19 Best Drugstore Eyeliners: Liquids, Gels, Pencils and Everything In Between

Why are we in love with the NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner? For starters, it is truly waterproof, so your cat eye won’t budge for 10 or more hours. And when it does start to budge, it flakes rather than smudges, which is easier to fix. The formula is smooth and mattifying, and the tip is sharp and flexible.

Of course, not everyone agrees that NYX Epic Ink is the best option out there. A few reviewers have received “duds” on Amazon, meaning the eyeliner comes dried out. Others report that the black shade bleeds during application which makes it hard to get a perfect look. The EWG gives this product a three out of 10 in terms of toxicity, mainly because the formula contains Black No. 2 (color index number 77266) — a potential carcinogen.

Not everyone is a fan of liquid eyeliner, but not everyone wants to paint on their eyeliner with a traditional gel liner, either. To the rescue: the Heroine Make by KissMe Long Stay Sharp Gel Eyeliner. This gel product comes in a thin, retractable tube, giving you the convenience of a pen without the mess. Plus, the product is waterproof, easy to apply and sharp enough to make a cat eye.

Though it’s hard to find the downsides, some reviewers argue that this gel liner smudges after a couple hours. In addition, the product isn’t technically a drugstore eyeliner since it’s sold only on Amazon — though it is well within the drugstore price range. The formula does not yet have a toxicity rating.

Sometimes, nothing works better than a classic eyeliner pencil. The NYX Retractable Mechanical Pencil is our top pick in this category because it’s rich in color, dramatic, creates precise lines and lasts for hours on end without smudging. (We’re not sponsored by NYX — we promise!)

The downsides? It may be long lasting, but the product itself can be difficult to apply. That’s especially true along the water line, as it has a hard time sticking to the skin if the eye is watery. Unfortunately, this formula has a toxicity rating of six out of 10.

Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, going straight from the gym to dinner or taking a cry break (!), the Wet n Wild Breakup Proof eyeliner has your back. The quick-drying, smudge resistant formula lasts for eight or more hours before you have to touch up or reapply. The cherry on top? It has a rich black color that glides on easily.

However, reviewers complain that they sometimes get sent dried-out pens when ordering through Amazon. Some also mention that the product dries out after a month. The formula gets a toxicity rating of three out of 10.

Looking for a waterproof gel that stays on for hours? Maybelline’s Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner is our top choice. It comes with a rounded precision brush and an “ink” well of gel product, which is perfect for makeup artists who want to control the exact amount of product they apply to their eyes. The formula is richly pigmented and lasts for at least 10 hours without smudging.

As is the case with waterproof formulas, this product may be hard to remove. (We recommend using micellar water.) In addition, the rounded brush won’t create the perfect cat eye, so you may need to do some touch ups after application to get the shape you desire. This formula has a toxicity rating of 4 out of 10.

It isn’t easy to create a sharp cat eye with a non-liquid eyeliner, but the Maybelline TattooStudio Eyeliner Pencil makes it possible. Sharpen this pencil after each use and you’ll be able to create a clean, defined line that doesn’t budge for over 12 hours.

Unfortunately, some users found this formula irritating and said it causes burning in and around the eyes. A few mention that they received a dupe after ordering on Amazon (and not the real product). This formula gets a three out of 10 in terms of toxicity and irritation.

Want the best of both worlds without paying extra? We recommend the Kokie Gel Ink Dual-Ended Eyeliner, a product that has liquid eyeliner on one end and gel on the other. Having both allows you to draw the perfect cat eye with the liquid, then fill out your waterline with the gel. The formula is water resistant and matte, making it a classy choice for many makeup looks.

Though Kokie products used to be readily available at drugstores, they are now primarily sold through Amazon. (So, they aren’t easy to find in stores.) A few reviewers complain that the product doesn’t last long. This formula does not yet have a toxicity rating, though it contains Black No. 2 (a potential carcinogen).

While many liquid eyeliner users love a brush tip for flexibility, a felt tip provides more control. This was the philosophy behind L’Oréal’s Infallible Frip Precision Liquid Eyeliner, which has an ergonomic and thin felt tip so you can create a sharp, clean cat eye with ease. The formula glides across the skin, and the dark black color is eye-catching in the best way.

Since this product is water resistant — not waterproof — it does not have the same staying power as other products. So, the formula will smudge if you touch your eyes. (Some users prefer this because the liner is easier to remove.) The EWG gives this product a toxicity rating of four out of 10.

Ready to embrace your smudgy, blurry eyeliner and create a smokey look? The Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner was designed for the task. It features a sharp, retractable pencil on one end that creates precise lines and a smudging tip on the other that helps you blur the product. Reviewers love that they can quickly create a smokey eye with the soft, creamy formula.

Though this product is waterproof and lasts for eight or more hours, it may fade as the day goes on. Some reviewers also note that the smudging tool tends to fall out of the end of the tube. As for toxicity and irritation, this product gets a rating of six out of 10.

Tightlining — when you draw a precise line along your top and bottom water lines — creates a bold, cohesive look. And the Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner is the perfect product to get it right. The retractable liner has a very thin tip that works well for precision work, and the formula helps ensure that your look will last all day.

While most reviewers can’t get enough of this product, a few mention that the product is fragile and breaks if you apply too much pressure. Others found that Amazon sent them “duds,” or tubes that dried out before they even tried them. This formula gets a three out of 10 in terms of toxicity and irritation.

Worried about the potential harm your makeup does to animals? We recommend the Honest Beauty Vibeliner because it’s certified vegan and cruelty free. Plus, it is EWG verified, meaning it contains no fragrance or potentially carcinogenic ingredients. The matte formula is smooth, making it an excellent choice for easy application and smudging (if you want to create a smokey look).

As with most “clean” products, the Vibeliner does not have the staying power of waterproof formulas. It tends to smudge or fade, so touch-ups throughout the day are necessary. The pencil may also be difficult to sharpen because the formula is on the softer side.

If you want a liquid drugstore eyeliner that has a squeaky-clean formula, we recommend the Honest Beauty Liquid Eyeliner. This product is also EWG verified, so it meets the EWG’s strictest standards for health and safety. As for the experience, we’re impressed; the liner glides onto the eyelid and leaves a rich, dark-black pigment.

However, this product is likely to smudge during a long day because it isn’t waterproof. It also takes a while to dry, so it’s important not to blink a lot or touch your eyes immediately after applying. As a result, this product isn’t beginner friendly.

Did you know that nearly all Almay products are EWG certified? That’s what makes the All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner a winner in our book. It contains no parabens, phthalates or other potentially toxic ingredients, making it a great pick for sensitive eyes. Plus, the rich, black gel glides onto skin without tugging. You can smudge and manipulate it for the first 10 seconds, but once it dries, it’s meant to stay.

Not everyone has had the best experience with this eyeliner in colors other than rich black. Namely, the glittery colors can be irritating. Others have noticed that the pencil is difficult to sharpen because the formula is soft and creamy. (Pro tip: Store this pencil in a cold place before sharpening.) Note that Almay used to test on animals but it is now a cruelty-free brand.

The Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner is one of very few drugstore eyeliners that does not contain Black No. 2. Instead, this product gets its dark pigment from mica, a type of mineral powder and iron oxides. Iron oxides do have the potential to be irritating, but the concern is low. Overall, this product gets a 2 out of 10 score in terms of toxicity.

As for the product’s performance, Burt’s Bees Eyeliner is excellent. The pencil creates a natural, everyday look and gets great reviews for its non-irritating formula. Though Burt’s Bees isn’t a vegan company (many of its products contain beeswax), the Nourishing Eyeliner pen contains no animal-based ingredients. The downsides: It tends to smudge if you rub your eyes and doesn’t last as long as waterproof formulas.

New to the world of eyeliner? We recommend starting with a pen or pencil, which can help you practice before you try a high-stakes liquid liner. The one we recommend: Covergirl’s Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner Pencil. The formula is smooth and the color is intense, which makes this a great pick for a soft cat eye.

This product is often sold out or not available at drugstores anymore, so your best bet is to buy online through Walmart or Amazon. This formula has a toxicity and irritation rating of four out of 10.

If you’re on the hunt for a soft, brown eyeliner, we recommend the Physician’s Formula Eye Booster liner. This product does double duty as it contains a growth serum for your lashes. The color is an intense, dark brown (almost black), and the brush is very thin and precise — perfect for a sharp cat eye. It glides on effortlessly and stays for upwards of eight hours.

Since the applicator has a brush tip, beginners may find it difficult to create a decent cat eye. Some reviewers also report that the formula is not as liquid-y as they would like. This product has a toxicity rating of five out of 10.

A brown pencil eyeliner can help you create an effortless, everyday look, which makes the Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner the perfect addition to your makeup bag. The pencil sharpens easily and has a smooth application, thanks to natural oils like jojoba and mango seed. In addition, it has a low risk for toxicity and irritation — its rating is two out of 10.

The downsides: The formula is not waterproof, which means it may smudge if you sweat or rub your eye. It also doesn’t last as long as similar products and fades during the day. Some reviewers found the formula irritating, perhaps because some of the natural ingredients are potential allergens.

If you love a classic, dip-your-brush gel, the Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner in brown is an excellent choice. The waterproof formula has a shimmer finish which is great for parties or cocktail events, and the product is smooth and easy to apply.

Note that this product comes with a rounded brush which isn’t the best for a cat eye — especially if you’re a beginner. So, you may need to purchase a separate, pointed brush or refine the line with makeup remover and a cotton swab. Since it is smudge resistant, this product may not work well for a smokey eye, either. The formula has a toxicity rating of five out of 10.

Looking for a pop of color? Ulta Beauty’s Automatic Eyeliner comes in 18 different colors, including blue shimmer, bright purple and metallic moss. The formula is creamy and easy to apply, thanks to the pointed tip. A bonus: All of Ulta’s automatic eyeliner products have a two out of 10 rating in terms of toxicity — so they are relatively low risk.

However, user experiences vary depending on the color. Some buyers report that the lighter colors smudge and fade easily, while the brown and black shades have a smoother application and better staying power.