Image: MomJunction Design Team
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.
Top Picks
17 Best Gel Eyeliners For Long-Lasting, Colorful Looks In 2024
1. Best Waterproof: Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil
Withstanding rain, sweat, and humidity, Scandaleyes eyeliner from the makeup-artist-approved brand Rimmel 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 review showcasing the tester’s experience with this gel liner for waterline.
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.
"Even though I have been using this eyeliner for months, I still get chuffed about its smooth application. While it fades a bit by the end of the day, the deep pigmentation ensures it still looks pretty dark and rich. Overall, it has been a decent find for everyday use."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 24,491 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
2. Best For Oily Skin: Maybelline New York Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
A must-have in every makeup addict’s vanity, this Gel Eyeliner by the celebrity-endorsed brand Maybelline gives an intense color payoff and is designed to ensure ease of 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 stays put for 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
"After trying various eyeliners, I’ve stuck with this one due to its impressive staying power. It even doubles as an eyebrow filler when I am in a hurry. It sets quickly, so I need to work fast, but it remains put throughout the day."
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 13,289 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
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. The long-lasting gel eyeliner makes it easy to transition from a day to night look. This self-sharpening gel eyeliner 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
"With this option, I have found an eyeliner I can rely on even during those morning rush hours. As its formula is waterproof and gentle, I can use it on my waterline without it causing any irritation. Plus, it does not budge once I am done applying it."
Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Best Waterproof | Maybelline New York Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner Best For Oily Skin | Covergirl Ink It! All-Day Pencil Eyeliner Best Self-Sharpening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | 950 BLACKEST BLACK | 260 - Cocoa Ink |
| Dimensions | 5.47 x 0.31 x 0.31 inches | 2.76 x 1.1 x 5.67 inches | 1.87 x 0.42 x 5.66 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 1.45 Ounces | 0.21 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 24,491 | 13,289 | 9,039 |
| Price | $3.99 | $6.52 | $5.94 |
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 gel eyeliner Brush for easy and smooth application, and the creamy formula glides on the skin effortlessly. Staying for up to 24 hours as the name suggests, this gel-based black eyeliner will give your eyes the attention they deserve. You may check more about this product in this video review.
Pros
- Available in four shades
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Buildable formula
- Fade-resistant formula
- Deeply pigmented
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Cons
- Might be difficult to remove
"This gel liner has won me with its smooth application process and long-lasting formula. The included brush also makes it easy to create all kinds of looks. Though it is not entirely smudge-proof, that's proven to be an advantage in creating smokey eyes."
Quick tip5. 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 review to learn more about this product.
Pros
- 12-hour wear
- Smudge-resistant
- Transfer-proof
- Vegan
- Not tested on animals
- 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 results-driven gel formula comes in an easy to use in 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
"It has an impressive color payoff that beautifully enhances the shape of my eyes. While it does require a gentle touch, it stays put even when applied on the waterline. Thus, it has found a permanent spot in my vanity bag."
Do rememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 9,061 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
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 glides on easily and 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
"I tried this gel eyeliner on the recommendation of a friend, and it impressed me with its rich pigmentation and longevity. It's so rich that it looks fabulous even after a night out. Though the formula is not entirely smudge-proof, it is smooth and easy to apply."
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. This black eyeliner is infused with vitamin E, which helps safeguard your eyes from dust circles around the eye area. The professional-grade gel base glides smoothly across the skin and is easy to blend. You can use this gel eyeliner for precision lining 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 three shades
- Smudge-proof after 30 seconds of application
Cons
- The tip is extremely soft and might break easily.
"This eyeliner's gel-like consistency glides smoothly and does not tug on my skin. It's durable and has not crumbled despite being used regularly. Also, it's been perfect for everyday looks and those dramatic evening styles."
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, results-driven pigments offer an intense color payoff and are not a hassle to blend. As this clean line gel eyeliner is versatile too, 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 colored gel eyeliner that’s the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Sets within 15 seconds
- Glides smoothly
- Not tested on animals
- Gives a matte finish
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Cons
- May require a lot of pressure for proper application
"Although I was skeptical about getting this eyeliner, it has amazed me with its staying powder and smudge-free performance. It's also easy to remove and does not cause any itchiness or irritation. Hence, it's become a staple item in my makeup bag."
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 gel eyeliner for graphic eyeliner looks 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
"Thanks to the twist-up tube design, I can carry this eyeliner in my bag without worrying about it leaking. Besides, it makes my eyes look youthful by offering precise lines. Although perfect for delicate upper lines and a smudged-out look, I’d recommend careful handling to prevent breakage."
11. Best Cruelty Free: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. Its professional-grade formula contains carnauba wax, and you’ll find that the gel glides buttery smooth across your eyelids. The matte gel pot eyeliner is ideal for a daily look, which you can also dress up into a dramatic wing for special occasions.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Available in five shades
- Easy to apply
- Crease-proof
- Transfer-proof
- Good color payoff
Cons
- Not waterproof
"I no longer worry about touching up my makeup since I have gotten this eyeliner. Its color payoff is also intense and remains smudge-resistant come rain or shine. I wish it were a bit easier to remove, but that's a minor hassle in front of its staying power."
12. Best For Sensitive Skin:Physician’s Formula Eye Booster Gel Eyeliner Trio
The only three musketeers you need for your eyes, this trio comprises three precise 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
"The best part about this eyeliner set is that it includes a shimmer, matte, and satin version. Although I've noticed some smudging issues with the satin one when the weather gets hot, the staying power is still impressive. Thus, I will always use these to create an intense, lasting look."
13. Best For Enlarging Smaller Eyes: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 stays on for 24 hours 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
"I had to get a separate brush as this eyeliner did not come with one, but I'm pretty impressed by its rich, deep pigment. Its smooth formula allows me to make the line as thin or thick as I want and stays on well, even on my oily lids."
14. Best Hydrating: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 black gel eyeliner is a gel-based formula that gives the precision of a liquid liner and doesn’t smudge. 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
"Whether creating a winged look or simple lines, I always reach for this eyeliner due to its intense pigmentation. Its brush posed a learning curve, but its consistency is smooth and easy to glide. Also, dabbing some setting powder keeps it from smudging, even during summer."
15. Best For Multiple Eye Looks: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 eight shades
- Saturated pigment
- Budge-proof
- Easy application
Cons
- Might be difficult to remove
"The waterproof formula is what pushed me to get this eyeliner. It's not self-sharpening, making it tricky to maintain its tip. Still, it effortlessly retains its color even when it's humid, and I always reach for it when anticipating a long day."
16. Best Gel Consistency:Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
The gel-based eyeliner by Bobbi Brown has a waterproof formula, making it the ideal choice for creating those dramatic-looking wings. In addition, its gel consistency allows you to draw sharp, precise lines with just a few strokes. All you need to do is coat the sides of the brush with the brown gel eyeliner and make short, even strokes close to the lash line, starting from the inner corner of the eye, for that glam look.
Pros
- Smudge- and fade-proof
- Suitable for humid areas
- Long-lasting
- Available in multiple shades
Cons
- May not be pure black
- Might dry out if not stored properly
"I've tried almost all shades of this eyeliner, but the black one is my favorite. It's easy to apply, lasts long, and is gentle on my skin. However, I’d recommend screwing the bottle’s cap tightly to keep it from drying out."
17. Best Smudge-Free:Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Retractable Gel Waterproof Eyeliner
The flake- and smudge-free Wet n Wild gel eyeliner has a highly pigmented and fade-proof formula that does not require reapplications as it lasts over sixteen hours. Its pen-like structure and spongy tip enable you to draw sharp and precise lines without tugging on the delicate skin of the eyelids. Moreover, it has a satin-like smooth texture and glides effortlessly on the eyelids. This liner is quick-drying and easy to apply, allowing you to experiment with different looks.
Pros
- Waterproof formula
- Cruelty-free
- Has a retractable casing
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- May be difficult to remove
- May not be humidity-resistant
"This pigmented eyeliner provides a dark, vibrant line with a single swipe. It's also pretty versatile, working well for sharp and blended looks. All in all, it serves me better than pricier alternatives and has become a repeat buy."
How To Choose The Right Gel Eyeliner?
Here are a few pointers to help you choose a quality and long-lasting 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 gray 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which eyeliner is better, gel or liquid?
Gel eyeliners have a thick, waterproof consistency and usually come with a built-in brush applicator for precision. Liquid liners, on the other hand, are highly pigmented and create sharp lines, but they can be difficult for beginners to use.
2. Which is the better eyeliner, pencil or gel?
Pencil eyeliners are easy to use and provide a smudged, smoky look. Gel eyeliners, on the other hand, are smudge-proof and can create sharp and defined lines. The better option depends on the look you are trying to achieve and your personal preference.
3. How do I apply gel eyeliner?
To apply gel eyeliner, use a brush applicator to create the desired line. Start from the outer corner of the eye and press and drag the liner brush to create a thick or thin line, or extend it to achieve a winged eyeliner look.
4. How do I remove gel eyeliner?
To remove gel eyeliner, use a makeup remover that is compatible with the type of gel liner you are wearing. Waterproof gel eyeliners may require oil-infused micellar water to break down the formula.
5. Does gel eyeliner dry out?
Ingredients that make gel liner smudge-proof can make it prone to drying. Thus, to maintain the gel consistency, keep the bottle tightly capped and quickly recap it after each use.
6. Is gel eyeliner easy to use?
Gel liners can be easy to use as they come with a soft brush. The cream-like smooth texture makes it easy to maneuver and create the desired lines.
7. How long does gel eyeliner last?
Waterproof and smudge-proof gel eyeliners can last for several hours or even a whole day. Simone de Vlaming, a Dutch-based beauty expert and beauty blogger, says, “Take an angled brush and lightly dust a matching or translucent eyeshadow over the liner. This not only helps prevent smudging but also intensifies the color and prolongs the wear of your liner.”
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.
Every makeup user needs to own a gel eyeliner for that smokey eye look or undeniable precision. With one in your makeup kit, you can create minimalistic or dramatic eye makeup and instantly offer a pigmented hue without multiple layers. However, with countless options in the beauty market, you may be overwhelmed about which one to choose. Regardless of your choice, ensure that the gel eyeliner is long-lasting and contains blendable and hydrating ingredients such as carnauba wax, vitamin E, jojoba oil, and argan oil. Besides, choose one with a tip that allows you to draw with precision and choose from a vast array of colors that make it perfect for every occasion. Keeping these tips in mind, you can purchase an eyeliner best suited for your unique needs, regardless of whether you’re a beginner in the makeup game or a professional.
Infographic: How To Apply A Gel Liner Like A Pro?
Eyeliner helps enhance the appearance of your eyes and makes the eyes look more dramatic and well-defined. But to achieve such a finish, you must follow the right steps. Look at the infographic below that takes you through the detailed eyeliner application steps. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Recommended Articles:
- Best White Eyeliners
- Best Drugstore Liquid Eyeliners
- Best Waterproof Pencil Eyeliners
- Best Eyeliners For Sensitive Eyes
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