The 9 Best Eyeliners for Oily Lids That Won't Feather, Smudge, or Flake

Best Overall

Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner

$29 at Amazon $22 at Ulta $22 at Dermstore

Type: Liquid | Shades: 1 | Size: 0.01, 0.013 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We think this is the liner to end all liners for three reasons. First, the brush tip is flexible but not so much that it doesn't hold its form against your skin. It makes tracing a reverse cat-eye as easy as drawing a line. Second, the formula gives you the full, dark color payoff the first time around. Lastly, it seems to last on lids forever. “I've worn this eyeliner through rain and sleet, and I've even fallen asleep with it on (oops), and it does not budge. As someone with naturally oily lids, this has secured it in my heart as my holy grail liner,” says former editorial director, Faith Xue.

Best Budget

NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

View on Ulta $9 at Amazon $10 at Ulta

Type: Liquid | Shades: 2 | Size: 0.03 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With over 66,000 five-star Amazon ratings, you can rely on this wallet-friendly liquid liner to outlast sweat, shine, high humidity, and even tears (although we hope not). The waterproof formula is distributed through an ultra-fine, flexible felt tip, so crafting a precise, clean wing is relatively easy. It dries down quickly and has a semi-gloss finish, making it great for everyday as well as bold makeup looks. We love that it lasts all day long, we just wish it had a stronger color payoff.

Best Crayon

Maybelline Unstoppable Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil in Onyx

View on Ulta $6 at Amazon $10 at Ulta

Type: Crayon | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you prefer a soft crayon liner that can be used on the upper and lower lids as well as the waterline, look no further than this offering from Maybelline. It’s creamy and rich so it glides over the skin easily but sets after a few minutes resulting in a smudgy but long-lasting finished look that won’t move around (perfect for a smokey eye). It’s also self-sharpening and costs about the same as a large coffee. What’s not to love?

Best Long-Lasting

Sephora Collection Long Lasting Eyeliner High Precision Brush

$12 at Sephora

Type: Liquid | Shades: 1 | Size: 0.085 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Former senior Byrdie editor, Lindsey Metrus, stumbled upon this liner one day while shopping in Sephora. She had a gift card she didn't want to blow entirely on one pricey product, so she decided to give this liner a shot. “To this day, it's still one of the best liquid liners I've ever used. It doesn't even flick off after you try to wipe it away with your finger after you've made an (inevitable) mistake. I love it,” says Metrus. While it stays put once set, it can bleed a bit as you're applying it, so we suggest being ready with makeup remover to quickly fix any errant lines before it sets.

Best Luxury Option

Dior Diorshow On Stage Liquid Eyeliner

$35 at Sephora View on Ulta $35 at Nordstrom

Type: Liquid | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Co-developed by Dior Makeup creative and image director Peter Philips, this liner is a real treat to use thanks to the super-soft brush-pen tip. It moves easily and never seems to dry out mid-stroke—a pet peeve we have when it comes to liquid liners. The super-precise tip is also great for those who aren't super confident doing the winged liner look (myself included). The pen tip can dry out with regular use so be sure to cap it well after each application.

Best Pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

$23 at Amazon $23 at Sephora $23 at Ulta

Type: Pencil | Shades: 38 | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What’s great about this liner from Urban Decay is that you can choose between a matte, satin, or metallic finish depending on your preference. Funnily enough, it contains several hydrating ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil, but, somehow, that doesn’t translate to transfer or greasiness. Instead, it glides over the delicate skin on the eyes and stays put all day. It works like a dream on the waterline, too.

Best for Smudging

Stila Stay All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

$21 at Amazon $22 at Sephora $22 at Ulta

Type: Pencil | Shades: 13 | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you live in a humid-prone climate and/or have combination skin, you've probably noticed most eyeliner pencils move or transfer after a few hours of wear. This buy from Stila is an exception. Yes, it’s creamy and emollient and lends itself incredibly well to a soft, blended liner look (hence the name), but it seems to grab the skin and set after a few minutes, withstanding all that your day can throw at it. Our only gripe is the cap doesn't always stay on—just something to be aware of if you throw it in your bag for on the go application.

Best for Liner Art

Sephora Collection Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner - Waterproof

$14 at Sephora

Type: Liquid | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.019 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We Byrdie editors are by no means makeup artists, but we love the idea of liner art, specifically a fine line in the eye crease. This liner is great for that—it has an incredibly fine felt tip that’s flexible and deposits product evenly. The waterproof formula means it’s also budge-proof, even on oily lids. However, as with most waterproof liners on this list, the pen tip can quickly dry out, so always cap it as soon as you're done with it.

Best for Beginners

Chanel Le Liner de Chanel

$42 at Nordstrom $42 at Macy's

Type: Liquid | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.08 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We all struggle with winged liquid liner (the operative word being struggle). But this liner from Chanel seriously helps. The tip is really, really thin so you can build your way up to a thick line. So you don't have to worry about making a big, swooping mistake that you then have to remove over and over until the skin around your eyes is smudged and raw (told you, we've been there). You can also grab as much product as you need to get a dark, inky black result.