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10 Best Eyeliner Pencils 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Intense Charcoal

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,122
Type of Eyeliner Pencil
Formula
Color

Most important from
1884 reviews

Type of Eyeliner Pencil
Automatic pencil format eliminates the need for sharpening, adding convenience to daily use.
Formula
The water-resistant formula ensures long wear, making it a reliable choice for all-day wear.
Color
The intense charcoal color offers a subtle yet striking look that balances softness with impact.
Ease of Use
Glides on smoothly and stays put all day without smudging, delivering a clean, precise line.

The Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil is a smooth, automatic pencil designed to deliver rich, intense color similar to a liquid liner but with easier application. It features a water-resistant and smudge-resistant formula that lasts up to 24 hours, making it a solid choice for long wear without frequent touch-ups. The deep charcoal color offers versatility for everyday looks, providing a softer alternative to black without losing impact.

This eyeliner is ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested, fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive eyes, making it ideal for users with sensitive eyes or contact lenses. The silky formula glides on smoothly, which helps with ease of use, especially for those who prefer a pencil format over liquid liners. While it promises intense color and long wear, very oily eyelids might affect its longevity despite the smudge resistance.

As an automatic pencil, it doesn't require sharpening, adding to convenience, though the tip shape might not offer the precision that some liquid liners provide for very sharp lines. This eyeliner pencil is suitable for anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable option that balances intense color payoff with gentle care for sensitive eyes.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,122
Type of Eyeliner Pencil
Formula
Color

Most important from
1884 reviews

Type of Eyeliner Pencil
Automatic pencil format eliminates the need for sharpening, adding convenience to daily use.
Formula
The water-resistant formula ensures long wear, making it a reliable choice for all-day wear.
Color
The intense charcoal color offers a subtle yet striking look that balances softness with impact.
Ease of Use
Glides on smoothly and stays put all day without smudging, delivering a clean, precise line.
#2

L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Never Fail Original Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner with Built in Sharpener, Black Brown, 0.008 oz., 2 Count

Rating
9.7
Formula
Color
Ease of Use

Most important from
27516 reviews

Formula
The creamy formula glides on effortlessly, allowing for both precise lines and beautifully blended smoky looks without tugging or skipping.
Color
The Black Brown shade offers a softer, less harsh alternative to pure black, perfect for a natural yet defined look.
Ease of Use
The built-in sharpener ensures a consistently crisp tip, eliminating the need for extra tools and making touch-ups easy.
Longevity
Long-lasting wear of over eight hours keeps the eyeliner smudge-proof and intact through daily activities, including workouts and humid conditions.

The L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner is a creamy, mechanical pencil designed for easy application and long wear. Its built-in sharpener helps maintain a precise tip, suitable for both subtle and bold eye looks. The formula is smudge-proof and offers up to 16 hours of fade-proof color, ensuring reliable all-day wear without frequent touch-ups.

The Black Brown shade provides a softer alternative to pure black, making it ideal for everyday use or more natural looks. It glides on smoothly, making it user-friendly even for those new to eyeliner pencils. While it may not create as sharp or intense lines as liquid eyeliners, and the creamy texture requires occasional sharpening despite the built-in sharpener, it performs well for long-lasting, smudge-resistant color with moderate intensity and easy application.

This eyeliner is especially suitable for those who prefer pencil formulas over other types. Pairing it with volumizing mascara can complete a natural to dramatic eye makeup look.

Rating
9.7
Formula
Color
Ease of Use

Most important from
27516 reviews

Formula
The creamy formula glides on effortlessly, allowing for both precise lines and beautifully blended smoky looks without tugging or skipping.
Color
The Black Brown shade offers a softer, less harsh alternative to pure black, perfect for a natural yet defined look.
Ease of Use
The built-in sharpener ensures a consistently crisp tip, eliminating the need for extra tools and making touch-ups easy.
Longevity
Long-lasting wear of over eight hours keeps the eyeliner smudge-proof and intact through daily activities, including workouts and humid conditions.
#3

Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil - Creamy & Highly Pigmented - Seamless Blending & Smudging - 02 Noir Intense

Rating
7.9
Formula
Ease of Use
Longevity

Most important from
2946 reviews

Formula
The waterproof formula is perfect for hot days or if you’re caught in the rain.
Ease of Use
Easy to apply with its precise tip, making it perfect for creating sharp lines or a more smudged, smoky look.
Longevity
Goes on smoothly and stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even through long days.

The Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in 02 Noir Intense offers a lot of appealing features for those looking for a high-quality eyeliner pencil. This eyeliner is creamy and highly pigmented, providing a matte black finish that is both intense and versatile. The built-in smudger allows for seamless blending and smudging, making it easy to achieve both precise lines and softer, smokier looks.

The formula is designed to be long-lasting and waterproof, making it a great choice for all-day wear without worrying about it smudging or flaking off. Additionally, its ability to glide smoothly onto both the lash line and waterline ensures precise application each time. The pencil is also manufactured by Lancôme, a brand known for its luxury and efficacy, which adds to its appeal.

However, some users might find it a bit pricier compared to other options on the market. Additionally, because it sets quickly after blending, there might be a learning curve for beginners to blend it swiftly before it sets. Those with sensitive eyes should always patch-test first, though the product comes from a reputable brand. It's an excellent choice for anyone needing a reliable, high-performance eyeliner pencil.

Rating
7.9
Formula
Ease of Use
Longevity

Most important from
2946 reviews

Formula
The waterproof formula is perfect for hot days or if you’re caught in the rain.
Ease of Use
Easy to apply with its precise tip, making it perfect for creating sharp lines or a more smudged, smoky look.
Longevity
Goes on smoothly and stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even through long days.

Buying Guide for the Best Eyeliner Pencils

Choosing the right eyeliner pencil can make a significant difference in your makeup routine. The right eyeliner can enhance your eyes, complement your overall look, and even boost your confidence. When selecting an eyeliner pencil, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when picking an eyeliner pencil.
Type of Eyeliner PencilEyeliner pencils come in various types, including traditional wooden pencils, mechanical twist-up pencils, and gel pencils. Traditional wooden pencils need to be sharpened regularly, which can give you a precise tip for detailed work. Mechanical pencils are convenient as they don't require sharpening, but they may not always provide the sharpest point. Gel pencils offer a smooth application and are often more pigmented, making them ideal for bold looks. Choose the type based on your preference for convenience, precision, and the kind of look you want to achieve.
FormulaThe formula of the eyeliner pencil determines its texture, ease of application, and staying power. Some formulas are creamy and glide on smoothly, which is great for creating smudged or smoky looks. Others are more waxy and firm, providing better control for precise lines. Waterproof formulas are ideal for long-lasting wear, especially in humid conditions or if you have oily skin. Consider your skin type and the look you want to achieve when selecting the formula. If you have sensitive eyes, look for hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested formulas.
ColorEyeliner pencils come in a wide range of colors, from classic black and brown to vibrant blues, greens, and purples. The color you choose can enhance your eye color and complement your overall makeup look. Black and brown are versatile and suitable for everyday wear, while colored eyeliners can add a fun pop to your look. If you have blue eyes, try bronze or copper shades to make them stand out. Green eyes can be accentuated with plum or burgundy liners, and brown eyes can pull off almost any color. Choose a color that complements your eye color and fits the occasion.
FinishThe finish of the eyeliner can affect the overall look of your makeup. Eyeliner pencils can have matte, satin, or shimmer finishes. Matte finishes are great for a classic, understated look and are less likely to smudge. Satin finishes offer a slight sheen that can make your eyes look more awake and vibrant. Shimmer finishes add a touch of sparkle and are perfect for special occasions or a night out. Consider the finish based on the look you want to achieve and the occasion for which you'll be wearing the eyeliner.
Ease of UseEase of use is an important factor, especially if you're a beginner or have limited time for makeup application. Some eyeliner pencils are designed to be user-friendly, with features like ergonomic grips or built-in sharpeners. Mechanical pencils are generally easier to use as they don't require sharpening. Gel pencils can be a bit trickier to apply but offer a smooth, intense line. Consider your skill level and how much time you want to spend on your eyeliner when choosing a product. If you're new to eyeliner, look for pencils that are marketed as easy to use or beginner-friendly.
LongevityLongevity refers to how long the eyeliner stays on without fading, smudging, or transferring. Long-wearing eyeliners are essential if you need your makeup to last all day or through special events. Waterproof and smudge-proof formulas tend to have better longevity and are ideal for long days, humid conditions, or if you have oily eyelids. If you need your eyeliner to last from morning to night, look for products that specifically mention long-wear or all-day wear in their description. Test the product if possible to ensure it meets your longevity needs.

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