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drugstore eyeliners
DRUGSTORE EYELINERS
Eyeliner was the first makeup I ever used. I’ll never let middle-school-me down for that.
Specifically, drugstore eyeliners were the first makeup products I ever wore. I applied it badly and like any rebellious tween, I blamed the eyeliner for the racoon-chic results. When I got older, I started purchasing high-end eyeliners, thinking those would solve all of my life’s problems.
Now, I know what you are thinking. “Haha, she’s such a makeup noob, good products can’t replace proper technique!” That is very true, but I am still glad that I spent the money in those formative makeup years on high-end rather than drugstore eyeliners. We tend to think of high-end makeup as simply being better quality. While that is a part of it, I think more importantly, high-end makeup brands are the innovators of the makeup world. High-end makeup brands push boundaries, improve existing products and create new trends. Drugstore makeup brands follow in high-end brands’ coattails, which is actually a good thing.
Experiencing the high-end eyeliners, (and makeup in general,) taught me what is possible. I learned that I need not settle for eyeliners that tug on my eyes when applied or that smear at the first sign of moisture or oil. I also discovered that liquid eyeliners CAN be easy to apply. Lots of lessons learned, I tell you.
Here in the present day, these are the drugstore eyeliners that stand up to the big guns, aka high-end eyeliners. Honestly, I never see the need to purchase another $25 eyeliner ever again because everything I’ll ever need can be found in the drugstore. I now know what I like and where to find it, and that’s super liberating.
*UPDATED: New drugstore eyeliners have been released since this post was originally published. In order to keep this info current and super helpful, I have changed some of my top drugstore eyeliner picks to keep up with the times. I plan on updating consistently as new products are released!
Table Of Contents
- L’Oreal Le Liner Signature Mechanical Eyeliner
- Wet N Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Liquid Liner
- Essence Long-Lasting Eye Pencil
- L’Oreal Matte Signature Liquid Eyeliner
- Physicians Formula Waterproof Eye Booster
- NYX Retractable Eyeliner
- Milani Stay Put 16HR Eyeliner
- NYX Epic Ink Liner
- Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
- Ulta Cream Eyeshadow & Liner
THE QUICK VERSION
ANCHOR drugstore eyeliners
L’Oreal Le Liner Signature Mechanical Eyeliner
A amazingly creamy gel-like eyeliner that you don’t need to sharpen. The formula goes on smoothly without skipping, and once it is dry it doesn’t budge all day. Use it on your waterline and trust that it will stay put all day, or blend it into your lash lines for a smoky look. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Wet N Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Liquid Liner
If you haven’t already heard, I am a crier. I can’t even make it through an episode of Legacies without bursting into tears, much less a regular day in today’s world, the year that was supposed to be an improvement over 2020. Waterproof eyeliner is a must. The formula is potent and the felt brush tip is flexible and smooth. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Essence Long-Lasting Eye Pencil
This is the least expensive drugstore eyeliner on this list, and it just may be one of the best for everyday looks. Reviews state that the formula applies smoothly and is very long lasting. If you are needing a good basic black or brown pencil eyeliner that won’t break the bank, this is an awesome option. It is unfortunate that it doesn’t come in more colors. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
ANCHOR drugstore eyeliners
L’Oreal Matte Signature Liquid Eyeliner
Perhaps this one is on this list for the wrong reasons, but I can’t help myself. Look at how gorgeous it is! The packaging looks very expensive and luxurious, and like it or not, that’s part of the experience of using a product. However, the formula needs to be great too. Reviews say this formula dries quickly and is indeed waterproof, but that it took several dips into the bottle to complete each eye. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Physicians Formula Waterproof Eye Booster
The original dupe for KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner. I have not used this one personally, probably because during the height of its popularity, I was still obsessed with the Tattoo Liner. But it has been recommended hundreds of times so all those people can’t be wrong. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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NYX Retractable Eyeliner
This liner is a happy medium between the Ulta Gel Eyeliner and the Milani 16HR Eyeliner. If you want more classic shades than the Milani offers, but don’t want to sharpen a pencil all the time, then NYX is your best bet. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
ANCHOR drugstore eyeliners
Milani Stay Put 16HR Eyeliner
This eyeliner surprises you with several fun but classy colors. Sometimes you want a little pop of color besides just black or brown, but it still needs to be office appropriate. The formula is soft and highly pigmented and is easily blendable with the built-in smudger on the end. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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NYX Epic Ink Liner
My personal favorite. This liquid eyeliner has a bendy brush tip that has the perfect amount of flexibility. It contours to your eye shape and swoops across your eyelid smoothly, but it’s not so soft that the brush hairs flap around everywhere while giving you no control. It stays on all day when I use an eye primer, and removes easily with water and gentle rubbing. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
Another long-time favorite drugstore eyeliner. At the height of their popularity, plenty of gel eyeliners came and left the drugstore, but this one has remained a fixture. The formula is super creamy and is extremely black. The genius of this product is the fact that it still comes with the applicator brush after all these years. And it’s actually a good one, not like most flimsy applicators included with products. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
ANCHOR drugstore eyeliners
Ulta Cream Eyeshadow & Liner
Ulta’s in-house products tend to fly under the radar, but this is one you really should pay attention to! The formula is creamy when applied but dries down to a waterproof and smudge-proof, and crease-proof finish. It includes a built-in sharpener so the “liner” aspect doesn’t get worn out, if that’s what you choose to use it for. It also makes for a great eyeshadow base. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
That’s all for today!
Love this post? Read this one next >> Top 10 Best Drugstore Eyeshadows (Singles + Palettes!) || BEST Drugstore Makeup
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Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- This post is not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchased all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
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