7 Best Black Eyeliners That’ll Help You Master Every Eye Trend

Urban Decay/Macy's Beauty From Maybelline to Marc Jacobs. by Tanisha Pina Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: November 20, 2020

While trends come and go, a classic black eyeliner has remained one of the most important makeup mainstays to have in one's beauty arsenal. Throughout the many possible (embarrassing) phases of adolescence — mall goth, scene, basic suburban teen — to present day, the versatile tool is crucial to beauty routines everywhere.

Here, a look at the ones you need to know. Click through to see some of the best black eyeliners to help you master every formative trend, past and present, ahead.

We only include products that have been independently selected by NYLON's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil Sephora For an updated grunge look, kohl liner delivers a silky application for a cool smudging. This option from Charlotte Tilbury is waterproof, lasting up to 14 hours. $27 See on Sephora

Pat McGrath Labs PERMA PRECISION Liquid Eyeliner Sephora Get the sharp, impressive, and flexible application Mother Pat is known for with this heavy pigmented, precise formula — claiming to deliver up to 24-hours of water and smudge-proof wear. $32 See on Sephora

Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eye Liner Target With over 200 five-star reviews, this budget-friendly liquid liner gives you total control with its shorter applicator and flexible felt tip. $9.59 See on Target

KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner Ulta KVD's vegan liquid Tattoo Liner has long been a beauty community favorite, designed with an ultra precise brush tip for the best swoops and curves, for cat-eyes and wings and beyond. $21 See on Ulta

Clean Line Liquid Eyeliner ILIA For an everyday clean option, Ilia's vegan and cruelty-free liner was designed for easy, everyday eye looks that won't smudge throughout the day. $28 See on Sephora

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner Sephora This eyeliner gives you all of the intense color and luxury of a gel pot formula with the ease of a pen applicator that glides easily onto the lids. $26 See on Sephora

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eyeliner Pencil This classic has over 6,000 five-star reviews (on Macy's alone!) for a reason. Tried and true, Urban Decay's waterproof liner pencil delivers a creamy, long-lasting, and versatile formula for any look you have up your sleeve. $22 See on Macy's

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