16 Best Black Eyeliners for a Charismatic And Confident Look

Reviewed by Jackie Alves, Makeup Artist  |  Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 07, 2024
 Best Black Eyeliners for a Charismatic And Confident Look
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It is always believed that your eyes speak louder than words, and if that’s the case, consider a thick glide of the best black eyeliner to amplify your voice. Eyeliners are a beauty staple for your favorite looks that you can't resist; after all, it's a pillar of every perfect makeover that makes you feel glamorous and confident. In fact, it's one of the most demanding products every woman is fond of. You certainly remember the first time you started experimenting with it. Either you might have borrowed it from your mum or simply pulled her makeup drawer and taken it. But that’s how all of us learned to apply eyeliner too. Whatever the case is, one thing is for sure, no woman can ignore a classic, smooth swipe of black eyeliner. 

In addition to aesthetics, one should also consider eyeliner formulations made with nourishing ingredients, to go gentle on the delicate skin around the eyes. “An everyday eyeliner should have ingredients that are gentle and safe for regular use. Seek eyeliners that have nourishing components like vitamin E, calming chamomile extract, and jojoba oil for a smooth application,” says says Jackie Alves, founder and head educator of The Real Makeup Artist and co-founder of The Beauty Bar.

But now, we have an array of black eyeliners from pencils to liquids to pens making it difficult to choose the best option. The process becomes more hectic, especially for beginners. Based on our observations, we have enlisted some of the great black eyeliners of all time to save you time, energy and money. All these products are tried and tested and have been kept after a thorough research so you can pick the best!!

16 Best Black Eyeliners

An epic waterproof liquid eyeliner by NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP needs to be at the top of our list. With a liquid matte finish, this eyeliner is perfect for a long-lasting cat-eye look. The tip is super flexible, easy to use, and runs gently on the surface. Moreover, you can control the thickness of the lines just by pressing down the tip. Available in two shades, black and brown, complete your touch-up in seconds and get ready to sparkle everywhere. 

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Easy to swipe
  • Water-resistant
  • High longevity
Cons
  • Inappropriate cap design
  • Best Matte Finish

    Maybelline New York Hyper Easy Liquid Pen

     Maybelline New York Hyper Easy Liquid Pen
  • When it's about eyeliners, we can’t forget Maybelline New York. From Chloe Fineman to Gigi Hadid, most of our favorite celebrities have been fans of Maybelline eyeliners. The liquid eyeliner with a hyper-easy brush tip, promises the smoothest glides that last up to 24 hours. The flexible brush tips and custom hexagonal grips provide optimum control for stable application. With a matte satin finish, create subtle lines, smokey vibes, custom brow looks or any of your fav looks instantly with the Maybelline Liquid Pen.

    Pros
    • Technologically advanced formulation
    • Smudge-resistant
    • Lightweight
    • Long shelf-life
    Cons
    • Tip may fray
  • Best Waterproof Black Eyeliner

    stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

    stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
  • For those ladies who prefer professional-like swipes, this stila's eyeliner is the best choice. The award-winning long-lasting eyeliner offers a precise application to all, from amateurs to pros. Whether you want a bold dramatic stroke or a thin glide, the pen runs with ease without smudging or pulling. Not just that, the liquid dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait for long. After putting it to test, we found that it gives an intense black color that doesn’t fade easily, and you might need a good makeup remover to wipe it off. 

    Pros
    • Moisture-wicking
    • Easy to apply
    • Waterproof
    • No skipping
    • High staying power
    Cons
    • Slightly opaque
    • Shorter tip
    • Expensive
  • Best Eyeliner Pencil

    Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

    Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
  • To enable an easy glide over the tender skin of your eyelids, this black eyeliner pencil by Urban Decay features an ultra-creamy formula that goes on smoothly. Formulated with rich emollients like cottonseed and jojoba oils, the eyeliner holds and deposits color pigments evenly on the skin for a skip-free finish. This eyeliner is extremely versatile and maneuverable, which allows you to create wings, lines, and different shapes with great ease — for which we cannot recommend it enough!

    Pros
    • Long-wearing product
    • Intense color payoff
    • Award-winning product
    • Waterproof formula
    • Rich in vitamin E
    • Blendable consistency
    Cons
    • A bit smudgy
  • Revlon Pencil Eyeliner

    Revlon Pencil Eyeliner
  • Certain occasions demand a black eyeliner pencil instead of a liquid one. Well, this one by Revlon can be the most apt option in this case. Unlike conventional pencils that are hard and rough on the eyes, Revlon's eyeliner ensures a creamy and hassle-free swipe. In addition, it comes with a built-in sharpener to get a precise pencil tip for easy running. Interestingly, it's available in 8 shades tested by ophthalmologists, so you can be least assured about its safety. The cherry on the cake is all the shades stay long for hours.

    Pros
    • Matte finish
    • Waterproof
    • 24-hour bold smudge-free looks
    • Built-in smudger
    Cons
    • Some may find the color a bit dull
  • Fadeproof Formula

    Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Eyeliner

    Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Eyeliner
  • This cry-proof and flake-proof formula offers highly concentrated and intense pigmentation for hours. It's a classic liquid pencil that you'll find in many makeup enthusiasts' kits. The brush hair tip helps you glide across your lash in a single stroke without pulling or tugging. Moreover, it features a tank delivery system for easy release of liquid (pigment) that helps to have detailed lash looks with every application. Also, it's a fadeproof formula that gives you beautiful and extreme strokes you can have all day.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • 16-hour long wear
    • Waterproof.
    Cons
    • Average shelf-life
  • Best Pencil And Gel Combo

    Julep When Pencil Met Gel Longwear Eyeliner

    Julep When Pencil Met Gel Longwear Eyeliner
  • Julep's eyeliner is a 2-in-1 multipurpose formula that blends pencil and gel. It's a unique product that delivers vibrant swipes with a matte finish. The pencil cum gel eyeliner is made of a special wax that makes it a suitable color glide on both top and bottom lashes (your waterline). What's additional is the color stays from rushy mornings to cozy evenings. So, if you're in the mood for partying after the office, don't forget to keep this magical formula in your bag.

    Pros
    • High-performance
    • 10+ hour water-resistant wear
    • Clinically tested
    • 20+ matte and shimmer shades
    Cons
    • Some may find the colors dark
  • Most Affordable Eyeliner

    e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

    e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
  • This is the most affordable black eyeliner on our list that efficiently does the job. It's a perfect retractable eyeliner that works smoothly on your lash and waterline without smearing. It's an ultra-soft and long-lasting formulation with a creamy texture to ensure a wet (non-dry) look for several hours. If you like a smokey look, apply it on your lash and waterline and smudge immediately. Or else you're a fan of a budge-proof finish, let the formula set for 30 seconds. In any case, you'll always have a natural-like finish.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    • No toxins
    • Fade-resistant
    • 5 color options
    Cons
    • Not recommended for sensitive eyes
    • No sharpener
  • Best for Waterlines

    VASANTI Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil

    VASANTI Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil
  • Scavenging for black eyeliner for waterlines is no less than a challenge, especially when you have sensitive eyes. Made from organic ingredients, this pick by Vasanti is dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested and is safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes. The liner sits comfortably on your waterlines without irritation and offers a velvety matte finish for longer hours. Sultry and youthful eyes are no longer a dream with Vasanti Kajal. Just apply a single stroke using its specially designed tip to your upper and lower inner rims (waterlines), and that's it, you've now become a master. 

    Pros
    • Chemical-free
    • 9 different shades
    • No gluten
    • Paraben and cruelty free
    • Mess-free application
    Cons
    • Non-retractable
    • Slightly expensive
  • Hypoallergenic Eyeliner

    Physicians Formula Eye Definer Automatic Eyeliner Pencil

    Physicians Formula Eye Definer Automatic Eyeliner Pencil
  • Nothing could be a better eye-definer other than hypoallergenic eyeliners. These liners don't cause allergy-like signs on application. Physicians Formula Eye Definer is one such liner that seamlessly runs through the eye rims, just like melted cream. The clinically tested ultra-black pencil is densely pigmented to provide you with deep and bold eyes like Angelina Jolie. Well, it's not over yet. The pencil has a natural finish and comes with a sharpener at the bottom so you can adjust the tip's thickness before use for a softer finish.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Affordable
    • Stays on the place
    • Longwear
    Cons
    • Some folks may find the color a bit pale
  • 12 pcs Combo

    Nabi Retractable Waterproof Black Eyeliner

    Nabi Retractable Waterproof Black Eyeliner
  • Nabi eyeliner is a great option to check when you need a durable eyeliner. It's a retractable and waterproof black eyeliner pencil that delivers a metallic finish to the eyes and adds a bit of shimmer. So, if someone prefers an extra-chic look, this would an ideal pick. The most interesting point is you'll get 12 pieces of liners altogether. Well, it's more like a wholesale deal but don’t worry it will come under $8.50. At this price, we think it’s not a bad deal.

    Pros
    • Easy application
    • Low cost
    • For a more girly look
    • Long-lasting
    Cons
    • Might smudge
  • Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

    Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
  • It's a cute pair of a brush and pot gel eyeliner you can use in your daily beauty regime. The  0.085oz pot contains highly dense black liquid that you can apply using the brush on your lashes. As it has a creamy gel-like finish, it'll prevent your eyes from looking dry and ensure a damp and glossy appearance. Furthermore, the color may last for up to 24 hours, so you can celebrate a vivid glam and smudge-free look from AM to PM.

    Pros
    • Heat-resistant
    • Humidity-proof
    • Professional brush
    • Scandal-proof
    Cons
    • Liquid dries quickly if the pot is left open
    • Slightly rough bristles
  • HAUS LABORATORIES by Lady Gaga: EYE-DENTIFY GEL KOHL EYELINER

    HAUS LABORATORIES by Lady Gaga: EYE-DENTIFY GEL KOHL EYELINER
  • This eyeliner is one of the premium products picked from Lady Gaga's beauty collection. Haus Laboratories is a cosmetic brand founded by Lady Gaga in 2017 and quickly became popular among fashionistas. And this product isn't an exception. Women who are crazy about smokey eyes must check out this product. With a longer play time to set, you can create a smokey effect instantly before it dries. After trying out this product, no clumps were formed, and went on like a smooth crayon.

    Pros
    • Rich creamy formula
    • Water-resistant
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • A bit difficult to remove
  • Boobeen Eyeliner Pencil

    Boobeen Eyeliner Pencil
  • For the darkest and creamiest black liner, try Boobeen pen gel. Unlike some gels once applied and leave pigmentation, Boobeen's eyeliner won't cause this situation. The smudge-proof and flaking-proof formula can be effortlessly removed with a makeup remover or cleansing oil without residue. For frequent eyeliner users, removing those fine or thick lines seems like a war. They keep rubbing lashes which can be painful. But wiping off becomes simple with this product. Besides it's waterproof formula that sets on the applied area perfectly without smudging.

    Pros
    • Soft blend
    • Classic black ink
    • Create enlarge eye effects
    • Creamy texture
    Cons
    • A bit waxy
  • COVERGIRL Perfect Point PLUS Eyeliner

    COVERGIRL Perfect Point PLUS Eyeliner
  • Covergirl's eyeliner works like magic. Infused with rich black onyx color and featuring a blending tip, this product is best suited for having precise lines. On every application, you'll get amazed by the smooth strokes it creates, and you'll never be disappointed by the results. The eyeliner is not just limited to creating lines but also can make beautiful smokey looks that you can show off anywhere and steal the show. Besides, it's amongst the best black eyeliners with dual finish types, radiant and natural.

    Pros
    • Shelf-sharpening eyeliner
    • Stays long
    • Smudge-proof
    • Timeless look
    Cons
    • Might smear during the day
  • MISS ROSE M Black Gel Eyeliner

     MISS ROSE M Black Gel Eyeliner
  • Miss Rose M Black Gel Eyeliner is a blessing to dull eyes. The gel eyeliner tool features a sheeny and delicate texture and ensures a soft skin touch. The cream-based tip of the eyeliner moves evenly without agglomeration and shapes eyes flawlessly. They are best for creating mysterious, bold cat-eye looks. Moreover, the eyeliner has a sleek design similar to a rotating lipstick. You can control the stick's length as per your preference. Also, you can control the intensity directly while applying or use a brush to draw lines.

    Pros
    • Dual finish (matte and natural)
    • Sweat-proof formula
    • Travel-friendly
    • Small size
    Cons
    • Loose cap

    With this, we've completed our list of the best black eyeliners. Now here comes the strategy behind choosing the right black eyeliner.

    How to Choose the Best Black Eyeliner?

    Before buying black eyeliner, consider the given factors; 

    Eyeliner types

    Start by deciding what type of look you want. Since, eyeliners are available in different formats; liquids, gels, pens or pencils, etc., it's better to know which format will meet your goals. For instance, liquids offer a precise finish, while gels can be buffed and blended for diffused effects. Further, pens, pencils, or gel formulations can be good for waterlines. 

    Brushes 

    This tip is effective when you're using a gel-based eyeliner. Make sure that the bristles of the brush are soft and easily glide on your lashes. They shouldn't feel rough. 

    Testimonials

    Customer testimonials are highly useful. They give better insights into the product details to help you take effective decisions. 

    Contributor: Maya Adivi, Certified Makeup artist, Click here for blog

    Conclusion

    A single stroke of the best black eyeliner on your lashes does more than amplifying your look. Wearing black eyeliner is not just about getting an attractive look, but it boosts our confidence and highlights our personality too. Unlike colorful eyeliners, a black layer appears subtle on the eyes and suits all skin tones from light to dark. But when it's time to purchase one, most of us end up confused as we've so many choices to choose from. We keep on exploring the market but return empty-handed. The only solution to avoid this is to know the factors behind choosing the right black eyeliner.

    FAQ's

    Is it good to use eyeliner daily?
    Eyeliners typically don't damage your eyes. However, applying them too closely can cause irritation by residual build-up. If you use them too frequently, ensure you remove them with no residual.
    Why is black eyeliner popular?
    Black eyeliners are popular as they go well with every skin tone and make eyes look larger and more attractive.
    Can black eyeliner be used for different eye makeup looks?
    Well, that's a matter of choice. But it's better to avoid using a thick liner (one that dries quickly) as an eyeshadow as it would take time to wipe off. Instead, you might consider using a soft liner. In case of confusion or problem, seek professional help.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani is obsessed with replicating the perfect smokey eyes just like Jennifer Lopez. She is certain that the key to achieving the perfect look is with the best black eyeliners that are extremely pigmented. She went on to try 15 eyeliners from different bands that have the perfect wand to glide over every eye shape without creasing. Moreover, these eyeliners are made with moisturizing ingredients that prevent dryness or any infection. Our makeup and beauty expert is specifically obsessed with Maybelline, Revlon, Wet n Wild, and NYX which are affordable and easy to use. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Meet the Expert
    reviewer
    Jackie Alves
    Makeup Artist

    Jackie Alves, Founder & Head Educator of The Real More

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More