Are you tired of chalky, low-quality liner? Same here, girl. That’s why I decided to research and test the very best drugstore eyeliner pencil on the market. Because you shouldn’t have to overpay for high-quality, over-marketed eyeliner.
Whether you prefer a bold cat-eye or subtle smokey effect, there’s an eyeliner out there that’s affordable and will stay on all night long. I put together a complete guide to choosing the best drugstore eyeliner pencil to add to your makeup collection. Your girlfriends will be envious of your flawless wings, guaranteed.
Best Drugstore Eyeliner Pencil Comparison Table
Best Drugstore Eyeliner Pencil Reviews
1. L’Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner
Review
L’Oreal is known for its creamy and luscious signature formulas and this liner is no different. What makes the Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner so amazing is the unique formula that doesn’t smudge or fade for at least sixteen hours.
This mechanical pencil is creamy and effortlessly glides across your lids. It features a versatile design that allows you to sharpen the point when necessary, and a built-in blender to smudge the perfect smokey eye.
There is a reason why this brand is considered one of the best in beauty.
2. CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner
Review
I know this looks like your basic pencil liner, but hear me out. CoverGirl has been delivering affordable makeup for over fifty years, and this liner is a classic.
CoverGirl’s Perfect Blend Eyeliner is a staple to any makeup bag. You can use it for a clean rim under the waterlines, or to blend on the top lid for a full lash effect. I love a good smudged, smokey look so I recommend this pencil’s plush blending tip when creating a fierce smokey eye.
Since this pencil is so affordable, go ahead and splurge on more than one color. They have four available, and I’m obsessed with the Taupe pencil.
Creamy enough to blend, pigmented enough to make a statement, and cheap enough to buy today.
3. Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Automatic Pencil
Review
Another trusted and acclaimed brand, Maybelline delivers timeless looks that always leave an impression. I consider this to be one of the best drugstore eyeliner pencils because I love how the gel formula smoothly glides across my skin without tugging, while still filling every wrinkle and crevice.
While I consider this pencil to be an absolute “must-have,” I have to note that if you have watery eyes, like me, then it won’t last as long. However, the waterproof formula option takes this pencil to the top of this list. Keep in mind that the tip of this liner is very skinny and fine, so don’t add too much pressure when applying, or the end will snap right off.
4. Physicians Formula Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Boosting Eyeliner & Serum
Review
Okay, so technically this isn’t a “pencil” eyeliner, but can you say “STEAL?” Because for less than twenty bucks, this lash serum/liner is an absolute dream come true. While this Physicians Formula liner is one of the most expensive on the list, its place is rightfully earned. It’s a liquid liner that dries quickly and stays on all day long without smudging.
It’s water and sweat-resistant (hello, gym selfies!), and it helps your lashes grow stronger and healthier! I’m usually hesitant to wear waterproof eyeliner because I hate how long it takes to wash it off at night. But, I have to say that even though this liner lasted all day, it came off immediately with some warm water and a makeup wipe. Color me impressed – this liner is worth every penny.
5. Revlon So Fierce Vinyl Eyeliner
Review
A vibrant, glossy, high-pigmented pencil for under ten dollars? I can tell you that I am literally obsessed with the colors this liner comes in. I’ve used the Powerful Plum, Righteous Rum, and Royal Rules pencils for my most playful and daring looks. Revlon uses a gel-based formula that delivers crazy color intensity. I love layering the colors when my makeup is more adventurous, and honestly refuse to use any other brand when it comes to colored liners.
However, I have to be honest. I gave this liner three stars because you have to sharpen this pencil once it starts to wear down. And if you don’t have a good sharpener or don’t know how to sharpen your eyeliners correctly, then the tip will crumble and break.
6. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner
Review
When it comes to creating the sultriest smokey eye, you can’t get any pencil better than the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner. For this liner, L’Oreal serves up a unique formula that’s been used for centuries by women in India. So, it’s guaranteed to give you bold definition with effortless application.
If you want to wear this liner with a daytime look, then I would sharpen the point down to a blunt edge because the pencil is so thick. But, I always use this eyeliner for really dramatic smokey eyes, because it’s just so easy to smudge and smear. For an edgy rock-and-roll vibe, I apply this liner and smudge it with my finger before layering on eye shadow.
Best Drugstore Eyeliner Pencil FAQ’s
Are the liners in this article hypoallergenic?
Most eyeliners on the market aren’t necessarily hypoallergenic because your eyes tend to have a different reaction to makeup products. While you may not have allergies, your eyes can still experience irritation, redness, and sensitivity with certain products and application methods. The best thing you can do is apply a small amount to your skin or lids and wait a few minutes to see if you have a reaction to the ingredients.
Are the liners in this article good for beginners?
Practice makes perfect, and why not invest in a good liner right from the start? Beginners should definitely avoid the smudgier, thick liners; like the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner. The CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner and L’Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner is great to practice with because of their full coverage and fine tips.
What would you recommend for mature eyes?
The Physicians Formula Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Boosting Eyeliner & Serum is the obvious choice because it treats and conditions your lashes and lids while still giving you a bold look. However, the L’Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner has a gentle, creamy formula that won’t smudge. It also sharpens easily so that you can keep it at a fine point.
The Final Verdict
When it comes to choosing the best drugstore eyeliner pencil, I have to say that the CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner is the ultimate makeup bag essential. It’s super gentle on your lids and waterlines and will smudge easily with the built-in blending tip. It’s crazy affordable and comes in so many cute and playful colors, it’s the obvious choice for the hands-down best drugstore eyeliner pencil.
