of high-profile organizations. Highly interested in personal health and wellness, she values finding the best products that help people regain their vitality. Anam earned a master's degree from the University of Toronto and a bachelor's degree from Queen's University.
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