11 Best Drugstore Colored Eyeliners As Per A MUA – 2024
Let only colors be on your eyes and worry not about spending too much.
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.
In This Article
11 Best Drugstore Colored Eyeliners According To Reviews
1. Best For Contact Lens Wearers: Rimmel Scandal Eyes 24HR – Brown
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.
Pros
- Glides smoothly
- Easy to use
- Smudge-proof
- Sweat-proof
- Heat-proof
- Suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes
Cons
- Not waterproof
2. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner – Teal
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Multipurpose
- Dermatologist-tested
- Affordable
- Travel-friendly
- Non-toxic
Cons
- May cause eye irritation
5. Best Color Payoff: Covergirl Perfect Blend – Smoky Taupe
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.
Pros
- Blends perfectly
- Glides easily
- Long-lasting
- Soft smudger
- Water-resistant
Cons
- No built-in sharpener
6. Best Waterproof: stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid EyeLiner
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.
Pros
- Lasts all day long
- Smudge-proof
- Easy to use
- Quick-drying
- Dual-ended
Cons
- Maybe streaky
7. Best For Sensitive Eyes: Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner – Deep Chestnut
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Pros
- Intense color payoff
- Waterproof
- Goes on smooth
- Long-lasting
- Paraffin-free
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- The soft tip breaks easily.
11. Best Long-Lasting: e.l.f No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
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.
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.
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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