The 10 Best Oil-Free Eyeliners Perfect for Lash Extensions

Oil-free eyeliner is perfect if you tend to have oily lids, live in a humid climate, or just demand high performance from your eyeliner. Your eye shape and lashes can also play a role: “It is best for hooded eyes because it does not transfer once it dries down,” says celebrity makeup artist Natalia Thomas. “It is perfect for those of us who wear lash extensions because the formula won’t compromise the glue, causing lash extension fallout.” This applies to both extensions and more temporary false lashes—oil breaks down the adhesive.

We conducted hours of research on the best oil-free eyeliners on the market, evaluating each formula on ingredients, shades available, and format. After consulting with a celebrity makeup artist, and testing dozens of top-rated brands, we landed on the following best in show.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Makeup by Mario Master Eyeliner Pencil at Sephora
• Best Waterproof: L’Oréal Paris Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner at Amazon
• Best for Sensitive Eyes: Mineral Fusion Liquid Eyeliner at Amazon
• Best Automatic Pencil: Revitalash Defining Liner at Amazon
• Best Powder: MOB Beauty Cake Liner at mobbeauty
• Best Black Pencil: Pat McGrath Labs Ultra Glide Eye Pencil at Sephora
• Best Liquid: Dior Diorshow On Stage Liquid Eyeliner at Sephora
• Best Gel: Melt Cosmetics Gel Eyeliner at Sephora
• Best Range of Finishes: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Eyeliner at Amazon
• Best Drugstore: Almay Top of the Line Eyeliner Pencil at Amazon
  

Best Overall

Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil

$24 at Sephora $24 at Kohls.com View on Makeupbymario.com

What We Like: Intense pigment, smooth glide, brush tip.

What We Don't Like: Must be sharpened frequently.

Format: Pencil | Shades: Black, dark brown, soft brown, plum, blue | Free of: Gluten | Size: 1.1 g | Cruelty-Free: No

While this formula comes in multiple hues, it’s actually the two brown shades that have us sold on it. An exceptional brown liner can be hard to find, but celeb makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic offers two, including our beloved “The Perfect Brown”—which is truly just that. We also like how it comes with a brush on the other end. While sponge tips can be quite effective, we find that this brush effectively blends the liner up and out without removing much pigment for a truly smoky eye.

Who It’s For

If eyeliner is a non-negotiable part of your everyday look, then this deeply pigmented option will serve you for work, events and every occasion in between. We love both the classic black and the brown shade as it adds soft definition without ever looking too harsh while also being perfect to build up and blend out for a more dramatic night look. 

Best Waterproof

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner

$9 at Amazon $10 at Ulta $8 at Walmart

What We Like: Doesn’t budge (even on the waterline), rich pigment, affordable.

What We Don't Like: Challenging to sharpen.

Format: Pencil | Shades: Black, black shimmer, brown, plum, cobalt blue | Free of: N/A | Size: 0.042 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

This creamy pencil glides on like silk, depositing intense pigment that seriously doesn’t move all day (and often into the next), even on the waterline. We think it’s one of the best we’ve ever used and more than holds its own against liners from prestige brands. With 10 different shades, including luscious gold and bronze, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to color options. 

Who It’s For

Fans of soft glam makeup will love the slightly metallic finish to some of the shades. This liner is the perfect option to accompany a dewy base and light smokey eye. The waterproof formula also means that your liner stays in places making it ideal for those who don’t have time for touch ups throughout the day or for long events such as weddings.

Best for Sensitive Eyes

Mineral Fusion Liquid Eyeliner

$16 at Amazon

What We Like: Sets quickly, doesn’t smudge, durable wear.

What We Don't Like: Only comes in two colors.

Format: Liquid | Shades: Black, brown | Free of: Gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, talc, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances | Size: 0.10 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This gentle formula was one of the most durable liners we tested. After sketching the shades on the back of our hand, it survived multiple hand washings, a shower, and even stood up to a good scrubbing from a cleansing wipe. The felt tip is the ideal level of firmness—not too stiff, not too soft—for creating everything from fine, precise lines to bold cat eyes.

Who It’s For

If previous attempts at using liquid eyeliner have left your eyes red and teary, this mineral option could be the liner to finally allow you to achieve a sleek winged liquid liner without irritation. The semi-matte finish is fragrance-free with the added benefit of being infused with vitamin E and chamomile. 

Best Automatic Pencil

Revitalash Defining Liner

$29 at Amazon $29 at Dermstore View on Revitalash.com

What We Like: Very smooth application, can be blended out before setting, pencil houses a sponge tip and sharpener.

What We Don't Like: Limited color options.

Format: Automatic pencil | Shades: Black, slate | Free of: Parabens, phthalates, fragrance, gluten | Size: .01 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

While most automatic pencils come with a built-in sharpener, this is the first we’ve ever seen with a hidden sponge tip, too, which negates the need for an additional brush (making it perfect for on-the-go application). The formula glides on beautifully due to silicone emollients and vitamin E, so it won’t tug on the delicate skin around the eye.

Who It’s For

Having one of these liners in your bag at all times means you are only ever minutes away from being able to achieve anything from a blended out wing, classic topline or black waterline. Whether you tend to apply your makeup after the gym or need a tool to transition your makeup from day to night, this handy liner with its blending brush takes up minimal space but provides all you need to elevate your eye look.

Best Powder

MOB Beauty Cake Liner

View on Mobbeauty.com

What We Like: Refillable and recyclable, versatile, contains skincare ingredients.

What We Don't Like: Compact sold separately from pan.

Format: Pressed powder | Shades:  Black, brown, navy, plum, peacock, eggplant | Free of: Talc | Size: 0.06 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re someone who likes to tightline, this formula is for you. Mob Beauty’s Cake Liner was designed to be used with a wet brush for maximum pigment payoff; simply swipe your brush and stamp it into your lash line to create a fuller, denser look. If you want to create a subtler line, use a drier brush—it won’t pick up as much color.

Who It’s For

Thomas points out that cake liners are not only easy to use, but last a long time, unlike liquids or gels, powder won’t dry out. The six rich shades also allow you to stray from the classic black without losing out on impact. Blue eyeliner has become our new favorite color to play with. 

Best Black Pencil

Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil

$29 at Sephora $29 at Ulta View on Patmcgrath.com

What We Like: Intense pigment, creamy formula, comes with sharpener.

What We Don't Like: Difficult to remove.

Format: Pencil | Shades: Black, dark brown, taupe, shimmery chocolate, shimmery indigo | Free of: N/A | Size: 1.2 g | Cruelty-Free: No

This buttery pencil comes in a handful of shades, but it’s most celebrated for its deeply pigmented black hue, making it one of the darkest and truest black pencils on the market. It’s a must for those who love an intense liner look. It comes with a sharpener to ensure it’s always on point and makeup artist Thomas called it out specifically for its incredible blendability.

Who It’s For

If like us here at Byrdie you are a die-hard fan of black eyeliner, then this pencil is definitely worth the investment. There is something just that little bit superior about how it glides on seamlessly and doesn’t tug across the lids that gives your eye look a cleaner finish. The only downside is that its staying power means it's hard to remove.

Best Liquid

Dior Diorshow On Stage Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

$35 at Sephora View on Ulta $35 at Nordstrom

What We Like: Broad spectrum of color options, lasts 24 hours, defined tip.

What We Don't Like: Can dry out quickly.

Format: Liquid | Shades: 15 | Size: .01 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Thomas recommends this formula for its durability (24 hours of wear!) and its array of beautiful colors—and for an oil-free liner, this is the most extensive range of shades we found. From light shimmery pink to matte green, you can create some serious makeup masterpieces with these hues. 

Who It’s For

If you are looking to create a professional eye but feel as though you lack the necessary makeup skills, then fear not as the pen format of this liquid liner makes keeping a steady hand and getting a precise placement achievable. Plus it comes in 15 different colors.

Best Gel

Melt Cosmetics Gel Eyeliner

$22 at Sephora $22 at Nordstrom $22 at Meltcosmetics.com

What We Like: Has a precise tip, won't smudge or run, removes easily.

What We Don't Like: Brush could be improved.

Type: Gel | Shades: 8 | Free of: Oil, parabens, alcohol | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

All of the liners on this list are safe for falsies, but this liquid eyeliner was made with the preservation of lash extensions in mind. It has a unique extended tip for precision application over lashes and unique eye shapes. It can even be applied over magnetic lashes.

Who It’s For

If keeping your liner and lashes as tight as possible is your main priority, then this gel liner is the one to reach for. It comes in eight colors, with the rich brown shade providing the perfect alternative to black for a soft day makeup.

Best Range of Finishes

Lancôme Drama Longwear Liqui-Pencil Eyeliner

$25 at Amazon $25 at Sephora $25 at Ulta

What We Like: Lasts 24 hours, range of finishes, smooth glide.

What We Don't Like: Challenging to sharpen.

Format: Pencil | Shades: 8 | Free of: Parabens, sulfates SLS & SLES | Size: 0.42 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you like variety when it comes to your eyeliner finishes, give this high-intensity formula a try. You get to choose from sparkle, shimmer, or matte—we’re fond of combining both the matte black and glittering black for a show-stopping eye. The pigment and finishes are fantastic, just be sure to be extra careful when sharpening.  

Who It’s For

Torn between whether to go for a liquid or a pencil, with this unique liquid-pencil you don’t have to choose. This product provides both the durability of a pencil but with the sleek finish of a liquid liner. Best of all are the three dreamy finishes that look great teamed with eyeshadow but are also impactful enough to be worn on their own.

Best Drugstore

Almay Top of the Line Eyeliner Pencil

$8 at Amazon

What We Like: Affordable, hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested.

What We Don't Like: Soft crayon breaks easily.

Format: Automatic pencil | Shades: Black, black brown, black raisin, bronze | Free of: Fragrance | Size: 0.01 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This automatic liner has long been a mainstay of those with sensitive eyes on a budget. The long-lasting and water-resistant formula is ophthalmologist tested and infused with vitamin E for comfortable wear. The pencil includes a hidden sharpener so you can keep the tip precise (great for getting close to the lash line!) and the available shades flatter all eye colors.

Who It’s For

Proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve a great makeup look, this provides everything you need from a liner for an affordable price. The formula stays in place and lasts for hours while the self-sharpener means it’s always ready to use.

What to Look For in an Oil-Free Eyeliner

• Format: Are you pairing your eyeliner with false lashes? Liquids and gel pots are easier to use with lashes, because they can help the band of a lash strip seamlessly disappear into your own lash line without disrupting adhesive. If you don’t have the steadiest hand, it’s always a good idea to start with a pencil eyeliner.
• Durability: “The appeal of an oil-free eyeliner is that it dries down and is longer wearing,” says Thomas. “Generally, they are formulated to not budge or shift.” If you need an eyeliner for oily lids, look for a longwear and/or waterproof claim on the product’s packaging. These types of formulas are designed to resist sweating, smudging, oily skin, humidity, and fading throughout the day.
• Testing: If you have sensitive eyes, not all oil-free eyeliner formulas will be for you—hardworking products that are a challenge to remove may be too irritating on your delicate lids. Sound like you? Seek out a product that’s been ophthalmologist tested and declared hypoallergenic, which will be less likely to cause sensitivity.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Emily Orofino has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. You can find her work on sites such as POPSUGAR, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, InStyle, Editorialist, and RealSelf. She has also lent her expertise to marketing departments and product development teams of some of the industry’s most prestigious and well-recognized brands.

Byrdie contributor and makeup artist Clare Holden doesn’t leave the house without her eyeliner on. She converted to oil-free formulas years ago due to just how much longer they last. 

In addition to our own research, Byrdie also consulted a professional makeup artist to get their expert advice:

• With over 10 years experience as a makeup artist Natalia Thomas has worked on the faces of celebrities such as Karlie Kloss and Noah Cyrus.