Pencil eyeliners once had a reputation for tugging at the delicate skin around your eyes and fading by lunchtime. Modern formulas have effectively cured that, moving toward creamy textures that lock into place with ease.
The Best Black Pencil Eyeliners now prioritize intense pigment and impressive wear times. Picking the right one means finding a balance between ease of application and staying power, so keep reading for the top contenders.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize a waterproof formula if you deal with oily lids or humid weather.
- Look for mechanical pencils if you dislike the manual chore of sharpening your liner.
- Check for a built-in smudger tool on the end of the pencil if you prefer a soft or smoky finish.
- Verify the specific tip thickness to ensure you can achieve the level of precision you need.
- Choose formulas containing oils or waxes for a smooth glide that does not tug on your skin.
| The Gold Standard |  |
L'Oreal Paris Extra-Intense Pencil Eyeliner | Extremely pigmented color | Soft, blendable texture | Classic pencil control | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Commuter’s Choice |  |
Revlon ColorStay Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner | Long-lasting wear | Smudge-proof formula | Convenient built-in sharpener | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Effortless Drafter |  |
NYX Professional Mechanical Eye Pencil | Retractable design | Smooth, tug-free application | Vivid color | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Versatile Artist |  |
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner | Long 16-hour wear | Vitamin E infused | Smooth glide | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Gentle Glide |  |
e.l.f. Satin Eyeliner Pencil | Satin finish | Vegan and cruelty-free | Built-in sharpener | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Budget Workhorse |  |
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner | Ultra-pigmented | Waterproof | Retractable | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The All-Day Anchor |  |
Wonderskin 1440 Longwear Eyeliner | Intense deep black | Waterproof and smudge-proof | Precise application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Smoky Specialist |  |
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner | Perfect for smoky eyes | Very soft texture | Intense pigment | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Dual-Action Tool |  |
Milani Stay Put Waterproof Eyeliner | Includes smudger tool | Waterproof and sweat-proof | Includes sharpener | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Reliable Performer |  |
Maybelline Unstoppable Mechanical Eyeliner | Up to 24-hour wear | Smooth glide | Mechanical design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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L'Oreal Paris Extra-Intense Pencil Eyeliner
This is the go-to pencil for anyone who wants high-impact pigment without the hassle of a liquid formula. It glides over the eyelid with the grace of a fountain pen, delivering a deep black saturation that stays bold throughout the day.
You will appreciate how it softens slightly, making it ideal for those who prefer a smudged, sultry aesthetic. It may require a standard sharpener rather than a mechanical twist, so keep one in your bag to maintain that crisp tip.
- Brand:L'Oreal Paris
- Type:Pencil
- Volume:0.03 oz
- Additional Feature:Rich black formula
- Additional Feature:Gentle application
- Additional Feature:Buildable intensity
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Revlon ColorStay Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner
If your day involves long hours at the office followed by evening plans, this is your reliable companion. The formula is engineered to be smudge-proof and waterproof, ensuring your liner stays exactly where you placed it, even in humid conditions.
It includes a built-in sharpener on the cap, which is a lifesaver for keeping your lines sharp on the go. Just keep in mind that the matte finish sets quite rapidly, so you should blend it out quickly if you want a softer look.
- Brand:Revlon
- Type:Pencil
- Finish:Matte
- Volume:0.01 oz
- Additional Feature:Waterproof
- Additional Feature:Built-in sharpener
- Additional Feature:Intense color payoff
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NYX Professional Mechanical Eye Pencil
This mechanical option is perfect for those who dislike the mess of sharpening wooden pencils. It features a creamy, retractable tip that glides across the delicate skin of the eye area without any tugging or pulling.
The formula provides a vivid, rich black that works well for both subtle definition and bold, graphic lines. Because it is so creamy, ensure you let it set for a moment so it does not transfer to your upper lid.
- Brand:NYX Professional Makeup
- Type:Mechanical Pencil
- Application Method:Retractable
- Additional Feature:Creamy consistency
- Additional Feature:No sharpening required
- Additional Feature:High-pigment formula
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Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner
You will find this pencil is remarkably adaptable to different styles, from tight, precise lines to messy, rock-and-roll smudges. It is infused with hydrating Vitamin E, which allows the tip to move across your lid as if it were melting into the skin.
It offers a 16-hour wear time that effectively resists transfer. While it is incredibly long-wearing, the soft texture means the tip can wear down quickly, so you will need to sharpen it often for detailed work.
- Brand:Urban Decay
- Type:Pencil
- Application Method:Sharpenable
- Special Features:Waterproof
- Additional Feature:Transfer-proof
- Additional Feature:Creamy formula
- Additional Feature:No-tug application
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e.l.f. Satin Eyeliner Pencil
If you have sensitive eyes, you will love this vegan and cruelty-free option. The texture provides a soft, satin finish that looks polished and professional without appearing overly harsh or waxy.
It includes a built-in sharpener on the cap, making it a very practical choice for daily use. While the finish is beautiful, it is slightly softer than a waterproof liner, so avoid rubbing your eyes throughout the day.
- Brand:e.l.f.
- Type:Pencil
- Finish:Satin
- Application Method:Sharpenable
- Additional Feature:Gentle on eyes
- Additional Feature:Smooth application
- Additional Feature:Convenient sharpener
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e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
This is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a bold and defined look that stays put through sweat and humidity. The retractable mechanism makes it easy to use, while the highly pigmented formula ensures you get total coverage in just one swipe.
It is a waterproof performer that feels light on the lids. Like many long-wear formulas, it sets very quickly, so finish your blending before it locks into place.
- Brand:e.l.f.
- Type:Mechanical Pencil
- Application Method:Retractable
- Additional Feature:No-budge formula
- Additional Feature:Bold definition
- Additional Feature:Vegan and cruelty-free
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Wonderskin 1440 Longwear Eyeliner
When you need your makeup to last from your morning coffee to your late-night dinner, this is the pencil to reach for. Its long-wear formula is designed to provide deep, intense black pigment that truly clings to the lash line.
It is remarkably smudge-proof and waterproof, offering a precise finish that does not flake. Because it is so persistent, use a good oil-based cleanser to remove it at the end of the day.
- Brand:Wonderskin
- Type:Pencil
- Special Features:Waterproof
- Additional Feature:1440 minute wear
- Additional Feature:Smooth glide
- Additional Feature:Long-lasting definition
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L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner
This pencil is designed specifically for those who love a smoldering, diffuse look. The texture is incredibly soft and thick, making it much easier to smudge out into a smoky eye than a standard sharp pencil.
It is a generous size, offering more product than your typical slim liner. Just remember that because it is so soft, it is better suited for the lash line and waterline than for creating sharp, graphic wings.
- Brand:L'Oreal Paris
- Type:Pencil
- Volume:0.056 oz
- Additional Feature:Smoldering finish
- Additional Feature:Easy to blend
- Additional Feature:Bold color payoff
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Milani Stay Put Waterproof Eyeliner
You get two tools in one with this pencil, as it comes with a built-in smudger on the end. This allows you to smoke out the line immediately after application to create a soft, blurred effect.
It is sweat-proof and waterproof, holding up exceptionally well during hot days or intense workouts. The included built-in sharpener ensures your point stays precise enough for tightlining between your lashes.
- Brand:Milani
- Type:Pencil
- Application Method:Sharpenable
- Special Features:Waterproof
- Additional Feature:Cruelty-free
- Additional Feature:Stay-put formula
- Additional Feature:Versatile application
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Maybelline Unstoppable Mechanical Eyeliner
If you value consistency above all else, this mechanical pencil is a dependable choice. It offers a smooth glide that does not skip, even when applying over eyeshadow or powder.
It is designed to wear for up to 24 hours, which is a high bar that this liner hits with ease. Since it is a mechanical pencil, you never have to worry about finding a sharpener, making it the ultimate tool for quick touch-ups.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Type:Mechanical Pencil
- Application Method:Retractable
- Special Features:Waterproof
- Additional Feature:Onyx black pigment
- Additional Feature:Easy to apply
- Additional Feature:Long-lasting formula
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular pencil eyeliner on my waterline?
You should only use pencils specifically labeled as safe for the waterline. These products are formulated to be non-irritating and often have a firmer texture to prevent the pigment from migrating. Using a standard eye pencil here might cause unnecessary stinging or blurred vision.
How do I stop my eyeliner from smudging under my eyes?
Smudging happens when the natural oils on your skin break down the wax in your eyeliner. You can prevent this by applying a light dusting of translucent powder to your under-eye area before you start. Additionally, choosing a smudge-proof or waterproof formula significantly reduces the risk of raccoon eyes.
Should I sharpen my pencil before every use?
Sharpening before each application is the best way to maintain a crisp, precise tip for clean lines. If you prefer a softer, smoky look, you can get away with sharpening every two or three uses. Just make sure your sharpener is clean to avoid bacterial buildup near your lash line.
Why does my eyeliner skip when I draw a line?
Skipping usually occurs because the skin on your eyelid is slightly uneven or dry. You can fix this by gently pulling the outer corner of your eye taut to create a smooth canvas. If the pencil is too hard, warm the tip by rubbing it on your hand for a few seconds to soften the waxes.
What is the best way to remove waterproof eyeliner?
Waterproof formulas are designed to resist water, so plain soap and water will not work. Use an oil-based makeup remover or a dedicated balm to dissolve the pigments without tugging on your skin. Apply the product to a cotton pad, hold it against your closed eye for ten seconds, and gently wipe away the residue.
