Sometimes, the best things in life come from unexpected places. You may not think the best pizza comes from the $1 slice shop across the street, but trust me: you’d be surprised. The same adage rings true when it comes to beauty products. The next time you pick up your prescriptions at the drugstore, make a beeline for the makeup aisle, and you’ll see what I mean. Right next to some incredible drugstore mascaras, you’ll likely find a few of the best drugstore eyeliners.
The best eyeliners make your eyes pop instantly, and they can create any makeup look your little heart desires—it all depends on the formula. Liquid liners or any graphic liner are ideal for a wing with killer sharp accuracy, while pencil eyeliners can create a smokey eye in seconds. I personally love to use Pixi’s Nude Endless Silky Eye Pen as a waterline eyeliner to fake an I-just-slept-for-eight-hours look.
I’m also happy to report that it’s not just me who loves cheap eyeliner—pro makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran is also a fan. “I absolutely adore drugstore liners and have used them since the beginning of my career,” she tells Marie Claire. “They work perfectly well and they’re easy to replenish.”
There are plenty of eyeliners out there that won’t cost you more than $15, but it can be an overwhelming search. To save you the trouble, I'm bringing you a list of my favorites and enlisting help from the pros along the way. I included a range of formulas—from creamy gel liners to budge-proof waterproof eyeliners—so every preference is covered. Rest assured that no matter the formula, every drugstore find ahead is super pigmented, long-wearing, and budget-friendly.
Drugstore Eyeliners at a Glance
The Best Drugstore Eyeliners
- Best Overall Drugstore Eyeliner: Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil
- Best Pencil Drugstore Eyeliner: L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner
- Best Budget Drugstore Eyeliner: Wet n Wild On Edge Longwearing Eye Pencil
- Best Liquid Drugstore Eyeliner Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner
- Best Waterproof Drugstore Eyeliner: NYX Epic Wear Liquid Liner
Sometimes you need a liner that can blend out into a sexy smokey eye. Other times you want your liner to stay put for the entirety of the day—this $10 pick does both. The brand claims it has up to 36 hours of wear, and while I wouldn't advise wearing makeup for that long, you can rest assured that this eyeliner won't budge or fade. I'm also a big fan of the shade range, high color payoff, and its sebum-resistant formula, meaning it's especially great for your waterline.
Formula: Gel pencil
Shades: Nine
What We Love: Glides easily; long-wearing; highly pigmented; waterproof; suitable for the waterline.
What We Don't: Dries too quickly; difficult to sharpen.
Review for MC: "As someone with the shakiest hand ever, I feel confident recommending this drugstore pencil to beginners everywhere—it's that easy to use. The gel tip has a ridiculously smooth glide, doesn't tug on the lid, and delivers uniform pigment in just one swipe. I'm a fan of buffing out my eyeliner (that way my line doesn't have to be perfect), just make sure you work quickly. It dries down fast and once it sets it's not going anywhere. I love the metallic shades, like bronze glitz, but deep onyx is the way to go if you want a true black." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
The creamy formula of Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil didn't budge at all for Samantha.
For those wanting a deep, dark eye look, it doesn't get better than L'Oréal's Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner in Carbon Black. This pencil comes with a built-in smudger and sharpener, so whether you want to achieve a sultry smokey eye or a sharp, graphic shape, this pencil will always make your application easier. It also comes pro-approved by celebrity makeup artist Ashlee Glazer. She says, "The L'Oréal Infallible Never Fail mechanical pencil is pretty great and super dark; it has a soft texture for the waterline with long-wear."
Formula: Pencil
Shades: Four
What We Love: Highly pigmented; long-wearing; comes with built-in sharpener and smudge sponge; glides easily; retractable twist-up design.
What We Don't: Reviewers say the product runs out fast.
Review for MC: "I don't think I've ever applied a softer eyeliner than this L'Oreal eyeliner. Because of its extra-creamy formula, this pencil glides like a dream—no tugging or skipping in the slightest, so much so, that I bet this pick would be great on mature skin and in the waterline. I find jet-black liner too dark for my taste, so I went with the classic brown shade and it was still highly pigmented. My only drawback is that because the formula is so soft, it's easy to wipe off before it sets, so give it some time to dry fully before touching." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
I was left impressed by just how creamy the L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner was.
You don't need to spend a ton of money to get a great eyeliner. Take it from makeup artist Ehlie Luna, who is a fan of this drugstore pick. "Wet n Wild On Edge Longwearing eyeliner is creamy and shockingly good for the price point," she says. "I especially love the On Edge pencil in the shade Wooden You Know.” This cream-based liner is a steal for just $4. It's long-wearing and blends easily so it can work for a variety of eye makeup looks. Plus, there are fun colors like hot pink and icy blue available, too.
Formula: Creamy pencil
Shades: Six
What We Love: Highly pigmented; long-wearing; blendable.
What We Don't: Difficult to sharpen.
Review for MC: "I'll be honest—I was skeptical of this pencil's performance, despite a pro vouching for it. How good could a product be at just $4? Well, I was pleasantly surprised. The first thing I noticed upon swiping this pencil along my lids was just how pigmented it was. I only needed one stroke for a rich line to show up. The next thing I noticed was how soft of a formula it has. It applied buttery smooth. My only cause for pause: it rubbed off a tad when I curled my eyelashes." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
The Wet N Wild packs a punch of color for just $4.
I can go on and on about my love for the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner. It's the one product I've used consistently since middle school because it's just that good. A single swipe is all I need for rich, deep color, and I find it easy to apply (whether I'm going for a thick or thin line) with the tube's long, easy-to-hold handle. My wings stay flawless from the time I apply them in the morning to when I go to remove my makeup at night. All in all, this pick is everything I could want in an eyeliner.
Formula: Liquid
Shades: Two
What We Love: Long-wearing; highly pigmented; easy to apply; smudge-proof; waterproof; ophthalmologist-tested.
What We Don't: Formula may get clumpy over time.
Review for MC: "Of all the makeup products I’ve used throughout the years, Revlon’s ColorStay liquid eyeliner is the only one I’ve never stopped loving. The liner’s formula is more liquidy than most other brands, making the application smooth and precise (the applicator tip is firm yet pointed, creating the perfectly sharp edge to a wing), but it dries quickly, so I never have to worry about smudging or creasing. While you may be tempted to go with the waterproof option, this one stays on all day long, can be easily touched up and layered upon, and comes off easily with your standard makeup remover." — Lucia Tonelli, Associate Director of Social Media
Lucia has stayed loyal to Revlon's Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner because it's just that good.
Another option for those looking to get into liquid liners: the NYX Epic Wear Long Lasting Liquid Eyeliner. Offered in eight gorgeous shades, this liner has some incredible staying power—NYX says the high-impact colors last up to three days, but we'd recommend not wearing your makeup for that long. Each color dries to a matte finish without cracking, fading, or bleeding. "If you have extremely oily lids you’d want a long-lasting or waterproof formula. I love the NYX Epic Wear Liners," says Jaikaran.
Formula: Liquid
Shades: Eight
What We Love: Long-wearing; waterproof; smudge-proof; can be used on face and body; highly pigmented.
What We Don't: Can be difficult to remove.
Review for MC: "I have the black shade of this eyeliner and boy, does it pack a punch of pigment. I quickly swiped it on and that was all I needed for a dramatic black line. This is a pretty wet formula, so it takes a bit longer to dry, but then it does not go anywhere. I actually hopped in the shower with my makeup still on, and this eyeliner was the only thing that didn't come off. A cleansing balm did the trick. If I was heading to the beach or a pool, this is the eyeliner I would wear." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
NYX's Epic Wear Liquid Liner has an epic budge-proof formula.
Other Drugstore Eyeliners I Love
With my schedule packed to the brim on most days, it can be hard to get in my eight hours of shut-eye. To fake a good night's sleep, I like to use this pencil in my waterline to look instantly awake. I especially love the matte nude shade since it's more subtle than white and doesn't contrast too much against my natural skin tone. It's super creamy too so no tugging or tearing here, which is especially great for the sensitive waterline.
Formula: Gel pencil
Shades: 10
What We Love: Glides easily; waterproof; highly pigmented; smudge-proof.
What We Don't: Difficult to sharpen; tip is prone to breaking off.
Liquid liner can get tricky if you don't have a steady hand. But the ultra-fine tip on Maybelline's Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner makes sharp lines a breeze to apply. At just $9 and with long-wearing abilities, this pick is great for those wanting to dip their toes into liquid liners. Over 20,000 Amazon shoppers gave this pen a 5-star review, plus Jaikaran says this is the drugstore liner she's been using "for years."
Formula: Liquid
Shades: Five
What We Love: Ultra-fine precision tip; long-wearing; waterproof.
What We Don't: Reviewers say this runs with oily eyelids.
If you're no stranger to the beauty world and eyeliners, you've probably heard about Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil—it's one of our favorites! But if that $23 price tag is a bit too steep for you, pro makeup artist Shadi Malek has got you covered. "I find Almay has a similar consistency to Urban Decay and I would say it’s a great dupe," she says. "Its color range isn’t as impressive but I love how the product glides into the eye and that it’s hypoallergenic."
Formula: Gel pencil
Shades: Six
What We Love: Glides easily; hypoallergenic and clean formula; highly pigmented; waterproof; suitable for the waterline.
What We Don't: Difficult to sharpen; reviewers say the product runs out fast.
Every eyeliner isn't built to do a smokey eye justice. Some are too drying, while others don't have enough playtime to blend out adequately. This age-old CoverGirl find, however, is the pencil you need for your sexiest of smoky eyes. The creamy formula and angled smudge sponge tip make blending a magical experience. You can smudge out your strokes with the sponge, and if you want a sharp line, you can use the angled side to create a subtle flick.
Formula: Pencil
Shades: Two
What We Love: Blendable; comes with smudge sponge; glides easily.
What We Don't: Some reviewers not smudging with wear.
A cat-eye may sound like Mission Impossible, but I'm here to assure you that it can be done. You don't need years of practice with L'Oreal's Flash Cat Eye eyeliner, as it comes with a handy stencil. You align the edge of the stencil with the outer corner of your eye, color it in with the liner, then fill in the rest of your lashline, and voilà, you've got the perfect cat eye. Reviewers say the formula is extra dark and long-wearing, too.
Formula: Liquid
Shades: One
What We Love: Includes a wing stencil; highly pigmented; easy to apply; waterproof.
What We Don't: Packaging could be improved.
You can't just throw any eyeliner in your waterline and pray for the best—that's a (literal) eye-sore waiting to happen. Instead, Luna says kohl or kajal eyeliners, which typically have a creamier texture than traditional eyeliners, are more suitable for the waterline. Her favorite? Neutrogena's Smokey Kohl Eyeliner, which she says is "long-wearing, pigmented, and best of all, doesn't irritate my eyes."
Formula: Kohl
Shades: Four
What We Love: Glides easily; long-wearing; waterproof; suitable for the waterline.
What We Don't: Has a thick tip.
There are plenty of benefits to using a pot and brush liner. If you have a shaky hand, a longer brush helps steady it. It will also open the door to possibilities when it comes to graphic shapes. Aside from the brush, this gel formula from Maybelline applies silky smooth, but reviewers seem most impressed with how dark each shade shows up.
Formula: Gel pot
Shades: Two
What We Love: Includes a brush; waterproof; highly pigmented; long-wearing.
What We Don't: Dries out with use.
It is no surprise that Rimmel London has one seriously good eyeliner for just $7—the brand is one of my all-time favorites (not to mention it has been around for decades) at the drugstore. This twist-up pencil has the teeniest of tips so you can get a sharp cat-eye with every application. Even better, it stays sharp thanks to its retractable twist-up design. Whether you wear it to the pool, shower, or rom-com movie night, this waterproof liner stays put.
Formula: Gel crayon
Shades: Six
What We Love: Retractable twist-up design; waterproof; highly pigmented; long-wearing.
What We Don't: Tip is prone to breaking off.
Technically, you can't find this pick at the drugstore. However, it is well within the range of drugstore prices at $5, so I had to give it a little shout-out. With this one eyeliner, you can achieve nearly any eye makeup look, from super sharp wings to smudged under eyes. One side is a creamy gel twist-up crayon that won't skip or tug on your eyelids. Meanwhile, the other side is a felt-tip liquid liner for high-intensity color and precise lines.
Formula: Gel crayon and liquid
Shades: One
What We Love: Dual formula for versatility; retractable twist-up design on one side; waterproof; highly pigmented; glides easily.
What We Don't: Some reviewers note the color fades with wear.
What to Look For in Drugstore Eyeliner
- Formula
Before rushing off to your local drugstore and grabbing eyeliners left and right, it’s important to figure out what formula works best for you, says Luna. For example, if holding a pencil feels more natural in your hand than a pot-and-brush gel eyeliner, then you should opt for the pencil. “Whichever option gives you the most control while also being the most comfortable is ideal,” she shares. “The drugstore is a great place to start exploring textures.”
Jaikaran also agrees that your skill level should be considered when choosing an eyeliner. “Determining what liner is best for you depends on your comfort level,” she says. “Eyeliner applications can be tricky, but those with a felt tip are sometimes easier to use.”
- Pigmentation
Both Jaikaran and Luna recommend looking for a drugstore eyeliner with a high color payoff. “Pigmentation is also key regarding liner,” notes Luna. “I work on a diverse range of skin tones and always look for options that will work on everyone.” Jaikaran recommends looking at online reviews and swatches before deciding on an eyeliner since samples aren’t typically available at the drugstore.
Meet the Experts
Growing up in Trinidad, Jaleesa moved to New York City to pursue her dream of makeup. She started assisting industry greats like Kabuki, Pat McGrath, and Diane Kendal on sets and fashion weeks in New York, Milan, and Paris. Jaleesa began to develop her eye for color and strengthened her focus on the perfection of skin tones of all shades, which has led to her work being published in publications including Elle, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Essence, L’Officiel, Vogue Italia and Refinery29. As a content creator, Jaleesa strives to make content that teaches, inspires, and makes makeup achievable, and is known for her insider tips and signature skin. Jaleesa also runs The Life Of a Makeup Artist podcast, and regularly posts to her Tiktok account. In 2022, she was named one of LinkedIn's Top Voice in Fashion & Beauty.
Ehlie Luna is a pro makeup artist whose experience goes from key makeup artist for the New York City Ballet to freelance commercial work in 2020 allowing her to move deeper into content creation. Her work has been featured in music videos and has graced the red carpet and catwalks of New York Fashion Week. She’s also worked with brands such as Daily Paper, Mac Cosmetics, Pattern Beauty, Beautyblender, r.e.m. beauty, UOMA Beauty, Macy’s, and more. Luna shares her expert tips and injects her unique personality into the beauty space through her TikTok page @EhlieLuna.
Ashlee has been a lover of beauty for as long as she can remember, working in every corner of the industry from the counter to the red carpet. Her clientele includes brides and celebrities including Christy Turlington, Rachel Zoe, Nikki and Brie Bella, and Georgina Chapman. Ashlee has made several TV appearances lending her expertise to shows such as TODAY, The Wendy Williams Show, Nick Cannon, and The Rachael Ray Show.
With just under a decade of experience in the makeup industry, Shadi Malek's extensive list of clients goes far and wide. From brides and models to your favorite celebs and social media stars, Shadi tailors her glam to match every client's unique visage. She first started honing her craft in Vancouver, Canada, and is now based in Los Angeles, one of the world's largest makeup hubs. Shadi often lends her expertise to publications such as WhoWhatWear, Bustle, Byrdie, Popsugar, and more.
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