overall best
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
9.8
Check price on Amazon → Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Finding the perfect eyeliner pen can transform your makeup routine. We've tested the top-rated options on Amazon US to bring you the best for precision, longevity, and ease of use.
| # | Product | Best for | C1 | C2 | C3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner | overall best | felt tip | 0.016 oz | free returns | Check Price |
| 2 | NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner | best value | felt tip | 0.02 oz | free returns | Check Price |
| 3 | Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner | best gel pen | gel pen | 0.04 oz | free returns | Check Price |
Why we picked it: This liner offers intense pigmentation with a precise felt tip that glides on smoothly. It dries quickly and stays put all day without smudging or flaking. The waterproof formula survives tears and sweat, making it a reliable choice for any occasion. Its fine tip allows for both thin and thick lines with ease.
Anyone seeking a reliable, high-performance liner for daily wear or special events.
Those who prefer a brush tip or want a more affordable option.
Key specs: Brand: Stila - Size: 0.016 oz - Color: Intense Black - Finish: Matte - Waterproof: Yes
Why we picked it: This liner delivers a highly pigmented, matte black finish with a flexible felt tip that allows for precise application. It is long-lasting and resistant to smudging, yet easily removable with makeup remover. The price point makes it accessible without compromising quality. Many users find it comparable to high-end liners at a fraction of the cost.
Makeup enthusiasts on a budget who want professional results.
Those needing extreme waterproofing for swimming or heavy tearing.
Key specs: Brand: NYX - Size: 0.02 oz - Color: Black - Finish: Matte - Waterproof: No
Why we picked it: This gel eyeliner pen combines the ease of a pen with the rich, creamy texture of a gel. It glides on smoothly without tugging and sets to a smudge-proof, long-lasting finish. The built-in sharpener ensures a precise point every time. It is highly pigmented and offers a deep, intense black that lasts all day.
Those who love gel liners but want the convenience of a pen.
Users who prefer a very fine, precise felt tip.
Key specs: Brand: Maybelline - Size: 0.04 oz - Color: Black - Finish: Gel - Waterproof: Yes
Consider the tip type (felt vs. brush), formula (waterproof vs. washable), pigmentation, and longevity. Felt tips are easier for beginners, while brush tips offer more flexibility. Waterproof formulas are ideal for long wear, but may be harder to remove.
Felt tip pens have a firm, pointed applicator that provides precise lines, similar to a marker. Brush tip pens have flexible bristles that allow for varied line thickness and a more fluid application. Brush tips are often preferred for creating winged liner.
Always store the pen horizontally or tip-down to keep the tip saturated. Make sure the cap is tightly closed after each use. Avoid pumping the pen, as that can introduce air and dry out the formula. Clean the tip occasionally with a tissue.
Most waterproof liners are safe, but some may contain ingredients that irritate sensitive eyes. Look for hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested options. If you have sensitive eyes, consider a gentle formula like Physicians Formula Eye Booster.
Felt tips are firm and easy to control, ideal for beginners and precise lines. Brush tips are flexible and allow for varied thickness, great for winged looks. Gel pens offer a creamy texture but may be less precise.
Waterproof liners are long-lasting and smudge-proof, perfect for all-day wear or humid conditions. However, they can be difficult to remove. Washable formulas are easier to remove but may not last as long. Consider your daily activities and removal preference.
Look for highly pigmented liners that deliver a rich, opaque color in one swipe. Matte finishes are classic and versatile, while glossy or shimmer finishes can add drama. Test the color intensity and finish to match your desired look.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Precision Tip | A fine, precise tip allows for accurate application, whether you want a thin line or a dramatic wing. Look for tips that are firm yet flexible for best control. |
| Longevity | Long-wearing formulas resist smudging, fading, and flaking throughout the day. Waterproof and smudge-proof properties are key for all-day wear. |
| Pigmentation | Intense pigmentation ensures a bold, opaque line with minimal effort. A highly pigmented liner reduces the need for multiple passes, saving time and product. |
| Ease of Removal | While long-lasting is important, the liner should also be removable without excessive rubbing. Waterproof liners often require a dedicated eye makeup remover, while washable formulas come off with gentle cleansers. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.