11 Best Selling Oil-Free Eyeliners Of 2023
A dramatic flick at the end of a gorgeous cat eye, these eyeliners can do it all.
Jill TurnbullHairstylist
Expertise: Hairdressing
Experience: 47 years
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is... more
Baishali Bhattacharya Certified Image Consultant, Certified In Makeup Artistry
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
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 ... more
Srijita DeCertified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
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 ... more
Madhumati ChowdhuryCertified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 7 years
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Frequently using eyeliners and false lashes can cause issues to your skin and lashes. To avoid that, switch it out for the best oil-free eyeliner. Oil-free eyeliners are a God-send to all us ladies. Since the oil in the eyeliner can break down the glue in the lashes, oil-free eyeliners are a quick-stop solution to your lash disaster. These eyeliners are smudge-proof and provide you with a wide range of looks from simple to glamorous. Here is a curated list of oil-free eyeliners that can help you achieve your perfect look!
In This Article
11 Bestselling Oil-Free Eyeliners Of 2023
1. Best Quick-Drying:Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Gel Eye Liner
Image: Maybelline The Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Gel Eye Liner has a long-lasting, oil-free, and gel-based formula, which is resistant to sebum, tears, sweat, and water. This intense color formula lasts up to 36 hours. It is ophthalmologist-tested, safe to wear with contact lenses, and gentle for daily application. The exclusive liner brush is shaped precisely to give an expert finish and bold pigmentation. The smooth and creamy texture of this gel formula glides along your eyelids with ease and stays intact for long hours. Here’s an honest review of the product.
Pros
- Quick-drying formula
- Sweat-proof
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
- Smooth application
- Easy removal
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- Too thick
2. Best Pigmented:Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Image: Kat Von D Beauty This award-winning eyeliner by Kat Von D is a must-have in your vanity. It comes with a thin felt tip applicator that gives you utmost precision and razor-sharp lines.This liner delivers impeccable pigmentation and stays put for a long time. The richly pigmented formula glides on easily, is smudge-proof, and does not fade throughout the day. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Richly pigmented
- All-day wear
- Smudge-proof
- Water-resistant
- Fine tip
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply and remove
- Fade-resistant
- Non-irritating
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
3. Best Hypoallergenic:Honest Beauty Liquid Liner
Image: Honest Beauty This premium eyeliner by Honest Beauty is fortified with essential plant-derived ingredients. The oil-free formula is super smooth and glides seamlessly onto your eyelids, and gives a satin-smooth finish. The liquid liner comes with a flexible wand that gives you precise control over the application. Its jet-black color stays put for up to 8 long hours without flaking and transferring. It has no flaking and no transferring formula that is hypoallergenic formula is suitable for all skin types to give professional quality results. This video will help you understand the product better.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Longwear formula
- Flake-free
- Transfer-resistant
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Flexible tip
- PEG-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrochemicals-free
- Carbon-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Smears easily
4. Best Long-Wearing:Almay Intense i-Color
Add intensity and drama to your eyes with the Almay Intense i-Colour. The easy-to-apply hypoallergenic liquid eyeliner contains vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant. It helps condition and nourish the delicate skin around the eyelids. The smooth formula glides easily, and the mess-free applicator ensures that your eyeliner gives precise lines and you’re on point! The oil-free formula is smudge-proof and water-resistant. This eyeliner is available in four different colors – black amethyst, the black pearl, black lesson, and black topaz.
Pros
- Longwear formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Water-resistant
- Easy application
- Fragrance-free
- Value for money
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not richly-pigmented
5. Best Flake-Proof:Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner
Image: Smashbox This oil-free kohl liner by Smashbox is richly pigmented and gives an intense black matte finish on application. It has a unique cap that sharpens the tip automatically with every twist to maintain the precise tip. This helps create well-defined strokes that accentuate your eyes. The creamy formula dries up instantly and is waterproof and smudge-proof.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Longwear formula
- Flake-proof
- Richly pigmented
- Easy application
- Value for money
- Smudge-proof
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Expensive
6. Best Smudge-Proof:Too Faced Better Than Sex Liquid Eyeliner
Image: Too Faced The Too Faced Better Than Sex Liquid Eyeliner comes with a dual-fiber brush that creates a fluid, sharp, and smudge-proof line with every stroke. The water-resistant formula is infused with ultra-rich deep, black pigments for a bold look and stays put for up to 24 hours.
Pros
- Smooth application
- Longwear formula
- Quick-drying
- Flake-proof
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- Smooth texture
- Easy removal
Cons
- Expensive
7. Best For Bold Looks:LLBA Liquid Eyeliner
Image: Llba Professional Get your hands on the ultimate liquid liner – the LLBA Liquid Liner! The high-performance eyeliner stays on for up to 12 hours. Its pen-shaped ultra-thin tip lets you draw those precise strokes effortlessly. Its gel-based formula dries quickly which is ideal for bold, dramatic, and artistic looks. The waterproof formula is highly pigmented but is also easy to remove using a makeup remover. It is vegan and doesn’t budge!
Pros
- Super long-lasting formula
- Ultra-thin tip for precise application
- Vegan
- Waterproof
- Easy to remove
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
8. Best For Easy Application:bareMinerals Lash Domination Ink Liner
Be it a dramatic winged look, a classic cat-eye, or a subtle eyeliner look-the bareMinerals Lash Domination Ink Liner gives you utmost precision with just a single sweep. The well-designed felt tip allows you to create a thin, medium, or thick line with ease. The formula is smudge-free, waterproof, non-feathering, and transfer-proof. The non-drying formula accentuates the eye and is easy to apply and remove.
Pros
- Non-drying formula
- Longwear
- Smooth texture
- Easy-glide
- Easy removal
- Smudge-free
- Waterproof
- Transfer-resistant
- Value for money
Cons
None
9. Best Dermatologist-Approved:Vasanti Kajal Extreme Intense Eyeliner
Image: Vasanti Cosmetics The Vasanti Kajal Extreme Intense Eyeliner has a creamy formula, and has a built-in sharpener and smudger to help you create different eye makeup looks. This defining liner is waterproof, fast-drying, and stays for up to 8 hours. The formula offers high-definition color in a single swipe and dries into a velvety, matte finish. The color sets after 30 seconds allowing you ample time to smudge it and create a smokey effect. This kajal is available in two different shades – charcoal brown and intense black.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- Creamy formula
- Matte-finish
- Dermatologist approved
- Vegan
- GMO-free
- Triclosan-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive eyes
10. Best For Sensitive Skin:Beauty Garde Oil-Free Liquid Eyeliner
This Beauty Garde Oil-Free Liquid Eyeliner has a unique flocked tip applicator that gives you professional precision. The eyeliner is smudge-proof, water-resistant, delivers a richly pigmented color, and stays put all day. The easy-to-apply formula lets you nail different eyeliner looks in a jiffy. It is non-irritating, safe for sensitive eyes and skin, and easy to remove.
Pros
- Richly-pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- Easy to apply
- Non-irritating
- Paraben-free
- Carmine-free
- Carbonate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Feels sticky on extensions
11. Best Cruelty-Free:Essence Long-Lasting Eye Pencil
Image: Essence Cosmetics Let your eyes speak with the Essence Long-lasting Eye Pencil. It is a smudge-proof formula that glides effortlessly to give a glamorous look. The eye pencil can be used to create versatile looks, from casual to dramatic smokey eyes. It has an ultra-slim tip that allows precise application and creates subtle lines to give you a classy look. Plus, it is waterproof and dermatologically tested, so you can enjoy long-lasting wear without worrying about irritation.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Idea for daily use
- Skin-friendly
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Acetone-free
- Perfume-free
Cons
None
Oil-free eyeliners are good for nailing that perfect eye makeup every time, especially if you’re wearing lash extensions. But, before getting your hands on any of the eyeliners mentioned in the above list, read the section given below to make the correct choice.
The Things To Consider Before Buying An Oil-Free Eyeliner
Here are a few factors to consider when investing in an oil-free eyeliner:
1. Texture
Whether you choose a liquid, gel, or pencil eyeliner, make sure your oil-free formulation goes on smoothly and does not tug on your lashes or eyelids. If they do, your eyelashes can end up falling out!
2. Ingredients
The skin around your eyes is more sensitive than any other part of your body. Thus, when choosing an oil-free eyeliner, always look for a gentle formula that doesn’t irritate your eyes. Avoid products with synthetic preservatives, essential oils, and alcohol. They may irritate the skin around the eyes. Instead, go for products with natural extracts.
3. Longevity
If the eyeliner does not stay for long and smudges, it will ruin your whole look. So always check if the products are smudge-proof, waterproof, flake-proof, and stay for at least 8-hours.
4. Type Of Applicator
All eyeliners come with felt-tip applicators, except the kohl eyeliner pencils. The applicators that come with gel eyeliners are usually a bit thick, while the ones with liquid eyeliners are thin and are meant for high precision application. You may also buy pen-like eyeliners for better grip and easy application. Choose any of these depending on your ease of use.
Hairstylist Jill Turnbull says, “For those taking their first enchanting steps into the world of eyeliners, selecting the right applicator is of utmost importance. Pencils or felt-tip pens shall be your companions, offering ease of use and that coveted control over your creation.”
5. Price
Make sure you select a product that is of premium quality and justifies the price. If you end up going for cheaper options, you might be stuck with an ineffective formula.
6. Color
The final yet most important thing that you want to decide is the color of eyeliner you want. You can choose the good ol’ black liner for everyday use. But, if you want your eyes to stand out, especially on special occasions, go for different colors.
Infographic: Tips To Make Your Eyeliner Smudge-Proof
Smudged eye makeup can make you look like a raccoon. If you have been facing this issue for quite some time, we suggest switching to an oil-free eyeliner that has longer staying power than ordinary eyeliner and does not budge a bit. If you have been wondering how to use these oil-free eyeliners, check out the infographic below for tips. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
The Bottom Line
When your skin type is oily, you must opt for makeup products that can control excess oil while looking non-cakey. The oil-free eyeliners in the market are smudge-free and resistant to sweat, oil, and tears. The Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Gel Eye Liner offers a smooth application and is ideal for creating various eyeliner looks, while the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner comes with a fine brush tip that allows you to achieve the perfect winged eyeliner look. The Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner has a precise tip and is perfect for tightlining and waterlining. You can opt for these eyeliners during important events, especially during the summer season. The highly-pigmented formula keeps your eyeliners intact for long hours. However, while choosing an oil-free eyeliner, you should check out whether they are too drying, or prone to forming cracks and creases on the skin surrounding your eyes.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author of this article, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She knows that some products, like eyeliners, are made with oil bases that can ruin your fake lashes. She went online and studied many products, their ingredients, and reviews on different forums to bring you this exclusive list of oil-free eyeliners. These come with benefits such as smooth application, easy removal, high color payoff, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if an eyeliner is oil-free?
Most eyeliners mention it on the packaging if their formulas are oil-free. But always check if your eyeliner is easy to remove with a little warm water. If yes, your eyeliner has an oil-free formula.
Why are oil-free eyeliners great to use with false lashes?
Oil-free eyeliners are great to use with false lashes and extensions as they have no oil to break down the glue in the falsies. This helps your extensions and falsies stay in place for longer hours.
Which type of oil-free eyeliner is the best choice for beginners?
Look for easy-to-use, beginner-friendly formulas that glide effortlessly on the lids. For example, the bareMinerals Lash Domination Ink Liner.
How do you apply an oil-free eyeliner?
Follow the given steps to get that perfect eyeliner looks every time.
Step 1: Get close to a mirror with enough light and position yourself to get steady.
Step 2: Draw out the outer edges of the eyes to match them in length and width.
Step 3: Trace a line from the outer corner of your eyes to the inner corners to complete the look. Stay as close to the root as possible. You can thicken the line with successive layering.
Pro Tip: Curl your toes to prevent your hands from getting shaky.
Can we put eyeliner on the bottom lid?
Yes, you can put eyeliner on the bottom lid, but ensure to keep it thin as a thick liner on the bottom lids makes your eyes look smaller and heavy set.
Can I use oil-free eyeliner everyday?
Yes, you can use an oil-free eyeliner every day. Make sure that the product is lightweight, non-toxic, and easy to remove.
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