The 10 Best Drugstore Eyeliners, According to Makeup Artists and Editors

"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 personally 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 

Pros: Glides easily; Long-wearing; Offered in over 10 shades; Highly pigmented; Waterproof 

Cons: Dries fast; Difficult to sharpen 

"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 application smooth and precise (the applicator tip is firm-yet-pointed, creating the perfectly sharp edge to a wing), but it dries quickly so you 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, Social Media Editor

Pros: Long-wearing; Highly pigmented; Easy to apply; Smudge-proof

Cons: Formula may get clumpy over time

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, blends easily, and dries down quickly. Plus, there are fun colors like hot pink and icy blue available, too. 

Pros: Long-wearing; Blendable; Smudge-proof 

Cons: Difficult to sharpen 

For those wanting a deep, dark look, eyeliners don't get much darker 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 work for you. It also comes pro-approved by celebrity makeup artist Ashlee Glazer. She says, "The L'Oréal Infallible Never Fail mechanical pencil is pretty great too and super dark, has a soft texture for the waterline with long-wear."

Pros: Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Comes with built-in sharpener and smudge sponge; Glides easily 

Cons: Reviewers say the product runs out fast

Liquid liner is not everyone's forte—we get it, it 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 even with the shakiest of hands. At just $6 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 makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran says this is the drugstore liner she's been using "for years." 

Pros: Ultra-fine precision tip; Long-wearing; Waterproof

Cons: Reviewers say this runs with oily eyelids

Another option for those looking to get into liquid liners: the NYX Epic Wear Long Lasting Liquid Eyeliner. Offered in eight shades that can be used on the face and/or body, 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 shade dries down 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. 

Pros: Long-wearing; Offered in eight shades; Waterproof; Smudge-proof; Can be used on face and body

Cons: Can be difficult to remove

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." 

Pros: Glides easily; Hypoallergenic and clean formula; Offered in six shades; 

Cons: Difficult to sharpen; Reviewers say the product runs out fast

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. 

Pros: Glides easily; Waterproof; Smudge-proof; Offered in seven shades

Cons: Difficult to sharpen; Tip is prone to breaking off

If you've nailed down the liquid liner look, might we suggest opting for a pot-and-brush gel liner like this one? Gel liners can do all of the great things liquid liners do, but they have even more versatility thanks to their blendability. This pick for L'Oreal is especially loved for its silky smoothness across the lid and its inky black pigmentation. It even saved the day for Glazer when she ran out of her go-to liner and had to run into the drugstore for a plan B. She says, "It not only stayed perfectly, but it was also dark, it was smooth."

Pros: Comes with a brush; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Glides easily 

Cons: May transfer with hooded eyes

"Whenever I'm in a pinch for good eye makeup, I can always run to my nearest drug store to buy Forever Wear Winged Eyeliner by Flower. Even though it's a liquid eyeliner, its error-proof precise tip makes for the easiest application, without any smudging or feathering—great for when you're in a morning rush. It comes in All Nighter black and Dark & Stormy brown, and is reliable for that daily, soft-wing look." — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Senior Editor

Pros: Precise felt-tip; Smudge-proof; Easy to apply 

Cons: Not waterproof