The best gel eyeliners bridge the gap between liquid liners and their crayon counterparts, swapping the crumbling, smudging, and creasing for a smooth, pigmented, and long-lasting line every time. Gel eyeliners go on super creamy, giving you time to blend, blur, and fine-tune your vibe before setting into place for hours of no-budge wear, meaning lots of room for play without risking those dreaded raccoon eyes. Take your pick between pencils and pots, mattes and metallics, blacks and brights—no matter what, you’re in for a treat. We tapped makeup artists and editors to get the low down on their favorites and what makes the best gel eyeliners so dang good. Scroll on, swipe on, and thank us later.
Our Top Gel Eyeliners
- Best Overall: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner, $20
- Best Black: Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil, $29
- Best Pot: Jones Road Gel Liner, $32
- Best Shades: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, $23
- Best Waterproof: Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner, $24
- Best Long-Wearing: Bobbi Long-Wear Smudge-Proof Gel Eyeliner, $36
- Best for Sensitive Eyes: Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner, $26
- Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner, $11
- Most Versatile: MAC Fluidline Eyeliner & Brow Gel, $23
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner
Why it's worth it: Kulfi Beauty's Underlined Kajal Eyeliner is super pigmented, super smooth, super Best of Beauty-winning, and super no-budge—via a formula inspired by the rich, gleamy hues of South Asian textiles. Makeup artist Amrita Mehta is among the gel pencil's many devotees, telling Allure that the vitamin E- and aloe vera-enriched liner "glides on with ease but will set and stay in place after 30 seconds or so," giving you just enough time to smudge and blend before locking in for the long haul. You can use this liner on your lids, artfully smudging with a brush or clean finger, or your waterline for a more sultry, nighttime look.
Tester feedback: "Just a few quick strokes are all I need to define my eyes with Kulfi's pigmented eyeliner (no wonder it's an Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning formula)," commerce writer Jen Hussein says. “A quick tip: for a longer-lasting, budge-proof look, I wipe my waterline with a Q-tip, then swipe on this liner, and finally use a black eye shadow powder as a tinted setting powder of sorts. It never fails to keep smudging at bay.”
Shades: 8 | Finish: matte | Waterproof? yes
Best Black: Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil
Why it's worth it: A deep black, blendable liner that actually stays put on your waterline? Basically a unicorn. That's why Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil is such a keeper. You can count on this formula for eight hours of wear, no dragging as you sweep it across your lid or line, and plenty of depth all the while (opt for a soft matte or smooth metallic finish). The magic happens when it dries down to a liquid-like finish, meaning you can rock sharply angled swaths of pigment or a messy-chic smoky swipe sans smudging.
Tester feedback: "Tightlining is probably the number one trick I learned over the years that completely transformed my eye makeup routine. My eyes are big and round, so adding a bit of black liner to my upper waterline makes my lashes look thicker, and my eyes look a bit more narrowed and less doe-like," says commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann. “I've tried my fair share of liners, and the Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel liners are, unsurprisingly, the gold standard. It's miraculous how long they last against my very watery eyes, and they're so versatile that I can easily execute a range of looks with just one pencil. I'm using Extreme Black in the photos above because ILD (I love drama), but Blk Coffee is also a great option for a more natural finish.”
Shades: 5 | Finish: pearlescent, matte | Waterproof? no
Best Pot: Jones Road Gel Liner
Why it's worth it: Uncap your inner artist with the effortlessly-pro pot of Jones Road's Gel Liner. Unlike the twist-ups or felt tips in your makeup pouch, this liner is housed in a little glass pot, best paired with an angled, firm-bristle brush (sold separately) for ultimate control. Use the brush's edge for a fine, lash-hugging line, or flip to the flat side to lay down bold, graphic strokes—perfect for hooded lids. Because this water-resistant gel is so juicy, make sure the lid is screwed on super tight during and after use so it doesn't dry out.
Tester feedback: "If you're a gel liner newbie, this could be the one for you," says content director Kara McGrath. “The formula is so creamy that it makes it almost impossible to mess up, especially if you use the brand's ultra-thin brush to apply it. I like adding a thin line of the Brown shade to my upper lids on days when I want to add just a little bit more oomph to my everyday makeup look.”
Shades: 4 | Finish: creamy | Waterproof? no, water-resistant
Best Waterproof: Stila Stay All Day Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Why it's worth it: The malleable, metallic gel formula behind Stila's Stay All Day Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner is a favorite of Miami-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher. We love it when "waterproof" doesn't mean crumbly, and "smudge" doesn't mean "I am half raccoon, half woman"—and thankfully, this liner delivers. No matter how much you sweat (eyelid sweat—an underrated genre of sweat) or shimmy, this formula stays put. It's safe on sensitive eyes and comes in a sweet shade range, including hues like silver, plum, and verdant green.
Tester feedback: "Gel eyeliner and I are basically lovers at this point, so believe me when I say I know what makes for a great eyeliner—and Stila's recently-released gel eyeliner shades have it all," says news editor Nicola Dall'Asen. “This twist-up pencil is soft and full-impact, making it quick and easy to apply with full impact in tight line and corners. It dries down quickly and lasts right up until the point you take makeup remover to it. My favorite shade, Silver Lining, is the perfect gunmetal gray that I'd been yearning to have in my collection for years.”
Shades: 10 | Finish: creamy | Waterproof? yes
Most Precise: Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: Complete with a petite, built-in sharpener-smudger, Kosas’s Soulglazer Eyeliner is your go-to for smooth, precise, and no-fuss application across your corneal canvas—if you will (and you don’t have to). This gel-pencil hybrid is infused with hyaluronic acid for a hydrating, ultra-creamy glide, so there’s no skipping, tugging, or dryness. Sharpen it to a thumb-tack taper for sharp lines, or keep it blunt for a grungy, lived-in smudge tons of color payoff. The shade range covers matte and satin finishes, meaning there’s something for every look.
Tester feedback: “I use this eyeliner in a sort-of-unconventional way: I smudge it on my lower lash line and take an eye shadow brush to buff it out and create a smoky effect,” says shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. “Then using my almond-shaped acrylics, I wing it out. There's no worry of smudging—even if I cry, it lasts.”
Shades: 9 | Finish: satin, matte | Waterproof? yes
Best Long-Wearing: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Smudge-Proof Gel Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: Another potted pigment we’d go to battle for? Bobbi Brown’s creamy, inky, and totally smudgeless Long-Wear Smudge Proof Gel Eyeliner. When paired with the brand’s flat, round-tipped liner brush, each swipe flexes seamlessly between bold strokes and sharp edges with just a bit of pressure and angle adjustment. You can count on eight hours of wear, but don’t be surprised when it lasts even longer. And while handling an eyeliner brush may seem intimidating, we think it actually makes application smoother and easier than many of its peers.
Tester feedback: “Bougie as it makes me sound, the truth is I wore the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Smudge-Proof Gel Eyeliner every day in eighth and ninth grade,” shares contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman. “While everything else about my aesthetic at 13 and 14 was questionable, my eyeliner literally always looked good, and this pot and brush were why.”
Shades: 5 | Finish: inky | Waterproof? yes
Shades: 8 | Finish: creamy | Waterproof? yes
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: Ilia’s Clean Line Gel Eyeliner is a sight for sensitive eyes. “It swaps carbon black—a common irritant—for charcoal powder, making it a gentler option for sensitive eyes,” says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Michigan. That means you still get a rich, plush color payoff with a soft, malleable finish but none of the itch. The budge-proof formula sets quickly, so get blending straight away to ensure the formula dries down to your liking. You can also play with pressure—a light hand gives a blurred, diffused effect, while a heavier hand delivers bold, opaque definition.
Shades: 2 | Finish: soft | Waterproof? no, water-resistant
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner
Why it's worth it: The Best of Beauty-winning L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner is a drugstore aisle-maker. Smudge-resistant, waterproof, and holdfast for up to 36 hours, this liner delivers even definition with every flick of the pencil. Equipped with a built-in sponge-smudger for an easy smokey-eye and a sharpener to keep things precise, it's as versatile as it is long-lasting. Go for classic black or brown, or experiment with bolder hues like a rich turquoise or bright white.
Tester feedback: "The glide on this liner is the perfect balance: It doesn't drag and pull, but it's also not so slippery that you know the color is going to smush around all over your lid," says contributing editor Marci Robin.
Shades: 8 | Finish: creamy | Waterproof? yes
Most Versatile: MAC Fluidline Eyeliner & Brow Gel
Why it's worth it: MAC's Pro Longwear Fluidline Eyeliner & Brow Gel is for novices and experts alike, according to makeup artist Robin Black, who says: "If you're new to the game, this [eyeliner] is a good one to start with." This long-wearing gel sits snugly in a little glass pot, delivering the sleekness of a liquid liner without any of the bleeding or creasing you might get from a felt-tip liner. Its soft-focus finish also makes it a surprisingly great brow gel alternative, but fair warning—a little goes a long way, so keep that application light and controlled.
Shades: 2 | Finish: soft | Waterproof? yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a gel eyeliner?
Makeup artist Kasey Spickard swears by gel eyeliners, using them exclusively on his clients. "I love gel eyeliners because they give you a level of both control and precision that you don't get from liquid liners or traditional eyeliner pencils," he says. "Gel liners don't dry down as quickly as liquid liners, so you have a little bit more 'play time' to finesse your shape and application. However, once they set, they don't budge."
Beyond their versatility, gel eyeliners are also a win for sensitive eyes. "Generally, gel-based eyeliners are often the best choice when it comes to formulation," says Dr. Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "They glide on easily without the need for additional rubbing or tugging on the eyelid compared to pencils." The result? Less tugging, less discomfort, and an effortlessly smooth application.
How should I choose a gel eyeliner?
When choosing your perfect gel eyeliner, Spickard suggests that you consider categories like pigment load and workability. He adds that a highly wearable, no-budge finish is also essential. "I want the gel liner to be not too dry that it drags when I'm trying to make my lines. But I also don't want it to be too wet so that it's moving around and not staying where I place it. I want it to sit right in between, almost like butter consistency when I'm working with it," he adds.
Meet the experts
- Robin Black, a makeup artist
- Amrita Mehta, a makeup artist
- Natalie Dresher, a Miami-based makeup artist
- Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Michigan
- Kasey Spickard, a New York City-based makeup artist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best gel eyeliners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
All eyes on these editor-approved primers, shadows, and mascaras:
- 11 Best Eye Shadow Primers for Creaseless, Smudge-Free Looks
- 13 Best Mascaras for Peak Volume, Length, and Lift
- The Best Eye Shadow Palettes Allure Editors Can't Live Without
Now, watch Oscar winner Mikey Madison break down her Anora beauty transformation:
Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
