12 Best Eyeliner Pencils for the Quintessential Cat Eyes

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 07, 2024
Best Eyeliner Pencils for the Quintessential Cat Eyes
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The best eyeliner pencils wield the power of changing one’s look entirely. With a few strokes, it can attract and allure someone within seconds. Be it a smokey eye look or a basic cat eye line, the eyeliner pencil can shape and enhance your eyes in different ways. “Just because you want to be glamorous, don't be a sheep about your eye makeup.” is a well-said thought by Loretta Young. Trying creative looks with your eyeliner pencil gives you the upper hand in the makeup game and with our eyeliner list, you can yield the power of magnetizing eyes anytime.

Eyeliner pencils come in various colors, forms, and sizes. From liquid to powder, the eyeliner pencil is one such product that is a quintessential tool in your makeup kit. To help you select the best one, we have curated a list of the 12 best eyeliner pencils just for you!

12 Best Eyeliner Pencils

The perfect cat-eye look is much easier to attain with the L'Oreal Paris Pencil Eyeliner. The rich and creamy texture of the eyeliner pencil provides a long-lasting and attainable look for the users. The black eyeliner comes with a built-in sharpener and glides easily on the skin for a sharp and crisp. Use the smudge tip of the eye pencil for an effortless smokey look. Try different eyeliner styles with versatile and infallible eyeliner and add this amazing variant to your kit. It is also the best eyeliner pencil for beginners too.

Pros
  • Smudge-proof
  • Includes built-in sharpener
  • Long-lasting wear
Cons
  • Difficult to remove
  • Best Drugstore Eyeliner

    Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pencil

    Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pencil
  • Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil is the best eyeliner pencil drugstore can offer. The precise tip allows you to apply the eyeliner pencil with ease and leaves no room for mistakes. Get an assuring sharp line every time with the built-in sharpener. The high-pigmented tones of black create a bold eyeliner that stays intact throughout the day but might require reapplication after a few hours. If you feel this high-pigment is a sure one on your list it's just a click away from your kit.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Smudge tip
    • Very pigmented
    Cons
    • Long dry time
  • Best Waterproof

    Stila All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

    Stila All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
  • Once you use the Stila All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner, you’ll not stop swooning over it. Don’t at all worry about getting panda eyes, as this eyeliner is smudge-proof and lasts up to 12 hours. It glides smoothly, and just a single swipe lets you create the best eye makeup looks and grab all the attention. With an array of matte and shimmer shades, you’re in for creating the most unique and versatile eye makeup looks that are sure to flatter everyone. Get a lavish experience with this smooth liner that adds a bold definition to the eyes. 

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Smudge-proof
    • Vibrant shades
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Not suitable for contact lens wearers
  • Best Smokey Finish

    Haus Laboratories by Lady Gaga Eye-dentify Gel Kohl Eyeliner

    Haus Laboratories by Lady Gaga Eye-dentify Gel Kohl Eyeliner
  • There’s a valid reason why the Kohl eyeliner by Haus Laboratories is considered iconic! It has a soft, creamy texture that glides evenly and smoothly to create dream-worthy, ravishing looks in one stroke. The eyeliner is easy to apply and doesn’t smudge or budge for a long time. Don’t worry if you get splashes of water on your face while wearing this one, as it is water-resistant. Give your eyes a beautiful, sharp pigment, and level up your makeup game with this gel eyeliner. 

    Pros
    • Water-resistant
    • Creamy formula
    • Suitable for all day wear
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Might not suit people with sensitive eyes
  • Best Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

    Rimmel Exaggerate Auto Waterproof Eye Definer

    Rimmel Exaggerate Auto Waterproof Eye Definer
  • The Rimmel Exaggerate Eyeliner is created with a waterproof formula that makes the eyeliner stay put during physical activities or during the rain. However, it could be a tad difficult to remove but won't leave your eye with a red spot. It comes with a self-sharpening mechanism for easy use and precise lines. If you plan to watch a rom-com this week, but don't want to smudge your eyeliner, then Rimmel is the one.

    Pros
    • Smudging tip
    • Affordable
    • Smooth application
    • High pigmented
    Cons
    • Hard to remove
  • Best Smudge-proof Eyeliner

    Julep When Pencil Met Gel All-Day Eyeliner

    Julep When Pencil Met Gel All-Day Eyeliner
  • This eyeliner pencil combines the convenient use of eyeliner pencils with the smooth texture of gel eyeliner. Julep When Pencil Met Gel has the best eyeliner sharpener among the rest. Take a pick from the 15+ shades with shimmers and matte finishes for every style. The long-lasting formula pushes for the best use through day and night but removing it is a task. With a couple of wipes a cotton swab and some coconut oil, the eyeliner leave no eye stains.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Long-lasting
    • Built-in sharpener
    Cons
    • No ease of removal
  • Best Eyeliner Pencil For Sensitive eyes

    COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil

    COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil
  • With a whopping 15k+ positive reviews regarding its affordability and quality, COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil is the best option if you are tight on your pockets for an eyeliner. The pencil comes in 3 different shades of black for every outing idea. You’ll be able to draw precise lines for a defined look or softly smudge with the brush at the end of the eyeliner. Get the smokey eye effect in minutes with Covergirl's blendable formula.

    Pros
    • Sharp
    • Very black
    • Lots of dry time
    Cons
    • No built-in sharpener
  • Best Eyeliner Pencil For Beginners

    Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner

    Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner
  • With vibrant colors and highly pigmented shades chances are you will love this Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner instantly. This eyeliner works wonders on the upper and lower waterline region. The waterproof formula makes it easy to apply at the waterline and leaves no space for smudges or stains. It consists of a matte finish and lasts all throughout the day. Though it's not an instant removable one, the high-pigmented eyeliner can be cleaned by using a vaseline or balm-based wipe.

    Pros
    • Best color range
    • Long-lasting
    • Very creamy
    Cons
    • No sharpener
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyepencil

    Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyepencil
  • Urban decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is a promising product if you are looking for eyeliner on a reasonable budget. Create an array of looks with 22 hues in blues and purples. The glide-on eye pencil feature helps you apply a coat with utmost convenience. The eyeliner wears well for long hours but might smudge a bit in hot and humid weather. The eyeliner packaging is durable and lasts for travel-friendly and daily usage.

    Pros
    • Smooth glide
    • Very black
    • Wide color range
    Cons
    • No built-in sharpener
    • Slight smudging
  • Best Pointy Tip

    Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil

    Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil
  • Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil is the nutritive and glamour pick in the makeup hot topics and we can't wait for you to try it. It consists of nourishing agents such as olive oil and rainforest shea butter to condition the skin making it soft. The phenomenal product comes in a spiced chocolate variant which is a favorite of many due to its dark pigment. Also, the dual tip helps in smudging and toning to give an accurate eye look for the day. Not only that but it washes off easily without any itchy sensations.

    Pros
    • Dual-ended smudger
    • Pointy tip
    • Very creamy
    Cons
    • Difficult to remove
  • Best Easy to Use

    MIA ADORA Immovable Eyeliner Pencil

    MIA ADORA Immovable Eyeliner Pencil
  • Mia Adora’s Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is a twist-up eyeliner pencil that comes equipped with a sharpener and delivers an opaque black lacquer in one swipe. Though it might give you raccoon eyes in hot conditions, the excess can be wiped easily, retaining the color and effect intact. It gets the mark for longevity and lasting color with no hassle. This pencil delivers a precise and neat line in one coat and works the same in waterline too!

    Pros
    • Twist up tip
    • Waterproof
    • Just need one coat
    Cons
    • Hard to remove
  • LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Kajal Longwear Eyeliner

    LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Kajal Longwear Eyeliner
  • Laura Geller New York Kajal Longwear Eyeliner comes with a thick brush tip and with a built-in sharpener for better and finer lines. Even with a few shades in choice, all colors are vibrant, opaque, and pigmented for every use. It's infused with vitamin C and caffeine to provide us with nourished skin in and around our eyes. To get the best effect try applying it to the inner rim of the eye for a detailed liner effect and if looking for an iconic smudge look like Donatella Versace, try the smudge brush end.

    Pros
    • Creamy formula
    • Highly pigmented
    • Blended nicely
    Cons
    • Limited color option

    What to Look for When Buying an Eyeliner Pencil?

    • Formula: The most important thing about buying eyeliner is the formula. The formulas consist of the ingredients and the indication for a creamy, matte, or glossy eyeliner. To differentiate in simple terms, try this for every style. Micro-tip and matte formula for the quintessential cat eyes. For the desirable smokey eyes search for a blendable, creamy, and in-built brush or tip formula to create it effortlessly.
    • Pigment: Pigments of the eyeliner you wear are important as it reflects the look and with the pigment being low and disappearing, we must use high pigment-based eyeliners for much bolder and stronger looks.
    • Sharpness: Eyeliners that come with an in-built sharpener are a plus point as it helps with precision and focuses on waterlines with ease. Keeping your eyeliner sharp helps provide a perfect application in just one coat.
    • Ease of removal: When choosing an eyeliner, always check how much time it takes to take it off. If the eyeliner doesn't come out easily we should not be put on the spot to rub at our eyes excessively. Check for eyeliner pencils that have a clean formula and can be removed with no pain and effort.

    How to Apply an Eyeliner Pencil?

    Be it cat eyes or siren eyes, the job of putting on eyeliner can be tedious and can give newbies a cold sweat. To avoid any error and apply it effortlessly, we are here to guide you on how to get the perfect eyeliner look this season and get your makeup game up a notch!

    • To get yourself started, one must prepare their eyes with eye primer. It smooths out the eyelid texture and creates an even base for application. It helps in setting the eyeliner and not letting it budge. It helps keeps the eyeliner smudge-proof.
    • After putting on the primer, start tracing the upper eyelid line with a steady hand and keep the eyeliner closer to the eyelid line. Apply a thin line on the lower waterline.
    • Here's my favorite bit, the wing! Considered to be the most difficult step while applying eyeliner, you can get the angular wing in an instant with this trick. Imagine a line between your eyebrow and eyelid, and mark that line with an outward motion. Basically, the wing should be a connected line with your eyebrows to get a polished look.
    • To finish the look, apply two generous coats of mascara to your eyelashes and get the perfect look for parties and dates.

    Eyeliner pencils can break or make the look. It's important to get the correct one for your kit so that you get the best-winged eyeliner look. You must always check the ingredients and get your desired eyeliner pencil. Keep your eye makeup preps ready for parties and occasions and set the trend quotient high with the following tips suggested. Hope you liked the list and treat yourself with the eyeliner of your choice. Grab one of these versatile best eyeliner pencils and just wing it!

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Let's admit every one of us falls for bold and beautiful eyes. They look even more captivating when they are accentuated with eyeliners. Thus, keeping in mind how eyeliner pencils are a staple in a beauty enthusiast's vanity, our makeup expert, Sayantani, has shortlisted these wands to help you achieve those quintessential cat eyes that you have been dreaming of! She has rounded off these products considering the budget, longevity, effectiveness, and pigmentation for you to have the best experience.

    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!

    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