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10 Top-Rated Black Eyeliners That Won’t Smudge, Transfer or Disappear

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It’s been with you through thick and thin, tears and laughs, swimming and sweating. But has it actually stood the test of time? When it comes to eyeliner, we don’t have time to mess around with those that smudge. (We’ve got This Is Us Season 3 just around the corner, after all.) Since the numbers don’t lie, we scoured the web for the top-rated black eyeliners according to beauty buffs. From pencils to felt tips, here are the top ten.

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urban decay glide on black eyeliner
Ulta

Urban Decay ‘24/7’ Glide-on Eye Pencil

There’s a reason the brand has created this cult-favorite formula in over 35 other shades. With 24-hour stay-put power, more than 6,000 fans across Ulta, Nordstrom and Sephora (respectively) swear by this option.

stila black felt tip eyeliner
Ulta

Stila ‘stay All Day’ Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Your best friend’s wedding next month? You can count on this formula to live up to its name. The fine marker-like tip is a godsend for precise application that everyone from newbies to old pros can rely on.

smashbox black eyeliner
Ulta

Smashbox ‘always Sharp’ Waterproof Kohl Liner

Meet the waterproof eyeliner that automatically self-sharpens with every twist of the cap. While it doesn’t come in many colors, if you’re in the market for a low maintenance product, look no further. (More than 1,400 reviewers agree.)

l oreal black eyeliner
Ulta

L'oréal ‘infallible’ Gel Lacquer Liner 24 Hour

This little pot comes with a tapered brush for easy application and easy clean up. (Hint: Just dip the brush into makeup remover and brush it over your handiwork.)

BUY NOW ($10)

julep black eyeliner
Ulta

Julep ‘when Pencil Met Gel’ Long-lasting Gel Eyeliner

This waterproof formula is Ophthalmologist-tested so it won’t sting your eyes—even after jumping into a pool.

BUY NOW ($16)

it cosmetics black eyeliner
Ulta

It Cosmetics ‘no-tug’ Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

Per the name, this anti-aging pencil uses a gel-based formula so that it doesn't pull on the delicate eye area.

BUY NOW ($22)

ulta black eyeliner
Ulta

Ulta Gel Eyeliner Pencil

In need of a sunny gold or poppy purple liner in addition to your favorite black? Look no further than Ulta’s eponymous option that’s only $8. 

essence long lasting black eyeliner
Ulta

Essence Long-lasting Eye Pencil

More than 600 five-star reviews for less than $3? Say no more. 

maybelline infallible eyeliner1
Amazon

Maybelline ‘master Precise’ All Day Liquid Eyeliner

This super-pointed felt tip is waterproof, smudge-proof and will last up to 12 hours thanks to its highly pigmented formula.

clinique black eyeliner
Nordstrom

Clinique ‘quickliner For Eyes’ Eyeliner Pencil

More than 2,000 users rave that this pencil is phenomenal, but the sponge end is the real winner. Once applied, the formula allows 60 seconds for blending and smudging before it sets.


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Blue jean baby, LA lady (NYC transplant)

An avid bargain hunter, SoulCycle-goer, and vacation-planner, Katie has somehow turned her online shopping addiction into a full-time job for PureWow.