What is the best brand for eyeliner

Finding the perfect eyeliner can feel like a lifelong search. With so many formulas, finishes, and applicators available, choosing the best eyeliner brand depends on your eye shape, desired look, and comfort level. Some people want a sharp cat-eye that lasts all day, while others prefer a soft, smudged line that enhances their natural lashes. The good news is that today’s beauty market offers exceptional options across both luxury and drugstore ranges

In this article, we will explore what makes an eyeliner brand stand out, review the top-rated names loved by professionals, and explain how to choose the perfect liner for your eyes.

What Makes an Eyeliner Brand the Best?

The best eyeliner brands consistently deliver quality, performance, and comfort. A great liner should glide effortlessly, stay put through humidity or long wear, and remain safe for sensitive eyes. Here are the main factors that define excellence in eyeliner products:

1. Pigmentation and Color Payoff: A good eyeliner should produce rich, even color in a single stroke without skipping.
2. Longevity: Long-lasting wear is essential to prevent smudging, fading, or transferring onto eyelids.
3. Formula Safety: Hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested formulas reduce irritation, especially for those with sensitive eyes or contact lenses.
4. Applicator Precision: Whether you prefer pencils, liquids, or gels, the right tip design ensures better control and cleaner lines.
5. Variety of Shades and Finishes: Top brands provide choices from matte black to shimmering metallics, giving you freedom to express your style.
6. Value for Money: Price should match quality. Drugstore brands can perform just as well as high-end ones when formulated correctly.

Best Eyeliner Brands in 2025

Below are the eyeliner brands that consistently receive praise from professional makeup artists and consumers alike. Each has its own strengths suited to different styles and budgets.

1. Stila

Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner has achieved cult status for its precision, intense pigmentation, and longevity. The ultra-fine felt tip allows for flawless wings, while the waterproof formula resists sweat and tears. It’s perfect for those who need their eyeliner to last all day without touch-ups.

2. Chanel

Chanel offers sophisticated formulas like the Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner, combining luxury with practicality. The creamy texture glides on smoothly yet sets firmly, ensuring smudge-free wear. Chanel’s shade range includes elegant neutrals and jewel tones, ideal for both everyday and evening looks.

3. Victoria Beckham Beauty

The Satin Kajal Liner from Victoria Beckham Beauty is often rated one of the best all-around eyeliners. It delivers high pigment intensity and a creamy blendable texture that transitions easily from sharp definition to smoky drama. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated with nourishing ingredients like chamomile extract.

4. NYX Professional Makeup

NYX stands out for affordability without compromise. Their Epic Ink Liner rivals many luxury brands in precision and wear time. The brush tip allows for flexible control, while the waterproof formula resists smudging and flaking. NYX is ideal for beginners and makeup artists alike who want quality on a budget.

5. Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eyeliner is beloved for its durability. The creamy texture glides easily but sets quickly, staying vibrant for up to 24 hours. Its resistance to heat and humidity makes it ideal for tropical climates or long events.

6. Maybelline New York

Maybelline’s Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Liner delivers impressive performance for its price. The gel-based formula ensures intense pigmentation and 36-hour wear. It’s ophthalmologist-tested and safe for contact lens wearers, making it a dependable drugstore favorite.

7. MAC Cosmetics

MAC offers an extensive eyeliner range with professional-grade quality. The Technakohl Liner and Fluidline Gel Eyeliner are two standout products that makeup artists rely on for precision and versatility. MAC’s shade selection is among the widest in the beauty industry.

8. Urban Decay

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is known for its creamy feel and bold pigment. It comes in a spectrum of colors, from matte black to metallic gold, and is infused with vitamin E and jojoba oil for smooth application. It’s a go-to brand for creative makeup looks.

Choosing the Right Eyeliner Formula

Different eyeliner formulas deliver different results. Knowing your preferences helps narrow down the best brands and products for you.

Liquid Eyeliner

Best for dramatic, defined lines and winged looks. Choose brands like Stila or NYX for precise application and waterproof performance.

Gel Eyeliner

Ideal for smoky or bold looks. Gel liners like MAC’s Fluidline or Maybelline’s Tattoo Studio glide easily and stay put for hours.

Pencil Eyeliner

Perfect for everyday wear and subtle enhancement. Soft pencils from Estée Lauder or Urban Decay blend beautifully and work well on the waterline.

Kajal Eyeliner

Rich and creamy, kajal liners like Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Satin Kajal add intensity to the eyes while remaining easy to smudge for a sultry finish.

How to Pick the Best Eyeliner for Your Eyes

For Oily Eyelids

Look for waterproof, transfer-proof formulas that stay locked in place. Liquid and gel liners generally perform better than pencils.

For Sensitive Eyes

Choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulas tested by ophthalmologists. Avoid liners with heavy fragrance or shimmer particles.

For Beginners

Opt for felt-tip pens or retractable pencils for easier control. NYX and Maybelline are great starter options.

For Mature Skin

Use creamy or gel-based liners that glide smoothly without tugging at delicate skin. Avoid formulas that dry too quickly or emphasize fine lines.

Why Brand Reputation Matters

Well-established brands maintain consistent quality and safety standards. They invest in product testing, research, and ethical production. Choosing a reputable brand ensures you’re applying products that have been dermatologically and ophthalmologically verified for safety.

Expert Tips for Using Eyeliner Perfectly

1. Start small: Use light strokes to build your line gradually.
2. Anchor your elbow: This stabilizes your hand for a steady line.
3. Tightline the lashes: Apply liner between lashes for natural fullness.
4. Seal with eyeshadow: Lightly pressing powder shadow over your liner increases longevity.
5. Clean tools regularly: Prevent eye irritation by keeping applicators and brushes clean.

The best eyeliner brand ultimately depends on your individual needs. For luxury seekers, Chanel and Victoria Beckham Beauty deliver elegance and performance. For professionals and enthusiasts, MAC and Urban Decay offer versatility and artistry. For budget-friendly excellence, NYX and Maybelline provide unbeatable value.

No matter which brand you choose, the goal is simple—find a formula that feels comfortable, complements your features, and lets you express your unique beauty. With the right eyeliner in hand, every blink becomes a statement of confidence and style.

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