The 5 Best Gel Eyeliners

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Whether you love a winged eye or a cat eye, you can achieve the perfect makeup look with the right gel eyeliner. The gel formula will allow you to achieve an accurate, long-lasting application, whether you prefer a subtle or dramatic effect. (See also: The 5 Best Liquid Eyeliners and The 5 Best Pencil Eyeliners)

What Is Gel Eyeliner?

Gel eyeliner is a cosmetic product that can be used to define or enhance the eyes, helping you create any eye shape you desire. The long-lasting eyeliner is applied around the contours of the eyes to create anything from a defined line to a smoky eye.

It may seem like gel eyeliner is more difficult to apply, but once you get the hang of it, you likely won’t ever go back to pencil. To apply, use an angled eyeliner brush to glide the eyeliner in small strokes across the lash line from the inner to the outer corner, until the desired intensity is achieved. If this is too difficult, make small dots along the lash line and then, connect the dots. If you have trouble getting a steady hand, rest your elbow on a table.

Top 5 Gel Eyeliners

REVLON Colorstay Crème Eyeliner

The REVLON Colorstay Crème Eyeliner stays put and dries quickly so you can achieve the perfect look in no time. The waterproof creme-gel formulation is silky and features colorstay long-wearing technology for up to 24 hours of bold color impact that doesn’t smear or smudge. The intense pigments provide high impact color, which will allow you to get a precise line. The airtight pot includes a built-in brush for easy, smooth application.

This received the Allure Best of Beauty Award and is recommended by publications like Cosmopolitan and Into the Gloss. If you prefer liquid eyeliner, consider the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner. If you prefer pencil eyeliner, consider the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner With SoftFlex.

Currently $6.47 on Amazon

BOBBI BROWN Long Wear Gel Eyeliner

If you don’t mind spending a bit more on your eyeliner, then you won’t find better than the award-winning BOBBI BROWN Long Wear Gel Eyeliner. The long-wearing, water-resistant liner lasts all day, but removes easily. The innovative eyeliner gives the glossy look of liquid liner and is easy to apply, even for beginners. It offers a no-smudge, no-smear, quick-dry finish and won’t budge once it has dried. The rich consistency glides on and provides vibrant, highly-pigmented color. It can be used to create subtle to dramatic looks and is easy to build for intensity.

This comes in a wide range of colors and is gentle enough for sensitive eyes. It received the Allure Best of Beauty Award three times and is recommended by Good Housekeeping, Glamour, The Independent, Cosmopolitan, Rank & Style, and Into the Gloss. It also has outstanding reviews from beauty mavens and professional makeup artists, and has a devoted following. If you like your new eyeliner, then the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Set 3-Piece Set can offer a good price for two eyeliners and a brush.

Currently $26.00 on Amazon

Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

If you’re looking for something that is truly smudge-proof and waterproof, then the Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner is perfect for you. The long-wearing, everyday liner stays put for 24 hours. It is easy to apply and won’t crease or run. It can help you enhance your eyes and create a defined or dramatic look. The oil-free formula holds highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base for the most intense color possible.

The ophthalmologist-tested liner is ideal for use with sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, and hooded eyelids. It comes with a brush and is available in a range of colors. It is recommended by publications like Rank & Style and Into the Gloss. If you prefer liquid eyeliner, consider the Maybelline New York Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner.

Currently $6.74 on Amazon

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Lacquer Eyeliner

The L'Oreal Paris Infallible Lacquer Eyeliner 24H glides on smoothly for a clean, precise line with an intense, glossy finish. The high-shine, lacquer eyeliner lasts for 24 hours. It includes a flat brush for easy application and allows you to get results similar to liquid eyeliner in no time.

This comes in a range of rich, fade-free colors. It is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It is recommended by publications like Into the Gloss. If you prefer liquid eyeliner, consider the L'Oreal Paris The Super Slim Eyeliner by Infallible. If you prefer pencil eyeliner, consider the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner.

Currently $7.49 on Amazon

NARS Eye Paint

The NARS Eye Paint is a versatile long-lasting eyeliner that can also be used as an eye shadow or highlighter. The silky, hyper-saturated shades glide on smoothly, while the weightless gel texture dries quickly. The rich, high-impact pigments last for 18 hours.

This comes in a wide variety of colors, including in metallic and matte shades. It is recommended by publications like The Independent, Into the Gloss, and Rank & Style.

Currently $9.00 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best gel eyeliners. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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