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The best eyeliners for a smudge-free, lasting finish, according to over 120 testers
Perfect your smoky eye with these next-level liners
Tested by Denny DailyFormer Beauty and Grooming Tester
If you’ve spent a significant-slash-ridiculous amount of time in front of the mirror trying to craft a sharp winged liner or create the perfect smoky eye, then you are definitely not alone.
And while an artist should never blame their tools, having the best eyeliner you can afford can make a big difference. That’s why the beauty experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute set out to find the top pencils, pens and liquid liners on the market. Here they are at a glance but read on for the full reviews.
The best liquid, pen and pencil eyeliners
Our testers were asked to use the eyeliner as part of their everyday makeup routine, before giving detailed feedback on colour pay-off and smudge-proof performance. We also spoke to makeup artists Bryony Blake and Jess Kohn, to get some insider tips on how to perfect a bold eye look. You'll find these tips below our reviews.
Best eyeliners to buy
Score: 92/100
Inspired by tattoo artistry, this liquid liner is iconic for a reason, impressing our testers with its pigment and long-lasting finish.
One panellist said their winged liner stayed in place all day without smudging, thanks to the waterproof formula. It was also the fastest drying liner on test – ideal for days when you’re in a hurry.
The needle-precise fine tip makes application super easy, with only a light amount of pressure needed. It gets extra brownie points for being vegan and cruelty free, too.
Score: 92/100
This Vieve eyeliner takes luxury and long-wear seriously. Developed by makeup artist Jamie Genevieve, who knows a thing or two about the struggles of perfecting a winged look, this smudge-proof liner has a flat-edged tip to help you master those sharp lines. Our panel said it offered “great control”, which allowed for a “clean, smooth” finish.
Not only does this highly pigmented liquid liner look good once applied, but the quality gold packaging will look chic on your dressing table, too.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Score: 91/100
Long-wear is definitely at the top of the list of requirements when it comes to eyeliner, and this one from Stila has real staying power.
Our testers found it both waterproof and smudge-proof, saying it lasted all day. All agreed that the pen was very easy to manoeuvre around the eye, making it a great choice for those who haven’t perfected their technique yet. No judgement.
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Eye Liner
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Eye Liner
Score: 89/100
The brush tip on this liner has been designed with control and easy application in mind, making it a great option for less confident MUAs (aka makeup artists).
Our testers agreed that the tip was easy to use and the liner didn’t budge for hours – no risk of panda eyes after the party then. We’ve all been there.
Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner
Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner
Score: 71/100
Rimmel wasn’t exaggerating when it claimed this liner was smudge-proof, flake-proof and run-proof. Our entire panel said they’d continue using it after the trial period, which is a sign it lived up to its claims.
This liquid liner also has an ultra-fine felt tip applicator to help deliver a precise finish, without needing a glam squad on call. The jet-black formula glides onto lids, making it easy to achieve a dramatic eye in one stroke, whether that be a playful flick, or a bold Sixties wing to turn heads.
Best eye pencils
L'Oreal Pairs Infallible Gel Crayon Waterproof Eyeliner
L'Oreal Pairs Infallible Gel Crayon Waterproof Eyeliner
Score: 93/100
This silky gel eyeliner delivers an easy, creamy finish, without any smudging. The twist-up design means you won’t need to scramble for a sharpener mid-application – our testers said the pencil lasted a long time before needing to wind the base.
Shades include a deep chocolate brown, an orangey copper (great for blue eyes), and a classic jet black.
Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner
Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner
Score: 92/100
Added hyaluronic acid and a fusion of vitamin E and B5 mean you can expect smooth, nourishing results with this pencil from Laura Mercier. It also contains hydrating ceramides that minimise any dryness on the eyelids – a skincare/makeup hybrid we can really get behind.
Not only is the application smooth and easy, but testers appreciated that it didn’t appear cakey or smudge, staying sharp all day. It also scored highest for colour pay-off in our tests and there’s a whole range of different shades to try, from marine green to a deep plum.
Rimmel Scandaleyes Exaggerate Eye Definer
Rimmel Scandaleyes Exaggerate Eye Definer
Score: 83/100
Rimmel’s Scandaleyes collection impressed our panel of testers, who loved how easy it was to manoeuvre around the eye to create their desired look, thanks to its creamy formula. This also means you won't need to pull at the skin to apply.
Thanks to its twisty base, you don't have to have a sharpener on hand for this one either and the lead is sturdy, so you shouldn’t have to worry about breakages.
Soap & Glory Smoulder Kohl Waterproof Eye Liner
Soap & Glory Smoulder Kohl Waterproof Eye Liner
Score: 81/100
If you’re after a smoky, smouldering look, then this kohl liner is the perfect choice. It can be used on the upper lid or on the water line to create a bold under-eye. The nourishing formula contains jojoba oil and vitamin E extract, which make it feel sumptuous and moisturising on the skin. The lid even has a handy, in-built sharpener.
Our testers said it lasted well, with one who often experiences watery eyes saying it didn’t budge – tears of joy then, we guess?
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner
Score: 81/100
It’s said that the first products in Victoria Beckham’s beauty range were born out of her own love for a smoky eye and judging by the feedback we received for this liner, she knows what she's doing.
The pencil has a soft, creamy formula that glides easily onto lids, as well as a sponged tip designed to smudge out lines for a smouldering finish. Thanks to the beautifully blendable formula, some of our testers said they also used it as an eyeshadow.
Our panel all agreed this is a luxurious, high-quality product – we’d expect nothing less from Posh Spice.
Score: 80/100
With the name “Le Crayon”, you may be expecting a chunky, thick eye tool, but this is a slender pencil designed to give you a sultry, buildable finish that lasts. And it delivered on its long-lasting promise for all our testing panel, with no transfers or smudging experienced.
At a slightly higher price point, this one may be more suited to those who are confident at applying their eyeliner.
Rimmel London Soft Kajal
Rimmel London Soft Kajal
Score: 77/100
This long-lasting eye pencil comes in at under £3, making it a makeup-bag addition your bank balance will thank you for. The pocket-friendly option could be a good starter liner for those who may need a few practice runs before leaving the house.
Despite its modest price, it still scored highly with our testers for its quality formula and colour. Our panellists said it wasn’t scratchy on application either, unlike others they’d tried. Not bad for this bargain liner.
How we test eyeliners
The Good Housekeeping Institute experts recruited a panel of 120 people to test a range of the leading eye pencils, pens and liquid liners.
Panellists were asked to give detailed feedback on their performance, assessing ease of use, long-wear, colour pay-off and packaging. In the lab, we conducted tests to evaluate the eyeliner’s waterproof capabilities and resistance to smudging.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, including those essential beauty buys, from the best day creams to the best shampoos.
Our former beauty tester Denny Daily was responsible for developing the rigorous protocols we review each liner against, ensuring they live up to their claims and making sure we’re using them exactly as you would at home (for long days at the office, trips to the gym and watching our favourite weepy rom coms).
Our lifestyle writer, Madeleine Evans, then used both the panel feedback and lab results to help inform her product reviews. She’s written about hundreds of products, from the best mascaras to the best foundations, and knows exactly what she’s looking for in a long-wearing and smudge-proof makeup product.
What is the easiest eyeliner to put on?
“Soft and creamy pencil eyeliners are generally the easiest to apply, especially for beginners,” says Jess Kohn, makeup artist and Education and Events Manager at Laura Mercier. “I like one that sets down, so it won't budge all day, but still gives you plenty of time to finesse it.”
“Pencils give you more control, glide on smoothly and are much more forgiving if your line isn’t perfect and – the best part – if you mess up, they can gently be smudged for a softer 'smokey' finish,” she adds.
We recommend our highest scoring pencil, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Gel Waterproof crayon, which glides on and doesn’t slip off.
Should you wear mascara with eyeliner?
“Wearing mascara with eyeliner isn’t essential, but it can help complete the look,” advises Kohn.
“If you’re looking for a very natural finish, focus your eyeliner in between the roots of your lashes, rather than doing a thick line on the lid. This will make the lash line itself look naturally full and thick. If you want a little more focus on the eyes, a light coat of mascara can make them look more defined and balanced, particularly along the upper lash line.”
What are common eyeliner mistakes to avoid?
“The most common mistakes I see when it comes to eyeliner is trying to get a perfect line in one sweep, which can often tug at skin, create an uneven line and doesn't always flatter your natural eye,” says Kohn.
“Instead, do your liner with your eye open rather than closed or stretching the skin – this will ensure that the liner is visible as it will be when you wear it throughout the day.
“I would also recommend sketching out any shape you want to create with a softer touch, which you can then intensify. If you keep the intensity of colour at the root of your lashes, it will always enhance and define your eyes.”
How do I apply liquid eyeliner?
A steady hand is your best asset here, but that's easier said than done. Those who are more confident with their cat-eye will usually begin eyeliner application after they've done their base. But if you’re still perfecting your wing, we suggest starting with your eyeliner.
Simply apply a base of concealer or foundation to the eyelid before you grab your liner. This means you don’t have to worry about smudging or reapplying your base makeup if you need a couple of attempts.
“I would always start in the middle and then continue towards the outer corner of the eye,” advises Blake. “Then, work from the inner part of the eye to the middle. This way, you’re breaking up the line, which makes it much easier to get an even line along the lash. Take your time – this is key to doing any eyeliner, and practice makes perfect.”
The verdict on the best eyeliners
If you’re looking for a liquid eyeliner to create a sharp, defined cat-eye, then look no further than our panellists' winner, the KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner. There’s a reason it has ‘tattoo’ in the name – it won’t budge anytime soon.
When it comes to eye pencils, it was L’Oréal Paris Infallible Gel Crayon that won in this category, delivering a creamy, waterproof finish. No panda eyes here!
Get a strong liner look without the steep price tag with Rimmel London’s Soft Kajal Eye Pencil – you can get your hands on it for just £3.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Denny our Former Beauty and Grooming Tester has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.
