Best Eyeliners August 2026
Finding the right eyeliner can be a challenge, with so many types like liquid, gel, and pen available. This guide helps you compare the best options on the market right now. Based on our independent ranking, you can evaluate each product's features and find the perfect one for your needs.
Last updated: 14 August 2026
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner climbed 1 position
Maybelline Tattoo Gel Pencil Eyeliner dropped 1 position
Eyeliners: Top 5
1
Clinique Quickliner For Eyes
from £9.009 stores
from £9.00
9 stores
2
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
from £9.998 stores
1
from £9.99
8 stores
3
Maybelline Tattoo Gel Pencil Eyeliner
from £3.007 stores
1
from £3.00
7 stores
4
Shiseido Microliner Ink Eyeliner
from £9.999 stores
from £9.99
9 stores
5
Elizabeth Arden High Drama Eyeliner
from £5.497 stores
from £5.49
7 stores
The Clinique Quickliner is a waterproof eyeliner in a convenient twist-up pen format, eliminating the need for a sharpener. It is known for its smooth application and is available in an extensive selection of colours, making it a versatile choice for various makeup looks.
Pros
Waterproof formula
Convenient twist-up pen design
No sharpening required
Very wide range of colours available
Cons
Relatively small quantity (0.3g)
Tip cannot be sharpened for ultra-fine lines
Stila's Stay All Day is a waterproof liquid eyeliner renowned for its longevity and precision. The fine marker-like tip allows for effortless application of sharp, clean lines, making it a top choice for creating the classic winged eye.
Pros
Waterproof and long-wearing formula
Fine tip for precise, sharp lines
Ideal for creating winged eyeliner looks
Good product quantity (0.5 ml)
Cons
Liquid formula can be tricky for beginners
Fewer colour options than some rivals
This Maybelline eyeliner combines the smooth application of a gel with the easy handling of a pencil. It stands out with a very generous amount of product and an impressive spectrum of colours, all in a waterproof formula.
Pros
Largest quantity on the list (1.3g)
Extensive range of available colours
Smooth-gliding gel formula
Waterproof for long-lasting wear
Cons
May require sharpening to maintain a point
Less precise than a fine-tipped liquid liner
The Shiseido Microliner features a thermo-sensitive gel that transforms into an ink-like liquid upon application, providing a weightless feel. Its exceptionally fine tip is engineered for ultimate precision, perfect for detailed looks and tightlining.
Pros
Ultra-fine tip for high precision
Waterproof, ink-like formula
Ideal for tightlining and detailed work
Good variety of classic and bold colours
Cons
Very small amount of product (0.08g)
Will likely run out quickly with regular use
Designed to deliver bold looks, the Elizabeth Arden High Drama Eyeliner is a waterproof pen that makes a statement. It offers a very generous amount of product, ensuring it will last, and provides intense pigment in a convenient format.
Pros
Very generous amount of product (1.2g)
Waterproof formula for lasting wear
Easy-to-use pen format
Designed for bold, dramatic lines
Cons
Fewer colour choices than other options
Not ideal for subtle or very fine lines
Compare specifications
| Type | Pen | Liquid eyeliner | Gel | Pen | Pen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colour | Black, White, Silver, Grey, Brown, Blue, Red, Green, Beige, Purple, Bronze | Black, Silver, Grey, Brown, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple | Black, Silver, Grey, Brown, Blue, Orange, Gold, Green, Beige, Pink, Purple, Bronze, Copper | Black, White, Grey, Brown, Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Pink, Purple | Black, Grey, Brown, Blue, Green, Beige, Purple |
| Quantity | 0.3 ml/g | 0.5 ml/g | 1.3 ml/g | 0.08 ml/g | 1.2 ml/g |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
