10 Best Drugstore Pencil Eyeliners For Bold, Intense Eyes – 2024
One swipe of these liners and achieve the iconic eye look of your choice in no time!
Oscar Velazquez is a professional makeup artist who specializes in a wide range of makeup styles, including bridal, editorial, fashion, and special effects. His deep understanding of different skin tones and facial features helps him tailor his makeup applications to enhance and highlight his clients’ unique beauty.
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Experience: 3 yearsThe day Priyam learned that having strong opinions about everyday products can be a full-fledged writing career was the greatest day of her life. Partially driven by a passion for everything timeless, she likes to explore and recommend styles and makeup products that will endure the test of trends.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
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If you are a pro at eye makeup or just venturing into its many possibilities, you must keep the best drugstore pencil eyeliner handy with you. Whether you like to keep your whole makeup to the bare minimum or you like to glam it up all the way, a drugstore pencil liner is like the tiny all-purpose magic wand in your pocket. Not only can it give you different eye looks— winged liner, cat-eye, or full swipe kohl effect, but, it can also jazz up your look with different color shade options like emerald green, electric blue, or the metallic pinks and reds. Additionally, on days when you don’t have mascara handy, you can simply tight line your upper lash line with a pencil eyeliner to give you that full lash effect.
A drugstore pencil eyeliner is not only high-quality like any of the luxurious brands, but easily available and affordable as well. Given its affordability and color options, it helps you experiment with all the possible color combinations and effects pretty well. To help you choose from the many options available, we have enlisted the 10 best drugstore pencil eyeliners for you to get started.
In This Article
Achieve Perfectly Defined Eyes With The 10 Best Drugstore Pencil Eyeliners
1. Best Creamy Texture: NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil – Black Bean
If you’re looking for a good drugstore pencil eyeliner that is versatile enough to double up as an eyeshadow and highlighter, try this one! You’re going to love this radiant crayon-style makeup must-have, which will instantly transform your look from drab to fab. Smooth and intense, with a deliciously creamy texture, this blendable eyeliner glides on effortlessly for a finish that lasts all day long without fading, tugging, or pulling. Easily sharpenable, these voluptuous eye pencils come in a wide variety of vivid colors in finishes ranging from a subtle matte to a glittery metallic. Watch this video to get a detailed review of the product, and rest assured, it’s not tested on animals.
- Ultra-creamy texture
- Sharpenable crayon design
- 2-in-1 multi-use eyeliner and eyeshadow
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Some might find these eyeliner pencils a bit thick.
Pro Tip2. Best Waterproof: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner – Black Brown
Say hello to gorgeous, mesmerizing eyes with this amazing waterproof eyeliner with a luxuriously silky formula that lasts up to 24 hours without drying or flaking. This drugstore eye pencil provides rich, intense color and comes with a convenient in-built sharpener and smudger, making it easy to create looks ranging from the perfect cat eye to an alluring smokey eye. So what are you waiting for? Try it out, and we’re sure you’ll agree that this multi-use eyeliner deserves a permanent place in your makeup bag! Check out the review of this product and the reviewer’s experience of using it for more information.
- Up to 24 hour wear
- Ultra-silky formula for smooth application
- Smudge-proof and waterproof
- Built-in sharpener and smudger
- Some might find the texture of this eye pencil a bit waxy.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 17,577 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
3. Best Long-Lasting: Covergirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil – Basic Black
Get ready to flaunt your easy, breezy, and beautiful look with this classic top-rated drugstore eyeliner pencil, which promises to deliver a transformative effect on your eye makeup. So whether you’re going for a defined, precise eyeliner look, or a softly smudged smokey eye, this blendable eye pencil is your one-stop solution for gorgeous eyes. And there’s more, this formula is long-lasting and water-resistant, making it the ideal makeup essential to see you through a busy, activity-filled day. This video takes you through this product’s details with insights from a reviewer.
- Blendable, glossy color
- Water-resistant formula
- Soft in-built smudger for expert blending
- Suitable for all skin types
- Some might find that this eye pencil tends to smudge a bit.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 14,006 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
4. Best Gel Formula: Maybelline MasterPrecise Skinny Gel Pencil – Sharp Brown
Hey there, gorgeous! This pretty, skinny automatic gel eye pencil packs a punch when it comes to delivering long-lasting color that adds precise definition to your beautiful eyes. In addition, the accurate microtip makes the application of this gel-based formula a breeze and can be used to create any look you desire. Designed for the busy modern woman who likes to spend minimal time on makeup before starting her day, this beauty must-have ensures your eyes are always in tip-top shape.
- Twist-up automatic ultra-smooth eyeliner
- Up to 24-hour wear
- Waterproof gel formula
- Microtip for precise application
- Some might find that the texture of this eye pencil is a bit crumbly.
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 4,529 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
5. Best For Sensitive Skin: Physicians Formula Eye Definer – Ultra Black
Who knew clean beauty could look this good! This drugstore pencil eyeliner is crafted specifically for sensitive skin and delivers rich pigment that lasts all day long without irritating the delicate skin around the eyes. So whether you want to swipe on a bold cat eye or try a more natural, smudged look, this jet black eyeliner glides on smoothly to add unbelievable definition to your pretty eyes. Hypoallergenic and clinically tested, this makeup essential is formulated without harmful toxins and is ideal for daily use.
- Automatic and retractable pencil
- Gentle, waterproof formula
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Some might find the texture of this eyeliner a bit dry.
6. Best Cruelty-Free:e.l.f Satin Eyeliner Pencil – Black
If you find liquid eyeliners too messy and fussy, you’re going to love this eye pencil that glides on flawlessly to create precise lines every time. Creamy and richly pigmented, this pencil provides a gorgeous satin finish which is perfect whether you’re going for a natural bare-faced look or a full-on glam diva avatar. The convenient built-in sharpener makes touch-ups super easy when you’re on the go. Trust us when we say this is the perfect makeup accessory to throw into your handbag, and it’s produced without animal testing.
- Creamy and richly pigmented
- Convenient built-in sharpener
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and hydroquinone
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Some might find this eyeliner a bit difficult to remove.
"This eye pencil is very gentle. It is easy to apply and glides in smoothly. It helps me make cat eye looks with ease."
7. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested: Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner – Warm Brown
If you’re looking for a good drugstore eyeliner pencil that stays on all day, you can’t go wrong with this crowd favorite from Burt’s Bees. Infused with jojoba, mango, and meadowfoam seed oils, this eye pencil provides a striking definition that lasts all day long without fading or smudging. Formulated without any of the commonly found nasties in makeup products, this makeup bag essential is safe for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. Just pair this natural eyeliner with a dash of mascara and some peachy lip gloss for an all-day look that is effortless and oh-so-gorgeous, delivering exceptional results. Enhance your skills in makeup artistry with this product.
- Made with 99.9% natural ingredients
- Smear and fade-resistant
- Beginner-friendly
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, and petrolatum
- Some might find this eyeliner a bit difficult to sharpen.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,333 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
8. Best Moisturizing: Neutrogena Smokey Kohl Eyeliner – Dark Brown
Say hello to mysterious, alluring eyes with this over-the-counter eyeliner pencil infused with nourishing vitamin E to provide a smooth, bold, matte-finish look that lasts all day long. Easy to apply, this kohl eyeliner can be smudged for the first 30 seconds to create the perfect glamorous smokey eye, and after drying, it becomes smudge and flake resistant. Long-lasting and gentle on the eyes, this statement-making drugstore pencil eyeliner glides on effortlessly and will transport you seamlessly from a neutral, daytime office look to a fancy cocktail party in the last hours of the night. Try and test it for yourself!
- Highly pigmented
- All-day wear
- Gentle, water-resistant formula
- Infused with moisturizing vitamin E
- Easy to apply and remove
- Some might find the texture of this eyeliner pencil a bit waxy.
9. Best For All Skin Types: Milani Stay Put Waterproof Eyeliner – Stay With Slate
Get your hands on this excellent eyeliner pencil and create stunning looks you can obsess over without breaking the bank! Unbelievably creamy, this drugstore waterproof eyeliner pencil provides intense color that seamlessly makes a bold, precise finish. Easy to apply and blendable, this versatile eye pencil is transfer-resistant and keeps your eyes looking gorgeous all day long. So what are you waiting for? Give this crowd favorite a try, and you’ll thank us later!
- Creamy, blendable formula
- Quick-drying
- Waterproof and transfer-resistant
- Easy to apply and remove
- Suitable for all skin types
- Some might find the color of this eyeliner a bit dark.
10. Best Smudge-Proof: Almay Top Of The Line Eyeliner Pencil – Black Brown
Here’s a fantastic drugstore eyeliner pencil that ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a makeup essential that is easy to use and provides results that look precise and professional and last over 16 hours without requiring frequent touch-ups. Infused with nourishing vitamin E, this eyeliner delivers beautiful color while protecting your delicate eye area from dryness and irritation. So get your hands on this eye pencil and get your creative juices flowing to give your eyes the pop they deserve!
- Water-resistant and sweat-resistant
- smudge-proof formula
- Enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin E
- Convenient built-in sharpener
- Hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested
- Some might find the texture of this eyeliner a bit soft.
Now that we’ve had a look at our carefully curated list of the 10 best drugstore eyeliner pencils in 2024, let us look at some things to consider when picking the perfect eyeliner for your pretty peepers!
Tips To Choose The Best Drugstore Eyeliner Pencil
- Color
When you’re looking for the perfect eyeliner to help your beautiful eyes stand out, pay close attention to which shade does the job best. While a classic black eyeliner brings intense definition to your eyes, whether they’re blue, green, brown, or black, there are many other colors available. Brown and green eyeliners are very popular and help create dazzling looks that add subtle definition to your eyes with a unique finish. Don’t hesitate to experiment a bit with colors and get ready to sport a different look every day of the week with confidence and style.
- Texture
Not all drugstore eyeliners are created equal when it comes to the texture and finish they offer. While some are creamy and glide on smoothly, others have a kohl pencil-type design and are better suited for when you’re trying to create a smudged, smoky eye. If you like to do your makeup first thing in the morning and want to have it last all day without requiring touch-ups, pick an eyeliner that is long-lasting and water-resistant. Lastly, some eyeliners have built-in sharpeners with a twist-up design, while others come with a built-in smudger for versatile use. Pick a design and texture that suits your style the best!
- Ingredient list
Just because drugstore eyeliner pencils are relatively inexpensive doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of ingredients you put on your skin. If you’re prone to allergies and sensitive skin, pick an eyeliner made of natural, good-for-you ingredients. Are you dealing with dry and flaky skin around your delicate eye area? Pick an eyeliner that is infused with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil that protect your eyes while providing unbelievable definition. As always, steer clear of the known nasties in your makeup products – be it parabens, phthalates, SLS, or petrolatum.
The Bottom Line
Drugstore pencil eyeliners are affordable and perfect for your casual outings! If you want to flaunt your eyes without having to use eyeshadows and other cosmetics, these eye pencils can work wonders! Not just black, these eye pencils come in various vibrant colors for you to choose them as per your mood. Oscar Velazquez, a makeup artist, says, “As a makeup lover myself, I can’t help but rave about drugstore pencil eyeliners. They are my secret weapon for creating stunning eye looks without breaking the bank. These little gems offer a perfect balance of quality and affordability. Trust me, you don’t need to splurge on high-end brands to achieve gorgeous eye makeup. Give these budget-friendly options a try, and you’ll be amazed at the incredible results!” The eye pencils in our list have a creamy texture and glide effortlessly! It is important to choose eyeliners that are long-lasting and don’t fade away. From cat eyes to smokey eyes, these drugstore eye pencils are perfect for any eye makeup! Try the NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil – Black Bean if you are a fan of creamy texture, or go for the Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner – Black Brown for a water-proof and long-lasting effect. If you are interested in a user-friendly and buildable formula, try the Covergirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil – Basic Black. Opt for eyeliners that provide rich, intense color and come with a sharpener. However, avoid eye pencils that tend to be waxy and are not smudge-proof. Makeup enthusiasts with sensitive skin can also choose hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested formulas.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Priyam Gupta, is a makeup enthusiast who believes in the expressive power of makeup. She consulted makeup experts and went through hundreds of reviews to pick out the best drugstore pencil eyeliners that help you get bold, beautiful eyes without burning a hole in your pocket. They will help you nail the best eye looks, whether you are a pro or just beginning out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a drugstore eyeliner to fill in my eyebrows?
Yes, you can use a drugstore eyeliner to fill your brows. However, eyeliner might be more robust, giving off a more tattooed brow appearance, and you likely need more time to neutralize it well to lighten the color.
Are pencil or liquid eyeliners easier to apply?
For daily use, pencil eyeliners are thought to be the simplest and most popular. They are simpler to work with and glide effortlessly along the lash line to provide an even look because no liquid is involved.
How can you prevent a drugstore eyeliner from drying out?
Seal the eyeliner properly sealing and store it at room temperature to keep it from drying out.
Should you wear eyeliner if you are over 50?
There is no age limit for wearing eyeliner; you can wear it at any age.
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