10 Makeup Artist-Approved Kohl Eyeliners For Sultry, Smokey Eyes That Last

Best Overall

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeliner Pencil

$29 at Sephora $29 at Nordstrom View on Charlottetilbury.com

Although it’s called kohl, this formula is more of a liquid-kohl hybrid. It boasts the supremely silky application of a liquid with the easily-smudged texture of kohl. (And if you really want to up the smudge factor, just buff it out with a brush.) 

We love that it’s waterproof, lasts up to a whopping 14 hours, and is infused with crushed pearl powder to boost collagen in the delicate skin around your eyes (hello, sneaky skin benefit). While there’s a nice range of dark shades to choose from, we think the eye-opening nude tone is a must-try.

Who It’s For

This liquid-kohl hybrid is perfect for anyone who likes to mix it up with eyeliner on the lash line and/or lid. 

Type: Liquid-Kohl | Shades: 3 | Free of: Parabens | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Liner Pencil

$3 at Amazon $3 at Walgreens

Not only is this liner a fan favorite, it rivals (if not outperforms) many of its much pricier counterparts. We loved that this waterproof formula didn’t run or smear throughout the day, and were impressed with how efficiently it stayed in the waterline. Plus, the gel formula glides along the skin without ever pulling or tugging—our biggest eyeliner pet peeve. We do wish the sparkle shade had more oomph though.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for a reliable kohl liner on a modest budget you’ll love how this one compares to the pricier varieties.

Type: Kohl | Shades: 7 | Free of: Alcohol | Size: 0.004 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Read Full Review: This Popular Drugstore Eyeliner Can Withstand Pretty Much Anything

Best Drugstore

NYX Professional Makeup Eye Pencil in Taupe

$7 at Amazon $5 at Ulta $1 at Walgreens

We love that this drugstore pick is creamy, pigmented, and available for a great price. It’s one of the brand’s best-sellers for a reason— it contains hydrating coconut oil for a silky texture and feel, plus it comes in a dizzying array of 24 shades (purple and lavender shimmer are our go-tos). And no matter which hue you choose though, the rich pigments pack a serious color punch. It does take a few swipes of a makeup remover to get off the eye though.

Who It’s For

Drugstore beauty shoppers will appreciate how accessible this formula is and how many shades there are to test on the spot. 

Type: Kohl-Pencil | Shades: 24 | Free of: Alcohol, Parabens | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Waterproof

Kulfi Underlined Kajal Eyeliner

$20 at Sephora View on Kulfibeauty.com

Sure, you want a kohl liner to look smudgy, but you also want to be able to control the smudges and not have them happen on their own accord. Enter this option, a favorite of celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. “It’s waterproof and doesn’t move, even staying on the waterline nicely,” she says. The only thing that can derail this formula is moisturizer, so be sure to skip the eye area when you’re applying skincare products. 

Who It’s For

This waterproof formula can take whatever you throw at it, from a workout class to a night at the club. It's a deal for busy, active folks. 

Type: Kohl-Kajal | Shades: 5 | Free of: Alcohol, Parabens | Size: 0.012 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Beginners

Jillian Dempsey Kohl Eyeliner

$20 at Amazon $20 at Credo Beauty $20 at Revolve

If you want to get that kohl eyeliner effect but aren’t quite sure how to achieve it, try this guy. The dual-ended pencil features a silky tip on one side that delivers just the right amount of pigment and a built-in smudger on the other, great for buffing out the color. 

The formula is completely natural, cruelty-free, and filled with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, marula oil, and shea butter. We found this eyeliner soft and silky, and loved the smudger for creating a perfectly imperfect look. Our one complaint is that it’s prone to fading and needs reapplication throughout the day to keep the pigment intense. 

Who It’s For

This easy applicator with a buffing tool is great for kohl newbies.

Type: Kohl | Shades: 4 | Free of: Alcohol, Parabens | Size: 0.012 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Double-Duty

Stila Stay All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

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

“This is another fabulous formula that glides on and literally stays in place all day,” says Greenberg. (More specifically, the waterproof pick lasts up to 12 hours.) But what we love most about it is the creamy formula works just as well as an eyeshadow as it does a liner. Simply buff over your eyelid with your fingertips or a brush for an eye shadow look. 

We like it for those who don’t love traditional pencil formats; it has a twist-up tip that requires no sharpening. It’s not the easiest to take off at the end of the day though, so stock up on eye makeup remover. 

Who It’s For

This supremely smudgeable formula can be used as a liner or an eye shadow, making it perfect for streamlining your routine.

Type: Kohl | Shades: 12 | Free of: Alcohol, Parabens | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Shade Range

MAC Eye Kohl Eyeliner

$23 at Ulta $20 at Nordstrom View on Maccosmetics.com

A true cult classic, MAC’s eyeliner comes in a line-up of the classic dark shades you’d expect from a kohl formula—black, brown—but also in some more unexpected colors, such as a matte white and vibrant green. It’s available in a variety of finishes, too (like pearlized and sparkle). 

Whatever shade and finish you choose, the pencil glides on smoothly and has the added benefit of being ophthalmologist-tested, a boon for those with sensitive eyes. It’s not super transfer-resistant, though, so be careful not to touch your eyes too much after you apply. 

Who It’s For

If you like to experiment with colors and finishes, this kohl liner range from Mac won’t disappoint. 

Type: Kohl | Shades: 5 | Free of: Fragrance, Oil, Formaldehyde, Hydroquinone, Triclosan, Coal Tar, Toluene, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Gluten, Phthalate, Parabens, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Polyethylene, Lauryl Sulfate, Oxybenzone | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Unique Shades

Younique Moodstruck Precision Pencil Eyeliner

View on Youniqueproducts.com

Greenberg loves the “smooth and soft formula,” as well as all of the colors this pencil comes in. Speaking of, these aren’t just your basic shades but some more unique options, think a robin’s egg blue, royal purple, and crisp white that can be used along the waterline to help make you look more awake. Some reviewers noted that it can look blotchy when applied, so be prepared to practice if you want a perfect finish. 

Who It’s For

We recommend this kohl liner for anyone who likes to think beyond the traditional black, charcoal, and brown shades (and is a practiced eyeliner applier). 

Type: Kohl-Liquid | Shades: 7 | Free of: Fragrance, Formaldehyde, Hydroquinone, Triclosan, Coal Tar, Toluene, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Gluten, Phthalate, Parabens, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Polyethylene, Lauryl Sulfate, Oxybenzone | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for a Dramatic Effect

Rituel de Fille The Black Orb Enigmatic Eyeliner

$32 at Revolve $32 at Credo Beauty $23 at Saks Fifth Avenue

For anyone looking to really drive home the smokey, smoldering eye vibes that you get with a kohl liner, this pick can’t be beaten. The name says it all; instead of coming in a traditional pencil, this is, well, an orb of deeply pigmented black kohl pigment. 

You can apply it as you would a powder, using an angled liner brush, though it’s so creamy and intense that it can even be smudged on the lower and upper lash line with your fingertips for a very dramatic look. Happy users rave about how buildable the color is, too, but getting the right look does take practice. 

Who It’s For

This deeply pigmented black liner is our favorite product for creating drama with one makeup product. 

Type: Kohl-Cream | Shades: 1 | Free of: Fragrance, Parabens, Alcohol | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Splurge

Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner

$30 at victoriabeckhambeauty.com $32 at Violet Grey View on Bergdorfgoodman.com

This pick may be pricey, but it’s well worth every penny in our opinion. It’s supremely creamy, and never tugs or skips when applied. It’s also ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested so a top choice for anyone with sensitive eyes, and safe to use on the waterline, even for contact lens wearers. 

We love how easily it applies and that it’s highly pigmented for maximum color payoff. But our favorite aspect is the built-in smudger which helps create the perfect smokey eye effect. Some reviewers felt that the pencil could be more durable, so take care not to drop it. 

Who It’s For

If you have a bit more money to invest, this velvety kohl liner with a handy smudging tool is worth it. 

Type: Kohl-Kajal | Shades: 8 | Free of: Fragrance | Size: 0.042 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes