After 20 hours of research evaluating 125 products, we picked Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil as our top choice.
Got a dedicated spot in your makeup bag for your favorite eyeliner? You’re not alone.
In 2016, Americans spent nearly $618 million on eyeliner, making it the second most popular cosmetic for eyes (mascara topped the charts with annual sales of around $942 million).
Eyeliner has been around since 10,000 B.C., and ancient Egyptians believed it had magical healing properties that prevented bacteria from damaging the eye region.
But times have changed:
And, unless you’re trekking through Nile-like marshlands on the regular, you probably don’t need an eyeliner to boost your immune system. Lucky for you, the best eyeliner still works wonders by concealing the effects of sleep deprivation and completely changing the shape of your eyes. Well, until you reach for the makeup remover, of course.
If you want to brighten tired eyes with a white pencil, define your style with the best liquid eyeliner for winged tips, or simply find a cheap way to get the lined look you love, we’re here to help.
We’ve narrowed down the crazy-huge selection of eyeliner at drugstores and popular beauty retailers to bring you this list of the best eyeliner options for every budget.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.