When it comes to makeup, you know how important it is to have the basics: foundation, mascara, and, of course, eyeliner. Whether you love sporting a bold cat-eye or beautifully subtle lines, settling for anything less than the best eyeliner on the market is simply unacceptable.

So what exactly makes something "the best eyeliner"? Well, it honestly depends on you. As it is with many other kinds of makeup, not all eyeliners are created equal, and what works for you may not work for someone else. Do you like super-pigmented black ink or do you prefer a soft black-brown pencil when lining your eyes? Do you love an ultra-thin brush tip or a thick, marker-like one? Whatever type of eyeliner you like, it's important that you do a little research before committing to one.

Finding the best eyeliner for you is also a lot about what you want from it. You can decide what's most important to you in an eyeliner, whether it's being waterproof, hypoallergenic, or small enough to fit in your pocket — and yes, all of these do exist!

After you do a little digging and try a product or two, there's no doubt you'll find the best eyeliner for you.

At first glance, this liquid eyeliner may look a little different. That's because it features a thick casing. While this may seem inconvenient at first (you can't quite fit the thing in your pocket) it's actually one of the things that makes this eyeliner a winner!

The Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner's thick marker-like shape is great when it comes to the application process. For one, it's helpful for those who are just starting to experiment with bold looks like a cat-eye since it's so easy to hold on to, even with unsure, shaky hands. But even if you're an eyeliner expert, using this product can be super easy and can save you time getting ready every day.

This liquid liner boasts a long-lasting formula that doesn't require touch-ups over the course of a day or long night. Additionally, the ink has a conditioning effect thanks to the fact that it contains algae extract. That means the liner will actually keep your lids healthy and moisturized instead of completely drying them out like many other eyeliners do.

If you love a good bold look, this eyeliner is right up your alley. Not for the faint of heart, this product comes in a carbon black color, helping to make your looks more dramatic than ever before!

While this eyeliner isn't waterproof, it does have its benefits. While many other "waterproof" liners stay on through rain or shine, it's nearly impossible to get off. But with this eyeliner, when it's time to take it off with makeup remover, it comes off easily and doesn't require you to scrub it off with a cotton ball until your skin turns red.

Key Features
  • Ultra-black color
  • Smudge-proof
  • Contains conditioning algae extract
Specifications
  • Waterproof: No
  • Wear Time: Long-lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.6 ounces
Pros
  • Conditions lids with algae extract
  • Great for super-bold looks
  • Won't smudge throughout the day
Cons
  • Not good for thin, subtle lines
  • Can smudge when applied to moist skin

There are many reasons why so many women are in love with this Schwing Liquid Eyeliner by Balm Cosmetics. For one, it has a super-matte finish that's really pleasing on the eyes (in more ways than one), and its cruelty-free formula proves to be great for all types of makeup-wearers.

The creators behind this liquid liner definitely kept usability in mind when coming up with this stuff. That's because putting on the liner is a total breeze. Unlike many other liquid liners, you don't have to wait a long time to continue working on your eyes in fear of smudging the lines. Schwing Liquid Liner dries quickly so you can save time getting ready.

This liquid liner also boasts an ultra-thin tip, allowing you to form all kinds of different designs on your lids. Whether it's a subtle lined look or a draw-dropping cat-eye, the applicator makes it possible to do just about anything.

And while many other liquid liners feature a shiny glow, this liner has a matte finish. In addition to drying well, you can be sure your liner won't flake or smudge throughout the day.

When using this liner, you likely won't have to reapply it throughout the day, but if you do need a touch-up or two, this eyeliner is easy to tote around thanks to its cute, compatible size. Seriously, you can fit this thing right into your pocket!

Key Features
  • Tapered felt-tip applicator
  • Matte finish
  • Good for all skin types
  • Black ink
Specifications
  • Waterproof: No
  • Wear Time: Long-lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.6 ounces
Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Fast-drying
  • Won't flake throughout the day
Cons
  • The ultra-thin tip can be hard to control
  • Leaves black residue under eyes after long wear

Sometimes when creating fun, dynamic eye looks, it's all about the applicator you're using. In the case of this liquid liner by Revlon, it's all about the details.

Since the eyeliner boasts an incredibly thin tip, it's the perfect makeup tool to create one-of-a-kind designs on and around your eye. Whether it's a sultry cat-eye or an ever-so-subtle outline on your lower lash line, this ultra-thin tip makes just about anything possible.

For people with sensitive eyes, putting on eyeliner can become somewhat of a struggle. Between the burning sensations and stinging when the liner comes into contact with the eye, doing your eye makeup can be a total nightmare. However, this Revlon makeup is ophthalmologist tested, meaning it's a great option for people with sensitive eyes and skin.

This liner also promises all-day wear, so you never have to worry about reapplying it throughout the day. However, if you do want to change up your look from daytime to nighttime, the eyeliner is super compact and can easily fit in a small purse or pocket. The eyeliner is also smudge-proof and waterproof so you can be sure it'll stay on.

And if the color black is a little too boring for you, Revlon offers this eyeliner in an impressive 7 shades. Whether you love a bold, colorful look or a more classic feel, there are plenty of wonderful colors to choose from.

Key Features
  • No.1 longwear brand
  • Skinny tip applicator
  • Ophthalmologist tested
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Wear Time: All day
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.6 ounces
Pros
  • Comes in seven great shades
  • Great for intricate designs
  • Ideal for those with sensitive eyes and skin
Cons
  • Skinny tip is difficult to control
  • Comes off when used very close to lash line

Tired of smudging that perfect cat eye that took you an entire hour to get right? Say hello to the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner! This precision eyeliner should be in every woman's makeup arsenal given the fact that it's easy to apply and can give you that sultry, winged-eye look in seconds flat.

The liner boasts an ultra-precise tip that has a super-thin edge, perfect for dramatic looks. And thanks to the liner's thick, ultra-pigmented ink, every stroke is smooth and thick. Plus, the fact that the applicator has both thick and thin parts allows you to tailor your liner style any way you like, whether you want bold, thick lines or super thin ones.

And if you're worried about crying your eyeliner off or smudging it on super hot days, don't be. This liquid eyeliner is designed to last through the entire day, even if you happen to cry during it.

NYX does not test any of its makeup on animals and is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand!

Key Features
  • Long-lasting
  • Waterproof
  • Ultra-precise tip
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Wear Time: Long-lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: .48 ounces
Pros
  • Cruelty free
  • Smudge-free
  • Great for drawing cat-eyes
  • Intensely pigmented
Cons
  • Not as smudge-proof on oily skin
  • Very irritating if it bleeds into eyes

Unlike other eyeliners out there, this brush and smudge-pot combo gives you ultimate control as to how much makeup you use at a time. Instead of applying a soaking wet applicator to your eye, you can put as much or as little gel onto your brush as you'd like, helping you achieve the perfect eye looks.

This gel is very pigmented and can give you a rich black or brown finish (depending on which of the five shades you choose to use), and boasts a unique shine that many other eyeliners fail to have. The gel sits in a smudge pot that comes with an air-tight lid ensuring your gel stays usable for months to come.

This eyeliner features a special liner brush that you can clean in between uses to ensure it stays clean and bacteria-free. The brush is also very easy to hold, giving you excellent control as you attempt to make fine lines and winged tips around your eyes.

The gel in this liner is waterproof and smudge-proof. It also is designed to last a full 24 hours, rain or shine, tears or no tears.

When using eyeliner like this, there are a couple of things you can do to optimize its wearability. One of the best tricks? Put some powder foundation or eyeshadow on your lids first, giving the liner something to hold on to. This way, your eyeliner will look just as fabulous at the end of the night as it did when you first put the stuff on.

Key Features
  • Gel smudge pot
  • Application brush
  • Highly pigmented
  • 24-hour wearability
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Wear Time: 24 hours
  • Product Form: Gel
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
Pros
  • Available in five shades
  • High-shine finish
  • Goes on incredibly smooth
Cons
  • Have to clean brush in between uses
  • Hard to take off

If you're looking for an eye-liner that isn't full of unsafe, toxic chemicals, this just may be your lucky day. This Unshakeable eyeliner boasts a toxic-free formula that is also vegan-friendly. But aside from that, it's also a great eyeliner!

This Unshakeable gel eyeliner glides on smooth thanks to its high-precision felt tip. Similar to a regular pen, you simply hold the tool and glide it over your lid, no muss, no fuss. The deeply pigmented black shade is very pleasing on the eye and lets you experiment with bold, head-turning looks.

No matter what weather conditions you're dealing with, when you're wearing this gel liner, you can rest assured it's staying in place. Super resistant to humidity, a few beads of sweat are no match for this makeup. The liner is also waterproof and can withstand just about anything. That's right, you can wear this liner for up to 12 hours without ever having to reapply.

To make sure you get evenly distributed product with each use, store the liner horizontally. And don't worry about the tip of the pen running out of ink: you never have to do any sharpening to get more of it. Since the eyeliner is free of toxic chemicals like parabens, this makeup is a great option for those that have sensitive skin and eyes.

And if you're a newbie to making cat eyes or other fancy eyeliner designs, don't sweat it. This eyeliner is so easy to apply, you'll have complete control when making fine lines and different shapes. 

Key Features
  • Humidity and sweat-resistant
  • High-precision felt tip applicator
  • Cruelty-free, non-toxic formula
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Wear Time: 12 hours
  • Product Form: Gel pen
  • Weight: 0.32 ounces
Pros
  • Easy application
  • Smooth finish
  • Super black color
Cons
  • May smudge if applied right along water line
  • Accumulates black residue under eyes throughout the day
  • Doesn't contain very much product

Just because you have sensitive eyes doesn't mean you should forgo rocking a bold cat-eye or sultry lined look every once in a while! That's where this Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum comes in.

This eyeliner doesn't just make your eyes look great, it actually keeps them healthy! That's because the ink comes from a high-tech Japanese formula complete with minerals, vitamins and proteins that help your eyelashes grow and thrive each time you use it! After using the liner on a regular basis, you’ll notice your eyelashes looking more nourished and healthy. So basically, you’re getting two beauty routine steps done in one! You’re both caring for your lashes and your lids.

If you like to stick to beauty products that don’t test on animals, this liner is a great option since it’s cruelty-free. And given that it's paraben-free and hypoallergenic, it won’t irritate the lids of those with sensitive skin and eyes. That's right lens-wearers: you've finally found an eyeliner that won't make you cry whenever you wear it!

And unlike other liquid liners, this one won't fade throughout the day. Designed to last for hours and hours, the liner won't absorb into your skin or smudge on hot days. In fact, the liner is water and smudge-resistant so you can rest assured it's not going anywhere, even if you become a bit sweaty over the course of the day.

Key Features
  • Water and smudge-resistant
  • Ultra-precise tip
  • High-tech Japanese formula
  • Hypoallergenic and paraben-free
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Resistant
  • Wear Time: Long-wearing
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.6 ounces
Pros
  • Great for sensitive eyes or lens wearers
  • Glides on smooth
  • Simultaneously nourishes and enhances lashes
Cons
  • Runs out rather fast
  • Ink dries out quickly

Love a good smokey eye? How about a cat-eye? Or is a thin wing more your thing? No matter what kinds of makeup looks you like to use for your eyes, the Aesthetica Felt Tip Eyeliner proves that the possibilities are endless!

If you're getting ready in a hurry, this eyeliner is a godsend. That's because its liquid formula features a quick-drying quality that ensures you don't smudge things up as you get ready for the day. But along with being smudge-free upon application, it remains that way throughout the day. Add that on top of the fact that it's waterproof and you've got yourself the best eyeliner ever!

If you're concerned about your makeup products being cruelty-free, you're in luck. Not only is the makeup not tested on animals, but it's also paraben, vegan and gluten-free. Pretty awesome, right?

The liquid liner is also incredibly versatile. Whether you want a bold look with broad thick strokes or a barely-there look for during the day, this eyeliner can do it all. It boasts a felt tip that won't fray over time, enabling you to experiment with fun looks every single day.

And if you're not used to doing cat-eye looks and other fun designs, the eyeliner comes with a handy manual that gives you step by step instructions to ensure you get the best result possible. But don't worry, there aren't that many steps, the application is actually pretty easy.

You'll find that using the liner is incredibly easy thanks to its easy-to-apply nature. It simply glides across your lid without clumping or bleeding.

Key Features
  • Felt tip
  • Quick-dry formula
  • Waterproof
  • Comes in jet black and dark brown
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Wear Time: 12 hours
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
Pros
  • Easy to control
  • Capable of drawing wide array of lines
  • Very smooth application
Cons
  • Stings if it comes into contact with eyes
  • Pen dries out fairly quickly

Wish you could enjoy the same pigmented look you get from real tattoos on your eyelids? Well, unless you want to get tattoo makeup (which is a pricey, more painful option), this gel eyeliner pencil is the next best thing!

When applying the pencil to your eye, you'll immediately appreciate its ability to glide over your lid smoothly and effortlessly. You'll also notice how deeply pigmented it is, giving you a bold look that's sure to turn heads. And since the liner is in the form of a pencil, you have more control over what you do with it than you would with a liquid liner.

While the "deep onyx" color is perfect for a class cat-eye or under-eye liner, this brand boasts a whopping 8 beautiful shades for you to choose from including navy, white, silver, purple, and many more.

And if you're looking for something that will last throughout your workday and well into the night without needing to be reapplied, this pencil is your best bet. Promising to last up to 36 hours, this longlasting eye pencil practically negates the act of touching-up between events, whether it's a for a work meeting or a hot date.

The eye pencil is also waterproof, smudge-proof, and sebum-resistant making it a great option for warm days, beach days, events where you'll shed tears, and everything in between.

Key Features
  • Draws ultra-precise lines
  • Rich color pigment
  • Gel pencil
  • Available in 8 shades
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Wear Time: 36 hours
  • Product Form: Gel pencil
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
Pros
  • Lasts up to 36 hours
  • Has tattoo-like intensity
  • Waterproof and smudge-proof
Cons
  • Doesn't sharpen as smoothly as desired
  • Doesn't come off easily with makeup remover

If you're tired of your unsteady, shaky hands getting in the way of your winged-tip look, this eyeliner is right up your alley! Boasting a stamp-like tip, this genious eyeliner ensures you get the perfect wing every single time. 

Not only does this eyeliner make your eyes look flawless, it can save you tons of time. Just imagine not having to re-do messed up winged tips five times before you get it right! Plus, you don't have to worry about your eyes being uneven since both sides will look exactly the same. 

The eyeliner is also great for people practicing a vegan lifestyle since the ink is comprised of a vegan-friendly formula. The company that makes the makeup is also cruelty-free. 

Women everywhere rave about the eyeliner and it's even been featured in Buzzfeed videos! It's no wonder 100,000 women are swearing by the product. 

Key Features
  • Stamp tip
  • Cruelty-free
  • Smudge-proof
  • Waterproof
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Wear Time: Long-wear
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 1.76 ounces
Pros
  • Vegan-friendly formula
  • Saves time since it's practically error-proof
  • 2-step process cuts makeup application time in half
Cons
  • Doesn't react well to heat
  • Can be harsh on sensitive skin
  • Dries with a slight sheen, not matte

Look, there are tons of choices out there when it comes to eyeliner. So how can you possibly decide which one is the best for you? There are a lot of factors that go into deciding on the best eyeliner. From liquid to pencil, to the style of makeup you generally wear, a lot can dictate which eyeliner would work best with your general look and lifestyle.

Your eyeliner style

What matters most when picking out eyeliner is the kind of look you're going for. If you like more dramatic looks like say, a bold cat-eye or a smokey eye, a thicker, super-pigmented eyeliner will work well for you. In this case, you'll likely lean toward liquid liners than pencils since they can appear thicker on your lids.

If you're just looking for an eyeliner that can give your eyes a little definition without getting too crazy, looking for eyeliners that aren't as dark in pigment would be ideal. You'll probably also like liquid and gel liners with thin applicator brushes so that you can make thin, barely-there lines.

What you need from your eyeliner

No matter what look you're going for. your environment, skin, and daily lifestyle should all be taken into account. If you're doing your makeup for a special occasion like a wedding, for example, you may want to choose something waterproof and smudge-proof since you may shed a tear or two. If you aren't a big makeup wearer and only use eyeliner for special events, perhaps a hard-to-remove liner that's waterproof may not be the best option.

Related: The 10 Best Waterproof Eyeliners of 2019

Your skin type is also an important factor when deciding which eyeliner is best. If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to settle for a hypoallergenic product that doesn't contain a lot of harsh chemicals. Also, if you have drier skin that gets flaky easily when using makeup, make sure to choose an eyeliner that has moisturizing ingredients in it.

How experienced you are with eyeliner

If you're brand new to the cat-eye game, picking an eyeliner can be incredibly daunting. Then once you do decide on one, perfecting dramatic looks can be even more challenging. If you're a beginner when it comes to eyeliner, you'll benefit from using either liquid or pencils in a thicker casing, making it easier to hold on to and control. In other words, it can handle your unsure, shaky hand.

If you're more experienced with it comes to eyeliners, experimenting with different tips like the super-skinny ones can be fun. That's because you can draw fine lines and unique designs that require a good amount of knowledge and control.

No matter what eyeliner you decide on, it's important to try them on for size along with the factors that have previously been mentioned. While figuring out things by trial and error can be annoying, you never really know if a makeup product will work for you until you try it. But remember: It's supposed to be fun!

ResourcesByrdie, Bellatory

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