Eyeliner—it can be your best friend or your worst enemy. On a good day, you'll have a perfect, sharp wing, feeling flawless. Other days, you get caught in the dreadful cycle of "Oops... made it a bit too thick. I'll just even out the other side..." which is fine if you're doing trad goth makeup, but that delicate graphic eyeliner you were attempting? Forget about it.
Having the right tools to create the desired eye look is paramount in this endeavor. It's even better when you can get something good while balling on a budget.
The truth is that not all eyeliners are built the same. Some melt off your eyelid at the first hint of moisture. Others require crazy grip strength to draw a halfway decent flick (not to mention that it's painful). Beyond that, we're going into a recession, and prestige brands demanding a premium just isn't giving. So let's get into it.
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Precision Eyeliners
These are your ride-or-die liners when it comes to razor-sharp wings and detailed, graphic looks. Liquid formulas reign here.
1. e.l.f. Cosmetics Expert Liquid Liner
Beatrix's Favorite of All Time
I have been using this liquid eyeliner for 13 years at this point. It's the cheapest there is, one of these lasts a super long time, and once you get the hang of it, is the absolute best for creating winged liner. The black one is amazing. Avoid the metallic black one, though. It gets all clumpy and gross.
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Precision brush tip for fine lines or bold wings
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Deep, rich black formula with a smooth glide
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Long-lasting wear that resists flaking and smudging
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Vegan, cruelty-free, and budget-friendly without sacrificing performance
2. NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liner
Best for: Precision & Winged Liner
If you're after bold, inky black wings with a flexible brush tip that mimics a calligraphy pen, Epic Ink delivers. It glides on effortlessly, dries fast, and stays put through heat, tears, humidity and eye rubs—no judgment. Bonus: it’s waterproof without being impossible to remove.
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Liquid felt-tip liner with flexible brush
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Ultra-black, high-pigment formula
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Waterproof and smudge-resistant
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Ideal for cat eyes and graphic liner
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Often compared to high-end alternatives
3. Wet n Wild Breakup-Proof Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Best for: Tiny Graphic Details
This is one of those liners I reach for when I need serious precision—like those days when I decide drawing spiderwebs under my wing is the move. (Sadly, they never come out the same on both sides 😭) The Wet N Wild Breakup Proof Skinny Liquid Eyeliner has a brush tip so fine it’s almost surgical, less than 0.1mm!
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Waterproof, sweat-proof, smudge-proof
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Precision felt-tip for control
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Claims 16-hour wear at a super low price
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Excellent for humid or emotional days
Long-Lasting Eyeliners
These survive sweat, tears, and the end of the world. Great for long days, humid environments, and getting laid.
4. Maybelline TattooStudio Sharpenable Gel Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
Best for: Super Longevity
Maybelline’s TattooStudio Gel Pencil is what I reach for when I want bold definition that actually lasts. The formula is creamy enough to glide without dragging, but once it sets? It’s locked in. Whether I'm sketching a smoky lash line or tightlining with intensity, this one never lets me down.
- Stays put for up to 36 hours without smudging or fading
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Resists sweat, tears, and humidity.
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Ideal for both bold lines and blended looks.
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Available in multiple shades to suit various styles.
5. Milani Stay Put Matte 17HR Wear Liquid Eyeliner
Best for: Matte Finish Lovers
Milani’s Stay Put Matte Liquid Liner is intensely pigmented, matte, and built to last through sweat, humidity, and long nights. One of my personal favorites, I can vouch for its durability—this one is totally sex-proof 😘
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Liquid formula with a true matte finish
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Brush-tip applicator for clean, sharp lines
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17-hour wear without flaking or fading
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Great for statement liner looks
6. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil
Best for: Sensitive Eyes
Revlon’s ColorStay Eyeliner is a cult classic for a reason—it glides on smoothly, sets fast, and stays locked in place for up to 24 hours. With rich, pigmented color and a built-in sharpener, it’s a foolproof pick whether you’re lining your waterline or smudging out a smokey eye.
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Ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive users
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Long-lasting 16-hour wear
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Waterproof and transfer-resistant
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Comes with smudger and sharpener
7. e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
Best for: Budget-Friendly Performance
This liner does exactly what it says—no budge. Creamy on the glide, rich in pigment, and retractable so you can ditch your sharpener, it’s perfect for smudging, defining, and tightlining. Bonus: it’s waterproof, so your masterpiece won’t melt.
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Vegan, cruelty-free, and under $5
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Waterproof and smudge-proof
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Ideal for both top lash line and waterline
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Retractable design—no sharpener needed
Multi-Use, Beginner-Friendly Eyeliners
Easy application, minimal fuss, and perfect for those just stepping into the eyeliner game—or who need a go-to for every kind of look.
8. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
Best for: Intensity & Longevity
This one is practically eyeliner with training wheels. The ergonomic hexagonal grip gives you control even with shaky hands, and the flexible tip makes smooth lines feel… not so terrifying. Great for newbies or anyone rushing out the door.
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Gel formula with a creamy, smooth texture
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24-hour wear; waterproof, smudge-proof, & oil-free
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Comes with an application brush
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Perfect for bold, dramatic eyes or tightlining
9. L.A. Girl Shockwave Eyeliner
Best for: Bold Color Lovers
This liner doesn’t play. The LA Girl Shockwave Eyeliner glides on with inky intensity and doesn’t ghost you midday. With its vibrant pigment and creamy payoff, it’s basically a dream in pencil form, and comes in 13 different colors.
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Ultra-creamy formula glides on effortlessly without tugging or skipping
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Smudge-proof, transfer-resistant, and built to last all day
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Rich pigmentation for bold definition in a single swipe
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Ideal for precise lines, waterline drama, or blending out for a smoky effect
10. Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil
Best for: Everyday Wear
The Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil glides on super smooth—no tugging, no skipping—and once it sets, it’s not going anywhere. I love it for tightlining and smudging around the lash line when I’m feeling a little grungy, and honestly? It’s one of the most underrated finds at the drugstore.
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Gel-like texture in pencil form
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Smooth glide and no dragging
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Longwearing and waterproof
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Gentle on the eyes and great for daily use
No matter your signature style—smoky, sharp, or somewhere in between—these best drugstore eyeliners deliver bold pigment, staying power, and budget-friendly beauty. With high-performance picks across every category, you can skip the splurge and still serve c*nt. Find your new favorite and let your eyeliner speak volumes.
~ With love, Beatrix Devine
Last Updated on August 13th, 2025
