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7 Best Eyeliner
(Ranked by 116+ Reddit Discussions)

Data Snapshot

Discussions analyzed
116
Products ranked
7
Reddit Analysis

Editorial Summary: Redditors praise several winners and callouts: NYX Epic Ink (affordable brush‑tip favorite with occasional leaking or bubbling), Stila Stay All Day (iconic waterproof felt‑tip, some report formula/quality issues), Canmake and Kiss Me Heroine (Asian pencils/liquid pens loved for fine tips and smudge control). Common themes to consider when picking an eyeliner: oily/hooded lids, waterline use, leaking/drying/flake control. Summarized by Tom and Lee.

Recommendations:
  • Oily or hooded lids: try a pencil + eye primer (Clio Sharp So Simple or Canmake) or a heavy‑duty gel/liquid like MAC Liquidlast to minimize transfer.
  • Want ultra long‑wear (minimal touchups): consider MAC Liquidlast or Stila Stay All Day — expect tougher removal and potential formula variability.
  • Budget‑minded/drugstore: NYX Epic Ink or Wet n Wild Breakup‑Proof offer strong pigment and value but watch for leaking or drying in some batches.
  • Prefer ultra‑precise brush lines and sharp wings: choose a brush‑tip pen (NYX Epic Ink) or a micro felt tip (Stila micro tip) depending on whether you like flexible or firm control.
  • Tightlining or waterline use / sensitive eyes: opt for creamy pencils designed for the waterline (Canmake, Clio) and patch test if you wear contacts.
  • Want easy removal at the end of the day: avoid the hardest long‑wear gels or be prepared to use an oil‑based cleanser or melting balm.
#1
Canmake Creamy Touch Liner

Canmake Creamy Touch Liner

Score:7.1/10
Sentiment38 mentions
30 positive3 neutral5 negative
#2
Clio Sharp So Simple Eyeliner

Clio Sharp So Simple Eyeliner

Score:7.0/10
Sentiment26 mentions
22 positive1 neutral3 negative
#3
MAC Liquidlast Waterproof Eyeliner

MAC Liquidlast Waterproof Eyeliner

Score:7.0/10
Sentiment21 mentions
18 positive1 neutral2 negative
#4
Heroine Make Kiss Me Eyeliner

Heroine Make Kiss Me Eyeliner

Score:6.5/10
Sentiment58 mentions
44 positive1 neutral13 negative
#5
Urban Decay Waterproof Eyeliner

Urban Decay Waterproof Eyeliner

Score:6.1/10
Sentiment69 mentions
48 positive3 neutral18 negative
#6
NYX Epic Ink Liner

NYX Epic Ink Liner

Score:6.0/10
Sentiment173 mentions
113 positive5 neutral55 negative
#7
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner

Score:5.4/10
Sentiment117 mentions
70 positive7 neutral40 negative

Why Trust Thorough Beauty

Rankings are based on real Reddit discussions using a Wilson Lower Bound (WLB) confidence score to reduce noise from products with very few mentions.

AI helps summarize patterns, but the underlying sentiment and quotes come from human Reddit posts. See our editorial approach.

Asked by Redditors

Which eyeliners here are consistently praised for staying power?
MAC Liquidlast, Stila Stay All Day and several users’ NYX Epic Ink get the most shoutouts for longevity; MAC is often the longest‑wearing but can be goopy to apply and Stila/NYX have occasional QC or formula complaints.
What works best for oily or hooded lids?
Users recommend a pencil+primer combo (Clio Sharp So Simple, Canmake) or heavy‑duty formulas like MAC Liquidlast and Kiss Me Heroine Make; setting with powder or primer is commonly suggested to reduce transfer.
Are any safe for the waterline or contact lens wearers?
Urban Decay 24/7 is often recommended for waterline but some contact‑lens wearers report lens residue. For sensitive eyes/contacts many prefer pencil formulas (Clio, Canmake) and always to patch‑test first.
Brush tip vs felt tip vs gel vs pencil — which should I choose?
Brush tips (NYX Epic Ink) give very fine, flexible wings; felt tips (Stila) feel precise but can dry or flake for some; gel/potted liners (MAC, Inglot) offer extreme longevity but need a brush; pencils are forgiving and good for tightlining or smudged looks.
Why does my liner bleed, flake, or dry out quickly?
Causes include product age, batch/quality issues, storage orientation, skin oil, humidity, and pressure changes (flights). Some users report intermittent leaking or drying across brands—rotate storage and check caps/seals.
How do I remove stubborn waterproof liner?
Oil‑based removers or cleansing balms work best; double cleanse if needed. For very tenacious formulas a dedicated waterproof remover or balm left to sit briefly will emulsify pigment.

Application Tips by Redditors:

  • Prime lids and blot excess oil first; set primer with a translucent powder or matte shadow where you’ll line to reduce transfer and smudging.
  • If using pen liners, store them upright or horizontally as the brand recommends and shake gently before use to avoid ink‑bubbles, leaks, or drying.
  • Remove waterproof or long‑wear liner with an oil‑based cleanser or cleansing balm; let it sit for a few seconds before rubbing and follow with your regular cleanser.

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