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The Top Five Eyeliner Pencils of 2024
If you’re a fan of eye makeup, then you know how important it is to have a good eyeliner in your arsenal. With this in mind, mechanical eyeliners are an extremely popular choice for many, because they offer precise application and a long-lasting finish.
Mechanical eyeliners work by using a retractable mechanism to dispense the product onto the skin. The eyeliner tip is usually made from a blend of waxes and pigments, which allows for smooth, precise application.
When you twist the base of the pencil, the tip is pushed out, and you can use it to draw a line along your lash line or waterline. In some cases the tip can be sharpened using a built-in sharpener (or an external one), which allows for even more precise application.
Mechanical eyeliners come in a variety of textures, and can be formulated to be waterproof, smudge-proof, or long-lasting. Some eyeliners also contain additional ingredients that can help nourish and protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
Overall, mechanical eyeliners are a great option for anyone looking to create a professional look from your own home (or when you are out and about, for that matter).
What to Look for in a Mechanical Eyeliner?
When looking for a mechanical eyeliner pencil, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you can find a product that will meet your needs.
What to look for:
The shape of the tip will determine the type of line you can create. Look for a tip that is fine and pointed for precise lines, or a thicker, angled tip if a winged look is more your style.
Choose a texture that works well for your skill level and the type of look you’re going for. Soft and creamy textures are easier to work with and are great for smudging, while firmer textures are better for precise lines.
Look for an eyeliner that is long-lasting and won’t smudge or fade throughout the day. Waterproof formulas are especially useful for those with oily skin or for those who live in humid climates.
Make sure the packaging is sturdy and will protect the tip from breaking or drying out. Retractable pencils are a convenient option, as they eliminate the need for a sharpener and keep the tip protected when not in use.
What to avoid:
Look for a mechanical eyeliner made from high-quality materials that won’t break easily or dry out quickly.
Avoid eyeliners that contain chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, which can cause damage to the delicate skin around the eyes.
Make sure the mechanical eyeliner has been well received by consumers. If people had a bad experience with the product, then you are more likely to as well.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a mechanical eyeliner that will work well for your needs and help you achieve your desired look with ease.
Or, if you want to save some time, you can choose one of the five options we have scoured the web for below.
The 5 Best Eyeliner Pencils on the Market
Based on our own extensive research, ingredient reviews and consideration of numerous online reviews by shoppers just like you, we’ve compiled a list of what we’ve found to be the top five eyeliner pencils of 2023.
Photo credit: Amazon
Pros
- Thirteen color options
- Affordable
- Smudge proof
- Super smooth consistency
- Cruelty free formula
- Waterproof
Cons
- The protective cap can get a little loose
- On the thicker side
The Bottom Line
First up we have the NYX mechanical eyeliner pencil. Coming with 13 color options, at an extremely affordable price point, and with over 60,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, you can be confident in its quality. Combine this with a smudge proof, waterproof, and cruelty free design, and you have a winner. While some people have found this pencil to be a little on the thicker side, it is a great option that will suit most people.
Photo credit: Amazon
Pros
- Six color options
- Well-priced
- Long lasting
- Smudge proof
- Attachable smudger
- Waterproof
Cons
- Is a fairly soft option
- Individuals with oily skin have reported it is more likely to smudge
The Bottom Line
Coming in second we have the L’Oreal mechanical eyeliner, which is another incredibly popular option, with over 15,000 five star reviews on Amazon. Like many on this list it is well-priced, waterproof, and long lasting. As an added bonus it also comes with a built in sharpener and smudger. However, some people have reported it being a little too soft, which can make it more likely to smudge in those with naturally oily skin.
Photo credit: Amazon
Pros
- Seven color options
- Well-priced
- Advertised to last up to 36 hours
- Smudge proof
- Built in precision blender
- Waterproof
Cons
- Colors are quite smoky
- Cannot sharpen the tip
The Bottom Line
Next up we have the Maybelline New York Mechanical eyeliner. This product stands out because of extreme durability. It is smudge-proof, waterproof, and can last up to 36 hours without re-application. However, all the colors are heavily matte, which may not suit everyone. Additionally, the tip cannot be sharpened, which may be a deterrent for those who like using finer lines.
Photo credit: Amazon
Pros
- Five different shades
- Strong colors
- Well-priced
- Self sharpening
- Smudge proof
- Waterproof
Cons
- Does not last as long in humid environments
- Applies quite thick
The Bottom Line
This Covergirl mechanical eyeliner pencil is another fantastic option. It is affordable and durable, and comes in five great different shading options. Combine this with the fact it is self-sharpening, and has over 18,000 five star reviews on Amazon, and you can be confident in its effectiveness. It is important to note that the shades offered are quite bright, which might not be suitable for everyone. Similarly, it is quite thick, which means it may not be an ideal choice for those who like finer lines.
Photo credit: Amazon
Pros
- Five different shades
- Long-lasting
- Affordable
- Self sharpening
- Smudge proof
- Waterproof
Cons
- Very soft
- Can be difficult to wash off
The Bottom Line
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Ruby Kisses mechanical pencil eyeliner. This is the second most affordable option on the list, where it offers great value. It is self sharpening, lasts up to 24 hours, and is completely waterproof. It also comes with five different shades. The only negative here is that some people have reported it can be hard to wash off, and is a little on the softer side, which may not suit everyone.
Citations
Ricarte, Florante, et al. "Eye Cosmetics." Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures (2022): 259-268.
Krüger, Tanja, et al. "Effects of phthalates on the human corneal endothelial cell line B4G12." International journal of toxicology 31.4 (2012): 364-371.
Karpuzoglu, Ebru, Steven D. Holladay, and Robert M. Gogal Jr. "Parabens: potential impact of low-affinity estrogen receptor binding chemicals on human health." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B 16.5 (2013): 321-335.
