Oh! The holy grail and the absolute basic element of all things makeup–an eyeliner! Most of us can’t even fathom leaving home without it. Now, with some of the best oil-free eyeliners making it to our vanities, we never have to worry about our eyeliner smudging, streaking, running down our cheeks–especially when our skin decides to act extra greasy. There was a time when we were very restrained in how we used our eyeliners with just a thin stroke on the upper eyelids. Anna Misztela, a Board licensed Esthetician, and our contributor shares, “Dramatic eyeliner styles like cat-eyes go all the way back to ancient Egypt, first with Nefertiti and then Cleopatra. More recently, during the 1950’s, they were further popularized by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren. Then came musical artists such as David Bowie, Blondie, and more laterally Gwen Stefani. It is definitely an iconic style that never loses popularity.”

We’ve now moved on to dramatic cat eyes and an irresistible smokey eye which was considered the ideal eye makeup for any nighttime do. Anna Misztela, our contributor, states that it is possible to achieve a smokey eye with a liquid eyeliner. Everyone will probably have their own tricks. Briefly, one recipe is to create the base for the shadow with a pencil, then using a deep matte shade on the eyeshadow where you laid the liner.

Now, makeup and how we use it is a significant medium of self expression and a direct extension of who we are. Whether you’re a beginner or a makeup hero, we’re certain that you never leave home without an eyeliner. So, if you’re on the market looking for a new one, check out our list of the 13 best oil-free eyeliners.

• 1
  Best Overall

  Almay Eyeliner Crayon Contour Pencil - 205 Black

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The area around our eyes is sensitive, so we must take gentle care of it with an eye-loving eyeliner such as this one. It is formulated with vitamin E which nourishes and protects the skin around the eyes. A great choice for all-day wear, it offers up to 16 hours of stay time. It is equipped with a built-in sharpener, so you can achieve fine-tip precision, no matter which style you wish to try. Not only is the eyeliner oil-free, it’s also water-resistant and smudge-proof. 

Size: 0.01 oz 

Shades: 205 Black, 209 Black Raisin, 210 Black Amethyst, 211 Brown Topaz

2

Best for Winged Eyeliner Look

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP EPIC INK Liner - Black

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A smooth and lustrous waterproof formula that promises no smudging and streaking, this gem from NYX is where it’s all at. Made with hydrogenated castor oil, the eyeliner is so intensely pigmented that even a single stroke can give your eyes that dramatic flair. An oil-free liquid eyeliner pen that settles as a matte finish, the formula is long-lasting and vegan. It comes with a superfine flexible brush tip which you can use to achieve ultimate precision. Whether you want a thick coat of eyeliner or a controlled and slender line, this eyeliner will not let you down.

Size: 0.48 oz

Shades: Black, Brown

3

Best for Blue Shades

COVERGIRL POINT PLUS EYE PENCIL - MIDNIGHT BLUE 220

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A gorgeous blue eyeliner pen that will give any black eyeliner pen a run for its money, this pen is easy to apply and comes with a handy self-sharpening tip. The smooth application settles as a glossy finish and the eyeliner has a built-in smudger tip if you want a gentle fade or a smokey eye effect. Infused with the skin-loving goodness of castor seed oil, it cares for your eyes while offering a smooth, no-tug application. Available in other unique colors, this eyeliner is cruelty-free too!

Size: 0.80 oz

Shades: Midnight Blue 220, Black Onyx, Charcoal, Espresso, Grey Khaki, Very Black, White Out

4

Best Creamy Formula

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner - Black

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A creamy and intensely-pigmented delight, this eyeliner is versatile and incredibly long-lasting. It offers up to 16 hours of non-smudge, non-streak wear, even on hot and sweltering days. The mechanical eyeliner pencil comes with a built-in sharpener that keeps the tip fine for precision control and gives you fade-proof wear. An excellent choice for all skin tones and eye shapes, this eyeliner is formulated with sunflower seed oil, capuaçu butter, and hydrogenated olive oil. 

Size: 0.32 oz

Shades: Black, Black Brown, Brown, Carbon Black, Navy, Slate

5

Best for Cat Eyes

STILA Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - Intense Black

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Waterproof. Check. Smudge-proof. Check. Transfer-proof check. This award-winning eyeliner might just be your new favorite makeup product!! Achieve the smoothest, darkest, and creamiest application at every stroke with its fine marker-like tip which offers precision control and watch it weave magic as it dries in seconds. The #1 selling product from STILA, this liquid liner encourages one to try out different styles like a thin line or a dramatic cat eye. 

Size: 0.02 oz

Shades: Intense Black, Alloy, Dark Brown, Intense Jade, Intense Labradorite, Intense Smoky Quartz, Midnight, Snow

6

Most Long-Lasting Wear

Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - 1111509 Ultra Black

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This eyeliner will stay put, for hours and hours, no matter how easily you cry or how often you see the sun. The waterproof liquid pencil offers a metallic finish and settles quickly. The thick yet pointed tip gives you ultra-fine control while the ink tank is designed with a unique tank delivery system for an even yet sustained flow. The richly pigmented eyeliner is also smudge-proof and contains hydrogenated castor oil for that creamy formula. 

Size: 0.32 oz

Shades: 1111509 Ultra Black

7

Best Fade-Proof Eyeliner

ALMAY Liquid Liner - Black

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If you’re a beginner trying your hand at using precision tip pens and failing miserably at it, this bottle of liquid magic can help you out. The application wand is designed with a flexible tip for complete and control while the point size of the nip offers fine lines and precision. Suitable for all skin types, this ophthalmologist-tested eyeliner is a water-resistant formula that lasts for 16 hours, come rain or shine. 

Size: 0.4 oz
Shades: Black, 222 Brown, 223 Black Pearl, 224 Brown Topaz

8

Intensely Pigmented Eyeliner

E.l.f No Budge Retractable Eyeliner - Black

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Here’s the ultimate eye pencil we’ve all been waiting for! This retractable gem delivers as its name promises. It won’t budge, hail or shine, and will stick to your eyelids throughout the day. The creamy, smooth-gliding, and pigmented formula contains hydrogenated olive oil stearyl esters and settles as a natural, almost matte finish. Suitable for use on the lash line and waterline as well, this eyeliner works well for all eye shapes. 

Size: 0.38 oz

Shades: Black, Charcoal, Coffee

9

Best for Satin Finish

Honest Beauty Liquid Eyeliner - Liquid Eyeliner

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Here’s an eyeliner that won’t lie to you nor will it let you down! Now packaged in a minimalist yet chic new look, this intensely pigmented formula is a high-impact makeup product. Outfitted with a flexible nib, it offers precision control like no other and the formula stays on for up to eight hours. A clean, vegan product made without parabens, carbon black pigment, silicones, and PEGs, this smudge-proof formula is suitable for all skin types. The non-oil based eyeliner glides on easily and offers a satin-like finish. 

Size: 0.32 oz
Shades: Black

10

Most Ergonomic Handle

COVERGIRL Get In Line Liquid Liner - Major Matte Black

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For those who love sleek and clean lines, this eyeliner is the perfect fit. From one of the best oil-free eyeliner brands, comes this eyeliner with a superfine 0.1mm tip for unparalleled precision and perfection. The metal handle ensures that the stick doesn’t lose shape over time and keeps the angle straight and sharp. The deeply pigmented eyeliner dries in seconds, making application super easy. Although it's a long-lasting formula that stays fade-proof throughout the day, it’s also easy to wipe off with a gentle cleanser and water. 

Size: 0.66 oz
Shades: Major Matte Black, 340 - Teal Crystal

11

Laura Geller INKredible Eyeliner - 02 Brown Sugar

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A long-lasting, creamy, and smooth formula, this eyeliner offers a versatile, multidimensional finish. This smudge-proof wonder also assures no pulling and no snagging while the firm even tip enables a steady hand and even application. Available in the host of unique colors, this formula is suitable for all skin types, even delicate and sensitive skin. It comes with a sharpener and is safe for use on the waterline. 

Size: 0.32 oz

Shades: Brown Sugar, Blackbird, Indigo Night, Brown Eyed Girl, After Midnight, Deep Purple, Graphite, Beige To Beige

12

EPILYNX by Dr. Liia Liquid Eyeliner - Green

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A liquid shimmer pen that will make your eyes dazzle from miles away, this green beauty is a last-all-day pen that will blow your mind. Not only is it richly-pigmented, it’s also waterproof and smudge-proof, too. Now, no more worrying about streaky eye makeup on hot and humid days! Suitable for all eye shapes and skin types, yes, even those with sensitive skin, the eyeliner pen is gluten-free, hypoallergenic, and nut oil-free, too. Available in a host of colors, these eyeliner pens are sure to bring the sparkle and magic to your makeup routine. 

Size: 0.18 oz

Shades: Green, Black, Blue, Brown, Purple, Shimmer Black, Shimmer Gold Brown, Shimmer Royal Blue, Shimmer Royal Purple, Shimmer Gold Brown, Shimmer Spring Green, Shimmer Summer Red

13

LLBA Eyeliner For Lash Extension - Black

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A matte finish that’s shimmery too? Well, what could one ask for? The ideal eyeliner to dress up your eyes for an evening or nighttime do, the color intensity and pay off of this eyeliner is something to write home about. The eyeliner is waterproof and sits on your eyelids for 12 hours straight. You can draw precise strokes like a pro, all thanks to its ultra-fine tip and control for precise lines. The smooth-flowing gel liner is a vegan formula and suitable for all skin types. 

Size: 0.71 oz
Shades: Black

Now that we’ve taken a look at the 13 best oil-free eyeliners, let’s take some time to quickly check out the things one should keep in mind when buying an oil-free eyeliner and how you can use one.

• Type

There are primarily three types of eyeliners–liquid, gel, and pencil. Liquid or fluid eyeliners are typically packaged as pens or resemble marker pens while some also come in an inkwell with a little wand or brush. Most prefer buying liquid eyeliners as the pen tips come in varied levels of thickness and pen shapes. This offers better grip ergonomics and precision control. 

Gel eyeliners mostly come in little pots with special application brushes and are often also called pomades. It may take some time getting the hang of using a gel formula, especially if you’re used to liquid pen but gel eyeliners are creamy formulas that offer heavy payout.
Pencil eyeliners or kohl pens, are possibly the most commonly used eyeliners and are beginner friendly as they are favorites for experts. They are made with creamy formulas that glide easy and are suitable for use in the lash and water lines. 

• Quality

When buying eyeliner, there are several benefits or traits that you must look out for. If you live in a hot and humid climate, look for eyeliners that are smudge-proof and transfer-resistant. For those that see a lot of rainy days, finding a waterproof or water-resistant eyeliner will work wonders. Those who see long work hours and can barely find the time to touch-up their makeup should invest in fade-proof and long-lasting eyeliner. Most liquid eyeliners offer up to at least 12 hours of stay. 

• Color 

Picking a flattering eyeliner for your specific eye color can help elevate your makeup routine or dim it down. If you have brown eyes, you’re in luck as it's a neutral color, so the world is your oyster and you can experiment with any color you wish. You can also try shades of red, an emerald green, and deep purples. 

An intensely pigmented black eyeliner makes blue eyes pop but ensure that you aren’t forming any harsh lines. Try a faded smokey eye effect with blacks and grays with some shimmer added into the mix. Copper shades, golden browns, and bronzes complement blue eyes perfectly. 

While black is a universal color that works for every eye color, those with green eyes will do well by getting their hands on some rich burgundy shades. While it may seem counterintuitive, the off-setting shades of reds and greens often ended up complementing each other.

Before applying any kind of eyeliner, ensure that you have a clean palette to begin with. Wash your face with a face wash of your choice and moisturize it. Once dry, prep your eyes with an eye primer, preferably in a matte finish, and let it dry. Follow these steps: 

1. To use a gel eyeliner, choose a thin eyeliner brush. 
2. Dip the brush into the gel pot or and wipe it off the sides of the jar to get rid of the excess. 
3. Hold the brush at an angle against your eyes which is not perpendicular.
4. Using one hand, pull the skin around the outer edges of the eyes upwards to make it taut and apply the eyeliner in a firm line along the eyelids. 

Note: The same steps can also be used in applying liquid eyeliners and eyeliner pencils. 

Finding the eyeliner of your dreams can feel like you've found your one true soulmate. It’s such an essential product in our makeup regime, we often wonder what we’d ever do without it. Perhaps, we have the heart to skip blush, lipstick, and even foundation, but we’re never happy to skip an eyeliner, are we? We hope that our list of the best oil-free eyeliners and our quick guide has come in handy for you and that you’re going to town with new makeup looks and experimentation already! 

Contributor: Anna Misztela, Board licensed Esthetician, Founder of Brand Beauty&Cutie