How do you apply gel eyeliner?

“Start by applying the eyeliner at the outer corner of the eyes, then gradually work your way towards the innermost part of the eye,” explains Soliz. He also recommends “tight-lining” the upper lash line to add definition, especially if you’re challenged with creating a straight or smooth line.

What does gel eyeliner do?

Gel eyeliners really help make your eye or eye makeup look pop. “Whether you opt for pot or pencil, you can always count on the ease of application and smudge-proof formulas,” says Soliz.

Does it have any other purposes?

"As a makeup artist , I often reach for gel eyeliners when I want to create a graphic line that is really pristine," explains Soliz. "They also perform well when used around the innermost part of the eye when a definition is needed since they don’t smudge or bleed at all.”

The 12 Best Gel Eyeliners of 2022

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Truth be told, liquid eyeliner has never been my forteè. Regardless of how I place my hand, the mirror, or the eyeliner that I use, I just can’t get the perfect line that I’m striving for. Until I started using gel eyeliners. I know what you’re thinking, a gel eyeliner—why not just use a pencil? Unlike liquid or pencil liners, gel eyeliners are easy to apply in a seamless line, cat-eye, or wing, and won’t slide off easily.

Using silicon-based compounds to create pigmented color, gel eyeliners arrive in a wide range of colors—literally any you can imagine—and in simple-to-use brushes, retractable applicators, and self-sharpening pencils. And, if that weren’t enough to convince you, they also don’t smudge or move at all. They are practically foolproof for those of us (aka me) who just can’t seem to master liquid eyeliner. Don’t believe me? Try one out for yourself.

Read on for the best gel eyeliners that will give you the perfect line every time.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Shade Range:

Haus Labs Eye-Dentify Gel Eye Pencil at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Pencil:

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr 24-Hour Gel Eyeliner Pencil at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Multi-Use:

Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Waterproof:

Morphe Gel Liner at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Long-Lasting:

Stila Smudge Pot at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Long-Lasting, Runner-Up:

Too Faced Killer Line 36 Hour Waterproof Gel Eyeliner at QVC

Jump to Review

Best Natural:

Hourglass Cosmetics 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner at Sephora

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.6

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Marcjacobsbeauty.com

What We Like

Intense color payoff
Works well in the waterline
Extensive shade range

What We Don't Like

Tends to feel stiff or dry

This Gel Eyeliner Has Thousands of 5-Star Reviews, So I Tried It

There’s a reason this formula is absolutely iconic; it brings together the benefits of both a gel eyeliner (no accidental smudging) and a pencil (precision) into one. It’s also highly pigmented, waterproof, and versatile to wear so you can create flawless, precise lines or smudged lines for a smokey eye. And, it arrives in 37 different shades and three different finishes—shimmer, matte, and satin— so you can easily achieve any look you desire.

marc jacobs highliner gel eye crayon eyeliner — Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca

What Our Testers Say

"The liner didn’t smudge or run on me when I wore it on the top lash line—I found that it really held up through some long days." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Glides on easily
Intense color payoff
High-shine finish

What We Don't Like

Can smudge over time

Created with a unique lacquer finish, this gel eyeliner will last you all day and night seamlessly. Don’t be fooled by the price; its smooth-gliding brush, easy-to-use consistency, and mistake-proof application are just some of the reasons why it’s just as spectacular as its more expensive counterparts.

4.1

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora View On Net-a-Porter View On Patmcgrath.com

What We Like

Range includes fun shades
Glides on easily
Pigmented, dimensional shades

What We Don't Like

Can smear

Everything that Pat McGrath creates is nothing short of perfection and this eyeliner is no exception. The soft, waterproof eyeliner ensures long-lasting definition and a perfectly defined gaze with just a quick swipe. And, the revolutionary formula is available in select colors in both classic and bold shades—such as Xtreme Black to Blitz Blue.

View On Amazon View On Hauslabs.com

What We Like

Creamy, smooth texture
Smudge-proof
Range includes fun shades

What We Don't Like

Difficult to sharpen

From metallic silvers to burnt terracotta to rose gold, Haus Labs has every shade you could imagine (and more). Color-packed and creamy, this eyeliner applies like an absolute dream and is transfer-proof, water-proof, and long-wearing. These eyeliners are SO incredible that they lasted me through a dip in the pool and a hot summer day with zero smudges whatsoever.

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Point Made 24-Hour Gel Eyeliner Pencil

View On Sephora

What We Like

Smooth and easy to smudge on purpose
Glides on easily
Long-wearing

What We Don't Like

Difficult to sharpen

This ultra-pigmented eyeliner combines both silky and smudgy textures so crafting any eyeliner look is unchallenging. Its two colors—Bodacious Black and Busty Brown—look fabulous on any skin tone and it glides on beautifully. The best part? It lasts for 24 hours with zero budging at all.

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora View On Dermstore View On Ulta

What We Like

Great value
Creates versatile looks
Intense color payoff

What We Don't Like

Fades over time

If you’re looking to dip your toes into gel eyeliner, but still want to keep trying your hand at liquid liner then Tarte’s Double Take Eyeliner is your best bet. Its two sides—one gel and one liquid—can be used separately or together to construct an impeccable winged eyeliner. And, both formulas are made with a soft-flex tip, so evenly saturated color is always deposited.

FYI, gel eyeliners can be used as a creamy eyeshadow. “Gels generally have a little bit of playtime before they set to double up and use your gel as a creamy eyeshadow, says Gilbert Soliz, Global Makeup Artist for Marc Jacobs Beauty. Opt for shades that are lighter in tone or that contain shimmer, he explains. To apply, Soliz recommends lining along the lash line, blending with your fingertip from the lashline to crease, and then applying complementary eyeshadow on top of a bold long-lasting finish.

View On Ulta View On Morphe.com

What We Like

Glides on easily
Long-wearing
Intense color payoff

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to remove

We’ve all been there; a bad breakup, a sad movie, or our best friend’s wedding with eyeliner that we spent endless time doing completely ruined. While we can’t prevent the tears from flowing, we can prevent the eyeliner from moving—and that’s exactly what this eyeliner will do. I promise you, it will stay completely flawless whether they are happy or sad tears. And, it’s incredibly creamy, long-wearing, and in some truly beautiful colors.

View On Ulta View On Stilacosmetics.com

What We Like

Multipurpose product
Blends easily
Creamy, smooth texture

What We Don't Like

Only one shade

Smooth and silky, Stila’s formula stays on all day and is easy-breezy to apply. What we love most about this eyeliner—aside from its incredible long-lasting formula—is the fact that you can use it as both an eyeliner and eyeshadow. Watch out: you may find yourself using it every day.

Too Faced Killer Liner 36 Hour Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

View On QVC View On Ulta

What We Like

Extensive shade range
Comfortable to wear
Smudge-proof

What We Don't Like

Packaging could be improved

Leave smudging of any kind behind with this liner that lasts 36 hours. Water-proof and ultra-smooth, creating killer sharp lines requires little to no effort. And, there is no shortage of colors—eleven to be exact.

Hourglass 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Has a fine tip
Value size available
Glides on easily

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

Housed inside a 1.5MM mechanical pencil is the thinnest gel eyeliner I’ve ever seen. Don’t be fooled by its size; its application is done with complete ease and accuracy—and you’ll end up with the most precise eyeliner line you’ve ever laid your eyes on. If that wasn’t enough—its formula is cruelty-free.

Ulta

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Macy's

What We Like

Comfortable to wear
Intense color payoff
Long-wearing

What We Don't Like

Only one shade available

Smashbox’s gel liner is a favorite of pros and makeup artists everywhere—and for a good reason. Its super-saturated pencil is long-wearing, waterproof, and applies to the waterline without moving. To apply to your waterline, use shorter strokes to deposit even amounts of color.

Type: Pencil | Shades: 1 | Free of: Alcohol, parabens | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

View On Sephora View On Iliabeauty.com

What We Like

Glides on easily
Works well in the waterline
Blends easily

What We Don't Like

Not the best value

Hands down, if you’re a beginner, ILIA’s easy-to-use crayon is for you. Water-resistant formula aside, this eyeliner boasts budge-proof wear and blends like an absolute dream. Plus, its formula is formulated without any bad-for-you ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and more.

Final Verdict

With its easy-to-use applicators and smudge-proof formulas, switching over to gel eyeliners is a complete game-changer (especially for newbie eyeliner users). With its 37 highly-pigmented shades, versatile wear, and water-proof formula, Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon (view at Sephora) is our overall favorite. If you’re looking for a gel eyeliner that’s truly worth the splurge, try Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Eyeliner Pencil (view at Sephora). It’s a revolutionary formula, long-lasting definition, and ability to perfectly define your gaze make it well worth the price. For more affordable options, try NYX Professional Makeup Gel Liner and Smudger (view at E Cosmetics) or Lóreal’s Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H (view at Amazon).

What to Look for in a Gel Eyeliner

Color

Certain eyeliner colors compliment certain eyes. “Choosing a color that compliments your eye color will motivate you to wear it more often than not,” says Soliz. And, it’ll also make your eyes pop!

Long-Wear Formula

When choosing an eyeliner, opt for one with a long-wearing formula. “You want the gel eyeliner to have long-wear attributes so there’s no smearing or smudging around the eyes,” explains Soliz.

FAQ

How do you apply gel eyeliner?

“Start by applying the eyeliner at the outer corner of the eyes, then gradually work your way towards the innermost part of the eye,” explains Soliz. He also recommends “tight-lining” the upper lash line to add definition, especially if you’re challenged with creating a straight or smooth line.
What does gel eyeliner do?

Gel eyeliners really help make your eye or eye makeup look pop. “Whether you opt for pot or pencil, you can always count on the ease of application and smudge-proof formulas,” says Soliz.
Does it have any other purposes?

"As a makeup artist, I often reach for gel eyeliners when I want to create a graphic line that is really pristine," explains Soliz. "They also perform well when used around the innermost part of the eye when a definition is needed since they don’t smudge or bleed at all.”

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Rachel Dube has written for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Along with writing about beauty, she has also tested hundreds of beauty products. After acknowledging that liquid liner is not her forteè, she has been on the hunt for the best gel eyeliners to easily create a precise eyeliner line.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough gel eyeliners from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

We Tested 22 Liquid Liners–These 8 Are the Absolute Best Ones

Best Overall: Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H

Best Splurge: Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil

Best Shade Range: Haus Labs Eye-Dentify Gel Eye Pencil

Best Pencil: ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Point Made 24-Hour Gel Eyeliner Pencil

Best Multi-Use: Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner

Best Waterproof: Morphe Gel Liner

Best Long-Lasting: Stila Smudge Pot

Best Long-Lasting, Runner-Up: Too Faced Killer Line 36 Hour Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

Best Natural: Hourglass Cosmetics 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner

Best for Waterline: Smashbox Always On Gel Eye Liner

Best for Beginners: ILIA Clean Line Gel Eyeliner

Related Stories

The Best Gel Eyeliners for Any Makeup Look

Best Overall: Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H

Best Splurge: Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil

Best Shade Range: Haus Labs Eye-Dentify Gel Eye Pencil

Best Pencil: ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Point Made 24-Hour Gel Eyeliner Pencil

Best Multi-Use: Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner

Best Waterproof: Morphe Gel Liner

Best Long-Lasting: Stila Smudge Pot

Best Long-Lasting, Runner-Up: Too Faced Killer Line 36 Hour Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

Best Natural: Hourglass Cosmetics 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner

Best for Waterline: Smashbox Always On Gel Eye Liner

Best for Beginners: ILIA Clean Line Gel Eyeliner

Final Verdict

What to Look for in a Gel Eyeliner

Color

Long-Wear Formula

Why Trust Byrdie?

Related Stories