Last updated: October 22, 2026
- Quick comparison of the best Sephora eyeliners
- Best budget: Sephora Collection Waterproof 12HR Retractable Eyeliner
- Best for the waterline: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
- Best for precise gel lines: KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner
- Best matte gel: Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside Waterproof Gel Matte Eyeliner
- Best soft-focus everyday: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner
- Best classic smudgeable pencil: Clinique Quickliner for Eyes
- How to choose an eyeliner
- Tips for making eyeliner last
- Decision matrix: which liner for which eyes
- Step-by-step: a clean winged line
- Frequently Asked Questions
The best eyeliner you can buy at Sephora depends on the tool you want: the Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner is the best low-cost everyday pencil, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On is the best waterproof pencil for waterlines, KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner is the best precise gel option for wings, and Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside is a strong matte gel for dramatic definition. Pick the format first, then the brand.
Sephora stocks its own house line alongside prestige brands, so a “Sephora eyeliner” can mean either one. This guide covers both, grouped by use, with the specifications that affect wear: formula type, tip, waterproofing and how easily each one smudges on oily lids. Prices are given as ranges only, and formulas can change, so check the current ingredient list and shade range before you buy.
SEPHORA COLLECTION Waterproof 12HR Retractable Eyeliner Pencil 08-Shimmer Espresso
Included for 'Best Sephora Eyeliners for Every Eye Shape in 2026' as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
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SEPHORA Collection Waterproof 12H Retractable Eyeliner - 11 Matte Charcoal Gray
Included for 'Best Sephora Eyeliners for Every Eye Shape in 2026' because the listing specifies 11 Matte Charcoal Gray, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, 201 Black, 2 pack | Waterproof pencil eyeliner with built-in sharpener. Smudge-proof, long-lasting, intense matte color.
Included for 'Best Sephora Eyeliners for Every Eye Shape in 2026' because the listing specifies 201 Black and 2 pack, details this guide uses to compare options.
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SEPHORA COLLECTION Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner #1 Matte Black
Included for 'Best Sephora Eyeliners for Every Eye Shape in 2026' as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
View on AmazonQuick comparison of the best Sephora eyeliners
| Pick | Best for | Format | Waterproof | Finish | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sephora Collection Waterproof 12HR Retractable Eyeliner | Best budget | Retractable pencil, no sharpener | Yes | Creamy, matte and shimmer shades | Budget |
| Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Pencil | Best for waterline | Pencil | Yes | Matte, metallic and shimmer options | Mid-range |
| KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner | Best for precise gel lines | Gel pencil, long-wear | Yes | Matte black, deep pigment | Mid-range |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside | Best matte gel | Waterproof gel | Yes | Matte | Mid-range |
| Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner | Best soft-focus everyday | Longwear gel | Yes | Smooth, buildable | Mid-range |
| Clinique Quickliner for Eyes | Best classic smudgeable pencil | Automatic-style pencil | Not waterproof | Soft, blendable | Mid-range |
Best budget: Sephora Collection Waterproof 12HR Retractable Eyeliner
This house-brand pencil is retractable, so there is no sharpener and no waste, and it is labeled waterproof and vegan. It comes in a wide spread of shades, from matte black to shimmer taupe and espresso, and a newer colorful version extends the range to bright colors. The formula is creamy enough to glide across the lash line, then sets after a minute or so.
Who it suits: beginners and anyone who wants an inexpensive everyday liner or a color to experiment with. Trade-off: creamy retractable pencils can transfer onto the upper lid on very oily eyelids, so set the line with a matching eyeshadow if you are prone to smudging.
Best for the waterline: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
A long-running Sephora staple, this pencil is known for its smooth, pigmented slide and a very wide shade range. The waterproof formula is the one to reach for when you want color on the waterline or a smoky look that does not migrate.
Who it suits: people who want a pencil that both smudges when warm and holds when set. Trade-off: it needs sharpening, and a very soft pencil can break if pushed too hard. Warm it on the back of your hand first.
Best for precise gel lines: KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner
The Tattoo Pencil Liner is a long-wear gel pencil with a fine tip designed to draw crisp lines and winged ends. It is waterproof and dries to a smudge-resistant finish, so it works well for graphic styles and for hooded eyes where a regular pencil would transfer.
Trade-off: because it sets quickly, you have about 20 to 30 seconds to blend or correct. Keep a cotton swab and a little micellar water nearby for clean-up.
Best matte gel: Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside Waterproof Gel Matte Eyeliner
This gel formula is designed for a dense, flat black finish. It is a good choice for dramatic evening looks and for people who want opaque color in one pass.
Trade-off: gel eyeliners can dry in the pot or pencil if not capped firmly, and matte black removes best with an oil-based or balm remover.
Best soft-focus everyday: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner
Rare Beauty’s longwear waterproof gel liner has a smooth, buildable payoff and is easier to control than a thick gel, making it a pick for people who want definition without a hard edge.
Trade-off: the shade selection is smaller than Urban Decay’s, so check that the color you want exists.
Best classic smudgeable pencil: Clinique Quickliner for Eyes
If you like the soft, smoky look of a pencil that you smudge with a brush, the Quickliner is a long-standing choice. It is not waterproof, so it blends easily but also fades faster on oily lids.
How to choose an eyeliner
Match the format to your eye shape
Hooded or monolid eyes usually need a smudge-resistant gel or waterproof pencil, since the lid folds against the liner and transfers it. Round eyes can take a thin wing; almond eyes suit nearly everything.
Waterproof or not
Waterproof formulas last 12 hours or more but need an oil-based remover. Non-waterproof pencils come off with a standard cleanser, which is gentler on delicate skin.
Tip thickness
A fine tip of about 1 mm or less gives crisp wings; a wider pencil tip of 2 to 3 mm gives a smoky effect. Felt-tip liners are the easiest for sharp lines.
Shade
Black is the high-contrast choice, brown is softer on fair skin, and navy or bronze can brighten eyes. Pick the lightest shade you will wear daily.
Cost per use
A pencil used daily lasts roughly 2 to 3 months, so a pencil that costs more but lasts through a longer day without touch-ups is often the better value than a cheap one that needs reapplying.
Tips for making eyeliner last
- Prime lids with a thin layer of eyeshadow primer or concealer, then set with powder.
- Draw the line in short strokes rather than one long pull.
- Let gel liners dry for 30 seconds before opening your eyes fully.
- Replace liners every 3 to 6 months, and sharpen pencils between uses to keep them clean.
- If your eyes are sensitive, ask an eye care professional before using liner on the waterline.
Decision matrix: which liner for which eyes
| Your eyes | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hooded or monolid | KVD Tattoo Liner or Anastasia Darkside | Gel dries and resists transfer |
| Oily lids | Urban Decay 24/7 set with shadow | Waterproof and powder-set |
| Sensitive eyes | Clinique Quickliner | Easy removal, no waterproof film |
| Beginner | Sephora Collection retractable | No sharpening and easy blending |
| Everyday soft look | Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes | Buildable gel |
Step-by-step: a clean winged line
- Look straight ahead and mark a tiny dot where the wing should end, angled toward the tail of the eyebrow.
- Draw a thin line from the outer corner to that dot.
- Connect the wing back to the lash line with a second short stroke.
- Fill in the triangle, then thicken the line along the lashes with small strokes.
- Correct edges with a cotton swab dipped in micellar water.
Take the shape from your eye, not a photo. A wing that points up and out follows the natural tilt of the lower lash line, so it lifts rather than weighs down the eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best eyeliner at Sephora?
For most people, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On is the best all-rounder because of its smooth feel and large shade range. If budget matters most, the Sephora Collection retractable pencil is the better value.
Which Sephora eyeliner is best for beginners?
A retractable pencil such as the Sephora Collection one is the easiest to control, with no sharpening and forgiving blending. Gel liners take more practice.
Which eyeliner lasts longest on oily lids?
Waterproof gels such as KVD Tattoo Liner or Anastasia Darkside tend to hold best, especially over a primed, powder-set lid. Soft non-waterproof pencils fade faster.
Is waterproof eyeliner bad for your eyes?
It is not harmful by itself when used as directed, but it is harder to remove and rubbing it off can irritate the skin. Use an oil-based remover and be gentle.
What color eyeliner suits brown eyes?
Black gives contrast, while bronze, plum and deep green bring out warmth. Choose by the look you want rather than any strict rule.
How often should I replace eyeliner?
Every three to six months, since products used near the eyes can build up bacteria. Throw it away sooner if you have an eye infection.
