Looking for affordable eyeliners that pack a punch?
Look no further! Our guide takes you through the coolest and chicest drugstore eyeliners that won't break the bank. Explore our selection to find coveted liquid, pencil, matte, shimmery...and all kinds of brilliant beauty products –perfect for giving your eyes just the right definition and intensity. From cat-eye classics to glitzy effects, we've got you covered with top picks from today's best drugstore brands.
Why settle for anything less than luxurious looks? Now you can stand out in every occasion with effortless glamour by using these amazing drugstore eyeliner (find the best eyeliner for waterline here!) options, and add an elegant touch to your signature style without compromising on quality or budget!
Check out our comprehensive guide now and explore the world of perfect eye makeup at great prices! Go ahead - give yourself permission to shine!
We have searched for the best, so you don't have to live with the rest. In order to serve you to the best of our ability and to keep our blog going, GarnesGuide may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy. Each product was independently researched by our editors, and the reviews may have been edited for length and clarity.
How We Choose the Best Drugstore Eyeliners and Gel Liner?
You want to achieve an effortless glamour look with your eye makeup but don't want to break the bank.
Most drugstore options either don't have a good range of choices or are way too expensive for what they offer. Say no more to not knowing where to go for the best affordable eyeliners that are great quality and won't leave you broke!
Our guide reveals all the secrets about the best drugstore eyeliners out there; from liquid, pencil, matte, and shimmery looks - we've got you covered! Stop settling for anything less than luxurious looks and create cat eye, smokey eye and add an elegant touch to your signature style without breaking the bank. Now you can get amazing drugstore eyeliner options at great prices - so get ready to shine!
Best drugstore Liquid eyeliner
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - Black
Why GG Loves It
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner in Black is an absolute game-changer for eyeliner enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or a professional makeup artist, this waterproof liquid eyeliner is a must-have in your next makeup artist' arsenal.
The Epic Ink Liner is renowned for its intensely pigmented, super-saturated black color that gives you a dramatic, bold look that truly lasts all day. Its waterproof formula ensures that your perfect cat-eye or intricate eyeliner art stays put, unaffected by sweat, tears, or unexpected weather.
What sets this pencil liner apart is its ultra-precise and flexible brushing tip. It allows you to effortlessly draw smooth, continuous lines, making it versatile for creating a range of looks, from a subtle eye-lifting flick to a dramatic, bold wing. It's like a calligraphy pen for your eyes, giving you absolute control over the thickness of your lines.
What You Ought to Know
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP liner is also cruelty-free, in line with NYX's commitment to producing high-quality, ethical makeup. It dries down quickly after application, reducing the risk of smudging or transfer onto your eyelids.
The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner is truly epic, offering high-end quality eyeliner at a drugstore price point. This standout product shows you don't need to break the bank to get a long-lasting, intensely black, and easily applied liquid eyeliner.
Remember, the best way to use it is to store it tip-down so the ink is ready to flow when you are, and to shake it gently before use. It's a fantastic product, and once you try it, it's hard to go back!
Why GG Loves It
The Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner is an absolute gem in the world of affordable beauty products. This liner has been a staple in the makeup bags of many, not just because of its pocket-friendly price, but also due to its impressive performance.
One of the defining features of this eyeliner is its creamy texture and high pigmentation. The color payoff is simply stunning - it delivers a rich, bold, black stroke that instantly adds drama and intensity to your eyes. It's excellent for many makeup artists creating a range of eyeliner styles, from subtle daytime looks to more defined, dramatic cat-eyes.
What You Ought to Know
The MegaLiner features a firm, yet flexible brush that helps with precision lining. It makes it easier to create smooth, neat lines, whether thin or thick, and is perfect for crafting those intricate designs or the classic winged, eyeliner pencil look.
The Wet n Wild MegaLiner is cruelty-free, which aligns with the brand's ethical beauty stance. The product is also fragrance-free, reducing the risk of irritation for those with sensitive eyes or skin.
Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner is an amazing, budget-friendly product that doesn't compromise on quality. It's ideal for those just starting their makeup journey, or for seasoned beauty lovers looking for an everyday eyeliner that delivers. This liner is a testament to the fact that sometimes, beauty doesn't have to be expensive.
Why GG Loves It
Revlon So Fierce Vinyl Eyeliner is a bold and dynamic choice for those who love making a statement with their makeup. This liner has received quite a bit of attention in the beauty community, and for good reason.
The key to this eyeliner's appeal is in its vinyl-like finish, which offers a unique, glossy intensity that sets it apart from the typical matte or shimmery options.
This eyeliner is wonderfully pigmented and delivers a smooth, vibrant line with just a single stroke. Whether you're lining your lash line or waterline, this liner's bold color payoff ensures your eyes are the standout feature.
What You Ought to Know
Revlon So Fierce Vinyl Eyeliner is noted for its long-lasting, smudge-proof formula. It's designed to stay put for up to 16 hours, ensuring your look remains fresh and fierce all day (or night) long. Despite its staying power, it's also quite easy to remove, making it a user-friendly option.
Its easy-glide inky formula and built-in sharpener help to create precision lines or smoky looks with minimal effort. The creamy texture of the liner ensures it doesn't tug or skip on the skin, making it a dream to apply.
It's perfect for many makeup artists creating a range of eyeliner styles, from subtle daytime looks to more defined, dramatic eye makeup and making it fun to wearing eyeliner!
In essence, the Revlon Eyeliner combines intense color, all-day wear, and a unique glossy finish to offer something a little different in your makeup routine. It's a fun, edgy product that stands out in the saturated world of eyeliners.
Best Drugstore Eyeliner Pencil
Covergirl Ink It Perfect Point Plus Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Why GG Loves It
The Beginners Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is a beauty game-changer. This product offers the precision and control of a pencil liner with the high impact, silky smooth, sleek, matte finish, of a liquid liner. It's an ideal choice for those who want a versatile product that works for both everyday and dramatic looks.
One of one coat the standout features of this liner is its incredibly pigmented. The color payoff of liquid formula is rich and intense, allowing you to create bold, eye-catching looks with ease. The liner glides on smoothly without dragging or skipping, making it easy even for beginners to achieve a flawless application.
What You Ought to Know
The Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is designed to withstand it all - sweat, tears, humidity, and even a sudden downpour. Despite its staying power, it's gentle on the eyes and comes off easily with makeup remover, so you don't have to worry about tugging at your skin.
The Perfect Point Plus design features a self-sharpener that keeps sharp line at the pointy tip precise, so you're always ready to create sharp, clean lines. It's precise tip also great for smudging if you want a more smoky, diffused look.
The Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner is also ophthalmologic ally tested, so it's suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. And as a bonus, it's cruelty-free, aligning with Covergirl's commitment to ethical beauty practices.
Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil offers top-notch performance at an accessible price point. It's easy to use, highly pigmented, and resilient, making it a valuable addition to any makeup collection.
Best Drugstore Eyeliner & Liquid Liner
Maybelline New York Hyper Easy Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner
Why GG Loves It
The Maybelline New York Hyper Easy Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner is a stellar choice for both makeup novices and experts alike. This liner, which is often touted as a "holy grail" product by many beauty enthusiasts, combines precision, ease-of-use, and longevity in a way that's truly impressive.
One of the things that sets the Hyper Easy intense gel eyeliner apart is its brushing tip. The tip is flexible yet sturdy, enabling you to draw smooth, continuous lines with absolute ease. Whether you're aiming for a thin, discreet line or a bold, dramatic stroke, this brushing tip makes pencil gel eyeliner in application virtually foolproof.
The liner's ink itself is impressively pigmented, delivering an intense, matte black finish that stands out beautifully. Just a single stroke of pencil eyeliner can give you the bold, eye-catching look you're aiming for.
What You Ought to Know
Maybelline New York intense gel eyeliner is smudge and fade resistant, and it lasts for up to 24 hours, which makes it perfect for long days or nights out. Despite its staying power, it's relatively easy to remove with a good makeup remover.
The packaging of the intense gel eyeliner is designed to be easy to hold, which gives you maximum control during application. This, along with its hexagonal grip, makes it one of the most user-friendly liquid eyeliners on the market.
Additionally, the Maybelline New York Hyper Liquid Eyeliner is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
If you're seeking an eyeliner that's simple to apply, delivers intense color, and lasts all day, the Maybelline New York Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner is a worthy contender. It truly lives up to its name, making the art of wearing eyeliner a "hyper easy."
FAQs About Drugstore Eyeliner Pencil Liner
Trying to find the perfect drugstore eyeliner can be a challenge. You want an affordable product that still provides long-lasting color and doesn’t smudge, but there are so many options out there.
Every makeup bag has different needs, so what works for one person may not work for another. And with all the colors, formulas, and brands out there, it’s hard to know where to begin your search or which points to consider before you buy.
Don’t worry – we have the answers you need! With our helpful FAQs about drugstore eyeliner, you’ll understand exactly which features are important and which products live up to their claims. Get ready to shop confidently—you’ve got this!
What is the best drugstore eyeliner for beginners?
The best drugstore eyeliner for beginners would ideally be one that is easy to apply, smudge-proof, and comes with a fine tip for precision. Based on these criteria, the Maybelline New York Hyper Liquid Eyeliner is a fantastic option.
This eyeliner stands out for its user-friendly design. It features a brushing tip that's sturdy yet flexible, offering excellent control for clean, precise lines. Whether you're aiming for a subtle look or a dramatic cat-eye, the brushing tip makes application easy and smooth.
Overall, the Maybelline New York Hyper Liquid Eyeliner offers ease-of-use and quality at an accessible price point, making it an excellent choice for those new to using eyeliner.
Is drugstore eyeliner as good as high-end eyeliner?
The quality of eyeliner (or any cosmetic product) largely depends on the specific product and brand, not necessarily the price. There are indeed high-end eyeliners that deliver excellent results, but many drugstore brands have also stepped up their game, offering products that can compete with or even outperform their luxury counterparts.
Many drugstore eyeliners boast impressive staying power, high pigmentation, smooth application, and special features like waterproof formulas and ultra fine precision felt tip and tips. Some, like the Maybelline New York Hyper Eyeliner or the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, are often praised for their quality and performance, rivalling more expensive options.
Furthermore, drugstore brands typically offer excellent value for money, allowing you to try different types gel liners and colors of eyeliner without breaking the bank.
The key is to research and try out color range of different makeup products to find what works best for you. Look at product reviews and consider factors like your makeup skill level, the color range, type of look you're going for, and how long you need the makeup to last.
How can I make sure my drugstore eyeliner is long-lasting and won't smudge?
Ensuring that your drugstore eyeliner lasts all day without smudging involves both choosing the right product and using some smart application techniques. Here are a few tips:
- Choose a Waterproof or Long-Wear Formula: Opt for eyeliners that are specifically labeled as waterproof, long-wearing, or smudge proof cons. These are designed to stay put even in humid conditions or if your eyes tear up.
- Prep Your Eyelids: Before applying your eyeliner, clean and dry your eyelids thoroughly. You can also use an eyeshadow primer or a bit of concealer to create a base for the eyeliner.
- Set Your Eyeliner: If you're using a pencil or gel liner, you can set it with a matching eyeshadow. Simply apply the eyeshadow over the liner with a small, angled brush. This helps to absorb any excess oil and gives your liner extra staying power.
- Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Throughout the day, try to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. This can cause your liner to smudge or fade.
- Layer Your Liner: Apply the liner in thin layers, letting each one dry before applying the next. This can make it last longer than a single thick layer, which is more prone to smudging.
- Use High-Quality Tools: If you're using a gel liner or an eyeliner that requires a separate brush, make sure your tools are clean and high-quality.
Remember, practice makes perfect. With the right product and techniques, you can ensure your eyeliner stays fresh and smudge-free all day long.
Is drugstore eyeliner safe for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers?
Yes, many drugstore eyeliners are safe for individuals with sensitive eyes or those who wear contact lenses. However, it's crucial to choose products that are specifically designed with these needs in mind.
Here's what to look for:
- Hypoallergenic Products: These products are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Choose your eyeliner pencil accordingly. (find the best Hypoallergenic Eyeliner here!)
- Ophthalmologist-Tested Products: Ophthalmologists are doctors specializing in eye health. If a product is ophthalmologist-tested, it means it's been reviewed for safety and is generally safe for the eye area.
- Fragrance-Free Products: Fragrances can often irritate sensitive eyes. Choosing fragrance-free products including makeup wipes can reduce this risk.
- Non-irritating Ingredients: Some ingredients can irritate sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. Avoid eyeliners with ingredients like alcohol, which can be drying, or certain preservatives known for their potential to irritate.
As a general rule, it's always a good idea to do a patch test when trying a new product. Apply a small amount on your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if you have any reaction before using it around your eyes.
Are there any cruelty-free drugstore eyeliners?
Yes, there are several drugstore brands that offer cruelty-free eyeliners. These brands do not test their products on animals at any point during the production process. Here are a few you might want to consider:
- NYX Professional Makeup: NYX offers a variety of eyeliners and eyeliner pot, including their popular Epic Ink Liner. The brand is certified by PETA as cruelty-free.
- elf Cosmetics: Known for their affordable, high-quality products, elf offers several eyeliner options, including their highly-rated Intense Ink Eyeliner. All of elf's products are vegan and cruelty-free.
- Milani: Milani offers several cruelty-free eyeliners, such as their Stay Put Matte 17HR Wear Liquid Eyeliner. Milani is certified by both PETA and Leaping Bunny as cruelty-free.
- Wet n Wild: Wet n Wild offers several cruelty-free eyeliners, including their popular MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner. They are certified by PETA as cruelty-free.
- Pixi by Petra: This brand's Endless Silky Eye Pen is a popular choice. Pixi is also a cruelty-free brand.
Best Drugstore Eyeliner Pencil
In conclusion, selecting the perfect drugstore eyeliner isn't solely about the price tag or brand name. Factors such as your skin type, skill level, the kind of looks you aim to create, and personal preferences play a significant role. From beginners to seasoned beauty enthusiasts, there's an abundance of quality, long-lasting, and even cruelty-free options available.
Remember, the secret to achieving the perfect eye look lies in both your product choice and application technique. So, arm yourself with your ideal drugstore liner, and let your eyes tell their own captivating story.
