Eyeliner is an undeniably transformative makeup tool; it can elevate and accentuate an eye makeup look with just a few carefully drawn, lash-hugging lines.
But there is one eyeliner formula that outperforms all others: gel eyeliner.
Soft and blendable, but budge-proof and long-wearing too, gel eyeliner is the transfer-resistant ride or die that will forever be a makeup bag essential. It’s perfect for creating subtle, everyday definition or for the moments when you feel like experimenting by cutting new shapes with an angled brush.
Maybe you already have a favourite formula, maybe you don’t, but regardless (as you might have guessed), we’re more than happy to share our own. Keep reading to explore the gel eyeliner formulas that’ll always have a place in our makeup kits (and maybe they’ll find a home in yours too).
The best gel eyeliner 2024
01
Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
from $8.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Waterproof, smudge-resistant and long lasting, Maybelline New York has managed to formulate a richly pigmented, oil-free gel eyeliner for less than $10. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Shades: Blackest Black
Key features:
- 24 hour wear
- Waterproof and smudge-resistant
- Oil-free gel formula
- Rich black pigment
- Comes with a gel liner brush
Available at:
- $8.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $17.99 from Priceline
- $20.45 from iHerb
02
Bobbi Brown Ink Long Wear Gel Eyeliner
from $53 at MYER
Bobbi Brown’s wearable, matte finish gel liner is the perfect eye accentuator. It subtly elevates any eye look in just a few minutes and promises up to eight hours of water, sweat, humidity, smudge and fade-proof wear.
Shades: Available in four shades.
Key features:
- Water, sweat, humidity, smudge and fade-proof
- 8 hour wear
- Matte finish
- Highly pigmented
- Draws precise lines
Available at:
- $53 from MYER
- $53 from David Jones
- $53 from Bobbi Brown
03
M.A.C COSMETICS Pro Longwear Fluidline Eyeliner And Brow Gel
from $39 at Adore Beauty
Designed to withstand most of the day and thrive well into the night, M.A.C Cosmetics’ gel liner promises the same precision as your favourite liquid eyeliner, but with a soft, silky finish.
Shades: Black Track and Dip Down Brown
Key features:
- 16 hour wear
- Waterproof
- Smudge-resistant
- Non-acnegenic
- Soft finish
Available at:
- $39 from Adore Beauty
- $39 from MYER
- $39 from M.A.C Cosmetics
04
e.l.f. Lock on Liner and Brow Cream
from $9 at Adore Beauty
Available in various shades of ash and brown, this multi-purpose cream gel can be used as an eyeliner or as a brow-defining makeup product that’s pigmented and long-lasting.
Shades: Available in four shades.
Key features:
- Multi-purpose eyeliner and eyebrow makeup
- Pigmented finish
- Long lasting wear
- Can be blended before it sets
- Smudge-proof
Available at:
- $9 from Adore Beauty
- $10 from Target
- $10 from ASOS
05
Rimmel London ScandalEyes Gel Eye Liner
from $7.84 at iHerb
Although it’s the most affordable pick on this list, Rimmel’s gel liner is still an overachiever. The richly pigmented formula comes with its own liner brush and boasts 24 hours of flake, smudge, smear and run-proof wear.
Shades: Black
Key features:
- 24 hour wear
- Flake, smudge, smear and run-proof
Draws rich, intense lines - Easy glide application
- Comes with a gel liner brush
Available at:
- $7.84 from iHerb
06
INGLOT AMC Eyeliner Gel
from $39 at INGLOT
Beloved by makeup artists for its longevity and diverse range of artful shades, Inglot’s gel eyeliner is durable, intense and richly pigmented. A must-have for experimental makeup looks.
Shades: Available in 25 shades.
Key features:
- Waterproof
- Intense and richly pigmented
- Available in a wide range of shades
- Matte finish
- Quick drying
- Smudge and flake-proof
Available at:
- $39 from INGLOT
Is gel eyeliner better than liquid eyeliner?
Gel eyeliner isn’t necessarily better than liquid eyeliner (they both have their positive qualities), but gel formulas tend to be more versatile and longwearing than their liquid counterparts. For example, gel liner can be applied and blended like a cream eyeshadow, but it can also be used to create precise lines. If you have hooded eyes or oily lids, gel liner is less likely to transfer throughout the day, but it will need to be dissolved by an eye makeup remover or micellar water prior to removal to avoid tugging or rubbing during cleansing.
Looking to save money on gel eyeliner? Check out our coupon codes for Oz Hair & Beauty, RY and more.
Related article:
- The Best Drugstore Mascaras For Sky-High, Beautiful Lashes That Won’t Break The Bank
- 7 Buildable Brow Pencils For Creating Delicately Defined Arches
- 5 Silky Serum Foundations For Polished But Natural Coverage
Main image credit: Getty
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