16 Best Black Eyeliner in 2023: Must Read It!

Get a sleek, even, & defined look with these best black eyeliner. Here are some top choices:

• 1. Best Overall: NYX Professional Makeup Retractable Eyeliner
• 2. Best In Budget: Avon True Color Glimmerstick Eyeliner
• 3. Best For Contact Lens: Rimmel Scandal’eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner
• 4. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested: Maybelline Hypereasy Brush Tip Liner
• 5. Best Smudge-Proof: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner
• 6. Best for Beginners: Mary Kay Eyeliner Blac
• 7. Best Clinically-Proven: Julep Long-Lasting Eyeliner
• 8. Best Easy-To-Use: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
• 9. Best Long-Wear: Wunder2 Super-Stay Liner
• 10. Best With A Built-In Sharpner: BareMinerals Lasting Line Absolute Black
• 11. Best Waterproof: Benefit Roller Liner Black True Matte Liquid Eyeliner
• 12. Best With A Felt-Tip: theBalm Schwing Liquid Eyeliner
• 13. Best Water-Resistant: Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner
• 14. Best For Sensitive Eyes: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner
• 15. Best With IntenseColor: NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner Via Veneto
• 16. Best Black Eyeliner For Tightlining: CHANEL Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner

Lashline, waterline, winged, smoky or smudged – liner is the foundation of all kinds of eye makeup looks. A graphic or blurred line instantly changes, frames, and adds intrigue to your creation while defining or emphasizing your eyes.

Continue reading as we go into detail about the top black eyeliner.

Related Read: Best White Eyeliner

Best Black Eyeliner Reviews

1. Best Overall: NYX Professional Makeup Retractable Eyeliner

Utilize this black eyeliner pencil to give your eyes the spotlight by giving them a sharp, defined look that goes well with the rest of your makeup.

In order to make application simple, the smudge-proof retractable eyeliner glides on your lash line with ease. Citric acid and synthetic beeswax are among the ingredients used in the creamy black eyeliner formulation. These key ingredients help it stay put all day long through heat and humidity. It doesn’t need to be sharpened either, so you won’t need to constantly rummage through your bag looking for a sharpener. The highly-pigmented twist-up liner is certified cruelty-free.

Pros

• Water and smudge-proof
• Lasts an entire day
• Cruelty-free
• Intense color
• Easy application
• Moisturizing formula

Cons

• May not be as richly pigmented

2. Best in Budget: Avon True Color Glimmerstick Eyeliner

If your eyeliner strokes are going to disappear by afternoon, there is no point in going through the trouble of perfecting them. For this reason, if you want to stop frequently touching up your makeup, using a long-wearing black eyeliner that lasts at least 10 hours is the best option. The creamy, smooth ink glides on easily on your eyelids and does not pull or tug on eyelids.

The eyeliner has undergone clinical testing and is vegan, paraben- and sulphate-free. With the help of this incredible product, you can now achieve the absolute blackest of black shades for eyes that are well-defined.

Pros

• Smudge-free
• Easy to remove
• Smooth application
• Retractable
• Clinically-tested
• Paraben and sulphate-free
• Vegan

Cons

• Not water-resistant

3. Best for Contact Lens: Rimmel Scandal’eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner

Because this sweat-proof black eyeliner pencil locks in the intense color to stay put for a long time, you can work out without worrying about smudged or runny eyeliner. Smoothness and smudge resistance are provided by the waterproof liner.

The creamy formula applies smoothly and has an immediate impact. The product, which has undergone ophthalmologist testing, is safe to use even if you wear contact lenses and is suitable for sensitive eyes. You can experiment with an edgier you by wearing it by itself or with several shades for a scandalous look. Use this kajal black eyeliner to embrace self-expression and your individual personality, as the brand advises.

Pros

• Rich color
• Smooth and creamy formula
• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Heat and sweat-proof
• Stays put in humid conditions
• Suitable for sensitive eyes
• Safe for those who wear contact lens

Cons

• Some people might find it a little challenging to sharpen the pencil.

4. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested: Maybelline Hypereasy Brush Tip Liner

While applying this waterproof black eyeliner to your eyelids, you don’t need to strain to rest your elbow on the vanity table and keep it steady. It applies incredibly easily thanks to its distinctive flex tip brush and personalized hexagonal grip.

With a formula that doesn’t slip or skip, liquid liner is easy to apply. Its 24 hour wear time and smudge-free, intense, pitch-black color can help define your eye shape beautifully. It has been evaluated by ophthalmologists and is safe for contact lenses and sensitive eyes alike.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Smooth application
• Lasts up to 24 hours
• Intense color
• No skip, no slip formula
• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lenses

Cons

• May not glide easily on oily eyelids

5. Best Smudge-Proof: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner

Let us tell you the good news: if you’ve been searching for a black eyeliner that lasts all day and doesn’t budge or fade, you’ve finally found it. This black eyeliner pencil has a 16-hour wear time and is smudge- and fade-resistant.

Candelilla wax, sunflower seed oil, and hydrogenated olive oil are used in the manufacturing of the mechanical liner. To help you draw lovely and precise strokes on your eyes, it has a built-in sharpener for the pencil tip. You can quickly get ready for work or any special occasions thanks to its easy application. Pair it with a black mascara and let your eye makeup stand out.

Pros

• Smudge-proof
• Rich color
• Lasts for up to 16 hours
• Built-in sharpener
• Fade-proof

Cons

• May not be suitable for sensitive eyes

6. Best for Beginners: Mary Kay Eyeliner Blac

Mary Kay Eyeliner is formulated for beginners and professionals. Onto the eyes, it moves very smoothly. To help keep color vibrant for several hours, it is infused with the goodness of specially treated pigments. Antioxidants in this eyeliner also work to combat free radicals and keep the product from drying out.

Because of its simple formulation, beginners can gradually transition to a dramatic cat-eye look. It lays down a thin black coat with every swipe and dries quickly to reduce the chance of messing up. To assist you in drawing the desired outline, this crayon-like retractable pencil liner includes a sharpener.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Glides smoothly
• Clean application
• Contains antioxidants
• Highly pigmented
• One-swipe application

Cons

• Not the most long-lasting

7. Best Clinically-Proven: Julep Long-Lasting Eyeliner

If you are planning to try a gel formula, you might as well start off with this black gel eyeliner. It is very smooth to apply on your eyelids and easier for use even for those who feel intimidated by eyeliners. The blackest of black eyeliner sets in 30 seconds without tugging and provides you with a vibrant, highly pigmented color.

Clinical tests have shown that this eyeliner lasts for more than 10 hours. Its creamy, paraben-free formula resists smudging and keeps a defined look for a longer period of time.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Lasts for over 10 hours
• Sets in 30 seconds
• Cruelty-free
• Paraben and SLS-free

Cons

• May not be suitable for waterlining

8. Best Easy-To-Use: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

This has been a cult favorite for a very long time for a reason. This award-winning cruelty-free product is made with moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil. This intensely dark eyeliner moisturizes your lash lines and softens the skin. Its creamy and blendable formula comes in 5 different finishes — matte, creamy, shimmer, metallic, and glitter.

By preventing smudging and running, it provides results that last. Once dried, it is immovable and glides across the lids without dragging or skipping.

Pros

• Matte-finish
• Darkest black
• Smudge-proof
• Waterproof
• Long-lasting
• Blendable and creamy
• Hydrating formula
• Cruelty-free

Cons

• It might be a little tricky for some people to take it off.

9. Best Long-Wear: Wunder2 Super-Stay Liner

When you need to use several layers of less-pigmented eyeliner to even have passable eye makeup, it can become a nightmare to use it. Your requests for the best black eyeliner have been heard. Now, you can instantly achieve beautiful, smooth eyes.

Moreover, the smudge-proof eyeliner comes in 3 finishes— essential matte, glitter, and metallic. To give you a perfect and full lash line, the eyeliner glides on easily and blends in well. As it is waterproof and lasts up to 24 hours, its creamy, cruelty-free formula sets well. So, pick it up and add it to your makeup kit.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Cruelty-free
• Rich color
• Transfer-proof
• Lasts for up to 24 hours
• Comes in 3 finishes

Cons

• Sharpening the pencil might be a little challenging for some.

10. Best With a Built-In Sharpner: BareMinerals Lasting Line Absolute Black

When you have access to the best black eyeliner, perfecting the cat-eye technique becomes simpler. Pick up this intense black eyeliner for a stress-free eye makeup experience. Its rich pigments and creamy, smooth formula, which is made in the USA, easily glide on your eyelids to create a precise line.

The gluten and toxic-free formula is enriched with minerals and vitamin C that help soothe and nourish your lids while defining them. This black eyeliner has a smooth finish that does not smear, smear, or fade too quickly over time. It has a built-in sharpener so you can paint with finer strokes and a sharp tip.

Pros

• Gluten and paraben-free
• Toxin-free
• Cruelty-free
• Free of artificial fragrances
• Soft, creamy texture
• Highly-pigmented color
• Contains minerals and vitamin C

Cons

• May require primer before application

11. Best Waterproof: Benefit Roller Liner Black True Matte Liquid Eyeliner

The ideal option for drawing a precise, whisker-thin winged liner is Benefit Roller Liner Black True Matte Liquid Eyeliner. The pen liner’s formula dries quickly, leaving a matte, natural finish that lasts for several hours.

With just one swipe of the application, it is sufficiently thin and dark. You can have fun all day and night long because it doesn’t easily fade, flake, or smudge. With its easy-glide precision felt tip, this matte eyeliner is perfect for achieving a range of looks, from a delicate wing to a dramatic cat-eye.

Pros

• Smooth application
• Waterproof
• Long-lasting
• Smudge-proof
• Settles quickly
• Can be used to create versatile looks

Cons

• Doesn’t allow you to correct mistakes

12. Best With a Felt-Tip: TheBalm Schwing Liquid Eyeliner

Now, take the key to gorgeous eyes with you wherever you go. You can create striking looks with delicate touches and bold lines with the help of this stylish, portable liquid black eyeliner. Its thin, tapered felt-tip applicator is the product’s standout feature.

It has a quick-drying formula that is smudge- and flake-free. Its key ingredients include glycerin, and citric acid that help make it suitable for all skin types. You will undoubtedly catch everyone’s attention in the room thanks to the rich matte black eyeliner.

Pros

• Matte-black finish
• Thin and tapered felt-tip applicator
• Suitable for all skin types
• Smudge-free
• Does not flake
• Moisturizing formula

Cons

• Contains xanthan

13. Best Water-Resistant: Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner

This durable black eyeliner can be a compact addition to your travel makeup bag and help you redefine your eye makeup. This liquid black eyeliner will dazzle you with its rich color, easy application, and long-lasting wear. The waterproof eyeliner, which dries quickly, can help you create those stunning cat-eye looks. It was designed with traditional calligraphy in mind.

It glides on easily, has a fine brush tip, and lasts for almost 24 hours without smudging or fading. Along with instantly enhancing your eyes, the rich formula of the matte black eyeliner contains glycerin, citric acid, and hydrogenated castor oil to care for your lashes over time.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Fade-proof
• Long lasting
• Has a precise brush tip
• Matte-black finish

Cons

• Contains alcohol

14. Best for Sensitive Eyes: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner

Finding the one eyeliner that meets all the criteria can be incredibly challenging at times. Well, fret no more. This is definitely a thick black eyeliner that deserves to be a staple in your vanity as it can help you achieve every look.

It is one of the deepest black eyeliners and has a flexible applicator tip that makes it easy to apply. Ophthalmologist-tested, the waterproof liner is suitable for sensitive eyes and also those who use contact lenses. Up to 16 hours can pass before the longwear product loses its rich, intense color. It is smudge-free and dries instantly after application.

Pros

• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Waterproof
• Easy to remove
• Smudge-free
• Lasts for 16 hours
• Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

Cons

• Contains parabens

15. Best With IntenseColor: NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner Via Veneto

With the deep and intense color of this black eyeliner, you can exude a larger-than-life appeal similar to that of A-list celebrities. It adds an intense and dramatic look to your eyes that stays on throughout the day.

Its long-lasting formula is easy to apply and gives a smooth and budge-proof finish. Additionally, the black eyeliner pencil adheres to your oily eyelids without much difficulty. It makes for simple and clean strokes, and can be perfect even for those who are not a huge fan of makeup but like to wear it occasionally.

Pros

• Budge-proof finish
• 12-hour wear
• Rich and creamy color
• Smooth application
• No smearing or caking

Cons

• It might seem to some people like the lids are being slightly scratched.

16. Best Black Eyeliner for Tightlining: CHANEL Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner

A subtle tightline can be more fashionable on occasion. For sexy, almost imperceptible definition along your waterline, this fine pencil is ideal for loading pigment there. This rich, dark pencil will not only make your eyes stand out from a distance, but it will also give the impression that your lashes are longer and lusher. You won’t have to worry about developing the dreaded raccoon eyes at the end of the day either because it is waterproof. Even humidity and oil aren’t a problem for it.

Pros

• Mechanical pencil design
• Comes with built-in sharpener
• Waterproof
• Highly pigmented
• Smudge-proof

Cons

• Over $25.

What to LOOK for Best Black Eyeliner

You can see that there is an absurd amount of black eyeliner available by taking a quick glance down the aisles of Sephora. We bet that nearly all cosmetics companies provide one. How do you choose the best option for you, then?

You’ll first want to decide which eyeliner formula is best for your needs. For instance, O’Leary favors the use of black pencil liners because they are frequently simpler to use. “Applying a pencil to the skin directly requires a light hand; alternatively, you can use a small, angled brush to smudge or soften the line.

Additionally, we recommend looking for a liner with rich pigment and a creamy texture so it’s easier to apply.

Final Words on Best Black Eyeliner

In summary, we consider NYX Professional Makeup Retractable Eyeliner is the best overall option, due to its intense color and easy application. Avon True Color Glimmerstick Eyeliner is an affordable option if you’re looking for one.

What is your favourite option? Share with us by leaving your comment below!

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