The Ultimate Guide to Eyeliner Techniques: Cat Eyes, Smokey Eyes, and More (2025)

Tom Ford's Eye Defining Pen is our top-rated liner for refined techniques, earning a 9.5/10 for its dual-ended brush and precision tip that deliver ultra-black, matte lines in a single pass. In our testing, the luxe weight and balance made crisp cat eyes and tightlining feel effortless, and the smudge-proof formula wore about 12 hours. It isn't waterproof and takes a few seconds to dry, so avoid blinking immediately. Pricey compared with picks like ONE/SIZE, but the control and payoff truly stand out.

For gel-liner devotees, Inglot's AMC Gel earned an 8/10 for its inky pigment and creamy glide that make precise wings and graphic lines straightforward. During our testing, once it set, the waterproof, smudge-proof finish held around eight hours, though we recommend letting it dry fully to prevent early transfer. The pot can dry out over time, and removal often requires an oil-based remover. Pair it with a firm angled brush like Sigma's E06 for maximum control and a razor-sharp flick.

We found the Killer Liner Gel Eyeliner by Too Faced is a budget-friendly standout, offering ultra-smooth lines and incredible staying power of up to 36 hours. Its waterproof and smudge-proof formula makes it ideal for long days or nights out. However, some users may experience difficulty when it comes time to remove it or sharpen it, causing slight product wastage. Despite these challenges, its clean beauty credentials make it a top contender for ethically-minded beauty lovers.

Looking for sharp wings on a budget? ONE/SIZE Point Made scored 8/10 in our review, thanks to its precise felt tip, true-matte, very black payoff, and waterproof, smudge-proof wear that lasted up to 24 hours for us. We did notice the small 0.04 fl oz volume and that the tip can feel soft or dry out if not capped tightly—store it flat for best results. It's not Tom Ford-level luxe, but it nails crisp cat eyes at a fraction of the price.

Charlotte Tilbury's ROCK 'N' KOHL - FIG SMOULDER combines rich pigmentation with a creamy, glide-on application, earning it a commendable score in our review. We loved its built-in smudger for effortlessly achieving sultry smokey eyes, though some oilier lids might find it migrates. While the $32 price tag might deter some, the longevity and waterproof features justify it for lovers of long-lasting eye looks.

Valentino Beauty’s COLORGRAPH Eyeliner offers a luxurious application experience, complete with a blending brush perfect for effortless smokey eyes. However, sharpening difficulties and post-sharpening precision issues somewhat mar our experience with this otherwise richly pigmented pencil. For those set on high-end eyeliner, this option offers reliable all-day smudge-proof wear but should be approached with care during maintenance.

The Idôle Ultra Precise Liner stands out with its deeply pigmented formula and smooth application, achieving crisp lines with ease. Though it promises a 24-hour wear, some users may notice it fades more quickly, compromising reliability. At $25, it’s well-suited for those who favor quick, precise applications but should consider potential touch-ups throughout the day.

The Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil delivers vibrant color with a smooth, tug-free application, ideal for bold definitions. However, some users noted the pencil drying out or packaging issues, detracting from its usability over time. Its convenient built-in smudger and sharpener add practicality for those adapting looks on the go, making it a versatile choice despite the limitations.

Featuring a reliable 24-hour wear, the 24H Drama Liqui-Pencil Eyeliner impressed us with its smudge-proof endurance. Easy to apply with its smooth glide, it suits those aiming for everyday reliability. However, sharpening challenges and performance limitations on the waterline may frustrate some users. Overall, it’s a solid, though not unchallenged, choice among pencil eyeliners.

Our review of the Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil revealed a smooth application that works well on the waterline, supported by a versatile built-in smudger. While impressive in theory, reports of under-eye smudging and breakage during application hinder its potential allure. This eyeliner can achieve professional results with a touch of care and is suited for those willing to navigate its delicate aspects.

Chanel's STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF offers a blend of precision and convenience with its smooth-gliding formula and built-in sharpener. Ideal for those seeking a waterproof eyeliner, it promises eight hours of wear, although some users in our testing noted smudging on oily lids. While it comes at a higher price point and occasionally breaks during application, it's perfect for achieving a classic cat eye look for special occasions.

In our review, NYX's Epic Ink Eyeliner stood out as a budget-friendly marvel with its highly pigmented waterproof formula that lasts up to 24 hours. The flexible brush tip aids in crafting both fine and bold lines effortlessly, though some users found it can dispense too much product. For just $10, it offers a remarkable balance of quality and affordability, earning it a commendable score of 8/10, making it a top pick for vibrant, long-lasting looks.

Tarte's Double Take Eyeliner combines a gel pencil with a liquid liner for versatile day-to-night transformations. Despite our enthusiasm for its intense liquid side suitable for dramatic evening looks, we found it struggles with smudging and setting issues. While the dual functionality is attractive for $26, its 5.5/10 score reflects mixed performance, with the pencil's longevity and breakage compromising its overall appeal.

The PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil excels in delivering vibrant colors with a creamy, smooth application, perfect for cat eyes or smokey effects. However, during our review, smudging and transfer detracted from its 6/10 score despite the neat glide it promises. At $29, its easy glide makes it appealing, though managing potential smudging is key to maximizing this pencil's vibrant potential.

Kulfi's Underlined Eyeliner brings rich color and a creamy, gel-like glide, but its 4.5/10 score makes it the weakest long-wear pick in our guide. In our testing, the pencil could smudge on the waterline and even transfer to contacts, despite being marketed as waterproof and smudge-proof for 12 hours. The tiny 0.01 oz size and occasional cap issues also hurt value. If you need dependable all-day wear, we'd steer you toward Maybelline Tattoo Liner or gel pots like Inglot instead.

Victoria Beckham's Satin Kajal Liner shines with its creamy, long-lasting formula that supports a variety of looks. While our experience showed some challenges with precise application due to its emollience, this $34 eyeliner sustains its appeal through an impressive range of shades for colorful creativity. Rated 7/10, it strikes a fine balance between luxurious texture and potential transfer, especially on hooded eyes.

Achieve eye-defining precision with Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner, a standout choice rated 9.5/10 in our guide. Its fine brush tip crafts impeccable wings while its long-lasting, smudge-proof performance supports all-day wear. Though some users noted quick drying if not sealed properly, at $21.99, this eyeliner remains a favored staple for achieving robust, consistent pigmentation and intricate designs.

ILIA's Clean Line Gel Liner in Dusk caters to those seeking pigmentation with smooth application in a vegan formula. While its strong pigmentation and built-in sharpener are highlights, our experience revealed some rigidity in application. At $26, its 6.5/10 score reflects an admirable blend of precision and pigment, though not every user will find its firmness easy to work with.

Achieving elegant, everyday definition is simple with MAC's Costa Riche Eye Kohl, though it may require frequent sharpening. This creamy, blendable pencil in a rich coffee brown hue is perfect for understated glamour, though not the best for long-lasting wear, as it scored a 6/10 in our tests. Ideal for those who favor a blendable formula, even if it means managing some smudging throughout the day.

Rare Beauty's Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner boasts a unique brush with 800 bristles for precision application. Despite a few reported issues with occasional smudging, its waterproof formula provides striking, long-lasting definition for up to 12 hours. With commendable packaging and versatility for $21, its 7.5/10 score captures its adeptness in crafting both subtle and bold eye looks with ease.

When value matters, Maybelline's Tattoo Liner Gel Pencil is a smart pick, scoring 7/10 for creamy glide and an impressively long 36-hour, waterproof, smudge-proof matte finish. In our experience, it grips the waterline and resists humidity, making it great for smokey eyes that last. The trade-offs: the tip can degrade or dry faster than we'd like, and removal usually needs an oil-based cleanser. It's not as refined as Tom Ford, but for under $10, it seriously performs.

Yves Saint Laurent's Crushliner Stylo delivers an ultra-smooth glide with a retractable design, negating the need for sharpening, which we found convenient for everyday use. Lasting up to 24 hours, this liner guarantees long-lasting wear and added freshness with pomegranate extract. Although it shines with its longevity, the higher $32 price and limited shade range may deter some, but its solid 7.5/10 rating underscores its performance prowess for long days out.

The Kohl Eyeliner Pencil by Lash Star Beauty excels with its creamy texture and intense pigmentation, offering a smooth application suitable for bold lines and smokey effects. While our experience showcased brilliant color payoff, frequent breakage and difficulty achieving thin lines can be frustrating, contributing to its score of 6.5/10. For $25, this non-waterproof liner is best suited for those who prioritize rich color and easy blending over precision.

Not our top-rated pick, Dior’s Diorshow On Stage Liner earned 7.5/10 for luxe pigment and a flexible marker tip that makes crisp wings and thick-to-thin lines easy. In our testing, the waterproof, smudge-proof formula lasted up to 24 hours, with matte, satin, and pearly finishes ideal for dramatic cat eyes. We did notice the felt tip can dry out quickly—keep it tightly capped—and some shades need layering, occasionally flaking if rubbed. At $38, it’s pricier than Rare Beauty (7.5/10) and KVD (9.5/10), but great if you crave premium finishes.

Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil ranks as our top performer with a score of 8.5/10, thanks to its highly pigmented formula that resists water, wear, and sweat. Even though it requires frequent sharpening due to its soft formula, the pencil's vibrant shimmer and smooth glide justify its $23 price. Ideal for dynamic eye looks, its broad versatility stands out, allowing for dramatic or subtle eyeliner effects that last all day.

Fenty's Flyliner is a reliable go-to in our kit, earning an 8/10 for its superb felt tip, intense black payoff, and quick-drying, waterproof 24-hour wear. During testing, it laid down ultra-clean lines and wings with minimal smudging, though oily or hooded lids may need primer to prevent creasing. Some packaging caps can fail and dry the tip, so close it firmly. Compared with ONE/SIZE, it's a touch pricier but similarly precise and long-wearing for all-day cat eyes.

We found Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ideal for precision lovers, featuring a fine-tip applicator for sharp cat eyes and precise lines. The noteworthy 12-hour wear time and smudge-proof formula offer all-day confidence, though issues with stickiness and tip durability can affect performance. Despite its 7/10 score, at $24, it provides a reliable, long-lasting option for both beginners and pros seeking defined, professional eyeliner looks.

A tiny angled brush can make or break your wing, and Sigma's E06 is a handy, budget-friendly tool for gels and liquids. In our experience, the very small head offers great control for tightlining and crisp flicks, and the synthetic fibers don't soak up product. That said, its 6.5/10 score reflects occasional quality inconsistencies and bristles that can feel softer than ideal. If you get a good one, it pairs beautifully with gel pots like Inglot for clean, precise edges.