11 Best & Affordable Drugstore Eyeliners

Looking for the best drugstore eyeliner that will make your eyes pop, stay on all day long, and never smudge?

I searched for so long to find a good drugstore liquid liner and this list has all the best drugstore eyeliners of every type (liquid, pencil, gel) that I came across in my extensive research to find the best of the best.


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Which drugstore eyeliner is the best?

Honestly, the answer is – it depends.

It depends on what you’re wearing it for (determines longevity needed), what formula you find the easiest to apply (I personally prefer liquid liners), and where you’re applying it (pencils are ideal for the waterline for example).

For that very reason, the best drugstore eyeliner list below contains the top contenders in every one of these categories, so you can find the perfect eyeliner for you and your life/needs.

“Best Of” Summary

Check out this summary for the best drugstore eyeliner in every category:

For a more detailed review of each, and some more best drugstore eyeliner options, keep reading below!


Best drugstore eyeliner:

1. NYX Epic Ink Liner

best drugstore eyeliner

This 100% waterproof eyeliner is super pigmented!

The skinny and bendy tip is also amazing for getting that perfect line every time, without any pulling or skipping, and gives you complete control over how thick you want to make your eyeliner.

2. L’Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner

best drugstore eyeliner pencil

Have hooded eyes that never seem to be able to keep eyeliner on them without smudging or rubbing off?

This drugstore eyeliner is super long lasting (16 hours!) and doesn’t fade, making it perfect for accentuating hooded eyes.

The mechanical pencil has a deep and creamy formula that is easy to apply, slides smoothly across the eyes, and a rich pigment that stays on all day.

As an added bonus, it comes with a built in sharpener and smudger so that you can achieve any look easily while on the go.

3. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen

best drugstore liquid eyeliner

This drugstore liquid eyeliner has a unique hexagonal design that makes application easy, stable and gives total user control for the perfect line every time.

The brush glides smoothly, without any skips or dragging, and stays on for up to 24 hours!

4. NYX Matte Liquid Liner

If you’e looking for a deep matte liquid eyeliner, then this is for you!

The super thin brush makes it really easy to achieve an ultra-fine line, which is amazing for all you cat-eye lovers out there.


RELATED POST: 11 Best Drugstore Mascaras That Will Transform Your Lashes

5. Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

best drugstore black eyeliner

Looking to create an even thinner line?

This drugstore liquid eyeliner has a 0.1mm fine tip for ultimate control and precision and doesn’t smudge or fade for 10 hours.

6. Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer

best drugstore waterproof eyeliner

This drugstore eyeliner pencil holds its own against all types of moisture – whether you’re heading to the beach or having a night in watching Disney’s Up (that movie gets me every time).

It’s 100% waterproof, gives a gel-like finish, and lasts up to 10 hours without smudging or fading.

The pencil glides precisely and smoothly and has a retractable applicator that makes it super easy to use and store.

7. Maybelline Eyestudio Master Precise Eyeliner

best waterproof liquid eyeliner drugstore

This Allure Best of Beauty Award winning drugstore liquid eyeliner has an ultra-skinny 0.4 mm felt tip brush that glides smoothly and effortlessly to create the perfect line or cat eye.

It’s waterproof, highly pigmented, and stays put and doesn’t smudge for up to 12 hours.

This liner is also fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested – so it’s great for people with sensitive eyes and/or those who wear contact lenses (like me!)

8. Revlon ColorStay Sharp Line Liquid Eye Pen

best drugstore felt tip eyeliner

I’ve been using this drugstore liquid eyeliner for YEARS and it’s my absolute favourite!

Not only is it waterproof and smudge proof, but it also lasts up to 24 hours (!!)

The thin and flexible tapered felt tip is really easy to use and gives the perfect amount of control for curving along the lash line and flicking out a 10/10 cat eye.


RELATED POST: 13 Best Drugstore Concealers That Are Better Than High-End Brands

9. Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eye Liner

best drugstore gel eyeliner

Do gel eyeliners work best for you?

This drugstore gel eyeliner is the top of its class!

It has a highly pigmented and oil free formula, is smudge and water proof, and wears for 24 hours.

10. L’Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner

best waterline eyeliner drugstore

Prefer a smoky, pencil eyeliner?

This drugstore eyeliner will give you beautiful, smoldering eyes with its ultra dark and pigmented kajal formula.

Don’t sleep on this one – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

11. L’Oreal Infallible Super Slim Eyeliner

Looking for precise and intense winged liner?

This eyeliner’s super skinny 0.4 mm felt tip makes it super easy to create exactly the line you want without any error.

It goes on effortlessly, dries quickly, and doesn’t smudge or fade for 12 hours.

I hope this helped you find the best drugstore eyeliner for you!

If you use and agree that one of the above suggestions is the best drugstore eyeliner then let me know!

Or if you tried any out for the first time because of this post, I’d love for you to share your experience with others in the comment section below.

Lastly, if you have another suggestion that you believe should be added to this list, then let me know as well.

Thank so much for reading to the end of this blog post!

Please also don’t forget to pin this post if you enjoyed this list and want to reference it later.

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