I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (2024)

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (1)

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If I'm putting on makeup for the day, I'm going all out. I have no in-between. I'm talkin' a bold eye look and my favorite long-lasting lipstick—no-makeup-makeup looks be damned! Because my signature is a low-key smokey eye, I've tested my fair share of eyeliners. What I've discovered? My (quite possibly controversial) opinion is that drugstore eyeliners reign supreme. Oh, and drugstore mascaras as well, but that's a story for another day.

Just because an eyeliner is cheap doesn't mean it lacks in quality. In fact, some of the eyeliners on this list outlast and wear better than their more expensive counterparts. So, to help make it a little easier next time you're on the hunt for a liner, I ranked my all-time faves. FYI, I love them all, and that's why they made my list of the top 12 drugstore eyeliners; it's just that I consider the number one choice my crème de la crème of eyeliners. Now, keep scrolling to find your next eyeliner on the low-low.

Our top picks for the best drugstore eyeliners in 2024:

Cosmo editors tested and reviewed everything from holy grail favorites to the buzziest products on your social feeds and the newest drugstore eyeliners to hit the shelves over the past year. We evaluated each eyeliner based on the pigment, value, and how long it lasts to compile this shoppable list of the 12 very best affordable eyeliners that’ll stay on your eyes all day (and night!) long below.

Best Drugstore Liner for Brows & Eyes

E.l.f. Lock On Liner And Brow Cream

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (8)

Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (9)Multi-use product that cuts down on getting ready time
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (10)Over time, the cream dries out a bit in the pot

Before I became a beauty editor, resulting in owning a million and one products, I used to multi-task with just a few. Not only did it make things easier, but it also was quicker. This E.l.f. potted cream works both as an eyeliner and to fill in your brows. Yes, it's a cream, so it has great blendability. However, it's not too blendable where you'll have to worry about your eyebrows smearing. Give it a few minutes to dry down, and you'll be golden for the rest of the day. Seriously, once it sets, it won't budge.

  • Type: Potted cream
  • Shade(s): Three

Glowing Customer Review: "Once I figured out how to apply the E.l.f. and remove it properly (micellar water) it’s been a game-changer! It glides on smoothly, stays in place all day, and is extremely water-resistant."

Best Gel Drugstore Eyeliner

ColourPop BFF Creme Gel Liner

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (11)

Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (12)Won't tug on your skin, blends like a dream
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (13)Not all the fun colors are available on Ulta

A gel liner is great; it's not as dry as a pencil but not as buttery as a cream. This means you can get all that great blendability yet still be precise with your application. My favorite drugstore gel liner comes from ColourPop, which I would be remiss not to mention how stinkin' cute the packaging is. Another benefit of a gel formula? It glides so easily, so there's no tugging on the delicate skin around your eye.

  • Type: Gel pencil
  • Shade(s): 18

Glowing Customer Review: "I chose this because I wanted a smooth brown liner and it completely delivers. It goes on super easily without any pulling or tugging and looks nice and pigmented. Haven't had any breakage. It gives you a little while to work with it, correct, smudge, whatever, before setting."

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Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (15)Available in both matte and shimmer finishes
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (16)A few testers had difficulty with opening the product and it broke the tip off (though, you can resharpen it)

If you wear bright, fun colors often or want to change up your makeup look after seeing some inspo online, eyeliner is the perfect place to experiment. With a vibrant color, you can be as subtle or loud as you want, depending on the eye look you do. As someone with brown eyes, I love to put a little bit of green on my lash line and sometimes even my waterline. (See: NYX Epic Wear Liner Stick in 03 All Time Olive.) I specifically love this formula from NYX due to the mix of shimmer and matte shades, super-pigmented formula, and all-day wear.

  • Type: Gel pencil
  • Shade(s): 33

Glowing Customer Review: "I had been looking for an olive green, cheaper equivalent to Urban Decay’s Stash. This is the best thing I’ve found so far. The quality of this is more like that of a more expensive brand. It glides on very smoothly. It doesn’t smear. It’s easily removed. It has a little shimmer effect, which is nice, and matches my deeper green eyes well. A great product for the price."

Best Transfer-Proof Drugstore Eyeliner

Milani Stay Put Eyeliner

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (17)

Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (18)Lasted me through multiple cry seshes without transferring
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (19)Certain colors are not available for purchase everywhere

Milani—i.e., one of my favorite drugstore beauty brands with the best blushes ever—carries some of the longest-lasting liners I've tried. There's nothing worse than the dreaded raccoon eyes after a rain/snow/cry storm, and there's no affordable eyeliner that's held up quite as well as this Milani one. It also comes with a built-in sharpener, so every time you twist it up, it is a perfectly sharpened tip. Clutch, amirite?

  • Type: Gel-like pencil
  • Shade(s): Eight

Glowing Customer Review: "This eyeliner is the best I have ever used. It will not smudge or smear and I don't even have to re-apply. I can swim in it and it doesn't smear. Makes my smokey eyes pop and I get so many compliments on my eyes. It is better than the high-dollar eyeliner that breaks promises. If you want an eyeliner that you put it on your lower inside lid, and forget, this is the one for you. This will last your entire work day or a long night out. Heck, I went to a funeral and it didn't run or need re-applying. So how's that for a review!!! "

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Best Drugstore Eyeliner for Sensitive Skin

Almay Liquid Eyeliner

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (20)

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (21)

Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (22)Formula is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (23)It will dry out a bit as you continue to use and leave the cap open

Lil fact: The skin around your eyes is one of the thinnest, most delicate areas on your face and body. This means that it can easily get irritated, it's prone to dehydration and dryness, and it's not unusual for it to be one of the first signs of aging. Fun, right?! Well, combo that with those who already have skin sensitivities, and finding makeup/skincare products that don't react can be a nightmare. The solution? This liquid eyeliner from Almay is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and clean. In fact, it's ophthalmologist-tested, meaning it's approved for contact lens wearers as well.

  • Type: Liquid
  • Shade(s): Two

Glowing Customer Review: "This Almay liner is the ONLY liner that meets my two eyeliner requirements: doesn't make me look like I have bags under my eyes by the end of the day, and doesn't make my sensitive eyes red. The felt tip applicator makes it so easy to apply whether you want a very thin line, a thick line, or a tapered line."

Best Waterproof Drugstore Eyeliner

Lottie London Extreme Ink

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (24)

Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (25)Extremely waterproof; lasted through showers
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (26)Because of the longevity and waterproof powers, you'll need a micellar water or oil to remove

Okay, very niche story: Last winter, I was skiing (for the first time, may I add), was all dressed and glammed up for the slopes, and I violently fell on my a$$ more than a few times. The result? Tears, frustration, and a promise to get full-blown lessons the next time. But you know what didn't fail me? This Lottie London eyeliner. Yup, my cat eye stayed just as sharp as when I put it on that morning. How's that for a review?

  • Type: Liquid
  • Shade(s): One

Glowing Customer Review: "I have zero dislikes for this product. It's a completely affordable eyeliner that really does what it advertises. It's smudge-proof, waterproof, and has that sharp point you need for sharp lines. The pigment is amazing, and so is the packaging."

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Best Drugstore Pencil Eyeliner

NYX Slim Eye Pencil Long-Lasting Eyeliner

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (27)

Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (28)A bang for your buck due to how long it lasts
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (29)You'll need to keep a sharpener on hand

NYX: a brand so good it's listed twice! (Hi, I'm available for all your taglines, pls, and thanks.) There is nothing in the drugstore quite as classic as the brand's lip liners and eyeliners. For five dollars, you'll get this classic pencil liner that has the blendability and longevity of much more expensive competitors. I particularly love that it will last you SO long—just sharpen it, and you're good to go! Take it from me: I've had mine for too long to remember, and I still use my little nub day-to-day.

  • Type: Pencil
  • Shade(s): 31

Glowing Customer Review: "This is a great crayon eyeliner. It is applied very smoothly and is creamy and not dry. You have to get a really good sharpener. Had never tried the brand before- I'm a believer."

Most Blendable Drugstore Eyeliner

COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (30)

Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (31)Blends like a dream due to formulation and sponge
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (32)You'll have to layer if you want a more intense smokey eye

'Member when I mentioned that my day-to-day involves a low-key smokey eye? This CG eyeliner is the secret to my perfectly diffused signature look (ahem, srry, I may be biased). The magic behind said formula is the super creamy formula that can be blended super easily with the included smudge sponge. I'm able to get that really soft blend without any rough tugging. Bonus points because even though it's indeed creamy, it still doesn't crease on my oily eyelids.

  • Type: Creamy pencil
  • Shade(s): Two

Glowing Customer Review: "This pencil, which allows for a very fine point if wanted, is invaluable. It does not run or smudge, even if one tends to have oily eyelids. This all speaks to why CG perfect blend pencil is exceptional, even compared to much more expensive eyeliners."

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Best Retractable Drugstore Eyeliner

Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (33)

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (34)

Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (35)Super pigmented
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (36)Sometimes the tiny point breaks off if you press too hard

Rimmel has always been an O.G. when it comes to great drugstore makeup, but I particularly like its retractable eyeliner. The super-pigmented black shade has great color payoff, you can totally blend it in with the included smudger before it dries down, and once it does, it's there to stay. But my favorite part is the super thin and precise tip that makes any attempt at a winged liner so.much.freaking.easier. Plus, the pointed tip stays, well, pointed thanks to the retractable design that keeps it protected when you're not using it, or if you like me, throw it in your bag.

  • Type: Pencil
  • Shade(s): Six

Glowing Customer Review: "Nice and smooth, creamy without slipping off, and long-lasting. I use this on my waterline and above my eyes before powdering over it with same-color eyeshadow. Quick and easy smokey eye that lasts ALL day but washes off easily with soap and water. It doesn't break off every time you spin up more like some, either. Smooth and no dragging. All the good stuff for an affordable price."

Longest-Lasting Drugstore Eyeliner

Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Eyeliner

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (37)

I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (38)

Pros
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (39)Sweat-, water-, rain-, snow- (etc.) proof
Cons
  • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (40)There is only one shade

Want to hear the ultimate test of eyeliner longevity? Simone Biles winning her three (three!) gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics with her eyeliner *perfectly* intact after performing some of the most intense and incredible gymnastic routines ever seen. The GOAT in question (other than Simone, ofc) is this wet n wild Breakup Proof Liquid Eyeliner that she wore in her "get ready with me" TikTok vid before her all-around finals. 'Nuff said.

  • Type: Liquid
  • Shade(s): One

    Glowing Customer Review: "I have tried so many high-quality waterproof eyeliners in my day but this one here is exactly what I need, IT DOES NOT RUN! At least for me it doesn't, I get into beach water with this and the eyeliner is still in place and I don't look like The Walking Dead, it easily comes off with makeup remover, and you can't beat the price:)"

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    Best Drugstore Waterline Eyeliner

    Julep When Pencil Met Gel

    I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (41)

    Pros
    • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (42)Glides like butter so it doesn't irritate your delicate eye area
    Cons
    • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (43)Can be tricky to sharpen, testers say

    Finding an eyeliner for your waterline is pretty tricky. It's applied right near your literal eyeball, so it has to be waterproof, safe for eyes, and glide on seamlessly. See? Tough task. This one from Julep Beauty, however, checks all the boxes. The formulation is blended with a number of different waxes that are okay to use around your eyes and blend like a dream. It also provides a great color payoff, so it'll stay vibrant and last all day long despite being placed near your eyes.

    • Type: Gel pencil
    • Shade(s): 37

    Glowing Customer Review: "I love this product! I am new to eyeliner really, and haven’t used it in a long time. Such a pretty color and really easy to apply. Stays all day, even on your waterline, and doesn’t flake!! Can go softer or more bold depending on what you want. I really like it."

    Most Precise Drugstore Eyeliner

    L'Oréal Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

    I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (44)

    I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (45)

    Pros
    • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (46)Wing stencil conforms to your face, so you can easily trace
    Cons
    • I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (47)Due to its popularity, it's often sold out in-person at your drugstore

    The trickiest part of eyeliner can be getting a straight, even line that is similar on both eyes. As they say, an artist is only as good as their brush, or in my terms, your cat eye is only as good as your eyeliner, and this one from L'Oréal does the damn job. This cult-favorite affordable liner is known for its precise brush-like pointed tip that aids you in creating the perfect wing every time. And no, I'm not exaggerating; it has a detachable cat eye stencil on the cap, so there's seriously no struggle every morning.

    • Type: Liquid
    • Shade(s): One

    Glowing Customer Review: "I love cat eyes, but have always had a hard time doing them since I have a slightly hooded eye. I've tried stamps, as well as stencils from other brands -- but this is honestly the only thing that has ever worked for me! On my first try, I got perfect wings! I think what makes this so great is that the material of the stencil is very thin, so it conforms to your face easily. It's also a more subtle cat eye, so you just fill in the shape and then add the line across your top lid after lifting the stencil away. The liner itself is also bold and really lasts. (It's even a bit hard to remove!)"

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    Why trust Cosmo?

    I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (48)

    Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty and has four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories, like the top lip masks and the best lip balms. She’s an authority in all makeup categories, but an expert when it comes to drugstore. She regularly tests and analyzes them on herself for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists to assess new formulas and brands

    I Ranked the Best Drugstore Eyeliners from My Least to All-Time Faves (49)

    Siena Gagliano

    Associate Editor

    Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.

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