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Top 10 Best Eyeliners in 2025
Here are the Top 10 Eyeliners in 2025, based on extensive expert testing and recommendations across liquid, gel, pencil, and kohl formulas. These liners are celebrated for pigmentation, wear time, user-friendliness, and suitability for sensitive or mature eyes:
Top 10 Eyeliners of 2025
1. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Highly rated by InStyle as Best Overall, offering precise control with its fine tip and staying power that lasts through long wear without smudging. Vogue+13InStyle+13Byrdie+13
2. L’Oréal Infallible Flash Cat Eye Liquid Eyeliner
Byrdie’s Best Overall liquid liner pick—recognized for ultra-smooth strokes, deep pigment, and extra-long wear, complete with a built-in wing stencil. All at about $12. Byrdie
3. NYX Epic Ink Liner
A budget-friendly favorite (Byrdie, Strategist), this felt-tip pen offers intense pigment, smooth glide, and excellent control for sharp wings. ByrdieNew York Magazine
4. NARS Climax Liquid Eyeliner
Ophthalmologist-approved, this waterproof liner provides precise application, rich color, and all‑day comfort even for sensitive eyes. shopping.yahoo.com+15Byrdie+15Allure+15
5. Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Chosen as Byrdie‘s Best Gel Eyeliner, delivers intense pigment in a blendable, waterproof gel—ideal for both sharp lines and diffused looks. shopping.yahoo.com+15Byrdie+15Allure+15
6. Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner
Praised by Byrdie and Allure for its creamy, highly-pigmented formula, smooth glide, built-in smudger, and wide shade range. ByrdieAllure
7. Jane Iredale Eye Pencil
A mineral-based pencil with jojoba, shea butter, and meadowfoam oils—perfect for sensitive eyes, offering buttery glide and vibrant finish. Allure
8. Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner
Specifically designed for waterlines and contact lens wearers. This gel-based formula with hyaluronic acid glides on smoothly and lasts up to 16 hours. Allure
9. Ilia Clean Line Liquid or Gel Eyeliner
A clean-beauty standout (The Cut, Allure, Byrdie)—smooth and precise application, great for sensitive skin and hooded lids. The CutAllure
10. About Face Line Artist Longwear Gel Eyeliner
Available in bold colors, offers rich payoff and all-day wear. Excellent value at around $13. The CutByrdie
Honorable Mentions
- Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner — Best budget gel pencil, creamy and long-wearing (~$9). NewBeauty
- Bobbi Brown Long‑Wear Smudge‑Proof Gel Eyeliner — Editor favorite for reliable pigment and longevity. Glamour+2Sephora+2New York Magazine+2
- MAC Fluidline Gel Eyeliner — Flexible formula, especially well-liked for mature eyes—non-drying yet richly pigmented. InStyleGlamour
Eyeliner Picks for Special Needs
| Concern / Use | Recommended Liners |
|---|---|
| Sensitive eyes | Ilia Clean Line, Jane Iredale Eye Pencil, Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline |
| Mature skin | Chanel Stylo Yeux, Clinique High Impact, Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal |
| Bold winged liner | Stila Stay All Day, NARS Climax, NYX Epic Ink |
| Smoky or diffused look | Hourglass Voyeur, About Face, Bobbi Brown Gel |
| Waterline definition | Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline, RMS Straight Line Kohl, Westman Atelier |
reddit.com+4Allure+4The Cut+4teenvogue.com+3NewBeauty+3Byrdie+3InStyleNew York Magazine+5Glamour+5InStyle+5The Cut+1Byrdie+1
Why These Eyeliners Are the Best in 2025
- Durability & Wear: Most brands offer waterproof, smudge-proof formulas that hold up through festivals, travel, or long days. InStyleByrdie
- Application Ease & Precision: Many options have fine tips or gel formulas for easy control and clean lines—even for beginners or shaky hands.
- Formulated for Sensitive Eyes: A strong trend toward hypoallergenic ingredients supports comfort without sacrificing pigment or longevity. AllureWho What Wear
- Versatility Across Looks: Whether you prefer minimalist everyday definition or bold, colorful statements—there’s a pro pick for every style. The CutByrdie
Application & Care Tips
- Prep: Use eye primer or a light dusting of translucent powder to smooth lids.
- Steady Your Hand: Anchor your elbow on a surface. Draw in short strokes rather than one long line.
- Layer for Intensity: Let each layer dry before building for sharper, darker lines.
- Clean Up Mistakes: A Q-tip dipped in micellar water or a small angled brush corrects flicks precisely.
- Removal: For waterproof liners, use an oil cleanser or waterproof makeup remover for full removal without tugging.