Just like a lashing of mascara or coat of red lipstick, a cat eye make-up look is perennially chic. From Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Jane Birkin’s signature Sixties flick, to Alexa Chung’s contemporary take, the best liquid eyeliners and kohl pencils are a beauty staple.
“There’s something so hypnotic and seductive about a cat eye – it has the power to lift and elongate the look of your eyes,” celebrity make-up artist Sofia Tilbury tells me. While some beauty trends come and go, winged eyeliner has enduring appeal.
The magic of eyeliner is how personalised you can make it – Debbie Harry wore hers smudged in the Eighties while Amy Winehouse’s signature wing was bold and exaggerated in the Noughties. “Winged liners are flattering on any eye shape,” renowned make-up artist and founder Bobbi Brown tells me. “If you have almond shaped eyes, an accentuated winged line can really emphasise the shape and look great. A round eye will be the most dramatic. And those with deep set eyes should keep it the most subtle.”
When it comes to application, Brown advises to start in the inner corner of your eye. “Line close to your lashes and gradually make the line thicker as you extend it to the end of your eye and then outward and slightly up.” Her pro tip is to start with a light hand, as “you can always go back and add additional thickness to your line.” To finish the look, Tilbury suggests applying a bit of concealer underneath the wing. “It conceals, brightens and smooths – Charlotte [Tilbury] says it’s like shapewear for the eyes and face as it gives that lift effect, especially when you apply it outwards from the outer corner of your eye.”
I’ve been applying winged eyeliner for more than a decade, so it’s safe to say I’ve tried a lot of formulas. I return to Charlotte Tilbury’s kohl pencil (£26, Cultbeauty.co.uk) near-daily for a soft-focused look, while Benefit’s roller liquid eyeliner (£22.50, Boots.com) is my go-to for a sharp cat eye. Keep reading for more of my tried and true all-time favourites.
The best eyeliners for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Victoria Beckham satin kajal liner: £33, Spacenk.com
- Best budget buy – Rimmel wonder’ink liquid eyeliner: £4.77, Amazon.co.uk
- Best kohl pencil – Charlotte Tilbury rock n kohl eyeliner pencil: £25, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best liquid – Benefit roller liquid eyeliner: £22.50, Boots.com
Read more: 12 best lip liners, expert-tested for definition and fullness
How I tested
I’ve tasted a range of eyeliners to find my favourites, from understated kohl pencils to occasion-ready liquid black formulas. I’ve been wearing some eyeliners for years (see Benefit and Charlotte Tilbury), while others – including Victoria Beckham’s creamy satin pencil and Mac’s precise liquid formula – are new in my rotation. From ease-of-application to pigment, longevity and value for money, you can read my full testing criteria at the bottom of this review.
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Victoria Beckham satin kajal liner
Best: eyeliner overall
Type: Kajal pencil (can be sharpened)
Shades: 21
Shade tested: Cocoa brown
Why we love it
- Long-lasting
- Great shade range
- Easy application
- Versatile
Take note
- Expensive
Deserving of its cult status, Victoria Beckham’s satin kajal liner is the best eyeliner. I may be late to the party, but I can easily see why it's so beloved. Yes, it’s an investment, but the formula speaks for itself. Incredibly soft, lightweight and comfortable, it genuinely feels like you’re wearing nothing at all – ideal for anyone who finds make-up overstimulating.
Infused with vitamins B and E, the liner glides on smoothly with a creamy, hydrating texture that blends effortlessly. I like to softly define my lids with a diffused wing for daytime, then build it up for a sultry, smokey look in the evening. The staying power is superb – it lasts all day without smudging or fading. Add to that an excellent shade range – 21 options that include VB’s go-to cocoa, glittering golds, navy and black – it’s easy to see why this eyeliner is such a crowd-pleaser.
Buy now £33, Victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Rimmel wonder’ink liquid eyeliner
Best: budget eyeliner
Type: Liquid eyeliner
Shades: Black, brown, yellow, navy, turquoise
Shade tested: Brown
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Bold finish
- Easy to apply
- Precise tip
Take note
- Smudges in humid weather
- Fades towards end of the day
For just £6, Rimmel’s liquid eyeliner is the best budget eyeliner and easily rivals formulas I’ve tried from more premium brands. It also lasts a long time, and despite nearly daily use, I only have to rebuy it every four months or so. As for application, the pen-style product sits comfortably in the hand, while the nifty felt-tip applicator means I can create precise and smooth lines, with minimal effort.
More often than not, I’ll get a perfect wing on the first attempt, in less than 10 seconds – and any product that reduces my getting-ready time gets extra love from me. The pointed tip gives you extra versatility, and the richly pigmented liner dries quickly for a matte finish. The staying power is impressive, but the liner does start to smudge in humid weather.
Buy now £4.97, Amazon.co.uk
Benefit roller liquid eyeliner
Best: liquid eyeliner
Type: Liquid eyeliner
Shades: Black, brown
Shade tested: Black
Why we love it
- Long-lasting
- Precise tip
- Matte finish
- Versatile
Take note
- Can smudge in hot weather
Launched in 2019, Benefit’s roller liner is one of the best of the bunch, and as a product I’ve used for half a decade, it’s still the best liquid eyeliner. The silky, soft formula dries almost instantly into a sleek, matte finish. The precise, pointed tip leaves little room for error, whether you’re after a dramatic wing or classic cat eye.
While cheaper formulas can get you the same look initially, they tend to smudge or completely fade throughout the day. Benefit’s roller liner, however, stays put, with my small flick still looking just as defined in the evening (it only smudges in particularly hot weather). Despite an initial investment, the formula lasts for ages – I’m still using the same eyeliner nearly a year later.
Buy now £22.5, Boots.com
Charlotte Tilbury rock n kohl eyeliner pencil
Best: kohl eyeliner
Type: Pencil
Shades: Brown, black, maroon, dark green, navy blue, bronze
Shade tested: Brown
Why we love it
- Natural finish
- Versatile
- Great pigment
Kohl eyeliners, like Charlotte Tilbury’s rock ‘n kohl eyeliner, have among the best pigment pay-off. Boasting a creamy and blendable formula, the pencil is ideal for creating a smokey and diffused look. Equally, the pencil is perfect for gliding along the upper lash line for soft definition. Plus, the quick-drying and waterproof formula means you can apply along the waterline with irritation.
Whether you’re creating a dramatic smokey or an understated daytime eye, there’s a smudger-tip for fashioning your desired look. The formula is impressively long-lasting (I can apply at 7am before the office for all-day coverage), and easy to apply – simply glide and smudge. The pencil is completely fool-proof, all you need to do is sharpen it every couple of weeks (but it can be used right down to the nub, so it lasts you months). If you’re looking for the best kohl eyeliner, Charlotte Tilbury gets my vote.
Buy now £25, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Jones Road gel liner
Best: gel-based eyeliner
Type: Gel liner (applied with brush)
Shades: Black, brown, navy, burgundy
Shade tested: Black and brown
Why we love it
- Long-wearing
- Versatile
- Impressive pigment
- Lightweight formula
Take note
- Need a brush
Bobbi Brown’s groundbreaking gel-based formula combines the precision of a pencil brush with the pigment of a liquid formula. The iconic MUA recently redeveloped the cult buy for her new brand, Jones Road. An effortless way to achieve the perfect cat eye or winged look every time, the precise applicator brush helps create definition or a diffused look, while the formula itself is versatile and long-wear.
As the best gel-based eyeliner, I’ve been relying on Jones Roads’ formula for a soft, everyday look – particularly with the brown shade – and can confirm it’s well-worth the investment. The product is designed to be applied with the brand’s precision pencil brush (£24, Libertylondon.com), but any similar, small brush will work.
Buy now £30, Libertylondon.com
Mac brushstroke liquid eyeliner
Best: eyeliner for thin winged look
Type: Liquid eyeliner
Shades: Black
Why we love it
- Precise tip
- Smudge-proof
Take note
- No shade range
Mac’s brushstroke liner is the best eyeliner for a sleek feline flick. The fine brushed tool creates a thin, elegant line, but the tapered tip means you can just as easily create a more layered and statement look. It's got a rich, inky pigment and matte finish that is perfect for adding definition to your eyelid and waterline.
The staying power is great – the waterproof formula doesn’t budge all day but equally comes off easily with make-up remover. Delivering a seamless cat eye in a single stroke without skipping or dragging, the liner also dries quickly. The lack of shade range is disappointing, but if you’re after a reliable black liquid eyeliner, you can’t beat Mac for delicate precision.
Buy now £22, Boots.com
Lisa Eldridge seamless glide pencil
Best: everyday eyeliner
Type: Creamy pencil (can be sharpened)
Shades: Burnt umber, gold, grey, dark green, black, brown
Shade tested: Brown
Why we love it
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight and soft formula
- Staying power
Take note
- Isn’t good for a precise cat eye
The best eyeliner for everyday, Lisa Eldridge’s creamy eyeliner pencil is a delight to apply. Gliding effortlessly across your lid or filling in your water line, the pencil boasts impressive colour pay-off. There are six shades available, from sparkly forest green to classic black – my favourite is the ground coffee. The beautiful tonal brown creates a soft definition that enhances your natural eye shape. I can apply it in less than 10 seconds for a natural, no make-up, make-up look.
Though capable of creating a smokey eye, the liner is less useful for a sharp, winged look (a liquid formula is better). Instead, Lisa Eldridge’s liner creates a flattering, lived-in look that lasts all day. The gel-based formula is softer than a pencil, but can be sharpened in the same way for a more precise tip – just be careful not to break or damage it.
Buy now £24, Selfridges.com
Maybelline tattoo liner ink pen
Best: budget liquid eyeliner
Type: Liquid eyeliner
Shades: Jet black, matte black, brown
Shade tested: Jet black
Why we love it
- Sharp look
- Easy to apply
- Affordable
Take note
- Smudges easily
- Isn’t very long-lasting
If you’re after the best budget liquid eyeliner, Maybelline’s ‘tattoo’ formula is a useful tool in your make-up arsenal. The no-frills product boasts a firm, precise tip that creates a flattering flick in seconds. Available in both black and brown shades, the pigment isn’t perfect – particularly with the brown shade – but the liner is great for quick application and easy definition.
Again, the staying power doesn’t overly impress, but the lightweight formula can easily be topped up if you want a stronger look come evening. For the price, it’s a great choice for those who wear eyeliner everyday.
Buy now £8.99, Superdrug.com
Sculpted by Aimee dual end eyeliner
Best: hybrid eyeliner and highlighter
Type: Dual end pencil
Shades: Brown, black
Shade tested: Brown
Why we love it
- Hybrid liner and highlighter
- Precise tips
- Versatile
- Good price
Take note
- Slightly limited shade range
Sculpted by Aimee’s hybrid eyeliner and highlighter has fast become a favourite in my rotation. With a richly pigmented pencil on one end and a precise highlighter on the other, it can be used for creating definition and to brighten. Both ends can be sharpened for extra precision, with the soft tip pencil liner gliding nicely across the lash line without pulling.
The formula is creamy and blendable – you can easily smudge it for your desired look – but still firm enough to create a defined line or flick. The colour pay-off is great, with a single stroke adding depth. Whether used on the waterline, inner corners of your eyes or brow bone, the highlighter end can make eyes look more awake. At £16, the dual pencil offers excellent versatility.
Buy now £13.6, Johnlewis.com
What are the best eyeliners?
If you’re looking for an eyeliner that won’t budge, Victoria Beckham’s kajal liner offers unrivalled comfort, versatility and an impressive shade range. You can rely it on for a quick, everyday winged look, as well as a dramatic smokey eye, making the price feel justified. Those on a budget should look to Rimmel and Maybelline, while Benefit’s roller liquid liner remains a go-to for a sharp, statement cat eye.
How I test eyeliners
Over the course of eight weeks, I compared various eyeliner brands and formulas from affordable and high-end brands in my daily make-up routine. Some of the eyeliners I’ve used for years, while others are new in my rotation. I looked at the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Daisy Lester has been reviewing beauty for IndyBest for more than six years and has some form of eyeliner in her make-up stash for more than a decade. She’s tested countless other beauty products from the best lip liners to the best eyelash curlers. When it comes to beauty buys, Daisy knows her stuff, and you can rest assured that every product in her guides have been rigorously tested to find the best of the best.
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