9 Best Eyeliners For Oily Lids

If you have oily lids, you know the struggle. You spend time crafting the perfect winged liner, only to look in the mirror an hour later and see a smudged, faded mess. I’ve been there. My liner would transfer to my crease, creating that dreaded second line, or just disappear completely.

Finding the best eyeliner for oily eyes feels like a mission impossible. You need something that can withstand the oil slick without cracking, flaking, or smudging. It has to be waterproof, long-wearing, and seriously budge-proof.

So, I went on a quest. I tested countless formulas—gels, liquids, and pencils—to find the ones that actually stay put. These are the eyeliners that survived a full day of wear on my super oily lids without letting me down.

 

 

The Best Eyeliners for Oily Lids That Won’t Budge

stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

The stila Stay All Day liner costs $24. This one is a classic for a reason. It’s the liner I recommend to anyone who wants a super sharp, dramatic wing that will not move, especially if you have oily skin.

The felt tip is so precise, making it easy to get a clean line even if you’re not a pro. It dries down fast and once it’s on, it’s ON. I’ve worn this through sweaty days and it looks just as good at night as it did in the morning. It’s truly waterproof and smudge-proof.

The Downside: The felt tip can get a little dry over time, so make sure you store it tip-down.

 

 

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner

For just $11, this Maybelline gel liner is an absolute steal. If you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts, this is a fantastic option.

The gel formula is incredibly creamy and glides on without any tugging. It’s intensely pigmented and gives you a bit of playtime before it sets completely. Once it does, it’s waterproof and doesn’t irritate my eyes at all. It’s a great eyeliner for oily lids that gives you a high-end look on a budget.

The Downside: It comes in a pot, so you have to use a brush for application, which can be an extra step.

 

 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

This pencil will set you back $23. It’s perfect if you love the ease of a pencil but need the staying power of a liquid. And the color range is amazing.

It’s called a “glide-on” pencil for a reason—it’s so smooth and creamy. It contains Jojoba oil and Vitamin E, so it doesn’t feel drying on the lids. I love that I can smudge it out for a smoky look right after applying, but once it sets, it stays put all day without fading or migrating.

The Downside: You do have to sharpen it, which can feel a little wasteful sometimes.

 

 

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Superstar Liquid Eyeliner Pen

At around $10, this is another drugstore winner. This is the eyeliner I grab when I’m not sure if I want a thin line or a thick, bold one.

The tip is super fine but also flexible, so you have a ton of control over the thickness of your line. The black is really intense and doesn’t fade throughout the day. I’ve never had issues with this transferring or smudging, even on my oiliest days.

The Downside: The tip can get clogged with eyeshadow if you’re not careful. I always store it tip-down.

 

 

NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

This NYX liner is only $10. It’s one of the best eyeliners for oily eyes, especially if you’re still mastering your wing.

It has a flexible brush tip, not a felt one, which I find gives a smoother, skip-free line. The formula is waterproof, vegan, and holds up incredibly well against oil. It gives a satin finish that I really like for everyday wear. It’s my go-to for a quick, sharp wing.

The Downside: Some people find it’s not the absolute blackest black liner out there, but it’s pretty close.

 

 

DHC Liquid Eyeliner EX

This Japanese liner costs $18. If you prefer a true brush-tip applicator over a felt one, you have to try this.

The brush tip allows for such precision, letting you draw the thinnest of lines right at the lash line. The formula is waterproof and quick-drying, so it sets before it has a chance to smudge. I find it stays fresh-looking all day without any transfer.

The Downside: A brush tip can take a little more practice to master than a felt tip if you’re a beginner.

 

 

Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner

You can get this Eyeko liner for $20. It’s a great vegan option that actually performs.

The formula is infused with vitamins and feels really nice on the lids. It glides on smoothly and delivers a really dark black line that is completely smudge-proof and fade-resistant. This is a solid choice for an all-day finish that won’t budge on oily skin.

The Downside: It doesn’t come in a lot of different colors if you like to switch things up.

 

 

Christian Dior Diorshow On Stage Liquid Eyeliner

At $40, this is definitely a splurge. But if you’re looking for a luxury experience with incredible performance, this is it.

The flexible felt tip is a dream to use, and the formula promises 24-hour waterproof wear. I can’t say I’ve worn it for 24 hours, but it easily lasts a full workday and into the evening without any issues. The color payoff is insane, and the vibrant shades are just beautiful.

The Downside: The price point is pretty high compared to other options that work just as well.

 

 

PÜR On Point Eyeliner Pencil

This PÜR pencil is $20. It strikes a perfect balance between being moisturizing and having serious staying power.

This waterproof pencil is made with ingredients like ceramides and sunflower seed oil, so it feels comfortable and never tugs. It promises over 10 hours of wear, and on my oily lids, it really delivers. The color stays vivid without smudging into my crease.

The Downside: Like other pencils, it does need to be sharpened to keep a fine point.

Having oily eyelids doesn’t mean you have to give up on eyeliner. It’s just about finding the right formula that can handle the extra moisture. A good waterproof and smudge-proof claim is your best friend.

Whether you prefer a liquid, gel, or pencil, there’s an eyeliner out there for you. Don’t be afraid to try a few to find the one that gives you the look and longevity you need. Your perfect cat-eye is waiting.