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15 best eyeliners that are smudge-proof and easy to apply from £5.99, in pencil, gel and liquid formulas
And experts weigh in on the easiest way to master your wing!
Eyeliner is one of those items that takes up a small amount of space in your beauty bag, but a single swipe can make a big difference to your overall makeup look.
As you probably know, eyeliner made haste in the 1920s and has only continued to gain in popularity ever since; I mean, we could write an essay on the evolution of the good ol’ eyeliner, with style icons like Twiggy, Marilyn Monroe and Diana Ross all putting their twist on this beauty go-to, but we’ll save that for another day. For now, let’s talk about the best eyeliners that should feature in your everyday makeup kit.
The best eyeliners 2026 – pencils, gels, and liquids
There are many types of eyeliner, and all can be used differently depending on the style you’re after. If you’re stuck on picking the right one for you, Jamie Genevieve, makeup artist and founder of Vieve, says to think of eyeliners as people.
“An eyeliner pencil is your chill best friend, easy to smudge and super forgiving. Gel is like a pencil’s cooler cousin, creamier with more pigment. Liquid? She’s the drama. Sharp, precise, not here to play. Perfect for that snatched wing or graphic liner moment, which, as you know, I am a huge fan of!” says Jamie.
With so many options of liners available, as well as ways to apply them, knowing where to start can feel a tad overwhelming. So I’ve put 30+ eyeliners to the test to find the worthy 15 pencils that deserve a spot in your kit, and quizzed Jamie on the best application tips.
Best liquid & pot eyeliners
Pros
- Super creamy and pigmented
- With an angled brush, creates a sharp line without tugging
Cons
- Will smudge if touched directly
If the thought of using gel liner is enough to break you out into a sweat, fret not! I always feared pot, gel formulas, but Jones Road’s Gel Liner makes it incredibly easy.
The formula is super creamy and pigmented, so it glides on instantly without tugging or needing to layer up. But IMO, the magic comes from the Precision Eyeliner Brush – it has the perfect taper to draw an accurate and thin line. It makes creating a flick much easier, especially for those with hooded eyes or monolids.
Sure, it’s a little pricy for an eyeliner, but the smallest dab goes a long way, so the pot will last.
Glowing customer review: “Love this... easy to use... no smear... great colour.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Gel (pot) |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 4 |
Rimmel London Wonder'Ink Liquid Eye Liner
Pros
- Rich, intense black pigment
- Affordable
- Good size felt-tip pen to create precise lines
Cons
- Can be a little fiddly to apply as it's *so* pigmented - but we aren't complaining
If jet-black liner is your thang, Rimmel’s Wonder'Ink Liquid Eye Liner won’t let you down, nor will it budge. Even with the lightest touch, the pen deposits a pigmented, black line, which makes a super-striking wing to elongate your eyes.
I would say this pen is best for experienced users, as the strong pigment leaves little wiggle room for mistakes. But if you do happen to slip up, it easily comes off with makeup remover. After that, you can trust that it won’t move throughout the day.
Glowing customer review: “I’ve been doing winged eyeliner on my eyes for over 20 years, and I keep going back to this product. The thin tip and the pen style make it so much easier to get the desired look! I’ve tried more expensive ones & I feel that they don’t have the same effect.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 5 – on NYX website |
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Pros
- Draws on a jet-black pigment without dragging
Cons
- It's very pigmented so requires a steady hand
I remember this being one of the first eyeliner pens that genuinely impressed me because of the intense-black pigment. One stroke is all you need to draw a deep black line that holds in place all day. It also glides on seamlessly, so it won’t drag your skin or require you to awkwardly hold your lid in place as you apply it.
The only thing I’d say is this is very pigmented, meaning it may be too much for those new to eyeliner. This one’s for experienced users.
Glowing customer review: “Glides on smoothly, no leakage, beautiful soft matt finish and pigmented! Absolutely fell in love with this liner from the first use and now it’s turned into my go-to liner!”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 1 |
Pros
- Amazing pigment with a jet-black or brown finish
- Beginner friendly tip – not too thick or thin to make drawing wings easier
- Smudge-proof
Cons
- Dries out if not stored correctly
If anyone knows how to perfect their points, it’s Jamie Genevieve – the founder of Vieve. I mean, just look at how satisfying this video is of her effortlessly drawing symmetrical wings. You can tell it’s her signature look for a reason, right, so it’s no surprise that the Power Ink Liner does an immaculate job at crafting sharp and pigmented wings.
The size of the nib is perfect – not too slim for beginners – plus it’s made out of very dense bristles, which helps the pigment glide on easier without tugging. And if you make a mistake, it easily comes off with makeup remover, but once it has set, it has set.
Glowing customer review: “Love this! Once you have put it on, it ain’t going nowhere. Brilliant staying power and fabulous being able to get it in a colour other than black. The shape of the pen makes it easy to apply. It’s a winner.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 2 |
Pros
- The colour payoff is bold
- It's long-wearing and doesn't budge
- It has a smooth, creamy texture
Cons
- Over time the formula may dry out in the pot
If sharp black wings are your vibe (and you feel comfortable using a pot eyeliner), the ABH Waterproof Creme Colour always comes highly recommended. It has a very creamy, pigmented formula that easily glides on with an angled brush. And, importantly, the pigment doesn’t fade or turn flaky throughout the day.
Glowing customer review: “It’s so pigmented! I love it so much. The texture is just right, making it easy to use. I’ve had it for a couple of months now, and I use it frequently, so it’s very durable despite the small bottle.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Gel |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 1 |
Pros
- Keeps in place all day without fading or smudging
- The nib creates fine lines
- It has a grippy handle to prevent slips
Cons
- The pigment can fade a little when applied over eyeshadow
This budget pen does not budge at all (but, DW, it comes off with makeup remover). I’ve worn this during 12-hour working days, rainstorms and sweaty tube ride,s and it has never let me down. As for the pen, it has a marker-like nib so your lines will always stay sharp and pointy. For £11.49, where can you go wrong?
Glowing customer review: “Another fantastic product from Kiko. So easy to apply, and it gives such a smooth line. Deep black colou,r and it doesn’t smudge.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 3 — across various retailers |
Best pencil & gel eyeliners
Pros
- Delivers long-lasting wear, plus it's sweat- and humidity-proof
- The gel liner delivers a creamy and pigmented finish
Cons
- Can be tricky to keep the tip sharp for precise lines
If you’re looking for a creamy pencil for your waterline or to create a soft wing, the Infallible Grip 36h Gel Automatic Eyeliner deserves a place in your routine.
The soft nib glides on easily, deposits a pigmented line and does so without budging. No, I haven’t tested its 36h claim – my all-nighter days are behind me – but I can attest that it lasted my entire work day without moving. If winged eyeliner is your thang, note that this creates a softer flick rather than something sharp and precise, so it’s perfect for day-to-day.
I opted for the shade Brown Denim, but it also comes in seven other pigmented hues from a punchy green to matte black.
Glowing customer review: “The formula is smooth and glides on easily, with a long-lasting finish that stays in place without smudging. While the colour is great for everyday wear, it may not be bold enough for those seeking a more dramatic liner. A perfect option for a soft, understated makeup look.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Gel |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 7 |
Pros
- Super buttery and soft application that blends easily
- Has 21 shades available
- Can be used on the waterline and for a wing
Cons
- Sometimes the soft tip can break if used too hard
- It's expensive
VBB’s Satin Kajal Liners don’t have over 25,000 five-star reviews for no reason. I know that most editors and experts will agree with me in saying this is one of the creamiest, pigmented eyeliners in the industry.
The buttery formula makes them super-easy to glide on. Once set, the liner lasts without smudging, so it can be used for a precise line or blended out for a smoky look.
And as for the stunning display of shades, there are 21 of them. The brand is constantly launching limited-edition hues, but the permanent collection consists of vibrant, bold colours – everything from a rich burgundy to a sparkly gold. And of course, you have your classics like a matte black and brown.
Glowing customer review: “This product is perfect. So easy to use and a gorgeous colour. It is really soft, doesn’t drag your eye at all, and blends so well. On top of all that, the colour really makes my eye pop.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Gel |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 21 |
Pros
- Creamy formula that's easy to glide on
- Comes with an in-built sharpener
Cons
- Only comes in three shades
- Have to layer up the product to reach max pigment intensity
Okay, rarely do I wear anything other than black or brown liner, but this burgundy hue (shade Compassion) from Rare Beauty is just gorge. It gives a sultry and smoky effect, ideal for date night, but is much softer than a black or brown. Plus, I always get a compliment or two wearing it.
The formula is very creamy and easy to apply, although I sometimes find I need to double up to achieve max pigment capacity, so I often use this liner for a diffused look.
And – rather cleverly – at the bottom of the liner is housed a tiny sharpener to sharpen the new nib as you retract it from the pencil.
Glowing customer review: “The ONLY eyeliner I buy since I first used it. Great for inner eyes too, so soft and lasts all day. The pigment on this is crazy. I have both brown and black both for different looks and they’re so good.”
Key Specifications:
| Type | Gel |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 3 |
Pros
- Glides on smoothly and delivers a bold line with one stroke
- It's an affordable option
Cons
- Not entirely smudge-proof
Yep, another pick from L'Oreal Paris, but this brand just knows how to make amazing eyeliners, okay. You can tell how much I love the Superliner Le Khol Eyeliner from how tatty my pencil looks. IMO it’s the perfect daytime eyeliner as it can be used on the waterline or to create a soft flick.
If wings are your thing, the finish won’t be as pigmented as a liquid, but it still creates a strong line that adds definition to my eyes. And despite it being a pencil, which are often a tad drier than gels, it’s still super creamy, making it a breeze to glide on.
Glowing customer review: “I have the brown, and it’s a lovely soft kohl pencil. The colour is perfect, and it lasts all day, better than a couple of high-end ones I have.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Pencil |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 3 |
Pros
- It's an affordable option
- Super creamy pencil that's perfect for a smokey eye
- Comes in an array of shades
Cons
- It has a very soft texture which can make precise lines tricky to achieve
If you like the sound of the VBB Kajal Liner but don’t want to spend £30, take a look at the Kiko Milano Intense Colour Long Lasting Eyeliner. It has a similar creamy formula that blends without tugging, or it can be used to create a flick that sets in place all day.
My fave way to use it is on my waterline to create a smoky effect. As someone with smaller facial features, I don’t like eye makeup that’s too harsh, so these pencils create the perfect amount of depth while still feeling wearable.
And like the VBB pencils, there is a range of shades and finishes to choose from, including a deep violet and a pearly brown (my fave).
Glowing customer review: “Long-lasting and smudge-free! I love this product. I’ve finally found an eyeliner that stays in place all night long.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Pencil |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 7 |
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Long Lasting Liner Stick
Pros
- Comes in a wide selection of shades
- Can be blended before setting in place
- Gives a rich colour payoff
- Affordable
Cons
- The pencil needs to be sharpened, so it's less convenient than a retractable eyeliner
The Epic Wear Long Lasting Liner Stick will always have a space in my makeup bag. Not only is it very inexpensive, but it layers on a rich and bold line that stays put for the day.
It’s not as creamy as others in this edit, so this is my go-to for creating a striking wing or depth to my waterline. I also love how many shades it comes in! I have the shade Deepest Brown (I’m a sucker for a smoky brown eye), but if you want to play with the vibrant pink, yellow or blue hues, these will act like the crayons with your face being the canvas.
Glowing customer review: “This is so good! I’ve been spending a fortune on eyeliner from a high-end brand for years and just discovered this. It’s equally as good, lasts all day and has a nicer colour in my opinion!”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Pencil |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 24 on the NYX website |
Pros
- Stays in place or can be blended out with a dense brush
- It's affordable
Cons
- Doesn't come with a sharpener
How can you argue the price of this pencil? For £2.99, I’m stockpiling. It has a creamy and blendable formula – albeit slightly less so than the gels in this edit, but hey, it’s £2.99 — so you can blend it to create a smokey look or keep your lines sharp for a precise finish.
It also lasts an impressive amount of time without smudging, although you may need a top-up if applied to the waterline. It simply does a great job as an eyeliner, without any major cost.
Glowing customer review: “I have used this product for years and years. I’ve tried other eyeliners, but this one is the best eyeliner by far. Stays on, doesn’t smudge and a great product.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Pencil |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 5 – on various retailers |
Pros
- Is creamy and soft – applies smoothly without dragging
- Lasts well and can be used in the waterline
Cons
- Doesn't come with a sharpener
- It's a little expensive
These pencils have stood the test of time for a reason. They’re super creamy and blendable but withstand an entire day. There is a range of shades to choose from, but my favourite is Costa Riche – a rich, chocolate brown that suits all eye colours.
As for application, once sharpened, you can use it to create a precise feline flick or in your waterline for a smoky finish. If you really want to get creative, scribble it over your lid and use it as eyeshadow. I told you they’re creamy.
Glowing customer review: “This is gorgeous, the colour is beautiful and goes on your eyes so well. Blends easily, too. I will definitely buy again.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Pencil |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 8 |
Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Waterproof Micropencil Eyeliner
Pros
- Super fine tip nib making for precise application
- Creamy and comfortable
- Smudge-proof
Cons
- Nib is so fine that it can break if used with a heavy hand
- A lil pricey
While £26 is on the pricier side of the eyeliner scale, you best believe this formula by Danessa Myricks Beauty is worth it. With 11 multi-dimensional chrome shades, these creamy, fine-nibbed, waterproof pencils are perfect for the creatives among us who want to jazz up any eye look. The best bit? They stay put without fading or smudging, making them ideal for festival szn.
Glowing customer review: "I have the shades Emerald and Amethyst and I wore them both together for a night out and just WOW! They stayed on all night, looked beautiful together and the colour change is stunning! The only thing that would make this better for me? If the size of the liner was a bit bigger. These liners are super thin. But it doesn’t stop me from giving this product 5 stars or buying more colours in the future."
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Pencil |
|---|---|
| Number of shades: | 11 |
Which eyeliner is best for me?
Rules don’t apply when it comes to eyeliner. “Eyeliners are there to experiment with and to have fun,” says Jamie. No matter your eye shape or colour, you can play about with any liner you please, from a smoky pencil to a sharp pen.
However, when it comes to the vibe you’re going for, some formulas work better than others. “If you’re creating a smoky eye, go for a pencil or gel eyeliner. But if you’re after a crisp wing, liquid works best,” says Jamie.
If you’re new to eyeliner, opt for a gel or pencil first, as they’re often easier to control compared to a liquid. They are also easy to apply and will glide on without tugging (well, if you pick a creamy formula), and if you make a mistake, they’re easy to touch up with micellar water. For those with a more experienced, steady hand, opt for a liquid liner as this will create a more pigmented, precise line.
How do I pick an eyeliner based on eye shape?
While it’s true that there’s no rulebook when it comes to eyeliners, there are a few application tips that flatter certain eye shapes more than others.
“If you have rounded eyes, opt for a wing as this will lift the outer edge and help to elongate. For hooded eyes, float the liner above the natural lash line so it shows when your eyes are open. And for monolids, I’d suggest tightlining [lining your upper waterline to create the illusion of thicker lashes] to define,” says Jamie.
“If you’ve got hooded lids, you may need something that dries down fast, so go for a liquid over a gel liner so it doesn’t transfer,” she adds.
How do you apply eyeliner?
A question with many answers! Applying eyeliner depends on the style of line you’re trying to achieve, but the two most common methods are tightlining and wings.
“To create the perfect wing, start with your eyes open and look straight ahead. Sketch the wing up [from the corner of your outer eye] and then connect it down to your lash line,” says Jamie. It’s also handy to use your natural lash line as a guide, and then once you get to the outer corner of your eye, draw the wing up in a diagonal line.
“For tightlining, I’d suggest warming up your pencil on your hand first as this helps it glide on the skin more smoothly,” says Jamie. To tightline your bottom waterline, hold and slightly stretch down your under eye to prevent any drag. For your top line, hold up your lid with your fingers and draw over your waterline. It may feel like you’re at the optometrist, but it only lasts a few seconds.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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