12 Best Drugstore Eyeliners

I’ve swiped, smudged, and winged my way through literally hundreds of eyeliners, and I can tell you this: a high price tag does *not* guarantee a good liner. Honestly, some of my all-time favorite, can’t-live-without-them liners are ones I can grab at Target for less than a fancy latte. A good cheap eyeliner should be intensely pigmented, last through a sweaty happy hour, and not make my eyes water. Is that too much to ask? Nope.

After weeks of testing—we’re talking crying-at-a-rom-com tests, humid-subway-commute tests, and even an accidental-nap test—I’ve found the absolute best drugstore eyeliners that perform like they’re triple the price. These are the liners that actually stay put, from creamy pencils for a smokey eye to liquid liners that deliver the sharpest wing you’ve ever seen. Prepare to be impressed.

 

 

Best Drugstore Eyeliners of 2026

e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

For just $5, this liner is honestly absurdly good. It’s my go-to for tightlining my upper waterline because the formula is so creamy it glides on without a single tug, and once it sets, it is not going anywhere. Seriously, it has survived allergy season and weepy movie nights without giving me raccoon eyes.

The pigment is a deep, rich black and the retractable tip means I never have to hunt for a sharpener. It’s also a dream for sensitive eyes or anyone with hooded lids who struggles with transfer. This is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot for a liner that works.

The Downside: Because it’s so creamy, you need a light hand if you’re trying to draw a super-thin, delicate line.

 

 

Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liner

At only $6, the name says it all, and honey, it delivers. This liquid liner has a super-fine felt tip that makes getting a razor-sharp wing almost foolproof. I put its 16-hour claim to the test during a ridiculously humid summer wedding, and my cat-eye looked just as perfect at the end of the night as it did when I first applied it.

The formula is a true, inky black that doesn’t flake or crack as the day goes on. It just stays put. So whether you’re actually going through a breakup or just need your makeup to survive a sweaty commute, this stuff has your back.

The Downside: It currently only comes in one shade (black), which is a bummer if you love a brown or navy wing.

 

 

Milani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner

This $9 liner is a godsend for anyone with oily lids. It dries down to a true matte finish that does not budge for up to 17 hours. I’ve worn this through rainstorms and spin classes, and it looked flawless. It’s one of the few liners that truly holds up to its waterproof claims.

The formula is super-pigmented and the fine tip allows for major precision. I’ve seen multiple editors say this one is even better than their pricey department store favorites, and I have to agree. It’s just that good.

The Downside: Some of the more unique shades can be tricky to find in stores, so you might have to hunt for them online.

 

 

NYX Epic Ink Liner

This $10 liquid liner is a cult classic for a reason. The brush tip is incredibly flexible and fine, giving you insane control for everything from a tiny flick to a dramatic cat eye. It deposits the perfect amount of product so your lines are smooth and skip-free every single time.

The waterproof formula has a satin-matte finish that holds up amazingly well on oily lids without fading or smearing into your crease by lunchtime. It’s the liner I recommend to everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros.

The Downside: While it’s a beautiful black, it’s not the absolute deepest, most jet-black liner on this list.

 

 

Maybelline TattooStudio Eyeliner Pencil

Okay, so I didn’t test its 36-hour wear claim (because I do, in fact, wash my face), but this $8 gel pencil is ridiculously long-lasting. It glides on like a dream—seriously, the texture is so buttery—and then sets down completely. You have a little playtime to smudge it out for a smoky look before it locks in place.

It’s the perfect reliable pencil for a long day of classes or work when you don’t have time for touch-ups. The color payoff is fantastic, and it stays vibrant all day long.

The Downside: You do have to sharpen it, which can feel like a chore when you’re used to retractable liners.

 

 

Physicians Formula Eye Booster Ultra Fine Liquid Liner

For $10, you get a killer waterproof liner AND a lash-conditioning serum. We love a multi-tasker! The brush tip is one of the finest I’ve ever used, making it perfect for creating super-precise, delicate lines right at the lash line.

The formula flow is consistent, so you don’t get those annoying skips or blobs of product, and it doesn’t crack or flake, even on more textured eyelids. It’s a top-tier choice for a sleek, defined look that won’t smudge on oily lids.

The Downside: The ultra-fine tip is so precise that it can be unforgiving if you have a shaky hand.

 

 

L’Oréal Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

If you’re still trying to master the perfect wing, you need this $10 liner in your life. It comes with a detachable stencil that you can hold against your eye to create a flawless, even wing every single time. It’s an actual game-changer for beginners or anyone who can never get their wings to match.

Beyond the genius stencil, the liner itself is amazing. It’s a bold, pigmented, waterproof formula with a precise tip that lasts all day without a single smudge.

The Downside: This thing is popular for a reason, and it’s often sold out. If you see it, grab it.

 

 

NYX Epic Wear Liner Stick

When I’m in the mood to play with color, I always reach for these $10 liner sticks. With 33 shades in both matte and metallic shimmer finishes, there’s a color for literally every mood, from bright turquoise to shimmering gold.

The gel formula is super creamy and glides on without dragging, delivering an intense pop of color in one swipe. Once it sets, it’s totally smudge-proof. They’re so fun for experimenting with graphic liner looks or just adding a vibrant touch to your waterline.

The Downside: The tip is a little soft, so be gentle—if you press too hard or drop it, it can break.

 

 

Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil

This $6 pencil is a classic for a reason. It’s my secret weapon for a quick, sexy, smoked-out eye. The formula is creamy and blendable, so you can easily diffuse it with the little sponge tip on the other end for that perfectly imperfect, lived-in look.

It glides on without tugging at your delicate eye skin and sets to a soft, long-lasting finish that doesn’t crease or migrate, even on my oily lids. It’s an oldie but a goodie.

The Downside: It’s not the most intensely pigmented pencil, so you may need a few layers to build it up to a deep black.

 

 

Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer

For $7, this retractable pencil is a workhorse. The tip is fine enough that you can get a pretty precise wing, but the formula is creamy enough to smudge out with the built-in smudger before it sets down for the day.

The pigmentation is fantastic, delivering rich color in a single swipe. I love that I don’t need a sharpener, making it perfect to just toss in my bag for on-the-go touch-ups.

The Downside: The tip is a bit fragile, so don’t twist up too much product at once or press too hard during application.

 

 

e.l.f. Lock On Liner And Brow Cream

I’m obsessed with a multi-use product, and this $6 cream pot is amazing. I use an angled brush to create a super sharp, long-lasting winged liner, and on days when I’m in a rush, I use the same pot to quickly fill in my brows. It’s the ultimate time-saver.

The formula is creamy, easy to work with, and sets to a completely budge-proof finish. It’s a fantastic, versatile option that performs just as well as high-end gel liners.

The Downside: Like most cream pot products, it can start to dry out over time if you don’t screw the lid on extra tight after every use.

 

 

ColourPop BFF Creme Gel Liner

This $8 gel pencil feels so luxurious. The formula is incredibly creamy and pigmented, gliding across the skin with zero pulling or skipping. It’s perfect for creating a soft, blendable line or for adding a pop of color to the waterline.

With 18 gorgeous shades to choose from, they’re so fun to collect and play with. The quality is honestly on par with pencils that cost three times as much. It’s a must-try.

The Downside: The shade range can be limited depending on which store you’re shopping at, so you might not find all the colors in person.

 

 

What to Look For in a Cheap Eyeliner

When I’m testing a drugstore eyeliner, I’m savage. I need it to check a few boxes before I even think about recommending it. First, pigmentation. I want a deep, rich color in one swipe, whether it’s a liquid, gel, or pencil. I don’t have time to go over the same line five times to build up the intensity.

Next up is wear time. I apply it in the morning and check in throughout the day. Does it smudge when I rub my eyes? Does it transfer to my upper lid? Does it fade into nothingness by 3 p.m.? The liners on this list survived a full day of wear without turning me into a sad raccoon.

Finally, the application has to be smooth. I’m looking for liquid liners with flexible tips that don’t skip and pencils that feel creamy, not scratchy. Life’s too short to fight with your eyeliner, even if it only costs six bucks.