The best eyeliners for every effect and occasion
updated 28/10/2022
Is there any type of make up more impactful than the mighty {eyeliner}? With the power to accentuate your eye shape, make your eye colour pop and make your lash line appear fuller, a good eyeliner can deliver show-stopping results and transform your {make up} look with one fell swipe.
So how do you choose the right one for the job? Well, we’re glad you asked!
Different eyeliners will help you to achieve different effects. If you want a precise finish and a Hepburn-esque wing, then a liquid liner is the perfect partner in crime. Or if you’re after a softer effect, gel and kohl liners can be blended and buffed to your heart’s content. And no matter the effect you’re after, look for eyeliners with precision, staying power and skin-friendly ingredients for flawless application and long-lasting impact.
To help you on your hunt for the best eyeliner, we’ve worked with Cult Concierge expert {Ryan} to compile an edit of the very best eyeliners for every effect and requirement. So whether you want a liquid eyeliner for that perfect feline flick or a pencil liner for blurring into a smoky smoulder, a gentle eyeliner that won’t irritate your sensitive eyes or a waterproof liner that’ll stay put on the oiliest of eyelids, scroll on down to find your new hero product.
BEST EYELINER FOR WINGS
1
£47.00
2
£26.00
49
£21.00
49
£25.00
Precision is the name of the game when it comes to wings, and this eyeliner from {Hindash} is so intuitive and controlled that you’ll never look back. It has an elegant brush tip that’s the perfect length for gliding across your lids, a smooth and consistent ink flow for winged perfection, and it’s encased in a shell that gives you an unmatched grip for ultra-precise application. On top of that it’s ultra-black, water-resistant, smudge-proof, transfer-proof and heat/humidity-resistant. Phewpf!
BEST EYELINER FOR TIGHTLINING
26
£27.00
Perfecting that invisible eyeliner look is no mean feat. Until you’re armed with this eyeliner from {Shiseido}, that is. Its ergonomically designed, angled, micro-precision tip delivers ultra-fine ink that’s water-, smudge- and tear-proof. Dot it between hairs to create the illusion of thicker lashes. We won’t tell if you don’t.
BEST EYELINER FOR THE WATERLINE
30
Line your waterline with this ultra-precise pencil from {Pat McGrath}, which glides with expert flair and ease. Your waterline will keep up its mega black (or metallic blue) saturation for up to eight hours. Then just reapply and you’ll up the intensity all over again.
BEST EYELINER FOR A SMOKY SMOULDER
2
£26.00
This pigment-packed pencil from {La Bouche Rouge Paris} is the key to perfecting a sultry smoulder à la Eva Green. It glides over lids with ease and elegance, leaving a powdered payoff in its wake. Buff and blend until you reach peak smoulder.
BEST WATERPROOF EYELINER
49
£21.00
Ideal for watery eyes and tight waterlines, this offering from {Too Faced} is budge-proof for up to 12 hours, even with its creamy, comfortable texture. It boasts intense, matte, no-smudge pigment that glides on in one clean stroke, and it’ll be your new best friend whether you’re after a sultry, smoky look or a razor-sharp, quick wing. Get set to collect all 11 shades!
BEST EYELINER FOR BEGINNERS
16
£19.50
New to the eyeliner game? Welcome, we’ve been expecting you! This silky gel pencil from {IT Cosmetics} is the ideal starting point, making delicate linework easier than ever. It glides over your lids effortlessly and delivers precise and pigmented colour. Pick from eight high impact shades, from Super Black to deep green Mystic Emerald and metallic terracotta Cosmic Copper.
BEST EYELINER FOR GRAPHIC STYLES
Crafted with a precise brush to allow for ultimate control and flow of your liner, the Power Ink Liner from {VIEVA} helps you to create the finest of lines for a flawless graphic look worthy of an editorial! Long-lasting. Smudge-proof. No drag. You can create whatever line, flick or wing you desire – the bolder the better!
BEST COLOURED EYELINER
70
£28.00
Express yourself and create looks for every occasion with this high-impact liner from {Hourglass}. Pick from a spectrum of smooth, silky shades: from emerald green ‘Forest’ to golden ‘Solstice’ and red-brown ‘Chestnut’. This waterproof gel liner adds the perfect amount of definition to a natural, daytime look and builds to an 'all eyes on me' statement piece come night. Get set to dazzle, beauties!
BEST EYELINER FOR SENSITIVE EYES
24
£11.00
If wearing eyeliner usually makes your eyes itch, water or feel generally uncomfortable, then you need an ultra-gentle formula designed with sensitive eyes in mind. Enter {Honest Beauty}. Their liquid eyeliner is packed with precious, plant-derived ingredients, and you won’t find a single paraben, silicone, PEG or petrochemical – just good-for-you ingredients. All that, plus a jet-black formula and pointed nib for seamless application of the smoothest, finest flicks.
BEST EYELINER FOR MATURE EYES
93
£25.00
The liner duo from {Charlotte Tilbury} pairs a classic black/brown liner with a nude-champagne pencil, playing with light and contrasting tones to make mature eyes appear bigger and brighter. The sensorial formula is infused with emollient oils and waxes for a beautifully creamy application that thinner skin will love – and absolutely no tugging! Accentuate the inner corners and lower lash line of your eyes with the champagne shade to create wider, brighter looking eyes. Then define the upper lash line with the black/brown shade to enhance and add dreamy definition.
BEST EYELINER FOR HOODED EYES
49
£21.00
Welcome back Too Faced! This waterproof superstar appears twice in our round-up of the best eyeliners – this time for hooded eyes. Precision and staying power are the name of the game when it comes to finding the perfect eyeliner for hooded eyes, and it doesn’t get much better than this 36-hour smudge-proof liner. It sharpens effortlessly for an ultra-fine point, so you can line those lids with ease.
Bethan is a Senior Copywriter at Cult Beauty. When she’s not trying to perfect the ultimate ‘no make up’ make up look — she swears by Saie — or find new skin care to fall for, she’s likely playing video games, making the most of her housemate’s MUBI account or strolling around Victoria Park with a pastry in hand.
