13 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Korean Eyeliners Of 2024
Flaunt a perfect cat-eye or winged look in no time with these amazing Korean eyeliners.
Nyssa GreenMakeup Artist
Nyssa Green is an Emmy award winning makeup artist and a trusted beauty and lifestyle expert with over 20 years of experience. Her diverse portfolio of clients includes celebrities from all walks of life, like Alicia Keys, Bono, Jane Fonda,... more
shalini royMA (English Literature)
Experience: 2 yearsShalini Roy has a Master's degree in English literature from Pondicherry University. She is an ambivert whose expressions have found their way in writing. She channels her passion for all things fashi... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
shatabdi bhattacharyaBSc
Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has work... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Nailing the perfect winged eye or cat eye look is no joke. But some practice and the best Korean eye liners can help you nail them, and many more eye looks with ease. The world has now accepted the wonder that Korean beauty products are! These eyeliners are proof! So, go ahead and check out the 13 best Korean eyeliners for a smudge-free look all day. These products are highly rated by reviewers on various forums, proving their efficacy. Scroll down.
In This Article
13 Best Korean Eyeliners You Must Grab In 2024!
1. Best Waterproof: Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep – 01 Jet Black
The waterproof formula of Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner makes your eye makeup last longer. It comes with a smooth and fine brush that helps you get the perfect flick for the cat-eye look. The black liquid turns matte on drying and gives you smudge-proof lines. It is also waterproof. Many reviewers feel that this popular eyeliner from the Korean beauty brand is suitable for oily skin and monolid eyes.
Pros
- Glides on smoothly
- Flexible brush tip
- Waterproof
- Resistant to tears and sweat
Cons
- Not completely opaque black
- Needs a primer when applied on oily skin
Quick Tip 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,698 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. Best Smudge-Proof Formula: IM UNNY Skinny Fit Slim Eyeliner Pencil
The IM UNNY Skinny Fit Eyeliner Pencil has an ultra-fine 2mm tip that allows you to draw the famous wing accurately. The slim felt tip of the retractable eyeliner glides on effortlessly without tugging and feels silky-soft, delivering exceptional results. The pigmented liner’s advanced formula removes excess sebum and forms a film to keep oil from smudging or smearing your look. Its curing form factor and the quick-dry gel base sticks effortlessly to bring out a bright color for a clean appearance. This eyeliner is available at an affordable price.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- Long-lasting formula
- Ultra-fine tip
- Easy to use and remove
- Highly pigmented
- Quick-dry formula
Cons
- None
"It goes smoothly on my lids and lasts for a long time. I feel the pigment is not very opaque but it does not smudge. It dries quickly on my lids and looks great. Overall, it is a good budget-friendly eyeliner that I would recommend."
Quick Tip 3. Best Long-Lasting: CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner – Brown
The CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner from the Korean makeup brand is a creamy product with a micro precision liner tip. It glides on the eyes for smooth and easy application and long-lasting wear. The twist-up design and smudge-resistant and waterproof formula are ideal for all-day wear. The perfect brown shade adds definition to the eyes, making it ideal for people who want that perfect cat-eye look.
Nyssa Green, an Emmy award winning makeup artist, says, “The brown color is great for someone who wants the drama of a cat eye, but not at the risk of using black”.
Pros
- Soft brown shade
- Smudge-resistant
- Waterproof
- Vibrant color
- Twist-up design
- Easy to remove
Cons
- None
"The liner has a creamy texture that glides easily on my lids. It stays on well even on my watery lids and does not give me raccoon eyes. I reach out to this eyeliner to create both effortless tightlines and sharp wings. The only downside is that the cartridge is slightly wobbly, so careful application is needed."
Quick Tip | Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep – 01 Jet Black Best Waterproof | IM UNNY Skinny Fit Slim Eyeliner Pencil Best Smudge-Proof Formula | CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner - Brown Best Long-Lasting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Jet Black | Red Brown | 02 BROWN |
| Dimensions | 7.2 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches | 0.47 x 0.87 x 4.88 inches | - |
| Weight | 0.16 Ounces | 0.21 Ounces. | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,698 | - | - |
| Price | $13.58 | $9.75 | - |
4. Best Gel Texture: BBIA Last Auto Gel Eyeliner – S3 Rose Brown
BBIA Last Auto Gel Eyeliner has enhanced multi-resistant characteristics that give you the most natural-looking eyeliner look. The gel texture of this statement-making eyeliner glides smoothly on the eyelids. The Friction Zero property of the lead allows you to create the iconic winged eye look in just a few strokes. The sebum and sweat-resistant formula makes this product extra special.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Sweat-resistant
- Sebum-resistant
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
- The ultra-thin 2 mm tip creates precise strokes
Cons
- Fragile tip
"This eyeliner has good staying power. It glides seamlessly on my lids and dries quickly. The best part about using this eyeliner is that it does not react with my sebum and never irritates my eyes."
Quick Tip 5.Best For Casual Wear: TONYMOLY Gel Eyeliner
The exclusive gel-based formula of TONYMOLY Gel Eyeliner gives the precise application of a liquid liner. This statement-making liner comes along with a fine brush that allows easy application. This amazing eyeliner has a smooth formula that dries quickly and is water-resistant.
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
Cons
- None
"This eyeliner has a true black color and it provides smooth application. I can create sharp winged looks with this eyeliner, which is a plus. Although it takes time to dry on my lids, I like that it is long-lasting."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 514 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
6. Best Glossy Finish: Etude House Oh m’Eye Line Waterproof Eyeliner
Etude House Oh m’Eye Line Waterproof Eyeliner contains highly concentrated pigments that offer intense color for the perfect glossy black eyeliner look. Many reviewers agree that the fine applicator brush offers precise strokes and that the eyeliner is smudge-proof and waterproof.
Pros
- Dark black glossy finish
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
Cons
- Requires two strokes for intense color
"I can easily apply this eyeliner on my lids. The pigment dries quickly on my lids, reducing any chance of smudges and it provides a smooth finish. I love how gentle and lightweight it feels."
7. Best Vegan Formula: Antique Alive Merry Monde Multicolor Eyeliner
The Antique Alive Merry Monde Multicolor Eyeliner has an advanced ultra-fine tip that allows excellent control for drawing simple and smooth lines without skips, slides, or gaps and with accurate precision. The rich color is a waterproof, smudge-proof product that stays intact all day but can also be removed easily with makeup remover. This soft eyeliner is sensitive to the eyes and is entirely vegan.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to remove
- Waterproof
- Smudgeproof
- Vegan
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Doesn’t produce thick, bold lines easily
"The fine tip of the eyeliner allows for precise application. The product glides on seamlessly on my lids without flaking or irritating my lash lines. I love that the pigment remains smudge-free throughout its wear time. But, it does dry out quickly."
8. Best Intense Color Payoff: K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner
The K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner is formulated with high water-resistant polymers that give an intense smudge-resistant color. This film-type eyeliner has a fine pen tip that glides generously to create fine, detailed, and precise lines for bold, dramatic looks. The long-lasting liquid eyeliner gives you all-day smudge-proof wear. The darker shade and soft texture of this quality eyeliner make it a popular choice.
Pros
- Glides on smoothly
- Smudge-resistant
- Intense color
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not long-lasting
"I find it easy to apply on my lids and I love that it gives a natural finish. This eyeliner has a deep black color which looks gorgeous. On the downside, the tip becomes blunt after a few applications. Overall, it is a good everyday eyeliner."
9. Best Creamy Texture: COLORGRAM Artist Formula Cream Liner
As the name suggests, this liner from Colorgram glides smoothly on your skin like cream, giving an ultra-fine matte finish. The intense color is a waterproof, smudge-resistant formula that stays put all day long effortlessly. Its full coverage defines your eyes perfectly and is available in 10 shades for creating multiple styles. What’s more? This Korean eyeliner pencil is completely free of animal testing and comes in a reasonable price.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Intense color
- Waterproof
- Available in multiple shades
Cons
- None
"The Colorgram eyeliner applies smoothly to my lids without tugging or irritating my skin. I can draw both fine and thick bold lines with its pointy tip and create versatile looks. I love that the liner is smudge-resistant and lasts me an entire day."
10. Best Natural Looking Finish: The Holika Holika Holi Pop Double Eyelid Liner
The Holika Holika Holi Pop Double Eyelid Liner defines the eyes and leaves them looking natural and long-lasting. The liner contains a smudge-proof and waterproof formula, as well as a microfiber brush that glides effortlessly along the eyelids. This contouring liner combines the characteristics of a double eyelid and an eyeliner. It adheres securely to give your eyes a deep and defined look that enhances the appearance. It gives not only natural-looking dual eyelids but also a wonderful eye appearance with genuine pretarsal fullness. The long-wearing formula is great for Korean eye makeup.
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Long-lasting
- Creamy texture
- Quick-drying
- Intense color
- Waterproof
- Available in multiple shades
Cons
- Expensive
"This eyeliner applies seamlessly and has amazing staying power. It has a flexible tip which I can use to draw fine lines. However, the cool-tone brown pigment appears slightly greenish on my lids."
11. Best For Sensitive Eyes: JOAH Make Her Gel-ous Gel Eyeliner
If you want a waterproof and high-intensity brown color that lasts all day, the JOAH Make Her Gel-ous Gel Eyeliner is the perfect addition to your makeup collection. The creamy formula and precision fine-tip glide smoothly on the eyelids without tugging. The deep brown eyeliner can be used to create subtle lines for a natural look and a bold wing.
Pros
- No-tug formula
- Semi-matte finish
- Long-lasting effect
- Cruelty-free
- Waterproof gel formula
- Self-sharpening
Cons
- May dry up after some time
"This eyeliner goes on smoothly on my lids. Its rich pigment makes my eyes look big and beautiful. However, it fades away quickly on my waterlines. The built-in sharpener is a practical feature."
12. Best 3D Effect: Kayla-ism Super Shiny Eyeliner
The Kayla-ism Super Shiny Eyeliner has a shiny vinyl finish. It is a pen eyeliner with an airtight cap and a flexible brush. Its waterproof formula lasts up to 12 hours and creates an almost 3D effect making your eyes look bigger and more prominent. This waterproof pen eyeliner is also sweatproof and suits the Korean skin tone well. It offers a shiny finish, is perfect for a special occasion, and elevates the actual eye makeup look.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Lasts up to 12 hours
- Bold finish
Cons
- None
13. Best Line Thickness: Etude House Drawing Show Brush Eyeliner
Etude House Drawing Show Brush Eyeliner is one of the best-rated Korean eyeliners. You can draw thin, thick, and long lines with its soft brush. Its formula contains the Perfect Fitting Polymer that is water- and sweat-resistant and keeps your lines looking sharp and fresh all day.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Can adjust the thickness of the lines with the brush
- Easy to wash off
- Water- and sweat-resistant
Cons
- Not waterproof
Korean eyeliners have unique characteristics that distinguish them from others. It makes your eyes pop and gives you a sultry effect and sharp look. Here are a few important things to know before buying the best Korean eyeliners for natural and appealing looks.
How To Select The Best Korean Eyeliners For The Perfect Wings
- Formulation
Look for a Korean eyeliner that is easy to use and glides on smoothly to create the perfect wings and fine lines. The ease of use ensures a natural finish and takes minimal time to create versatile looks.
Choose eyeliners with a waterproof formula as they are resistant to tears and sweat drops and hence do not leave any unwanted smudges or spots. Their long-lasting ability means that these liners need to be put in once in 12 to 24-hours. They are also suitable for people with oily skin. If you have sensitive eyes, go for ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested eyeliners to avoid irritating your eyes.
- Ingredients
The best eyeliners are infused with botanical extracts, vitamin E, and essential oils such as jojoba and argan oil. These enhance and nourish the lashes and the skin. Such natural ingredients make your liners skin-friendly and fit for a simple everyday look. Opt for expert-recommended eyeliners that have a lightweight formula, are gentle, and are soothing on the skin. Avoid harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, paraben, lead, zephiran, and palm wax.
- Finish Type
People have different preferences while applying eyeliners. Some prefer glossy eyelashes while others may go for a matte finish. Carefully choose a Korean eyeliner based on your preferred looks. Glossy liners have highly concentrated pigments while the ones with a matte finish are more subtle. However, apply liners that do not impact your eye sensitivity. Finally, make sure that your eyeliner is easy to wash off and does not leave unnecessary marks.
- Brushes And Tips
The best Korean eyeliners come with a fine brush-tip to create different looks effortlessly. Some liners have an ultra-fine pen for the finest lines and subtle looks. You can also get yourself a dual-ended brush or a smudge brush for more professional application. You may also invest in eyeliners in multiple shimmer shades to create different styles. Some eyeliners create a 3D effect for a bold and glamorous look.
Infographic: How To Draw The Perfect Wings With A Korean Eyeliner
If you want to add drama and sleekness to your makeup look, winged eyes can seal the deal. Creating wings is not easy, especially when you want to draw those elongated and accentuated lines that look just the same on both your eyelids. The infographic below will give you a step-by-step guide on creating wings perfectly. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Korean makeup products are gaining popularity because their quality is great, and they put a unique spin on traditional products and are suitable for all skin types. These eyeliners also have some unique characteristics that make them worth a try. The Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep – 01 Jet Black is suitable for oily skin and monolid eyes, while the CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner in Brown comes with a micro precision liner tip for smooth and effortless application. The K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner is perfect for bold, dramatic looks that stay all day. These eyeliners are reliable, versatile, and can create various eye-catching looks easily. However, it is recommended to go through the reviews before making a purchase. Remember to test the eyeliner that you have chosen on a small patch of your skin before applying it to your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Koreans use liquid or pencil eyeliner more?
Koreans side more with pencil liners as they are easy to apply and allow you to achieve precise eye makeup.
What is the best Korean eyeliner for beginners?
The Clio Kill Black Waterproof Pen Liner is a five-time award-winning Korean eyeliner that has a unique fine tip that enables precise application and glides smoothly on the lids. It is formulated with the carbon black pigment that has the darkest black hue, making it suitable for beginners.
Is there a Korean eyeliner that washes off easily with water?
Yes. The BBIA Last Pen Eyeliner is not a water-resistant formula. It washes off easily with warm water.
How often should Korean eyeliners be replaced?
Replace your Korean eyeliners after six to twelve months of use.
How long do Korean eyeliners last?
Good-quality Korean eyeliners last throughout the day. But, usually, regular ones stay on for 8 to 10 hours.
What happens if I put eyeliner on every day?
If you apply eyeliner daily and often forget to take it off, the product may irritate your eyes and cause swelling.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shalini Roy is a makeup enthusiast and loves trying different makeup products. She is very passionate about reviewing K-beauty eyeliner brands, especially eye makeup products. So, she has browsed many user reviews on trusted online forums to compile this list of the best Korean eyeliners for her readers. The shortlisted products are suitable for different skin types and have smudge-proof formulas.
