The 9 Best Eyeliners Of 2026

Finding the perfect eyeliner feels like a never-ending quest. You want one that glides on smoothly without pulling, stays put all day without smudging into a raccoon mess, and has a tip that gives you total control. And if you can find an affordable eyeliner that does all that? You’ve hit the jackpot.

I’ve tested so many eyeliners over the years, from pricey department store staples to cheap eyeliner brands from the drugstore. Some were great, others were a flaky, smudgy disaster. So I put together a list of the ones that actually live up to their claims.

These are the eyeliners that survived sweaty workouts, rainy days, and even a few teary-eyed movie nights. Whether you’re a beginner trying to master a simple line or a pro perfecting a dramatic cat eye, there’s something here for you.

 

 

Our Eyeliner Rankings For 2026

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

The price is $24, and honestly, it’s worth every penny. This one is a true icon for a reason. I’ve been using Stila for years, and it’s my go-to for a sharp, precise cat eye that I know won’t budge.

The felt-tip marker makes application so easy, whether you’re a total beginner or have been doing wings forever. It just glides on without skipping and delivers a solid, pigmented line. It dries down fast and truly stays put all day. This is the liquid eyeliner that won’t budge, period.

The Downside: The felt tip can get a little frayed or dry out if you don’t store it tip-down, so just be mindful of that.

 

 

Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner

For $20, this kajal pencil is a dream for smoky looks and sensitive eyes. I was so impressed with how buttery and smooth this formula is. It glides right onto my waterline with zero irritation, which is a huge win.

The color payoff is fantastic, and you get a few seconds of playtime to smudge it out before it sets. Once it’s set, it’s surprisingly smudge-proof. It’s a great choice if you love a soft, lived-in liner look that still has staying power.

The Downside: If you have oily lids like I sometimes do, you might want to set it with a bit of matching eyeshadow to keep it locked in place.

 

 

Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

This one costs $28, putting it in the luxury category, but the texture is unreal. This is probably the creamiest pencil eyeliner I have ever used. It feels like silk going on your skin, and the pigment is incredibly intense with just one swipe.

It’s perfect for tightlining or creating a dramatic smoky eye because it’s so easy to blend out. But you have to work quickly. After about a minute, it sets down and does not move. It’s a fantastic long lasting waterline eyeliner.

The Downside: It’s a traditional pencil, so you’ll need to keep a sharpener handy to maintain a precise point.

 

 

Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil

At $26, this pencil is a tool, not just a product. I love a dual-ended product, and the brush on the other end of this pencil is actually good. It’s dense and perfect for smoking out the liner right after you apply it.

The gel formula itself is velvety smooth and super pigmented. It gives you enough time to smudge and blend for a soft look, but you can also create a sharp, defined line with it. The versatility is what really sells me on this one.

The Downside: I really wish it came in more colors. The current shade range is pretty limited.

 

 

Smashbox Always Sharp Longwear Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner

This eyeliner is $27, and the self-sharpening cap is genius. Every time you twist the cap on and off, a tiny blade inside sharpens the tip. It means you get a perfect point every single time without ever needing a separate tool.

The kohl formula is creamy, waterproof, and ideal for creating a smudged-out look that lasts all day. I throw this in my travel bag because it’s so convenient and reliable. The color is bold and applies without any tugging.

The Downside: You have to make sure you hear the “click” when you put the cap back on, or it won’t sharpen properly and could dry out.

 

 

One/Size Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen

For just $19, this liner delivers a serious punch. If you want the blackest-of-black matte eyeliner, this is it. The pigment is incredibly rich and opaque in one stroke, which I love for creating bold, graphic wings.

The felt tip is sturdy but flexible enough to create a nice, sharp flick. It holds up all day without fading or flaking, which is impressive for such an affordable eyeliner from a high-end brand. It’s a top contender in my liquid eyeliner reviews.

The Downside: It only comes in one shade: an intense black. So if you’re looking for brown or other colors, you’re out of luck.

 

 

Maybelline Hyper Precise All Day Liquid Liner

This liner is a steal at around $11. It’s hands-down one of the best cheap eyeliner options out there. The 0.4mm tip is ridiculously fine, giving you the kind of control you usually only get from much more expensive liners.

I recommend this one to everyone who’s just starting to learn winged liner. It makes getting a crisp, sharp line so much easier. And the formula is waterproof and genuinely smudge-proof, lasting through a full day of wear.

The Downside: With daily use, I’ve found the pen can run out of ink a little faster than some other liners.

 

 

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner

Priced at $22, this eyeliner quickly became a favorite. Instead of a felt tip, this one has a brush made of super fine, flexible bristles. This allows the ink to flow continuously, so you get a smooth, consistent line without any skipping.

The formula is a rich, matte black that doesn’t crack or fade. It’s also waterproof and made with sensitive eyes in mind. I find the brush tip gives me amazing precision for creating very thin or thick lines depending on the pressure I use.

The Downside: The brush tip is delicate, so if you’re too heavy-handed, you could potentially bend or break the bristles.

 

 

NYX Matte Liquid Liner

At just $9, this is the most affordable eyeliner on the list, and its performance is killer. This is a classic dip-style liquid liner with a fine brush tip. It gives you ultimate control over the thickness and intensity of your line.

The pigmentation is fantastic, a deep matte black that dries down and will not flake or smudge. If you have a steady hand and love a bold, long-lasting liner, you can’t beat the value here. It’s a truly smudge proof eyeliner that costs less than lunch.

The Downside: The brush and pot format can be challenging for beginners. It takes a little practice to master.

There you have it—the top eyeliners I’ve tried that actually work. From precise liquid pens to creamy, blendable pencils, there’s a formula here for every style and budget.

Ultimately, the best eyeliner is the one that makes you feel confident. Don’t be afraid to try a cheap eyeliner from the drugstore; as you can see, some of them perform just as well as their pricey counterparts. Happy lining!