12 Best Red Eyeliners to Make a Bold And Eye-catching Statement

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 26, 2024
Red Eyeliners to Make a Bold And Eye-catching Statement
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You can create stunning and bold eye looks with the best red eyeliners that will fire up your makeup game and get you lots of compliments. We have curated a list with an extensive shade range that varies from deep burgundy and aubergine hues to vibrant scarlet and hot red hues, keeping all skin tones in mind. You can have fun and create alluring looks with these intensely pigmentated, and long-lasting red eyeliners that allow precision, ensuring that your eyeliner is always on fleek. 

Red eyeliners were initially thought to be an experimental runway spectacle. However, it soon trickled its way into the 2020 Spring-Summer exhibits of many famous designers like Valentino, Versace, and Vivienne Westwood. Now, red eyeliners have gained a space of their own in the makeup industry – whether you want to do a smoky, shimmery, or graphic eye look, there are products available for them all. 

If you are worried that a red eyeliner look may not be flattering, then hold that thought as they can be very versatile, complementing all skin colors and eye shapes.  Moreover, in this article, we will also explore different ways to wear this bold-colored eyeliner in a way that elevates your inner confidence. So, let us get into every little detail you would need to know before you start splurging.

12 Best Red Eyeliners

Achieve an intense, ultra-pigmented, and flawless matte finish with this revolutionary eyeliner.  You can effortlessly create long-lasting graphic eyeliner looks as it has a waterproof, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof formula. Additionally, it comes with a flexible brush that helps deliver precision and easy application. It makes a great addition to your collection if you love bold-eye looks. The brand also ensures that their products are not tested on animals and are certified and acknowledged by PETA as cruelty-free.

Pros
  • Highly pigmented
  • Doesn’t transfer
  • Won’t smudge
  • Easy to apply
Cons
  • Hard to remove
  • Best Gel Eyeliner

    Inglot AMC EYELINER GEL

    Inglot AMC EYELINER GEL
  • This gel eyeliner from Inglot has a rich pigmentation that can last for long durations. It is water-resistant and smudge-proof – just one stroke will give you an impeccable color payoff. With its unique creamy texture and quick-drying properties, it makes the application process easy, and the eyeliner brush delivers a precise application. The formulation is also extremely versatile as you can wear it underneath your eyeshadow to enrich its pigmentation and extend its stay, or use it solely as an eyeshadow as well.  It is also suitable for body and face art.

    Pros
    • Smudge-proof
    • Water-resistant
    • Versatile formulation
    • Intense pigmentation
    Cons
    • Hard to make corrections
  • evpct 6Pcs Glitter Eyeliner Pencils Set

    evpct 6Pcs Glitter Eyeliner Pencils Set
  • The evpct eyeliners come in a pack of 6 with matte, glitter, metallic, and pearl effects in different red hues. The formulation is waterproof, highly- pigmented, and smooth textured allowing it to glide across your skin. They have multiple uses and can be used as eyeliner, lip liner, eye shadow, or eyebrow pencils. With these pencils in your makeup bag, you can get versatile makeup looks for different occasions. It also lasts for long periods of time, without a heavy or sticky feeling in and around the applied area.

    Pros
    • Waterproof formula
    • Creamy texture
    • Multipurpose makeup pencil
    • Long-lasting power
    Cons
    • May smudge before it sets
  • Best Matte Finish Eyeliner

    L'Oreal Paris MATTE Signature Eyeliner - Burgandy

    L'Oreal Paris MATTE Signature Eyeliner - Burgandy
  • Give your eye makeup a stunning matte finish with this eyeliner from L’Oreal Paris. Its advanced formula is waterproof, transfer-proof, and smudge-proof – giving you an all-day-long stay. Achieve a precise and easy application with the smart design that comes with a controlled grip zone and precision felt tip. The eyeliners have been tested by ophthalmologists and are safe to be used on your eyes. Based on our firsthand experience, we could say that the vivid matte finish effect does not feel extremely dry.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t smudge or transfer
    • Easy to apply
    • Safe for the eyes
    • Doesn’t feel dry on the lids
    Cons
    • May be hard to remove
  • Best Pencil Eyeliner

    Revlon SO FIERCE! VINYL EYELINER - Righteous Rum

    Revlon SO FIERCE! VINYL EYELINER - Righteous Rum
  • This Revlon eyeliner has a super smooth-gliding gel formula that is also waterproof, long-wearing, and boldly pigmented. It creates a dazzling finish that stays for up to 16 hours on your eyes. Righteous Rum is a deep burgundy color that gets evenly distributed in just one swipe, giving you a gorgeously seamless application. The modern packaging features a vinyl finish body and a unique tinted black cap. It will soon become your trusted staple for creating daring and fierce eye looks. When we tested this product, we felt that this eyeliner glides swiftly and just one stoke is enough for a vibrant look.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Deep pigmentation
    • One stroke application
    • Attractive packaging
    • Suitable for all skin tones
    Cons
    • May transfer
  • Most Unique Color

    DNM Liquid Eyeliner Pen - red

    DNM Liquid Eyeliner Pen - red
  • Beginners who are on the lookout for an eyeliner that can draw precise and sharp lines easily – this one is for you! This eyeliner has an intense color payoff that is smudge-proof, water-resistant, and long-lasting. Their ultra-precise tip helps you get that sleek winged line effortlessly, without hurting your eyes. The design of this eyeliner pen promotes a continuous flow, thus every stroke is evenly pigmented as you swiftly glide the pen for a defined finish. Get the perfect makeup look with this professional makeup product without any worries of getting allergies too.

    Pros
    • Waterproof formula
    • Fine-tip for precision
    • Smooth ink formulation
    • Allergy safe
    • Ideal for beginners
  • Best Formulation

    EPILYNX by Dr. Liia Long Lasting Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

    EPILYNX by Dr. Liia Long Lasting Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
  • EPILYNX’s long-lasting, waterproof, and smudge-proof liquid eyeliner is a must-have for people with sensitive skin. This is because the formulation is gluten-free, allergen-free, cruelty-free, nut oil-free, paraben-free, vegan, and casein-free. Apart from this, it is easy to apply without compromising on precision. Its fine tip design and smooth ink allow it to flow smoothly and create bold and even strokes effortlessly. You can get any look that you like, whether it be cat eyes, graphic lines, or fox eyes – this product will help you perfect it.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t smudge
    • Allergen-free and nut oil free
    • Vegan formula
    • Fine tip for precision
    • Safe for all types of skin
    • Bold color payoff
    Cons
    • May wear off after a few hours
  • Anglicolor Matte Liquid Eyeliner

    Anglicolor Matte Liquid Eyeliner
  • A perfect and long-lasting eye-look can easily be achieved with this amazing eyeliner pen. It has an ultra-pigmented formula that will give you sleek lines in just one stroke, saving you from time-consuming reapplications. The fine tip allows you to create bold designs and shapes without any hassle or mess. Its pen-like structure delivers superior comfort and confidence, allowing you to wear it with precision. The formulation is very gentle, making it suitable even for sensitive eyes, and it is not tested on animals.

    Pros
    • Fast absorption
    • Long-lasting stay
    • Easy to use
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • The tip is not very flexible
  • Best Overall

    Erinde Red Gel Eyeliner

    Erinde Red Gel Eyeliner
  • This gel eyeliner comes with two complimentary professional eyeliner brushes. The formulation is creamy, lightweight, waterproof, and quick-drying. This makes it super easy to apply, giving it a silky smooth finish with no clumping or smudging. They are also last for a really long time of up to 24 hours – protecting your beautiful eye makeup from sweat, tears, and rain throughout the day. The ingredients used here are natural, organic, vegan, and safe for sensitive eyes.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Safe for all types of skin
    • Superior staying power
    • Does not clumping
    Cons
    • Hard to draw thin lines
  • Best Pencil Eyeliner

    REVLON COLORSTAY EXACTIFY LIQUID LINER - Mulberry

    REVLON COLORSTAY EXACTIFY LIQUID LINER - Mulberry
  • Revlon has perfected this eyeliner to give you sleek and vibrant lines that can be worn for up to 24 hours. They have also formulated it to be waterproof, fade-proof, and smudge-proof for you to flaunt your eye makeup anywhere, and on any day. The design features an easy-to-use wheel tip with a convenient control handle for elegant one-stroke precision. The high pigment available in a vinyl finish can give even the most high-end eyeliners a run for their money.

    Pros
    • Unique tip
    • Doesn’t smudge
    • Smooth finish
    • Lasts long
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • The applicator may not be convenient
  • Most Convenient Application

    DekRion Liquid Eyeliner - Red

    DekRion Liquid Eyeliner - Red
  • This liquid eyeliner has a quick-drying, waterproof formula that secures your makeup all day long. With a fine and flexible tip that effortlessly glides on your skin, it creates stunning eyes that will elevate your look. Formulated with superior ingredients – the gentle formula is also safe to be worn by contact lens wearers. You can achieve delicate, natural, quirky, or bold eyes according to your moods and the occasion.

    Pros
    • Can be worn along with contact lens
    • Safe for the skin
    • Flexible tip
    • Quick-drying formula
    • Seamless application
    Cons
    • May not be highly pigmented
  • Best Liquid Eyeliner

    Go Ho Red Liquid Eyeliner

    Go Ho Red Liquid Eyeliner
  • You can create some cute and unique looks with this eyeliner that comes with a double-sided design. On one side, there is a red heart stamp, and on the other, there is a red eyeliner tip. Your ditch those monotonous liner looks and add a sense of fun and eccentricity to your overall makeup with this fast-drying & long-lasting eyeliner. It has an easy-to-apply, good-quality,  waterproof, and smudge-proof formulation, that can help you create smooth lines and super cute shapes. You can easily control the thickness that you’re going for with the in-built flexible and fine tip.

    Pros
    • 2-in-one design
    • Vibrant color
    • Smudge-proof
    • Fine and flexible tip
    Cons
    • The formula may feel too watery

    Now that you have all the product details, let us help you choose a red eyeliner that will be perfect for you.

    How to Choose the Best Red Eyeliner?

    Choosing one or two items from multiple options may seem tough, so here are certain factors to keep in mind before adding red eyeliner products to your cart. 

    1. Ingredients: The first thing to check for while buying an eyeliner is the ingredient list. It should be tested for allergies and safe to wear for other skin conditions. Other than that, you can also avoid products where you find certain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, PEGs, parabens, and more. If you are someone who is environment and animal friendly, there are also products that are vegan and cruelty-free.

    2. Formulation: It is crucial that you are aware of the formula that you’re purchasing. Certain eyeliner formulations have it all – they are waterproof, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and more. These are essential properties of an eyeliner that will ensure your makeup stays in place for many hours. You can also check if the texture of the formulation is gel, creamy, or water-based. Most gel and cream-based formulas are better for easy application. Their shelf-life is also quite long, thus making them a better option. Additionally, certain formulations have been also tested by ophthalmologists that ensure your safety. 

    • The Right Shade of Red: Usually, most highly pigmented red colors suit all skin tones, but if you are looking to accentuate your eye color or complement your skin color and eye shape, you may need to find the right shade. Look for complementary colors if you want your eyes to pop. For example, if you have green eyes, you may go for the complementary color, which is a true red, but if they are blue then the complementary color is yellow, so you may select a yellow-orange-based scarlet red. In the same way, if you are looking for a subtle eye look, then you may choose red hues with a similar color tone as your skin, and if you want your eyes to stand out then choose the opposite. For example, if you have a warm undertone, then choose warm reds like maroon, brick, vermillion red, etc. for a muted, soft glam look, and choose carmine red, raspberry, burgundy, etc. for a loud, statement look.

    How to Use Red Eyeliner?

    There are different types of red eyeliners that you can use for different purposes. To begin your eye makeup, you need to first prep in the following way:

    1. Wash your face and follow your normal skincare routine. Make sure to apply a moisturizer.
    2. Use your preferred primer and apply it around your eyes.
    3. Then apply a concealer that is a shade lighter than your skin color. 
    4. Now proceed with your eye makeup.
    5. Apply your desired eyeshadow and then use a red eyeliner to draw a cat-eye, winged, or classic liner.
    6. You can also use a gel or soft pencil red eyeliner as your eye shadow, or smudge it to get a smoky eye look.

    Red eyeliners have a separate fan base in the makeup industry. We have carefully curated a list of some of the best red eyeliners after conducting extensive research, to give you high-grade, skin-friendly, and super-pigmented options. There are gel and liquid eyeliner options for you to draw fine graphic lines, eyeliner creams for you to use as an eyeshadow or create smokey eyes, and if you are still confused, then you can simply choose a pencil eyeliner too. So, go crazy and create stunning eye looks without any hesitation!

    FAQ's

    Can eyeliner cause red eyes?
    Yes, if your eyes are sensitive and react to some ingredients in the eyeliner formulation. Sometimes, if you share eyeliner with an infected person, you may contract it too.
    Why use red eyeliner?
    You can use red eyeliner to get a trendy, bold, and fun eye look.
    When to apply red eyeliner?
    You can apply it whenever you want, for any occasion.
    How to decide whether red eyeliner suits you or not?
    Red eyeliner suits everyone, especially if you have green eyes.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, the author of this article, says that red eyeliners are a great way to add a pop of color to the eyes and make them appear more alluring. They come in different shades and formulations, allowing you to create the look of your choice. After trying all the products, she found one that was the easiest to apply. DekRion’s Liquid Eyeliner was waterproof, dried quickly, and lasted all day long. Plus, it’s safe for the skin, has a flexible tip, and can be worn along with contact lenses.

    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 Pinkvilla 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