If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the best eyeliner is the key to that window. The best eyeliners can achieve everything from a Parisian smoky eye to a Selena Gomez-esque ultra-precise eyeliner, and they come in a variety of formulas, finishes, and shades. To help you stock your beauty bag with the right eyeliner to achieve the look you want most — whether it’s Brigitte Bardot-esque glamour or simply a more glamorous look — we turned to celebrity makeup artists for advice. Here, find favorites from eyeliner industry pros and AskMe editors, along with expert tips on how to choose and use the right eyeliner for you. Read on to find everything from the looks above.
Askew’s favorite eyeliner:
Best All-Around: Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner, $34
Best Cream Pigment: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner, $30
Most Popular: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil, $25
Best TikTok Viral: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner, $21
Best for Cleansing: Jillian Dempsey Natural Khol Eyeliner, $20
Best Liquid: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $24
Best Glitter: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil, $25
Best for everyday use: Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘n Kohl Eye Pencil, $29
in this article:
What things should you keep in mind while applying eyeliner?
How to Apply Eyeliner
How to remove eyeliner
Meet the experts
Best All-Round: Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner
Why we love it: Whether you’re a novice or a pro, consider Chanel’s waterproof liner a luxurious essential for your makeup bag. The removable sharpener keeps the liner fresh and sharp for precise application. But even if your hands slip, the smudge-proof formula prevents any makeup mishaps. Plus, the long-lasting formula comes in 16 shades, from matte black to golden khaki, with a smooth finish. Pro tip: Blend the eyeliner with your fingers to enhance the color. This gets you closer to a Scarlett Johansson-style smoky eye, perfect for fall.
Main Ingredients: Polydimethylsiloxane, Synthetic Wax, Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Shades: 16
Waterproof: Yes
Type: coal
Best for everyday use: Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘n Kohl Eye Pencil
Why we love it: Berry shades are classic on lips and cheeks, but they also have a place on the lash line. Charlotte’s kohl pencils come in the classic Pillow Talk shade which is dreamy. The smoky berry brown suits all skin tones and accentuates the eyes. “Purple, pink, burgundy and cranberry can bring out the green of hazel eyes,” celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson tells Eskume. For everyday wear, try the eyeliner in Eye Cheat — the versatile nude hue makes eyes look bigger, brighter and (illusionably) makeup-free when applied to the waterline.
Key Ingredients: Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene
Shades: 8
Waterproof: Yes
Type: coal
Best for Messy Eyeliner: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
Why we love it: “I love how creamy these eyeliners are,” celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles says of the Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner. “A lot of long-wear liners slip or buckle because their formulas are unstable and set almost immediately upon application. These are amazing to apply. They apply like a liquid eyeliner and, with enough time, set before smudging.”
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Provitamin B5, Chamomile Extract
Shades: 12
Waterproof: Yes
Type: Kajal, Similar to Kohl but softer and creamier in texture.
Best Liquid: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner
Why we love it: Few eyeliners have stood the test of time like Stila’s All Day formula. A cult classic since 2009, it’s designed to stay in place (all day, as you might have guessed) without smudging, feathering, or straying. It’s also versatile: This eyeliner is known for creating everything from pencil-thin wings to bold, statement-making eyes with ease.
Key Ingredients: Water, Ammonium Styrene/Acrylate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol
Shades: 11
Waterproof: Yes
Type: Liquid
Best for Cleansing: Jillian Dempsey Natural Khol Eyeliner
Why we love it: This cruelty-free formula is loved by industry pros. To wit: “My favorite black eyeliner is Jillian Dempsey’s,” says celebrity makeup artist Romy Soleimani. For a smoky look, Soleimani recommends applying the “very rich and super dark” eyeliner along the waterline and the inside of the upper eyelid. While these areas can be sensitive to irritation, don’t worry: Dempsey’s natural formula, enriched with organic oils and shea butter, nourishes for silky-smooth skin without tugging or pulling. The featured brush on the other end is an added bonus.
Key Ingredients: Organic Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Marula Oil
Shades: 4
Waterproof: Yes
Type: coal
Best Eyeshadow: MAC Cosmetics Eye Kohl
Why we love it: “[MAC] has a great range of eyeliners that are easy to blend and color,” says celebrity makeup artist Delina Medhin. The pigments come in unexpected colors, including fuchsia and mint green, and the lining has a matte finish with a pearlescent sheen. Plus, the formula is gentle on sensitive eyes. Tested by ophthalmologists, it’s deemed safe for use on the waterline and by contact lens wearers.
Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated Coconut Glycerol Ester, Triethylhexanoin, Beeswax
Shades: 8
Waterproof: none
Type: coal
Best Winged Eyeliner: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Eyeliner
Why we love it: Of all the Rare Beauty products going viral on TikTok, the matte liquid eyeliner is our favorite because it creates a precise, ultra-black cat eye. (By the way, no one does the feline look better than Rare Beauty founder Selena Gomez.) This eyeliner is smudge-proof and easy to apply, and its tip is made of tiny, vegan bristles that allow for a variety of looks. Pro tip: Shake the liner with the lid on before each use. This will activate its rich, inky pigment.
Key Ingredients: Water, Styrene Acrylate Copolymer, Propylene Glycol
Color: 1
Waterproof: Yes
Type: Liquid
Most Popular Product: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eyeliner
Why we love it: This is a much-loved eyeliner for good reason, and it’s perfect for long-lasting wear. The formula is water-resistant, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof and lasts up to 16 hours. Plus, no matter which vibrant shade you choose, it glides on easily and comes in a variety of shades. The 30-shade collection includes everything from a classic matte black to a shimmering coppery pink. Actress Madeleine Klein uses the pencil on her waterline. “It made my lashes look longer, thicker, and darker than I even put on mascara,” she previously told Eskume.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Cottonseed Oil
Shades: 30
Waterproof: Yes
Type: Gel
Best Pot: Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel
Why we love it: Patrick Ta, the expert behind some of Adriana Lima and Bella Hadid’s best looks, calls Inglot’s gel formula his favorite. “To ensure perfect wings, outline the shape of the liner with an angled brush and shadow, then cover it with a gel liner,” he says. But be careful: “Removing gel liner can be messy.” So it never hurts to have a few Q-tips and a good makeup remover on hand.
Key Ingredients: Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene
Shades: 25
Waterproof: Yes
Type: Gel
Most Precise: Pat McGrath Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Why we love it: Cardi B’s makeup artist Erika La’Pearl says longevity is her top priority when it comes to eye makeup. So, she chose the Pat McGrath Perma Precision Eyeliner. It’s stain resistant, heat and humidity resistant, and lasts up to 24 hours. Its highly pigmented, inky formula sets quickly and dries to a velvety shine. Plus, its fine-tip design allows for flexibility, whether you’re going for fine lines or a sophisticated graphic design. “Pat McGrath’s tips make it easy to create sharp lines and designs that last all day,” says La’Pearl.
Key Ingredients: Water, Methylpropylene Glycol, Styrene/Acrylate Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylate/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Shades: 2
Waterproof: Yes
Type: Liquid
Best Richly Pigmented: Haus Labs I-Dentify Gel Eyeliner
Why we love it: Danica Bedrosian, the artist behind some of Hailey Bieber’s, Jenna Dewan’s, and Sarah Hyland’s looks, wears Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs liquid eyeliner, which is considered a perfect gel formula because “it’s very pigmented and doesn’t budge.” The slip formula applies precisely, and the long-lasting shade comes in two finishes: glossy or matte. Like its founder, the collection also brings an element of surprise: Bright chartreuse and deep red are included in its tonal range, which also includes black, dark brown, and sandy nude shades.
Key Ingredients : Vitamin E, Argan Oil, Kajal
Shades: 12
Waterproof: Yes
Type: Gel
Best Dual: Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo
Why we love it: “The Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo is my absolute favorite,” says professional makeup artist Janice Daoud, whose work can be seen on stars like Miley Cyrus. “I especially like that it has two tips, which is not only great for creating the perfect winged line, but the smaller side allows you to do more detailed/calligraphy work.” Daoud adds: “It doesn’t get messy. Sky sways or moves and has the blackest ink you’ve ever seen.”
Key Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer, Alcohol, Acrylate Copolymer
Color: 1
Waterproof: none
Type: Liquid
Best Glitter: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil
Why we love it: Available in eight shades and three finishes, Lancôme’s highly pigmented pencils create dramatic lines with just one stroke. Options range from shiny denim blue Scene Sprinkle to metallic purple Cabaret and matte green Metro. The creamy texture is easy to blend and smoke out. (Why not complete the French theme with a Parisian smokey eye?) Note that this formula sets quickly, so it’s best to start by mixing the entire set of products.
Key Ingredients: Trimethylsiloxysilicate, hydrogenated polyisobutylene, synthetic wax, isododecane
Shades: 8
Waterproof: Yes
Type: Gel
Below, two celebrity makeup artists break down everything you need to know about choosing the best eyeliner.
Formula: According to celebrity makeup artist Valeria Ferreira, the best eyeliners come in a variety of formulas. “All recipes are great,” she said. “It just depends on the style you’re trying to achieve. Gel matte eyeliner is great for a bold, Bardot-esque eyeliner look, while liquid felt pens can give you a sharp, 1950s cat-eye look. As for kohl?” “I like blendable eyeliner, which creates a rock ‘n live eye look,” she says.
Long-lasting: No matter which formula you choose, Ferreira believes it should be long-lasting. “The lining should be strong and able to withstand the elements at night,” she says, adding that a waterproof formula is often a top priority. “As a woman who wears contact lenses, I’m always looking for a waterproof formula,” she says. Contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes can be prone to tearing; a waterproof formula allows color to stay on the eyelids despite a little moisture.
Tip shape: When it comes to tip shape, celebrity makeup artist Meg Boyce says, “I like waterproof eyeliners with a fine tip. You have more control when applying, they don’t take as long to dry, and they don’t shrink. For gel eyeliner pens and eyeliners, I’d look for a formula that’s soft and has an easy to sharpen tip. Of course, sharpening pencils regularly leads to more precise lines, but it also allows gel pens and kohl pencils to glide on more easily without tugging or pulling at the sensitive skin around the eyes.”
Ease of use: Ease of use is also a consideration. Ferreira echoes Boss’ sentiments: “Felt pens are probably the easiest to use and can give you the most impressive results.” However, experienced makeup lovers may want to consider using a brush to complete their look. “As a makeup artist, I can adapt to almost anything. If the color and texture is right, I’ll sometimes compromise on the applicator and use a brush to compensate,” she says. For example, gel or powder eyeliner is notoriously difficult to apply, but a small, tapered brush can help define the line.
“Always apply the lining from the inside [corner] to halfway out, then connect the outside [corner] to the inside,” says Boss. These shorter strokes allow for more precision. But if your pencil or brush isn’t holding your lash line as tightly as you’d like, there’s a solution. “A general rule is to fill in the space between the lashes and the actual eyeliner,” says Ferreira. “This technique can be done with a felt pen or even a kohl pencil. It shapes the eyes, creates contrast, and blends in with mascara. It looks great!
To remove eyeliner, “use an oil-based eye makeup remover and place a cotton pad on your eyelid,” says Ferreira. Leave the cotton pad on for a few seconds to soften the eyeliner, then gently wipe it away.
Meg Boyce is a Nashville-based celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist. Her clients include Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, and Katherine Heigl.
Janice Daud is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist who frequently works with celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Marisa Tomei.
Valeria Ferreira is a London-based global makeup artist whose clients include Camila Morrone, Kaia Gerber and Lily James.
Delina Medhin is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Kamala Harris, Issa Rae, and Alfre Woodar.
Fiona Stiles is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Gabrielle Union, Ashley Park, and Lily Collins Collins).
