Tester Feedback: “The glide on this liner is the perfect balance: It doesn’t drag and pull, but it’s also not so slippery that you know the color is going to smush around all over your lid,” says Robin.
Best Neutral Pencil Eyeliner: Estée Lauder Smoke & Brighten Kajal Eyeliner Duo
Why It Won: Estée Lauder Smoke & Brighten Kajal Eyeliner Duo is a two-in-one, waterproof pencil that opens up your eyes in two ways: The darker side defines the lash line, while the lighter end creates the illusion of brighter, bigger eyes when traced along the water line.
Tester Feedback: “These liners create the best of both worlds: They can stay crisp and sharp or blend out to a beautiful, seamless smoky eye,” says contributor Sam Escobar.
Best Color Pencil Eyeliner: Kulfi Kajal Eyeliner
Why It Won: As smooth as it is smudge-proof, Kulfi Kajal Eyeliner makes bold shades—we adore the green Jungle Gems and terra-cotta Tiger Queen—feel everyday-easy to wear. The twist-up pencil formula sets in 20 seconds and remains vibrant all day.
Tester Feedback: “I love wearing these colorful liners for any look, day or night,” says associate content manager Hannah Brower. “They’re super creamy, pigmented, and long-lasting.”
Best Black Liquid Eyeliner: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Liner
Why It Won: The intensity and precision provided by Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Liner is everything we dream of for a classic eyeliner look. The ultrafine felt tip is unwavering in its delivery of pitch-black pigment and makes it easy to navigate on any eyelid type, so you can customize your wing with confidence.
Tester Feedback: “My signature cat eye is created using this inky, long-lasting black pen,” says Calaor. “It never skips, and its fine point makes it easy to effect a sharp wing.”
Best Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Why It Won: When impermeability is paramount, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner’s neutral, bold, and playful shades set to a strong, satiny finish. It lets you draw the thinnest or thickest of lines that, once set, are stubborn in the best possible way.
Tester Feedback: “I would go to war for this eyeliner…knowing it wouldn’t smudge in battle,” says senior audience development director Lexi Herrick. “I cannot overstate how impressive and high-quality this liquid liner is and I’ve tested dozens. It will not bleed or smudge and it goes on like a breeze, making even the most average makeup user feel like a 2016 beauty influencer applying a pristine cat eye. The pigment is bold and its consistency is very smooth, making the line perfectly straight, even for eyelids with some creasing. In my book, this is a hall-of-fame champion of liquid eyeliners.”
Best Colorful Liquid Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7 Inks Liquid Eyeliner
Why It Won: Paint on punchy color with this shake-to-awaken pen. The uniquely ergonomic design of Urban Decay 24/7 Inks Liquid Eyeliner allows for such smooth application of its nine vibrant shades that you’ll wonder when you got so good at doing cat eyes and graphic liner looks.