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  4. 10 Best Pencil Eyeliners in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)
  • 10 Best Pencil Eyeliners in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Pencil Eyeliners in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Pencil Eyeliners in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Pencil Eyeliners in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Pencil Eyeliners in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Pencil Eyeliners in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

Are you on the hunt for an eyeliner to help you achieve soft looks for the day, bold looks for the night, a sharp wing, or a tight-lined waterline for a dramatic look? Pencil eyeliners can help you with that! Pencil eyeliners are very versatile; the possibilities are limitless with this product. You can create a bold cat eye look or tight line your eyes for more definition.


To help you decide on a pencil eyeliner, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 best. The first one on the list is Maybelline's Master Precise Skinny Automatic Pencil. It's a handy mechanical eyeliner pencil you can bring anywhere you go! Are you still struggling to decide? Read through our buying guide for more information on choosing the right kind of pencil eyeliner for you!

Last updated 09/26/2023
Natalya Lowe
Expert
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Pencil Eyeliners

Consider the type of pencil, the ingredients, and your skin tone before deciding on the perfect pencil eyeliner for you!

1

Decide Between Retractable and Non-Retractable Pencil Eyeliners

Decide Between Retractable and Non-Retractable Pencil Eyeliners

There are two kinds of pencil eyeliners: retractable and non-retractable. Retractable pencil eyeliners are pigment sticks in a mechanical plastic cylinder. The retractable feature keeps it clean even without a cap


They are convenient to use and bring on the go because you don’t have to sharpen them. Sharpening also wastes product, so a retractable one will let you get more for your money. However, retractable pencil eyeliners usually contain less product compared to non-retractable eyeliners.


Non-retractable eyeliners, on the other hand, will have to be resharpened every time the tip runs down. This might not be the most convenient when you are on the go.


They also might not be the most hygienic if the pencil doesn’t come with a cap or if you lose it. It’s a good thing that some pencil eyeliners are self-sharpening or have a built-in sharpener to make them more convenient.

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

One is a sharpen pencil liner and one is a twist up liner. They do cost about the same amount in pricing but have different amounts of product. A pencil liner normally loses some product when you sharpen. A retractable liner can risk snapping if the product is out too far and too much pressure is applied. 


Both apply the same effect on the eye, but a pencil liner can be sharpened to have a sharp edge and a retractable liner has a rounded end to create a soft edge.

2

Pick a Pencil Eyeliner That Complements Your Skin Tone

Pick a Pencil Eyeliner That Complements Your Skin Tone

In choosing the right pencil eyeliner for you, you can pick one that brings out the best of your skin tone. If you have fair skin, you can opt for brown, grey, or green colored eyeliners. These shades are warm, but they don’t bring a considerable contrast against lighter skin, unlike black eyeliners.


People with medium skin tones, on the other hand, can safely use black eyeliner. You can also go for shades of deep red, maroon, or bronze. These hues will compliment your skin tone.


Deep skin tones can pull off any color. The brighter the shade you use, the more it makes your skin color stand out. Shades of blue and purple will do the same. Moreover, shimmery and metallic shades like gold and silver will also look great with your skin tone. 

3

Find a Color That Enhances Your Natural Eye Color

Find a Color That Enhances Your Natural Eye Color

You can also choose your eyeliner shade according to your eye color. If you have blue eyes, eyeliners in gold or copper will make your eyes appear even bluer. Deep orange and champagne hues will do it too. If you want to achieve a bold look, dark blues will do the trick.


Green eyes can be enhanced with shades of red. Colors like mahogany or amethyst will surely make your eyes pop. But if you have hazel eyes, the hues to go for are golds and olives. These will highlight the green in your eyes. You can also go for a deep and warm brown if you’re looking for something bolder.


If your eyes are on the darker brown side, deep blue shades or amber will bring out the gold and light brown in your eyes. Other shades you can try are purple or dark grey. For bolder looks, you can go for cobalt blue.

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

A new trend has been to apply a white or cream liner on the waterline. A white pencil eyeliner is a bolder statement and makes the eye look a lot bigger, and cream gives you a bright eye but toned down enough to give you a simple pop. A nude pencil eyeliner is a simple hack to create a brighter appearance and wider look of the eyes.

4

Opt for a Waterproof and Smudge-Free Pencil Eyeliner

Opt for a Waterproof and Smudge-Free Pencil Eyeliner

If you want to keep your look on the whole day without smudging or running, you should go for a waterproof and smudge-free eyeliner. These will last you the entire day through all kinds of weather. 


These are especially suitable for warmer seasons or when you’re doing outdoor activities. Even if you tend to sweat a lot, you can trust your waterproof eyeliner to stay in place and keep you from panda eyes.


The only downside to these liners is that they can be hard to remove. You have to look for effective makeup removers like cleansing balms and oils.

5

Pay Attention to Beneficial and Harmful Ingredients

Pay Attention to Beneficial and Harmful Ingredients

When looking for the right pencil eyeliner, you have to be mindful of both beneficial and harmful ingredients. The eyelids are thin and delicate and therefore the most sensitive part of your face. Some eyeliners are safe to use for most people; these are hypoallergenic and have been dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested


If your skin is on the drier side, you should opt for hydrating and moisturizing eyeliners that contain shea butter, castor oil, or jojoba oil.


Some ingredients to consider avoiding, especially if you have sensitive eyes and skin, are fragrances, sulfates, and pigments that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).


Fragrance can cause itching and irritation in some people. Sulfates can also be irritating and drying for people with dry or sensitive skin. It tends to strip away natural oils from the skin and cause it to dry up.


Most black eyeliners are created with a pigment named D&C Black 2. This pigment has been certified by the FDA as safe to use for cosmetics. Avoid black eyeliners with uncertified carbon black pigments.

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10 Best Pencil Eyeliners Ranking

Here are the best Pencil Eyeliners, ranked according to 10 Best Pencil Eyeliners (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Maybelline

Master Precise Skinny Automatic Pencil

Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Automatic Pencil 1

$6.38

Low Mid

Thin and Precise Retractable Pencil Eyeliner

2

Pat McGrath Labs

PermaGel Eyeliner Pencil

Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Eyeliner Pencil 1

$28.00

High

Silicone-Enriched Non-Retractable Pencil Eyeliner

3

Revlon

ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil 1

$5.97

Low Mid

Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner With a Built-in Sharpener

4

Urban Decay

24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil 1

$22.00

High Mid

Pencil Eyeliner Infused With Beneficial Ingredients

5

Clinique

Quickliner for Eyes

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes 1

$20.00

High Mid

Double-Ended Pencil Eyeliner With Smudger

6

NYX Professional Makeup

Jumbo Eyeliner Pencil

NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eyeliner Pencil 1

$3.99

Low Mid

Multipurpose and Versatile Eyeliner Pencil

7

L'Oreal Paris

Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner

L'Oreal Paris  Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner 1

$7.24

Mid

Retractable Eyeliner With Built-in Sharpener and Smudger

8

e.l.f.

Satin Eyeliner Pencil

e.l.f.  Satin Eyeliner Pencil  1

$2.00

Low

Non-Retractable Pencil With a Handy Built-in Sharpener

9

Julep

When Pencil Met Gel

Julep When Pencil Met Gel 1

$12.00

Mid

Opthalmologist Tested Eyeliner Pencil for People With Sensitive Eyes

10

Marc Jacobs Beauty

Highliner Gel Eye Crayon EyelinerMini size

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner 1

$12.00

Mid

Mini Gel Pencil Eyeliner to Take With You

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

MaybellineMaster Precise Skinny Automatic Pencil

Master Precise Skinny Automatic Pencil 1
Source:amazon.com
Master Precise Skinny Automatic Pencil 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$6.38
Low Mid
Reference price
$6.38
Low Mid

Thin and Precise Retractable Pencil Eyeliner

Maybelline's retractable pencil eyeliner is skinny and has a 1.8-millimeter microtip that allows for precise application. It has a smooth gel formula that will last the whole day. The eyeliner is very pigmented and will allow you to create natural or dramatic looks.


Some reviewers noted that the eyeliner pencils were too soft and broke when applying. Nevertheless, most of the reviewers liked how creamy the product was, making it easy to use. They said that you are able to achieve a cat-eye and tight-lined eyes with this product.

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No.2

Pat McGrath LabsPermaGel Eyeliner Pencil

PermaGel Eyeliner Pencil 1
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$28.00
High
Reference price
$28.00
High

Silicone-Enriched Non-Retractable Pencil Eyeliner

This silicone enriched non-retractable pencil eyeliner is smooth and easy to apply. It is waterproof and offers a high level of pigmentation. This pencil eyeliner has the precision of gel eyeliner with the ease of a pencil. It also comes with a handy sharpener.


However, some of the reviewers with oily lids noticed that it tends to transfer. Some also noted that it sets pretty quickly, so you'll have to work fast. Aside from that, most of them loved the eyeliner, especially on their waterline. They confirmed that it glides on smoothly and stays on the whole day.

No.3

RevlonColorStay Eyeliner Pencil

ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$5.97
Low Mid
Reference price
$5.97
Low Mid

Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner With a Built-in Sharpener

Revlon's pencil eyeliner has a silky and waterproof formula that stays in place the whole day. It features a built-in smudger and sharpener to help you achieve precise lines every time you apply the product. It has been ophthalmologist-tested to make sure it won't cause harm to your eyes.


However, a few reviewers found the pencil way too soft and crumbly. Other reviewers got their products dried up and unusable. Still, more reviewers left positive notes about how it stays on the whole day without smudging and fading, even if you have oily skin

No.4

Urban Decay24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil

24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$22.00
High Mid
Reference price
$22.00
High Mid

Pencil Eyeliner Infused With Beneficial Ingredients

This long-wearing and waterproof eyeliner pencil is infused with beneficial ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil that nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Its creamy formula allows you to smoothly and precisely apply the eyeliner. You can also smudge it to achieve a smoky look.


Reviewers with oilier skin noticed that the eyeliner could smear and transfer. Others also found the pencil hard to sharpen. They recommend buying Urban Decay's Grind House Double Barrel Pencil Sharpener. Most of the reviewers confirmed that it applies and lays down smoothly.

No.5

CliniqueQuickliner for Eyes

Quickliner for Eyes 1
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$20.00
High Mid
Reference price
$20.00
High Mid

Double-Ended Pencil Eyeliner With Smudger

If you want to achieve a smoky eye look, this eyeliner might be the one for you. It features a convenient smudge tool at the other end. The eyeliner is handy because it is retractable and doesn't need to be sharpened. It has a silky and transfer-free formula that will stay on the whole day. 


However, some reviewers said that the eyeliner was not as pigmented as they want it to be. Still, many reviewers loved it and recommended it to people who like more natural looks. You can also build it up to achieve bolder looks.

No.6

NYX Professional MakeupJumbo Eyeliner Pencil

Jumbo Eyeliner Pencil 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$3.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$3.99
Low Mid

Multipurpose and Versatile Eyeliner Pencil

This pencil eyeliner can also be used as an eyeshadow and a highlighter. You can apply this to your waterline, inner corner, and your eyelid. It lays down smoothly without pulling and skipping. You can also trust this eyeliner to stay on the whole day. 


However, some reviewers had a hard time with the packaging; they couldn't roll up the product after using the tip. They also found the pencil hard to sharpen after losing its initial tip shape. Even so, most of the reviewers loved its pigmentation and that it has so many uses. They said that this is a great product to bring on the go.

No.7

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner

 Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$7.24
Mid
Reference price
$7.24
Mid

Retractable Eyeliner With Built-in Sharpener and Smudger

This retractable pencil eyeliner has a built-in sharpener and smudge tool all in one. It has a rich and creamy formula that lasts throughout the day. The sharpener allows you to precisely apply your eyeliner, and the smudge tool will enable you to achieve softer looks


Some reviewers shared that they got their products damaged, broken, and dry. It also caused an allergic reaction in some people. Make sure to do a patch test before using it, especially if you have sensitive skin and eyes. Nonetheless, most reviewers were satisfied with how it glides on, stays put, but washes off easily.

No.8

e.l.f. Satin Eyeliner Pencil

Satin Eyeliner Pencil  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$2.00
Low
Reference price
$2.00
Low

Non-Retractable Pencil With a Handy Built-in Sharpener

This non-retractable pencil is perfect for people who like to tightline their waterlines. It has a pigmented formula that will accentuate and define your eyes. It also has a convenient built-in sharpener to keep it sharp and make application easy. 


A few reviewers noticed that it fades away after some time. You might have to retouch and re-apply throughout the day. They also said that it applies smooth and easy, but it might not be suitable for warm weather and sweaty lids. 

No.9

JulepWhen Pencil Met Gel

When Pencil Met Gel 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.00
Mid
Reference price
$12.00
Mid

Opthalmologist Tested Eyeliner Pencil for People With Sensitive Eyes

Julep's waterproof eyeliner has the formula of a gel eyeliner, which makes it highly pigmented. It applies smoothly without tugging or skipping. The eyeliner has also been ophthalmologist tested and free of possibly irritating chemicals, making it suitable for all skin types.


However, a few reviewers said that the eyeliner doesn't stay put as long on people with oilier skin. They noticed it smudge and transfer. If you have oily skin, this might not be the eyeliner for you. But, most reviewers were impressed with its application. They like to use this pencil to achieve both natural and bold looks.

No.10

Marc Jacobs BeautyHighliner Gel Eye Crayon EyelinerMini size

Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner 1
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$12.00
Mid
Reference price
$12.00
Mid

Mini Gel Pencil Eyeliner to Take With You

Marc Jacob's mini gel pencil eyeliners are the perfect eyeliner to bring wherever you go! It is a gel eyeliner in pencil form. It has a great color payoff and lasts the whole day. It is formulated with innovative gel ingredients, and vitamin E and rosehip seed oil that nourish and hydrate the skin.


However, a few reviewers found it too soft and clumpy. Some of them found the pigment stick too fragile. Many reviewers love this product because it stays put through sweat, tears, and warm weather. It is easy to use and bring on the go. 

Natalya's Recommended Pencil Eyeliner

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

The Makeup Designory eye pencil liners have been those that I find longest lasting on my clients and on myself. From MUD cosmetics, the eye pencils have a smooth and soft application. The liners glide on easily and apply very pigmented on the eye. These liners can be smudged and used elsewhere on the face.


I first tried this product when I went to the professional makeup school in Los Angeles, CA. This professional makeup brand and school has some of the best and longest wearing products. These pencil liners come in multiple colors and are very easy to sharpen to create that sharp end to create any look you want. I am constantly stocking up with these eye pencils because they have not done me wrong and I can trust that they will last me throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer some commonly-asked question about pencil eyeliners.

What are some differences between pencil and liquid eyeliner?

"A pencil liner will need to be sharpened with a makeup pencil sharpener before each use. Most pencil eyeliners can be used to create a sharp, hard edge or a soft edge when smudged. A liquid eyeliner is to create a hard, defined edge that is dark in color," explains Natalya.


"A liquid eyeliner tends to last a little bit longer than a pencil liner. A pencil liner is easier to blend and can be used on the water line and the tight line on the upper lash line. A pencil liner can be more of a subtle look. A liquid tends to apply more bold and dramatic."

How do I keep my eyeliner from smudging?

Natalya says, "A great way to protect your eyeliner from moving and smudging on you is to first prep the eye with a primer to keep your shadows and eyeliner from fading. Using a long wear or waterproof liner is your best bet if you have oily skin, are more likely to have teary eyes, or have sensitive eyes.


Setting your entire face with a setting spray can set your makeup in place. You can also set the liner with a powder that is the same color as your liner to be sure it won't move on you."

Try Out Other Eye Makeup Products!

Your eye makeup can change your whole look! There’s nothing wrong with investing and trying out other makeup products that make you feel and look good. Here are some suggestions.

Buying Guide Reviewed by Professional Makeup Artist Natalya Lowe

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Pencil Eyeliners

No. 1: MaybellineMaster Precise Skinny Automatic Pencil

No. 2: Pat McGrath LabsPermaGel Eyeliner Pencil

No. 3: RevlonColorStay Eyeliner Pencil

No. 4: Urban Decay24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil

No. 5: CliniqueQuickliner for Eyes

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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