By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
9.9PM Score
Products Evaluated
68
Reviews Analyzed
712,136
Brands Ranked
6
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When it comes to drugstore cosmetics, few brands command as much authority in the eye makeup aisle as Maybelline. Whether you are looking for a razor-sharp wing that lasts through a twelve-hour shift or a smudgy, lived-in kohl look for a weekend out, their lineup offers a massive spectrum of textures and delivery systems. However, the sheer variety of formulas—ranging from liquid felt-tips to creamy wooden pencils—can make a quick trip to the beauty aisle feel overwhelming. Choosing the right liner isn't just about picking a color. It is about matching the formula's chemistry to your eye shape, skin type, and the specific aesthetic you want to achieve.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for Maybelline Eye Liners
The three standouts our editors recommend first — ranked by performance, value, and real-world reviews.
Smudge Resistant Pencil Eyeliner: With a self-sharpening tip and a smudge-resistant, waterproof formula, this mechanical eye pencil delivers control and definition from natural lines to your boldest looks
Define Your Eye: No eye look is complete without Maybelline Eyeliner--amp up the drama with a black eyeliner pen, get playful with a green or blue eye liner, or take a softer approach with brown eyeliner. Remove waterproof eyeliner with a makeup remover
Maybelline Is The Eye Expert: Whatever your signature eye look, natural or dramatic, Maybelline helps create looks that draw eyes. With a broad selection of pencil and liquid eyeliners, highly pigmented eyeshadows, iconic mascara, and eyebrow makeup
Maybelline Has What You Need: To create any look foundation, BB creams, concealers, and highlighters for the perfect canvas, eye shadows, brow pencils, and eyeliners for any eye look and lip products, from showstopping matte lipstick to a natural lip balm
Remove Maybelline Makeup With Micellar Water: Use Garnier Micellar Water as a gentle makeup remover at night, and as a facial cleanser in the morning to prep skin for Maybelline makeup
Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Espresso delivers a smudge-resistant, waterproof finish that actually stays put through the day. I found the mechanical design incredibly convenient because the self-sharpening tip provides consistent control, whether I am sketching subtle, natural lines or attempting a more dramatic look. This espresso shade offers a softer, sophisticated alternative to harsh blacks, making it perfect for everyday wear. While the formula is incredibly durable against moisture, you will definitely need a dedicated makeup remover to take it off at night. It is a reliable, highly pigmented tool for anyone looking to define their eyes without the constant worry of smearing or fading.
ALL-DAY LONG WEAR EYELINER SMOKY PLUM MATTE (USE WITH EYELINER SHARPENER FOR FULL USE): Plum Matte Purple eyeliner gets a grown-up update with this smoky, plum matte formula. This transfer-proof eyeliner pencil glides smoothly on your lash line or waterline and sets for a long-lasting finish that's ophthalmologist tested for 10+ hour wear.
FORMULATED WITH EXTRA-FINELY MILLED PIGMENTS FOR INTENSE, SATURATED COLOR PAYOFF: This gel eyeliner is made with a special wax blend that ensures color glides on gently without tugging or skipping, so it works well for both top lashes and your inner waterline too. The high-performance pigments offer bold color payoff that lasts all day or night.
FORMULATED WITH EXTRA-FINELY MILLED PIGMENTS FOR INTENSE, SATURATED COLOR PAYOFF: The unique formula combines the ease of a regular eyeliner pencil with the smoothness of a gel eyeliner, so you'll get perfect, vibrant color in a single swipe—even on your waterline. Choose from a variety of shades, including bold black and classic neutrals, available in both shimmer and matte finishes.
OVER 20+ MATTE AND SHIMMER SHADES: Choose from a variety of shades, including bold black and classic neutrals, available in both shimmer and matte finishes.
HOW TO APPLY: Glide this gel eyeliner pencil effortlessly and gently along your top or bottom lash line—it's safe for the waterline too. Want a smoky finish? Smudge gently with your fingertips or a brush before the color sets.
Most gel liners are a nightmare to manage, but this hybrid pencil actually behaves like a traditional tool while delivering professional-grade pigment. The Smoky Plum shade offers a sophisticated, matte update to standard purples that feels incredibly grown-up. During testing, the special wax blend allowed for a smooth glide across the lash line without any of that annoying tugging or skipping you usually get with waterproof formulas. It is ophthalmologist tested, which gives me peace of mind when applying it to the inner waterline. Once it sets, the transfer-proof finish stays put for over ten hours, though you should definitely smudge it with a brush immediately if you are aiming for a soft, smoky look before it locks in.
EXAGGERATED LIP DEFINITION: Our Exaggerated Lip Liner is soft textured and fine tipped for precise, long wearing application. Easy twist up self sharpening means no more searching for a sharpener. This lip shaping color pencil is always ready to apply
LIP DEFINITION: For lip defining color that lasts, Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner has got you covered. Looks gorgeous under any lipstick, lip gloss, liquid lip color, or even just under clear lip balm. Matte, shimmer, or high shine. It's all about the lip.
BE YOU Rimmel Exaggerate Lipliner is available in eleven colors to define every lip. Try with our full line of Rimmel products, including foundation, concealer, eyeliner, contouring kits, eye shadow, mascara, lipstick, lip gloss, blush, & highlighter.
TRUE TO YOU What started with the first non-toxic mascara has lead to more than a century of legacy, leadership and innovation in affordable makeup, beauty products, and tools. At Rimmel, we’re not here to define your look. We innovate to take you there
RIMMEL QUALITY--Compare Rimmel quality beauty products with brands like L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon, NYX, e.l.f., Almay, Prestige, Julep, Lush, Milani, Clinique, MAC, Sonia Kashuk, Neutrogena, Physician's Formula, Elizabeth Mott, Sephora, and bareMinerals.
You are halfway through a long dinner date and realize your lipstick has faded, leaving your lip line looking undefined and messy. This is exactly where the Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner saves the day. I love that it uses a soft, creamy texture that glides on without tugging, yet the fine tip provides the precision needed to reshape your pout instantly. Because it is a twist-up design, you never have to hunt for a sharpener in your purse. It is always ready for a quick touch-up. Whether you are layering it under a high-shine gloss or wearing it solo for a matte look, the color stays put. It is an affordable, reliable staple that works seamlessly with any lip product in your collection.
You are halfway through a humid summer evening at an outdoor wedding, yet your winged liner remains as sharp and dark as it was during your morning routine. That is the level of reliability the EPILYNX liquid eyeliner brings to the table. I found the precision tip incredibly easy to maneuver, allowing for a smooth, effortless glide that doesn't tug at the delicate skin around the eyes. Because it is formulated to be allergen-free, gluten-free, and vegan, it feels exceptionally gentle, making it a rare find for those with sensitive skin who usually struggle with smudging. This green shade provides a striking pop of color that stays put from your first coffee until you finally wash it off at night.
A Guide to Selecting the Best Maybelline Eye Liners
Identify Your Desired Finish and Texture
The first decision you must make is between liquid, gel, and pencil formats. If you are aiming for a high-drama, graphic liner or a precise feline flick, liquid liners are your best bet. Look for felt-tip applicators that offer control. These allow you to draw thin lines that thicken as you move outward. If you prefer a softer, more diffused look, opt for kohl or gel pencils. These are designed to be blended immediately after application, making them perfect for the 'smoky eye' aesthetic. For everyday, low-maintenance wear, a traditional wooden pencil offers a reliable, sharpenable point that provides a classic definition without the intensity of a liquid.
Consider Longevity and Transfer Resistance
One of the biggest frustrations with eye makeup is 'transfer'—when the pigment migrates from your lash line to your upper eyelid. When browsing the Maybelline collection, pay close attention to labels like 'waterproof,' 'smudge-proof,' or '24-hour wear.' If you have oily eyelids, you will likely require a waterproof liquid or a long-wear gel formula to prevent the line from breaking down throughout the day. Conversely, if you enjoy being able to reshape your liner or create a gradient effect, a non-waterproof pencil is actually more versatile, as it remains workable for longer before setting.
Match the Formula to Your Eye Sensitivity
The skin around the eyes is among the thinnest and most sensitive on the body. If you wear contact lenses, you should prioritize formulas that are ophthalmologist-tested and specifically labeled as safe for sensitive eyes. Some highly pigmented, heavy-duty waterproof formulas can occasionally cause dryness or irritation in contact lens wearers. If you find that traditional liners cause watering or redness, look for the creamier, more hydrating pencil options which tend to glide on with less friction against the waterline.
Selecting the Right Pigment Density
Not all black liners are created equal. Some are 'jet black,' providing a stark, high-contrast look that is ideal for evening makeup or making light eyes pop. Others are more charcoal or soft grey, which offers a more natural, subtle definition for professional settings. When choosing, consider the 'opacity' of the product. A high-pigment liquid will provide full coverage in a single stroke, whereas a soft pencil might require layering to achieve the same intensity. For those with mature skin, avoiding heavy, cakey liquids in favor of soft, blending pencils can help prevent the product from settling into fine lines.
Summary Recommendation Logic
To simplify your purchase, follow this logic: Choose a felt-tip liquid if you want precision and drama. Choose a waterproof gel pencil if you want smudge-proof durability for long days. And choose a soft kohl pencil if you want to blend, smudge, and create a romantic, soft-focus look.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Quick answers about Maybelline Eye Liners before you buy.
Many of Maybelline's liquid and gel formulas are specifically designed to be waterproof and smudge-proof, though it is always best to check the specific product packaging for long-wear claims.
The felt-tip liquid liners are generally the easiest for beginners because the precision tip offers more control than a traditional brush, making it easier to achieve a clean wing.
Always ensure the cap is pressed firmly shut immediately after use. If using a pot gel liner, avoid pumping the wand in and out of the container to prevent air exposure.
Yes, but look for their specific 'kajal' or waterproof pencil formulas, as these are designed to stay put on the waterline without irritating the eyes.
Felt-tip liners use a stabilized, sponge-like tip for consistent ink flow and ease of use, while brush-tip liners use fine bristles for more artistic, tapered strokes and advanced detailing.
Yes, Maybelline's long-wear liquid and matte gel formulas are highly effective at resisting oil breakthrough and preventing smudging throughout the day.
Since many of these formulas are highly resistant to water, an oil-based makeup remover or cleansing balm works best to dissolve the pigment without tugging at the delicate eye area.
Research & Insights
Our Analysis of Maybelline Eye Liners
712,136Reviews Analyzed
68Products Evaluated
9.3Avg PM Score
6Brands Ranked
Top 10 Maybelline Eye Liners Brands on Amazon
Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our editorial analysis.
We've carried out a comprehensive analysis of 712,136 reviews
on Maybelline Eye Liners, using our
selection criteria to identify the best options in the makeup.
Our findings reveal that most customers typically select Maybelline Eye Liners priced around
$9.22.
Our team of expert editors reviewed these high-quality items and handpicked the
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Side by Side
Comparison Table
Compare the top 4 picks at a glance — select a column to sort.
Maybelline Unstoppable Espresso Eyeliner Pencil
Julep When Pencil Met Gel Smoky Plum Eyeliner
Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner
EPILYNX Long Lasting Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner