10 Best Soft Eyeliner Pencil 2025 in the United States

The Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner in Black Violet stands out for its longwearing and waterproof formula, promising up to 24 hours of smudge-proof wear. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need their makeup to last throughout the day without touch-ups. The texture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a comfortable application that glides effortlessly along the eyelid.

Additionally, the built-in sharpener and smudger add convenience, making it easy to achieve precise lines or a smoky, blended look depending on your preference. With 14 intense shades available, there's plenty of variety for different styles and preferences.

However, some users might find the pigmentation to be slightly less intense compared to liquid eyeliners. Also, while the waterproof feature is beneficial for longevity, it could be challenging to remove without a good makeup remover. Those with sensitive eyes or skin might want to check the ingredients list to ensure there are no irritants. This eyeliner is a versatile and practical option for anyone looking for a reliable, everyday makeup staple.

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil in Smokin Topaz offers several appealing features for those looking for a soft eyeliner pencil. Its retractable design means you don’t need to worry about sharpening, making it convenient for quick application. The texture is creamy, which helps it glide on smoothly without tugging at your eyelids. Users will appreciate its strong pigmentation, delivering an intense color similar to liquid eyeliners.

Additionally, this eyeliner is smudge-proof, providing long-lasting wear even in heat and humidity, so you don’t have to worry about it fading or bleeding throughout the day. This aspect makes it particularly suitable for those with active lifestyles or those living in hotter climates. The blendability is mostly good, allowing you to create a variety of looks from sharp lines to soft, smudged effects. However, due to its smudge-proof quality, blending needs to be done quickly before it sets.

The ingredients are a plus point too, as NYX is a cruelty-free brand recognized by PETA, ensuring no animal testing. On the downside, the product is discontinued by the manufacturer, which could make it harder to find in the future. Additionally, if you prefer or need a sharp tip for more precise application, the retractable design might not be to your liking. This eyeliner is best for users who need a reliable, easy-to-use product with strong color payoff and excellent staying power.

The Julep When Pencil Met Gel eyeliner pencil offers a smooth texture, thanks to its gel-based formula. This ensures ease of application without any tugging or skipping, making it suitable for both the lash line and the waterline. The high pigmentation provides an intense, saturated color in just one swipe, which is great if you’re looking for a bold finish.

This particular shade, Chocolate Brown Shimmer, is versatile enough for both daytime and evening wear, adding a subtle shimmer to your look. The eyeliner is designed to be long-lasting, with a promise of over 10 hours of wear, which is ideal if you need it to stay put throughout the day without frequent touch-ups. It’s also transfer-proof and water-resistant, adding to its durability.

Blendability is an added bonus, as you can smudge it out for a smoky look before it sets. One potential downside is that it requires a sharpener, which can be inconvenient if you’re on-the-go and prefer a twist-up pencil. Additionally, the need for a sharpener might lead to product wastage. This eyeliner is well-suited for those who prioritize long wear, intense color, and a smooth application, but it may not be the best choice if you prefer a matte finish or a twist-up pencil for convenience.