11 Best Drugstore Colored Eyeliners As Per A MUA – 2024

Let only colors be on your eyes and worry not about spending too much.

Reviewed by Krystal Brinson, Professional Makeup Artist Krystal Brinson Krystal BrinsonProfessional Makeup Artist facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English) linkedin_icon
Edited by , MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Fact-checked by , MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on
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Eyeliners can define your eyes and draw attention to them. Naturally, you need some of the best of the kind to make your eyes look lustrous and beautiful. Some drugstore brands have come up with great formulae to suit your needs and help you create a wide range of looks. Apart from the classic black shade, beauty bloggers are creating different unique looks with the best colored eyeliners. In this article, we have curated a list of the 11 best drugstore colored eyeliners for you. Take a peek.

Top Picks
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Best For Contact Lens Wearers: Rimmel Scandal Eyes 24HR - Brown
Price on Amazon
Best Ophthalmologist-Tested: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner - Teal
Price on Amazon
Best Smudge-Resistant: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner
Price on Amazon
Best Affordable: Wonder X Magical Halo Eyeliner Set
Price on Amazon
Best Color Payoff: Covergirl Perfect Blend – Smoky Taupe
Price on Amazon
Best Waterproof: stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid EyeLiner
Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Eyes: Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner – Deep Chestnut
Price on Amazon
Best High-Pigmented Formula: Julep When Pencil Met Gel Sharpenable Multi-Use Longwear Eyeliner Pencil
Price on Amazon
Best Ultra-Creamy Formula: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Price on Amazon
Best For Brown Eyes: Face Canada Ultime Pro Long Wear Eye Pencil – Forest Green
Price on Amazon

11 Best Drugstore Colored Eyeliners According To Reviews

1. Best For Contact Lens Wearers: Rimmel Scandal Eyes 24HR – Brown

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4.2
Rimmel Scandal Eyes 24HR – Brown Image: Rimmel

The smudge-proof and heat-proof formula of the Rimmel Scandal Eyes makes it a makeup essential you need every day. This versatile eyeliner offers high-intensity color and glides smoothly on the lids, owing to its ultra-smooth and creamy texture. The brown-colored eyeliner offers rich pigment and 24-hour stay with a beautiful matte metallic finish. It is tested by an ophthalmologist to be suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes. This video will provide you with added insights and a tester’s experience with the product.

Product Dimensions: 1.88 x 0.38 x 7.37 inches | Weight: 0.32 Ounces

Pros

  • Glides smoothly
  • Easy to use
  • Smudge-proof
  • Sweat-proof
  • Heat-proof
  • Suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes

Cons

  • Not waterproof

protip_icon Quick Tip
If you have monolids, you have the perfect canvas for a floating liner look. Just draw a line above the crease, following the shape of the lash line. Brown does especially well for a fall or nude look.

2. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner – Teal

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4.5
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner – Teal Image: Revlon

If you are looking to dive into a pool for swimming or a pool party, the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner is your bae. The classic pencil eyeliner lasts up to 24 hours, and its creamy texture glides easily, blends effortlessly. A smooth liner reduces irritation to the eyes and also appears more pigmented. The vibrant and playful shade will glam up your look for every occasion. This drugstore colored eyeliner comes with a built-in sharpener to deliver sharp and precise lines. Take a look at this video to know more about the product and the reviewer’s experience with it.

Color: Sapphire.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Goes on smooth
  • Ophthalmologist-tested
  • Ultra-soft tip
  • Dual-ended smudger
  • Built-in sharpener

Cons

  • Hard to remove

3. Best Smudge-Resistant: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner

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4.2
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner Image: L'oreal Paris

The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner is a long-wearing eyeliner that provides precise application and waterproof wear. The formula of this waterproof eyeliner is designed to resist smudging, transferring, and fading, ensuring a long-lasting, bold look that is easy to remove, making it an ideal choice for busy days or special occasions. This statement-making no-transfer eyeliner features a felt tip applicator that glides smoothly and precisely along the lash line, allowing easy application and control. The tip of the long-lasting colored liner is fine and flexible, making it easy to create a variety of looks, from a thin line to a bold, dramatic wing.

Color: Blue | Product Dimensions: 5.34 x 0.39 x 5.34 inches | Weight: 0.03 Ounces.

Pros

  • Ophthalmologist tested
  • Long-lasting
  • Waterproof formula
  • Highly pigmented
  • Easy to use
  • Goes on smooth
  • Suitable for sensitive eyes

Cons

  • May dry out easily
Rimmel Scandal Eyes 24HR - Brown
Best For Contact Lens Wearers
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner - Teal
Best Ophthalmologist-Tested
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner
Best Smudge-Resistant
Dimensions 1.88 x 0.38 x 7.37 inches - 5.34 x 0.39 x 5.34 inches
Weight 0.32 Ounces- 0.03 Ounces.
Color- Sapphire. Blue
Rating
Reviews---
Price$2.69$5.49$8.99

4. Best Affordable: Wonder X Magical Halo Eyeliner Set

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4

This pack includes 12 assorted colors – black, brown, coffee, pink, wine red, red, white, gray, blue, dark blue, green, and olive green. The multipurpose eyeliners can be used as lip liners, eyebrow pencils, highlighters, and eyeshadows. You can apply this dermatologist-tested eyeliner directly and get colorful eye makeup suitable for birthday parties, weddings, and banquets.

Color: Black

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Multipurpose
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Affordable
  • Travel-friendly
  • Non-toxic

Cons

  • May cause eye irritation

5. Best Color Payoff: Covergirl Perfect Blend – Smoky Taupe

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4.4

The Cover Girl Perfect Blend adds a strip of intensely pigmented color to your eyes and has long-staying power. The smoky taupe color blends well and gives you an amazing look. The soft textured liner glides easily without skipping or tucking in between. According to the reviews online, this eyeliner is the best choice to create a refined look and draw precise lines with a pop of color.

Color: Smoky Taupe 130 | Product Dimensions: 1.88 x 0.41 x 5.63 inches | Weight: 0.28 Ounces

Pros

  • Blends perfectly
  • Glides easily
  • Long-lasting
  • Soft smudger
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • No built-in sharpener

protip_icon Quick Tip
Pair this eyeliner shade with black and white liners in separate lines for a creative buildable color layered look. Start with black just above the lashes, followed by the Smoky Taupe on top of it, and the white almost at the crease.

6. Best Waterproof: stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid EyeLiner

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4.4
stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid EyeLiner Image: Stila Stay

The stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a high-quality, long-lasting liquid eyeliner that is designed to provide precise and sharp lines. The liquid formula is crease-resistant, waterproof, and smudge-proof. It is ideal for all-day wear and even for activities that may cause sweat or water exposure. The brush tip of the liquid liner is flexible and tapered to provide maximum control and precision, making it easy to create a range of different eyeliner styles, from thin and natural to bold and dramatic. Its stay-all-day original waterproof and dual-ended features won it the 2020 Allure Reader’s Choice Award and the 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Award.

Color: Snow | Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.25 x 0.75 inches | Weight: 0.32 Ounces

Pros

  • Lasts all day long
  • Smudge-proof
  • Easy to use
  • Quick-drying
  • Dual-ended

Cons

  • Maybe streaky
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 24,980 rave reviews on Amazon.

7. Best For Sensitive Eyes: Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner – Deep Chestnut

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4.1

The innovative Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner delivers a perfect eye look just in one stroke. This timeless beauty product glides smoothly on the lids without tugging or pulling. This drugstore colored eyeliner offers rich pigmentation and 24-hour stay.

Color: 140 Deep Chestnut | Product Dimensions: 1.63 x 0.44 x 5.75 inches | Weight: 0.37 Ounces.

Pros

  • Fade-proof
  • Built-in sharpener
  • Glides smoothly
  • Ophthalmologist-tested
  • Suitable for sensitive eyes
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free

Cons

  • Not waterproof

8. Best High-Pigmented Formula: Julep When Pencil Met Gel Sharpenable Multi-Use Longwear Eyeliner Pencil

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4.1
Julep When Pencil Met Gel Sharpenable Multi-Use Longwear Eyeliner Pencil Image: Julep

The Julep When Pencil Met Gel Sharpenable Multi-Use Longwear Eyeliner Pencil is a high-performance eyeliner that delivers rich, intense color that lasts all day. According to reviewers, it has a highly pigmented composition that offers you the most vibrant look. It has a proprietary wax blend that glides without tugging, and high-performance polymers that last for 10+ hours. The gel liner pencil can be sharpened, enabling precise application and control. The colorful Eyeliner Pencil is available in 20 + matt and shimmering bold shades, so you can find the perfect color to match your style and mood. Whether you’re looking to create a subtle daytime look or a bold, dramatic effect, this eyeliner is the perfect tool to help you achieve it.

Color: 11 Camo Green Matte

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Vibrant
  • Easy to use
  • Glides easily
  • Water-proof
  • Ophthalmologist tested

Cons

  • Difficult to sharpen

9. Best Ultra-Creamy Formula: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

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4.4
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil Image: Urban Decay

The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil collection is unquestionably one of the brand’s most famous and well-known products. It has 38 pigment-rich vibrant colors and 5 distinct eyeliner finishes, including matte, shimmer, glitter, satin, and metallic. The eye pencil’s creamy, blendable consistency glides on the skin smoothly before drying into a matte finish to create a fade-resistant, waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner. It contains 50% moisturizing ingredients like cottonseed oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. If you’re an eyeliner fan, this is a pencil you should have in your arsenal. However, consider conducting a patch test before applying the bright eyeliner to avoid potential allergic reactions.

Color: Psychedelic Sister (bright purple cream).

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Vibrant
  • Easy to use
  • Waterproof
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan formula

Cons

  • Not suitable for contact lens wearers
  • Can’t be sharpened

10. Best For Brown Eyes: Face Canada Ultime Pro Long Wear Eye Pencil – Forest Green

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4.1
Face Canada Ultime Pro Long Wear Eye Pencil – Forest Green Image: Facescanada

Try this eye pencil from Faces Canada to create your signature eye look. It glides easily and stays put all day. This no smudging, long-wearing eyeliner is easy to blend and helps you create a clean and defined eye-enhancing look. The glide-on formula of pencil liner provides exceptional and intense color payoff.

Color: Forest Green | Product Dimensions: 0.39 x 0.39 x 5.31 inches | Weight: 0.04 Ounces

Pros

  • Intense color payoff
  • Waterproof
  • Goes on smooth
  • Long-lasting
  • Paraffin-free
  • Ophthalmologist-tested
  • Dermatologically tested

Cons

  • The soft tip breaks easily.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Pair this green eyeliner with a blue one for a mermaid look. Cover your lids with nude, shimmery eyeshadow. Then, pick one of the two eyeliner colors for the lower lash line and another for the upper one.

11. Best Long-Lasting: e.l.f No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

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4.4
e.l.f No Budge Retractable Eyeliner Image: E.l.f

The e.l.f No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a high-quality, waterproof, and long-lasting, that provides rich color and precise lines that won’t smudge, budge, or fade throughout the day. It is simple to apply without pulling or tugging at your eyelids, thanks to the formula’s smoothness and creaminess. The eyeliner’s retractable form makes it simple and practical to carry everywhere. If you are looking for a dramatic, intense look that lasts all day, choose this eyeliner. Remember to conduct a patch test before applying the product to avoid harmful reactions.

Color: Coffee | Product Dimensions: 0.39 x 6.89 x 1.18 inches | Weight: 0.32 Ounces.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Waterproof
  • Vegan
  • Affordable
  • Cruelty-free
  • Lasts all day long
  • Phthalate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Nonylphenol-free
  • Ethoxylate-free
  • Triclosan-free
  • Triclocarban-free
  • Hydroquinone-free

Cons

  • The tip may be fragile.
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

It is a common notion that drugstore products may not be as efficient as those from bigger brands. However, this is not true. To find a good eyeliner that does not cause irritation or side effects and lets you create desired looks, there are certain factors that you should consider. They are mentioned below.

What To Look For In A Drugstore Colored Eyeliner

  • Shade

Drugstore-colored eyeliners are available in multiple trendy shades, from black to brown to blue to green. You can choose any shade to add to your makeup routine that complement your skin, eye color, and your dresses. Gray, green, and brown eyeliners are usually suitable for fair skin tones. Maroon and bronze shades perfectly blend with medium skin tones, while shimmery shades like gold and silver look best on deep skin tones.

  • Pigmentation

Look for a drugstore color eyeliner that is highly pigmented. The higher the pigmentation, the better and richer the color.

  • Smoothness

Opt for an expert-recommended eyeliner that has a smooth application and creamy texture. This ensures that it glides smoothly on the eyelids without tugging or pulling.

  • Sharpener

A pencil eyeliner needs to be sharpened for a perfect line. Therefore, purchase an expertly crafted liner that has a built-in sharpener so that the sharpening is precise so that you get a pointy end without losing much product.

Getting the perfect look that you desire may take a lot of experience. But there are a few more factors that you can take care of to make the end result a treat to the eyes. Let’s get the basics covered. Read the section below.

How To Apply Colored Eyeliner – Tips And Tricks

  • Prep Your Eyes

This is the first and foremost step for applying a colored eyeliner perfectly. Moisturize your face after cleansing it with normal water. Apply eye cream around your eyes to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. It also helps in reducing the redness around your eyes.

  • Prime

The next step is to apply a very small amount of primer on the eyelid and under and around your eyes. This step helps you achieve an even and clean base so that you can apply the liner effortlessly. It also helps keep the liner in place for a long time without smudging.

  • Line Out

Here comes the trickiest part. You can use any type of liner you wish. A pencil liner is very beginner-friendly. Unlike liquid or gel formula, pencil liners glide on smoothly without tugging, even with a shaky hand. Start with the line just above your lashes. Make a thin line at the start and build it up any time as your wish.

  • Wing Your Eyes

Now that you have a clean and precise basic liner, extend the line from your lower lash line. Draw the line first and fill it in suitably.

  • Final Touch

Once you are satisfied with your wing shape, proceed with connecting the wing to your lash line. You can apply some mascara and eyeshadow to give the perfect look for your eyes.

The Bottom Line

All drugstore-colored eyeliners mentioned in our list are lightweight and long-lasting. The Rimmel Scandal Eyes 24HR – Brown is safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes, while the stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid EyeLiner allows precise application and does not crease. If you want a fade-resistant formula that keeps your eyelids moisturized, the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is ideal for you. Whether it is a liquid eyeliner or pencil eyeliner, they all glide smoothly and give a classic eye look. From natural eyes to smoky eyes look, colored eyeliners can boost every makeup look. They blend well effortlessly in no time. Pick your favorite from the above list and level up your fashion game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I get a drugstore eyeliner formula in my eye?

If a drugstore eyeliner gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes immediately with some tap water. Make sure that you do it properly or else it may cause an eye infection.

Can I use a drugstore eyeliner to fill in my eyebrows?

Yes. You can use a drugstore eyeliner to define your eyebrows and then shade them with a mascara or eyeshadow.

Where should you not apply colored eyeliner?

Do not apply eyeliner on the bottom lashes since eyeliners are prone to smudging. If you do want to apply colored eyeliner on the bottom lashes, use either a gel or powder liner and not a liquid one.

Is it better to wear colored eyeliner on top or bottom?

Wear your eyeliner on the top lid for a more youthful and defined look.

Is brown or black eyeliner better for brown eyes?

Both brown and black eyeliner look great on brown eyes. They add definition to the eyes while offering a sleek look.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is a certified expert in makeup artistry. She believes eyeliners can bring up your glam quotient in just a matter of seconds. She has sifted through numerous user reviews online and curated this list of the best colored eyeliners that are available at your neighborhood drugstore. They provide ultra-rich quality and style to your look without burning a hole in your pocket.

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Krystal Brinson
Krystal BrinsonProfessional Makeup Artist
Krystal is a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in makeup artistry. She has over four years of experience in makeup and skin care, Her services include bridal makeup, dry hairstyling, natural glam looks, spa facials, and one-on-one and group makeup lessons.

Read full bio of Krystal Brinson
Baishali Bhattacharya
Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Srijita De
Srijita DeCommerce Writer
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

Read full bio of Srijita De
Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury