buuk.top / David Hattan
Truth be told, liquid eyeliner has never been my forteè. Regardless of how I place my hand, the mirror, or the eyeliner that I use, I just can’t get the perfect line that I’m striving for. Until I started using gel eyeliners. I know what you’re thinking, a gel eyeliner—why not just use a pencil? Unlike liquid or pencil liners, gel eyeliners are easy to apply in a seamless line, cat-eye, or wing, and won’t slide off easily.
Using silicone-based compounds to create pigmented color, gel eyeliners arrive in a wide range of colors—literally any you can imagine—and in simple-to-use brushes, retractable applicators, and self-sharpening pencils. And, if that weren’t enough to convince you, they also don’t smudge or move at all.
We conducted hours of research on the best gel eyeliners, consulting with two celebrity makeup artists to narrow down our list of top-rated products. After considering dozens of formulas, evaluating them on their ingredients and ease of application, we landed on the following best in show.
KVD Beauty Super Pomade Eyeliner at Amazon
LOréal Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H at Amazon
Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil
Too Faced Killer Liner Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Haus Labs Eco Eyeliner
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr 24-Hour Gel Eye Pencil at Sephora
Tarte Double Take Eyeliner
Morphe Gel Liner at Ulta
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Hourglass Cosmetics Mechanical Gel Eye Liner at Amazon
In This Article
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Best Overall
KVD Beauty Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner, Shadow & Brow Pigment
Sephora
View On Sephora
View On Ulta
Intense pigment
Great for intentional smearing and smudging
Long lasting
Fun shade range
Can be difficult to remove
From the creamy, multi-use formula to the expansive range of rich hues, Kat Von D’s pomade is a true winner. It’s described by the brand as a “one pot wonder”, which makes sense seeing as it works just as well as a shadow or brow pigment, as it does an eyeliner. Not to mention, like many other products in KVD’s collection, the pigment is intensely rich and long lasting.
Price at time of publish: $23
Type: Gel | Shades: 17 | Free of: Oil, alcohol| Size: 0.18 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
LOréal Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H
Amazon
View On Walmart
Glides on easily
Intense color payoff
High-shine finish
Can smudge over time
Created with a unique lacquer finish, this gel eyeliner will last you all day and night seamlessly. Don’t be fooled by the price; its smooth-gliding brush, easy-to-use consistency, and mistake-proof application are just some of the reasons why it’s just as spectacular as its more expensive counterparts.
Price at time of publish: $9
Type:Gel |Shades: 1 | Free of: Oil, alcohol, parabens | Size: 0.08 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Long Lasting Liner
Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil
Pat McGrath
View On Ulta
View On Patmcgrath.com
Range includes fun shades
Glides on easily
Pigmented, dimensional shades
Can smear
Everything that Pat McGrath creates is nothing short of perfection and this eyeliner is no exception. The soft, waterproof eyeliner ensures long-lasting definition and a perfectly defined gaze with just a quick swipe. And, the revolutionary formula is available in select colors in both classic and bold shades—such as Xtreme Black to Blitz Blue.
Price at time of publish: $29
Type: Pencil | Shades: 6 | Free of: Oil, alcohol, parabens | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Waterproof
Too Faced Killer Liner 36 Hour Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Ulta
View On Amazon
View On Ulta
Extensive shade range
Comfortable to wear
Smudge-proof
Packaging could be improved
Leave smudging of any kind behind with this liner that lasts 36 hours. Water-proof and ultra-smooth, creating killer sharp lines requires little to no effort. And, there is no shortage of colors—eleven to be exact.
Price at time of publish: $23
Type: Pencil | Shades: 20 | Size: 0.04 oz | Free of: Oil, alcohol, parabens | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Shade Range
Haus Labs Optic Intensity Eco Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Sephora
View On Hauslabs.com
Creamy, smooth texture
Smudge-proof
Range includes fun shades
Difficult to sharpen
From metallic silvers to burnt terracotta to rose gold, Haus Labs has every shade you could imagine (and more). Color-packed and creamy, this eyeliner applies like an absolute dream and is transfer-proof, water-proof, and long-wearing. These eyeliners are SO incredible that they lasted me through a dip in the pool and a hot summer day with zero smudges whatsoever.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Pencil | Shades: 20 | Size: 0.04 oz | Free of: Oil, alcohol, parabens | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Pencil
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr Point Made 24-Hour Gel Eye Pencil
Sephora
View On Jcpenney.com
View On Kohls.com
Smooth and easy to smudge on purpose
Glides on easily
Long-wearing
Difficult to sharpen
This ultra-pigmented eyeliner combines both silky and smudgy textures so crafting any eyeliner look is unchallenging. Its two colors—Bodacious Black and Busty Brown—look fabulous on any skin tone and it glides on beautifully. The best part? It lasts for 24 hours with zero budging at all.
Price at time of publish: $19
Type: Pencil | Shades: 2 | Free of: Oil, alcohol, parabens | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Duo
Tarte Double Take Eyeliner
Target
View On Amazon
View On Ulta
Great value
Creates versatile looks
Intense color payoff
Fades over time
If you’re looking to dip your toes into gel eyeliner, but still want to keep trying your hand at liquid liner then Tarte’s Double Take Eyeliner is your best bet. Its two sides—one gel and one liquid—can be used separately or together to construct an impeccable winged eyeliner. And, both formulas are made with a soft-flex tip, so evenly saturated color is always deposited.
Price at time of publish: $25
Type: Pencil/liquid | Shades: 3 | Free of:Oil, alcohol, parabens |Size: 0.02 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Gel Pot
Morphe Gel Liner
Morphe
View On Morphe.com
View On Morphe.com
Glides on easily
Long-wearing
Intense color payoff
Can be difficult to remove
We’ve all been there; a bad breakup, a sad movie, or our best friend’s wedding with eyeliner that we spent endless time doing completely ruined. While we can’t prevent the tears from flowing, we can prevent the eyeliner from moving—and that’s exactly what this eyeliner will do. I promise you, it will stay completely flawless whether they are happy or sad tears. And, it’s incredibly creamy, long-wearing, and in some truly beautiful colors.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Gel | Shades: 2 | Free of: Oil, alcohol, parabens | Size: 0.08 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Sephora
View On Ulta
View On Nordstrom
Multiuse
Long-wearing
Best for value
Expensive
Though it’s a bit steep in price, once you incorporate Bobbi Brown’s gel pomade into your makeup collection, it will be hard to let it go. And when paired with an angled liner brush (used while damp), you’ll be able to achieve thin and precise lines every time.
Price at time of publish: $27
Type: Gel | Shades: 4 | Free of: Oil, alcohol | Size: 0.1oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Mechanical Liner
Hourglass Cosmetics 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner
Sephora
View On Sephora
View On Ulta
Has a fine tip
Value size available
Glides on easily
Contains parabens
Housed inside a 1.5MM mechanical pencil is the thinnest gel eyeliner I’ve ever seen. Don’t be fooled by its size; its application is done with complete ease and accuracy—and you’ll end up with the most precise eyeliner line you’ve ever laid your eyes on. If that wasn’t enough—its formula is cruelty-free.
Price at time of publish: $21
Type: Pencil | Shades: 5 | Free of:Oil, alcohol |Size: 0.02 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Waterline
Smashbox Always On Gel Eye Liner
Sephora
View On Sephora
View On Ulta
Comfortable to wear
Intense color payoff
Long-wearing
Only one shade
Smashbox’s gel liner is a favorite of pros and makeup artists everywhere—and for a good reason. Its super-saturated pencil is long-wearing, waterproof, and applies to the waterline without moving. To apply to your waterline, use shorter strokes to deposit even amounts of color.
Price at time of publish: $23
Type: Pencil | Shades: 1 | Free of: Alcohol, parabens | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Beginners
ILIA Clean Line Gel Eyeliner
Sephora
View On Sephora
View On Walmart
Glides on easily
Works well in the waterline
Blends easily
Not the best value
Hands down, if you’re a beginner, ILIA’s easy-to-use crayon is for you. Water-resistant formula aside, this eyeliner boasts budge-proof wear and blends like an absolute dream. Plus, its formula is formulated without any bad-for-you ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and more.
Price at time of publish: $26
Type: Pencil | Shades: 2 | Free of: Alcohol, parabens | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Oily Skin
Melt Cosmetics Ultra Matte Gel Eyeliner
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
View On Beautybay.com
One of the main takeaways of Melt’s gel liner is that despite having a bold matte finish when applied, the formula itself remains creamy and smooth, even after opening. This makes it easy to blend and smudge, intentionally of course, when you want a smokey eye look. And those with oily skin don’t have to worry about creasing as the day goes on.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Gel | Shades: 2 | Free of: Oil, Alcohol | Size: 0.88 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Blending
Stila Smudge Pot
Stila
View On Ulta
View On Walmart
Multipurpose product
Blends easily
Creamy, smooth texture
Only one shade
Smooth and silky, Stila’s formula stays on all day and is easy-breezy to apply. What we love most about this eyeliner—aside from its incredible long-lasting formula—is the fact that you can use it as both an eyeliner and eyeshadow. Watch out: you may find yourself using it every day.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Gel | Shades: 2 | Free of: Oil, alcohol, parabens | Size: 0.14 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Eyes
Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner
Amazon
Has Vitamin E
Waterproof
Precise applicator
Limited shades
Neutrogena is known for its sensitive-skin friendly formulas, so it makes sense that their intense gel liner is easy on the eyes. Infused with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E for nourishment, it’s water resistant and features a precise applicator, ensuring your lines are clean.
Price at time of publish: $8
Type:Pencil |Shades: 3 | Free of: Oil, alcohol, parabens | Size: 0.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Clean Formula
Milk Makeup Infinity Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Sephora
View On Amazon
View On Walmart
Creamy
Tug-free application
Nourishing ingredients
Vegan
Twist-up packaging could be better
Cult brand, Milk Makeup has a long lasting pencil liner that’s as nourishing as it is easy to use. Infused with rich ingredients like, Aloe Vera extract and avocado oil, the Infinity eyeliner is well suited for most, if not all, skin types. What we love most are the soothing properties.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Pencil | Shades: 3 | Free of: Oil, alcohol, parabens | Size:0.12 oz |Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is KVD Super Pomade Eye Pigment, for its incredible formula that blends easily, allowing you to stay close to the lashline. If you’re looking for a gel eyeliner that’s truly worth splurging, try the Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner. It’s a revolutionary formula, that offers long-lasting definition, and defines your gaze with the help of a thin brush that make it well worth the price.
Meet the Expert
Gilbert Soliz is a makeup artist with a celebrity clientele in Los Angeles.
What to Look for in a Gel Eyeliner
Formula
The key is finding an eyeliner with a creamy, yet smooth formula that will glide on to your lid and hold in place for the remainder of the day. Even better if it’s infused with antioxidant rich ingredients that won’t damage your lash line, but instead, nourish while maintaining the look.
Color
Certain eyeliner colors compliment certain eyes. “Choosing a color that compliments your eye color will motivate you to wear it more often than not,” says makeup artist, Gilbert Soliz. And, it’ll also make your eyes pop.
Longevity
When choosing an eyeliner, opt for one with a long-wearing formula. “You want the gel eyeliner to have long-wear attributes so there’s no smearing or smudging around the eyes,” explains Soliz.
“I use pointed brushes in various thickness and lengths,” makeup artist Yanni Peña offers. “You can find these at your nearest art supply store.”
For clean lines, Peña says take a pointed or a regular q-tip soaked in micellar water and wipe away the corners/smudgy areas of your liner.
The key to ensuring your liner lasts for the duration of the day, according to Peña, is prepping your lids with a good primer. “I like using the MAC pro-long wear paint pots because of its 24hr staying power,” he adds. “But also invest in a good eyeliner that checks all the boxes and is waterproof, crease proof, and smudge proof.”
Why Trust buuk.top
Shelby Ying Hyde is a buuk.top contributor with bylines in NYLON, Teen Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, The Zoe Report, and more. She is a market editor with a specialty in fashion and beauty.
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