PriceSpy UK

Best Eyeliners November 2026

Finding the right eyeliner depends on whether you prefer sharp winged lines or soft, blendable definition. This independent guide highlights top waterproof formulas across pencil, liquid, and gel formats to help you compare features. Review the pros, cons, and shade options below to pick the best match for your makeup routine.

Last updated: 1 November 2026

The list is unchanged since the last update.

Eyeliners: Top 5

The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is a waterproof pencil liner available in 17 distinct shades. Its smooth pen format works equally well for crisp definition and softened, smudged looks. With 1.2 g of formula, it offers a generous amount of product compared to many competitors.

Unlike sharp liquid liners, this pencil formula delivers softer lines, blends easily for smoky effects, and comes in 17 different colors.

Pros

  • 17 distinct shades available

  • Waterproof formula

  • Generous 1.2 g product quantity

  • Smooth pencil application

Cons

  • Requires manual sharpening

  • Wider tip than fine liquid pens

The NYX Epic Ink Eyeliner is a waterproof liquid liner designed for sharp wings and clean graphic lines. It features a fine application tip and comes in eight versatile colors. Its 1 ml volume provides double the product quantity of many rival liquid pens.

Both are waterproof liquid liners, but NYX provides 1 ml of formula compared to Stila's 0.5 ml.

Pros

  • Waterproof liquid formula

  • Fine tip for precise wing application

  • Available in 8 versatile shades

  • Generous 1 ml liquid quantity

Cons

  • Less forgiving for beginners

  • Cannot be smudged for smoky looks

Clinique Quickliner For Eyes is a waterproof pencil liner that glides on smoothly for everyday lash line definition. It comes in 11 colors and features a convenient retractable pen format. The twist-up design makes application quick and eliminates the need for a pencil sharpener.

No, it uses a twist-up pen mechanism so you never need to sharpen it manually.

Pros

  • Waterproof pencil formula

  • 11 color options available

  • Convenient twist-up pen design

Cons

  • Small 0.3 g product quantity

  • Not suited for razor-sharp wings

The Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is crafted for clean lines and long-lasting moisture resistance. It features a fine applicator tip and is available in eight colors ranging from classic neutrals to vibrant tones. It offers dependable control for detailed cat-eyes.

Yes, its waterproof formula is specifically engineered to stay in place without smudging in moist environments.

Pros

  • Waterproof liquid formula

  • Fine tip for crisp wings

  • Available in 8 diverse colors

Cons

  • Low 0.5 ml product quantity

  • Cannot be blended after drying

L'Oreal Infaillible Grip 36H Gel Automatic Eyeliner combines the rich glide of a gel with the ease of an automatic pen. It provides waterproof wear across 10 distinct shades for everyday and dramatic looks. The formula delivers intense color payoff without requiring a separate brush.

Gel eyeliners offer a softer, bolder glide that can be smudged when applied, while liquid liners create rigid, ultra-fine lines.

Pros

  • Waterproof gel formula

  • Automatic twist-up mechanism

  • 10 distinct color options

Cons

  • Modest 0.4 g product quantity

  • Thicker line than liquid tips

Compare specifications

TypePenLiquid eyelinerPenLiquid eyelinerGel
ColorBlack, White, Silver, Grey, Turquoise, Brown, Blue, Red, Yellow, Orange, Gold, Green, Beige, Pink, Purple, Bronze, CopperBlack, White, Grey, Brown, Blue, Beige, Pink, PurpleBlack, White, Silver, Grey, Brown, Blue, Red, Green, Beige, Purple, BronzeBlack, Silver, Grey, Brown, Blue, Gold, Green, Pink, PurpleBlack, Grey, Brown, Blue, Red, Gold, Green, Pink, Purple, Bronze
Quantity1.2 ml/g1 ml/g0.3 ml/g0.5 ml/g0.4 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.