The 6 Best Eye Liners in 2025

stila’s Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner earns its Best Overall spot because it simply delivers what you want from a liquid liner: a fine, steady tip that lets you draw anything from a barely-there lash line to a dramatic cat eye without fuss. The formula glides on smoothly with no skipping, so you don’t need to go back and fix uneven lines, which saves time and keeps your look clean.

It dries down quickly and sets into a budge-proof finish that lasts through humidity, long workdays, and evenings out. I’ve found it holds up better than many drugstore options, so you can trust it to stay put until you remove it intentionally. The performance works well for both beginners who need control and pros who want precision.

On the average side, the color range is fairly standard and the packaging is functional rather than flashy, but those are small trade-offs for a liner that consistently performs exactly as advertised.

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil earns its place in the Best Smudge Proof category largely because of the way it transforms after application: a creamy, blendable tip lets you work lines or smoky edges easily, then it dries down to a waterproof, smudge-proof finish that really holds up through the day. The fact that the range includes 30 high-pigment shades and five different finishes (matte, shimmer, glitter, satin, metallic) makes it simple to find a look that won’t migrate or fade.

What helps the most is the balance between initial glide and long-wear set — you have enough time to soften or smudge the line, but once it sets it resists rubbing and moisture. As a pencil, it does require sharpening and a brief moment to fully dry before you touch it, so it’s not instant-smudge-proof on contact, but overall the performance is reliably strong for anyone prioritizing staying power.

ILIA’s Clean Line Gel Liner earns its spot in the Best Vegan picks because it really balances performance with a thoughtful, clean formula. The soft-tip gel glides along the lash line like a pencil but gives you the precision of a gel — easy to pull off a crisp wing or a smudged, smoky edge. Once it sets, it resists water and stays put, which is great for long days. The Dusk brown shade is a flattering, everyday option that softens the look compared with black.

What sells it for the vegan category is the ingredient story: cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, and free of carbon black and cyclomethicone. Practical touches like the built-in sharpener make it travel-friendly. One modest caveat: because it’s blendable before setting, you do need to work a little quickly if you want a diffused finish — a pretty average trait for gel-based liners. Overall, it’s a clean, reliable pick for vegans who don’t want to sacrifice quality.

If ease of use is your priority, NYX Epic Ink Liner really earns its spot. The ultra-precise, slightly flexible tip makes drawing smooth, controlled lines feel almost effortless — press down a touch for a thicker stroke, lift for a fine flick — so getting a cat eye or a natural lash-line enhancement is straightforward, even for beginners. The ink dries to a matte black, waterproof finish that holds up through the day without looking glossy or patchy, which helps the look stay crisp.

Beyond the user-friendly applicator and long-wearing formula, it’s nice that the brand is PETA-certified cruelty-free, so you can feel good about wearing it. On the more average side, the shade offering centers on classic matte black and the overall packaging and price are what you’d expect from a reliable drugstore liner — solid but not flashy. All in all, a very approachable choice for anyone wanting a fuss-free, dependable eyeliner.

Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Eye Booster earns its spot for sensitive eyes largely because it pairs a clean, hypoallergenic formula with practical versatility. The liquid liner delivers a rich jet-black color for crisp definition while the lash-boosting serum targets the base of lashes to condition over time. Being marketed free of 150+ harsh ingredients and formulated specifically for sensitive skin and eyes makes it an easy, confidence-inspiring choice for anyone prone to irritation.

In everyday use it feels gentle and multi-tasking—apply the serum alone overnight or layer the liner for daytime looks. Performance-wise it’s reliable for basic wear and gives good pigment payoff, though some heavy-eyed users might find longevity and smudge-resistance to be merely average compared with high-end waterproof formulas. Overall, if sensitivity is your main concern and you want a two-in-one product that nourishes while defining, this is a sensible, skin-friendly pick.

If smooth, fuss-free application is your top priority, this Maybelline liquid pen really delivers. The flex-tip brush glides across the lid with very little drag, so you can draw both precise flicks and soft, blended lines without fighting skips or gaps. The custom hexagonal grip feels natural in hand, which makes steady strokes easier—especially when you’re doing winged looks. Pigment lays down evenly and intensely, so a single pass often gives the finish you want.

The liner also touts up to 24-hour wear and strong smudge resistance, and in everyday use it holds up well for long days—though on very oily lids or in extreme humidity you might notice some fading. Removal is simple when you use micellar water, as suggested. One thing to keep in mind is that shade variety and water-resistance aren’t extraordinary compared with some specialty liners, but for a reliable, silky application and good staying power at an accessible price, this pen is a solid pick.