Eyeliners are a must in the makeup kit due to their ability to make or break the look. However, some liners may get smudged or fade easily. So, here’s our list of the best gel eyeliners to enhance your eye makeup for a glamorous look. If eyeliners are a mandatory part of your daily makeup look, not wearing them can lead to questions of concern from others. A smudged liner can make them think you are feeling unwell or haven’t slept properly. Gel eyeliners are smudge- and water-proof. They come in rich tones and are easy to use. These long-lasting liners help create the perfect double-winged look or dramatic cat-eye makeup in a few simple strokes. The preciseness of a gel liner provides you with a sharp and neat finish, enhancing your eye shape and giving you a bold look. If standard eyeliners are getting smudged due to sweat and oil, you can check out the various gel liners available to suit your taste and requirements. So, choose from the different colors to rock a stylish look at your next outing.
17 Best Gel Eyeliners For Well-Defined Eyes
1. Best Waterproof: Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil
Withstanding rain, sweat, and humidity, Rimmel’s Scandaleyes won’t run or smudge even if you wear it from day to night. With the high-intensity pigment this eyeliner offers, you can expect to make just as strong of an impact. The creamy formula makes it easy to glide the pencil along the eyelids for a straight line. Use it on the waterline for a simple definition or smudge it on your eyelids for a goth glam look. Take a look at this video to know more about the product. Pros
Ophthalmologist-tested Dermatologist-tested Long staying power Safe for people with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Cons
Pencil is soft and might break easily.
2. Best For Oily Skin: Maybelline New York Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
A must-have in every makeup addict’s vanity, Maybelline’s Gel Eyeliner gives an intense color payoff and allows for easy application. The creamy gel formula contains highly concentrated black pigments that can be kept natural or built for a dramatic effect. The Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner is waterproof and oil-free which is ideal for those with oily skin. When you swipe once, the eyeliner sets immediately and lasts up to 24 hours. Pros
Offers long-lasting wear Ophthalmologist-tested Dermatologist-tested Allergy-tested Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers Smudge-proof formula
Cons
Might be difficult to remove
3. Best Self-Sharpening: COVERGIRL Ink It! All-Day Pencil Eyeliner
Lasting up to 12 hours, COVERGIRL’s Ink It! All-Day Pencil Eyeliner glides smoothly without any tugging. Due to its long-lasting wear, transitioning from a day to night look becomes super easy. The self-sharpening pencil can be carried around in your purse for on-the-go application and touch-ups without any hassle. Use this gel eyeliner for a defined eye look that makes for a great first impression. Pros
Fade-resistant Smudge-proof Easy to remove Contains bold pigments Crease-proof Waterproof
Cons
Might not be ideal for oily skin types
4. Best For A Glossy Finish: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H
L’Oreal Paris always delivers high-performance formulas and the Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H gives a shiny lacquer finish. This is the perfect option for when you’re in the mood to experiment with glossier gel eyeliners. It comes with a precision brush for easy application and the creamy formula goes onto the skin buttery smooth. Staying for up to 24 hours like the name suggests, this gel eyeliner will give your eyes the attention they deserve. You may check more about this productin this video. Pros
Available in 4 shades Ophthalmologist-tested Buildable formula Fade-resistant formula Deeply pigmented Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Cons
Might be difficult to remove
5. Best For All-Day Wear: HAUS LABORATORIES Eye-Dentify Gel Pencil Eyeliner
The Eye-Dentify Gel Pencil Eyeliner by Lady Gaga delivers intense color in a single swipe and has 20 colors and multiple finishes for you to choose from. The smooth and sharpened tip allows for the thinnest of lines which can be built to a dramatic cat-eye that stays put all day long. The color sets fast and gives a high-impact finish that becomes the ‘wow factor’ of your eyes. Check out this video to learn more. Pros
12-hour wear Smudge-resistant Transfer-proof Vegan Cruelty-free Waterproof
Cons
Might not be ideal for mature skin
6. Ophthalmologist-tested: Julep When Pencil Met Gel Long-Lasting Eyeliner
Julep’s gel eyeliner comes in 4 gorgeous shades and stays put for 10 hours and up so you don’t have to worry about midday touch-ups. It contains a special wax blend that allows the pencil to glide across the eyelids without tugging at the skin and the high-performance polymers give it a long staying power. The gel formula is easy to use in a pencil form and sets quickly with a highly saturated color payoff. Pros
Water-resistant Budge-proof Available in matte and shimmer shades Contains extra-finely milled deep pigments Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
Might be difficult to remove
7. Best High-Coverage: Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel
You can trust Inglot to deliver top-notch and intense pigments that allow for long-lasting wear and also provide high coverage. The delicate yet creamy formula of Inglot’s AMC Eyeliner Gel covers your eyes with bold color in a single swipe and the finish won’t smudge or crease as you go about your day. The gel base blends so well that we guarantee you won’t be able to go back to using your old gel or pencil eyeliners again! Pros
Waterproof Hypoallergenic Quick-drying Available in 27 shades Paraben-free Matte finish
Cons
Might not be transfer-proof
8. Best Highly-Pigmented: Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner
Neutrogena is quite popular in the beauty industry for high-impact formulas at drugstore pricing and their Intense Gel Eyeliner meets those expectations too. It is infused with vitamin E which helps safeguard your eyes from dust and sun and also reduces puffiness and dark circles around the eye area. The gel base glides smoothly across the skin and is easy to blend. You can use this gel pencil on your eyelid for well-defined eyes or even along the waterline to make your eyes pop! Pros
Highly pigmented formula Water-resistant Hypoallergenic Dermatologist-tested Available in 3 shades Smudge-proof after 30 seconds of application
Cons
The tip is extremely soft and might break easily.
9. Best Smooth-Gliding: Beauty For Real I-Line 24-7 Waterproof Eyeliner
For a 24-hour long wearable intense color to define your eyes, you can’t pass up on Beauty For Real’s I-Line 24-7 Waterproof Eyeliner. It is enriched with vitamin E which cares for the delicate skin around the eyes and conditioning it by protecting it from environmental stressors. The bold pigments offer an intense color payoff and are not a hassle to blend. As the pencil allows for versatile and precise lines, you can carry it with you wherever you go for mistake-proof application. Available in 13 fun colors with varying finishes, you’re bound to find one that’s the perfect fit for you. Pros
Water-resistant Sets within 15 seconds Glides smoothly Cruelty-free Gives a matte finish Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Cons
May require a lot of pressure for proper application
10. Best For Dramatic Eyes: Revlon ColorStay Micro Hyper Precision Gel Eyeliner
One of the most-talked about names in the beauty industry, Revlon is known for their wide variety of products that are known to deliver without fail. The ColorStay Micro Hyper Precision Gel Eyeliner, as the name suggests, has a super skinny tip which makes it easy for precise and straight lines even if you have an unsteady hand. With a staying power of up to 12 hours, the smoothly gliding pencil allows you to experiment with various eye looks from minimalistic to dramatic in a single stroke. And if you’re in the mood for a sudden sultry smokey eye, the pencil features a tiny sponge on the end so you can change up your look in mere seconds! Pros
Smudge-proof Water-resistant Available in 3 shades Intense color payoff Ophthalmologist-tested Doesn’t tug at skin
Cons
Might have a drying effect
11. NYX Professional Makeup Gel Liner And Smudger
NYX’s Gel Liner makes it a piece of cake for you to line, define, or even smudge your eyelids for a variety of looks that won’t fail to make a lasting impression. The rich pigments don’t fade so you can wear them through busy work days or through family get-togethers that end past midnight. And as the formula contains carnauba wax, you’ll find that the gel glides buttery smooth across your eyelids. The matte finish is ideal for a daily look which you can also dress up into a dramatic wing for special occasions. Pros
Cruelty-free Available in 5 shades Easy to apply Crease-proof Transfer-proof Good color payoff
Cons
Not waterproof
12. Physician’s Formula Eye Booster Gel Eyeliner Trio
The only 3 musketeers you need for your eyes, this trio contains 3 eyeliners in shimmer, matte, and satin finishes. The dermatologist-tested Eye Booster Gel Eyeliner Trio by Physician’s Formula features a formulation that is high-tech to give you a long-wearing glam. It is infused with a unique lash boosting complex, vitamin E , and silicone resin which help nourish your eyes and strengthen the skin around them. Keeping this vegan trio in your travel purse will allow you to have photo-ready eyes instantly. Pros
Smudge-resistant Safe for sensitive eyes Hypoallergenic Fragrance-free Paraben-free Ophthalmologist-approved Cruelty-free
Cons
Might fade in hot and humid weather
13. Pretty Vulgar The Ink Gel Eyeliner
Pretty Vulgar’s The Ink Gel Eyeliner comes in the shape of an ink bottle and is a must-have for makeup enthusiasts that like products in creative packaging. It has an ultra-creamy formula that is enriched with linoleic acid which strengthens skin barrier and linolenic acid that improves the overall appearance of skin and conditions it. This also allows the gel to glide across your lids smoothly without any tugging. As it lasts all day without smudging, transferring, or fading, it will serve you well no matter what your eye shape. With a shimmery finish, you can use this liner to change up your everyday eye look. Pros
Gluten-free Fragrance-free Cruelty-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free Talc-free Vegan
Cons
Might not be ideal for mature skin as it might settle in creases
14. TONYMOLY Gel Eyeliner – Black
TONYMOLY is a name you’ll hear often if you’re aware of Korean beauty for all the right reasons as their products are effective with a high impact. The Back Gel Eyeliner is a gel-based formula which gives the precision of a liquid and doesn’t smudge even a single bit. It contains grapeseed and macadamia oils which hydrate the skin and deeply condition it to make it soft. It dries down to a matte finish which helps to enhance your eyes. Pros
Long-wearing formula Water-resistant Available in 8 shades Easy to apply Glides smoothly Quick-drying
Cons
Might clump up
15. IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Gel Eyeliner
IT Cosmetics’ award-winning Superhero No-Tug Gel Eyeliner is great for those who can’t stand the tugging that some liners cause. It uses a technology created exclusively by IT Cosmetics to allow for a super smooth glide that stays on all day long with a rich color payoff. Due to its blendable feature, you can create multiple eye looks with just a single product. Draw thin lines for an understated look, or go bold with a cat-eye, or smudge the liner a little for some smoke action. Pros
Water-resistant Comes in 8 shades Saturated pigment Budge-proof Easy application
Cons
Might be difficult to remove
16. Music Flower Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
This set of 2 eyeliners in black and brown is all you need to enhance your eyes as it stays on for 24 hours. With a creamy texture, this waterproof gel liner kit features formulas that glide on easily and stay put without smudging. There’s also a regular liner brush for precision lines and an angled brush perfect for the occasional winged eyeliner look. You can also use the formulas to fill in your eyebrows and keep them in good shape! Pros
Easy to remove Ideal to travel with Long staying power Easy to apply Contains rich pigments Quick-drying
Cons
Might flake
17. Kmeamty Gel Eyeliner 12 Pencil Set
You can use Kmeamty’s eyeliners when you want an everyday look and even when you want to doll up your eyes for a bright one as they come in 12 colors. Beauty enthusiasts will love this set as it allows for experimentation with the mousse-like base. It’s easy to create a smokey eye look as you can smudge the pigment with your finger but it won’t smudge on its own, staying on all day. The retractable pens are easy to use and glide smoothly due to the creamy texture without pulling on skin. This set is ideal for fancy costume parties, halloween, or even as a gift for the special people in your life. Pros
Vegan Cruelty-free Travel-friendly Easy to apply Thin tip allows for precise application Can be used as eyeshadow or lip liner
Cons
Might be difficult to remove
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best gel eyeliners out there, let’s look at how you can choose the right one for yourself.
What To Look For In A Gel Eyeliner
Staying power
If you’re looking for all-day wear or an eyeliner that stays put for a long time without budging, ensure that it has a long staying power. This is usually mentioned on the packaging with some eyeliners lasting up to 24 hours. Other words to look out for are ‘smudge-resistant’, ‘fade-proof’, ‘waterproof’, and ‘transfer-proof’ as all these qualities help the liner stay on your eyes for long periods of time. This way, you won’t have to retouch your eye makeup multiple times throughout the day and it won’t make a mess either.
Formula
Gels have a creamy formula that glides on easily, but read the ingredient list for smoothening ingredients like carnauba wax. This is the element that allows the liner to glide like butter and not tug or pick at skin which can otherwise cause fine lines and wrinkles. Some ingredients like vitamin E and oils like jojoba, argan, and grapeseed deeply condition the skin so that it’s well-hydrated and nourished.
Precision tip
Gel eyeliners that come in a pencil form need to be super thin so that you can draw fine lines with ease. If it’s a sharpenable pencil, look for a sharpener in the packaging or you might have to purchase one separately. Retractable pencils usually lose the shape at the top and become flatter, so look for pencils that retain their shape during use. Gel eyeliners that come in tubs or pots need an angled brush to be applied with which are sometimes included in the packaging or must be purchased on their own.
Eye color
Gel eyeliners are available in so many shades that it might be difficult to pick one. But there are some colors that flatter your specific eye color and help in enhancing your eyes further. While you might be used to the black and brown on a daily basis, it wouldn’t hurt to experiment sometimes. For green eyes, try red-based or purple-based hues like bronze, burgundy, mahogany, lavender, violet, or amethyst as these colors are bold against the delicate and earthy green. Colors that have orange undertones such as gold and copper and even champagne suit blue eyes by creating a striking contrast. Emerald, plum, olive, and chocolate create a warmth that looks soft on hazel eyes while copper and bronze can help create a yellow-gold glow. A warm brown or a vibrant burgundy shade will look good on grey eyes. For emphasis, you can also try a silver or a pearly white. Black and brown are both universally flattering shades and look good on all eye colors.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is passionate about researching beauty and personal care products and recommending the latest products that meet your requirements. Here, she has compiled a list of the best gel eyeliners based on user reviews for well-defined eyes that can enhance your appearance. This list includes various types of gel eyeliners, such as pencils and brushes, with specifications such as water-proof and smudge-proof formulas and easy application.
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