Eye liner can give you a lot of power when it comes to creating a distinctive eye look. This essential product can make your eye look more smudgy, smokey, subtle, or defined.
A good eye liner can change the shape of your eye, complement your eye colour, or create stunning contrast.
When it comes to choosing the right liner for you, there are plenty of options to consider. Liquid liners can help you achieve a sharp cat eye and an extremely defined line, whereas cream and gel liners are extremely pigmented and have excellent staying power.
However, nothing will give you more control than a pencil liner, which is easily manipulated.
As pencil liners offer a high degree of control, they’re the perfect eyeliner for beginners starting to experiment with eye looks. We even have a few eyeliner tricks and tips for getting it right.
A pencil liner makes it easy to try a cat eye or quickly define your waterline and lash line. A fun coloured liner can help you create a bold editorial look; natural browns and blacks work to accentuate your natural features.
Below, we’ve curated a selection of the best performing eyeliners, so click through for further product details and reviews!
4.5 of 134 reviews
A deeply pigmented pencil eyeliner that helps you achieve a dramatic eye look with ease.
Eye Of Horus Goddess Pencil is a long-lasting, deeply pigmented eye pencil that can be used to create stunning day and night looks. Coming in a wide range of colours, these pencil liners can be used to produce many different effects. These eye pencils contain Moringa Oil, which is rich in antioxidants and extremely soothing, and Carnauba Wax, which helps stop fading. This waterproof and smudgeproof formula is non-irritating, making it perfect for sensitive eyes as well as oily lids. Goddess Pencil is the perfect option if you’re looking for a highly pigmented pencil liner that includes only natural, cruelty-free ingredients!
4.6 of 35 reviews
A beautiful, opaque pencil liner designed to withstand all conditions.
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Waterproof Liner is a rich, beautifully pigmented pencil liner designed for all-day wear in any weather condition. This pencil is gentle on the eyes while being tough enough to withstand sweat and humidity. Formulated with the lowest possible amount of oils and waxes, this pencil provides clear, crisp colour that doesn’t flake or fade. The swivel-up format makes Long Wear Waterproof Liner extremely easy to use and manipulate. Coming in a range of deep, neutral colours, this liner is perfect for rendering a dramatic look, yet it can be used to tightline the waterline too.
4.5 of 41 reviews
The ultimate everyday liner for those looking to easily master the feline flick.
M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Eye Liner is a super-soft and densely pigmented liner perfect for creating a smooth or smokey cat eye look. Not only does this eyeliner glide on effortlessly, but the waterproof formula stays put for 12 hours without transferring. While this creamy eyeliner is easy to apply, it sets down quickly, so you can get a clear line that won’t budge. Pro Longwear Eye Liner pencils come in classic colours that you can use to create a defined and sultry look. These liners are also dermatologically tested and safe for contact-lens wearers.
A malleable Kohl pencil eyeliner that will easily transform the shape of your eye.
Lancôme Khol Hypnose Waterproof Eye Liner Pencil is a deep, black Kohl eye pencil that will easily enhance and define your eyes. The water-resistant, smudgeproof formula is ideal for creating a range of eye looks because of its twist-up pencil, which puts you in control. This intensely pigmented dark Kohl is also easy to shade and smudge into a seriously dramatic look that makes all eye colours pop. If you’re looking for a rich, black Kohl eyeliner that won’t budge a bit, then make this your go-to.
4.5 of 31 reviews
A gorgeous pencil eyeliner that uses natural pigments to make your colour stay.
Jane Iredale Eye Pencil Crayon boasts a vegan, cruelty-free formula that uses natural mineral pigments to create colour that stays put. This natural formula contains conditioning oils and waxes such as Jojoba Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, and Mango Seed Oil to create a soft texture that avoids pulling the delicate eye area. Highly pigmented and long-wearing, this pencil can be applied subtly or built up for a dramatic effect. This pencil eyeliner comes in basic shades to suit any pair of peepers. An amazing natural option for anyone looking for a pencil eyeliner free of harmful dyes.
4.3 of 31 reviews
An amazing, affordable Kohl pencil eyeliner that’s soft and blendable.
Designer Brands Kohl Pencil provides a rich, long-wear formula at an ultra-affordable price. This soft, blendable eye pencil contains Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter, so it blends easily for a smoky effect. While offering amazing colour payoff, this comfortable eyeliner is also non-irritating and safe for sensitive eyes. Free of talc, bismuth, and parabens, this formula is not only safe to use but also vegan and cruelty-free. This gorgeous, matte Kohl pencil eye liner is truly great for everyone, and you really can’t beat the price.
4.6 of 12 reviews
A silky, no-smudge eyeliner formula for effortlessly smooth application.
Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen is an incredible waterproof formula that’s both deeply pigmented and soft. No retouching required, this no-smudge gel pencil formula stays on all day long. This easy-to-use pencil manages to provide the intense, smooth pigment of a liquid eyeliner without the fuss. Providing solid colour in one stroke, Endless Silky Eye Pen is easy to use and gentle on the delicate eye area. This is a truly amazing option at this price point, as it’s comfortable, long-wearing, and easy to apply.
Lancôme Khol Hypnose Waterproof Eye Liner Pencil
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Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
This article has been updated on 15/02 to replace discontinued products with our recent product recommendations. Gemma from our Customer Service team has helped to bring you our most recommended products and up-to-date information.
