The Best Drugstore Eyeliners That Work *Without* Costing a Fortune

Not a pro? Not a problem. An ergonomic design that fits perfectly into your palm and ensures a flawless line makes this the best drugstore liquid eyeliner for a beginner.

Almost every NYX eyeliner is a drugstore MVP, beloved by customers all over. In addition to thousands of positive reviews online, this matte-finish formula comes with an ultra-fine precision brush for building thin to thick lines, and can easily be crowned best drugstore liquid eyeliner.

This smooth, rich formula is long-wearing, waterproof, and allows for every look from smoldering  and smoky to winged and defined. It also comes in a twist-up, self-sharpening pencil, because exactly no one wants to have to dig through her makeup bag for a sharpener.

Gel eyeliners are great for Type A personalities, thanks to their easy-to-layer application and the fact that the user can choose (read: control) brush size and line thickness. This creamy highly-concentrated option was designed to last up to 24 hours, so you can hold onto a dramatic look all day, if you please.

In addition to a wheel tip that allows for thin, precise lines, Revlon’s waterproof ColorStay Exactify liner is designed to last up to 24 hours, without smudging, smearing, or fading. Whether you’ve got a wedding, party, or long workday in your future, this drugstore eyeliner will go the distance.

Meant to be used with magnetic eyelash sets, this waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner goes on just like any liquid liner. It’s made with tiny magnetic particles to hold magnetic eyelashes, so you can skip the salon eyelash extensions in favor of an easy at-home method. (In case you were wondering, the liner goes on first, then the magnetic lashes.)

The perfect cat eye is at your fingertips, literally, with this winged eyeliner stamp. Smudge-proof and waterproof, it stamps an identical wing on each eye every time, and shaves time off your makeup routine!

White eyeliner is the tired-eyed woman’s secret weapon. To fake wider, brighter, awake eyes, line your waterline with this waterproof, pearlescent white that’s also smudge-proof and self-sharpening. You’ll instantly camouflage the side effects of sleepless nights, hangovers, allergies, and more. 

Want to keep it natural? Burt’s Bees’ liner is made with 99.9% natural-origin ingredients including responsibly-sourced cedar, jojoba, meadowfoam seed, and mango oil. Free of parabens, pthalates, synthetic fragrances, silicones, and other chemicals, this drugstore eyeliner is also never tested on animals!

Aside from boasting a creamy, glide-on formula that has major lasting power, this retractable NYX eyeliner pen has a fine point tip that never needs sharpening. Just twist the tube up to use, then back down to keep it fresh (and protected from breakage) for next time!

In the mood for high-intensity color? Rimmel’s waterproof kohl liner is ultra-creamy, long-lasting, and makes a lasting impact. Use it along your waterline or smudge it across your lids for a smoldering look.