10 Best Eyeliners for Almond Eyes (Tested and Ranked)

Alright, let’s just get into it. Almond eyes already do half the work for you. That soft upward flick at the outer corner? It’s basically built-in drama. But slap on the wrong liner and suddenly everything looks flat or heavier than it should. I’ve been messing around with eyeliner on my own almond eyes for years, and I finally got tired of the ones that flake, smudge, or just refuse to cooperate.

So I tested a bunch of the popular Amazon ones. Real wear tests. Coffee runs, humid days, the usual rubbing my eyes when I’m tired. These are the ten that actually worked for me and a couple friends who also have that same eye shape. No ranking by hype. Just what stayed put and made the eyes look longer and more lifted.

Why Almond Eyes Are Picky About Eyeliner

Almond eyes sit in this nice middle ground. Not too round, not heavily hooded. They love a line that follows the natural curve and then lifts a little at the outer edge. Thick heavy lines close them down. Super skinny ones sometimes disappear. You need something with control and decent pigment so you don’t have to keep going over the same spot.

Ever drawn a perfect wing only to have it melt by lunch? Yeah. That happened to me more times than I want to admit. That’s why I stuck with formulas that claim long wear and actually deliver most of the time.

How I Picked These

I looked at how easy they were to put on without tugging. How well they followed the shape. Whether they lasted through a normal day. And if the color showed up without five layers. Prices change on Amazon all the time, so just check the current ones. These are the best-sellers that kept showing up in my tests.

1. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

This liquid one is my current favorite for clean lines. The felt tip bends just enough to hug the lash line. I start thin near the inner corner and build a little thicker toward the outer edge, then flick a short wing that matches the natural lift of the eye.

It dries fast and the black is actually black. I’ve worn it through a long day and a sweaty walk and it still looked intentional. The formula feels light, which is nice when you layer mascara on top.

Pros

• Tip stays precise without blobbing
• Strong pigment in one pass
• Holds up against water and oil
• Cheap enough to buy two

Cons

• Cap left off and the tip starts drying
• Feels less soft than a pencil if that’s your thing

I grab this when I want definition that makes the eye shape pop without looking overdone.

2. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

This pencil glides on like it’s late for something. Creamy enough for the waterline but it sets so it doesn’t transfer all over the lower lid. On my almond eyes I tightline with it and then soft-smudge the outer third. Gives that lived-in look that still elongates.

It has vitamin E and jojoba oil so it doesn’t feel dry. I’ve had this one last through humidity that killed other pencils. The shade range is better than most if you want options past basic black.

Pros

• Smooth application, no tugging
• Lasts without creasing much
• Easy to keep sharp or blend
• Comfortable all day

Cons

• Costs more than the drugstore stuff
• You need a decent sharpener for the finest tip

This is the one I reach for when I want soft definition that still looks put-together.

3. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

Classic for a reason. The fine brush tip gives real control for that outer flick almond eyes love. I draw a thin line right against the lashes, then extend just past the outer corner and angle it up a bit. Sets matte and doesn’t move.

It has made it through long days, a little rain, and the usual eye rubbing. Getting it off takes some work (oil cleanser helps), but that’s the price for the hold.

Pros

• Great for sharp wings
• Actually waterproof
• Black that doesn’t fade into gray
• Been around long enough that people trust it

Cons

• Tip can stiffen if it dries out
• Harder to remove than softer formulas

If you want graphic lines that stay sharp, this one delivers.

4. Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner

Built-in sharpener is a small win that I appreciate more than I expected. This pencil is smudge-proof once it sets and gives solid color. For almond eyes I use the sharp tip for a clean upper line and the side for a softer outer corner.

It holds up and the price makes it easy to keep a couple shades around. Black brown looks softer if pure black feels too harsh on your skin.

Pros

• Sharpener right there
• Good wear time
• Smooth enough for daily use
• Easy on the wallet

Cons

• Not as creamy as some pricier pencils
• Color can feel a little less intense than liquids

Reliable everyday option that doesn’t need constant babysitting.

5. wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner

This gel pencil does more than the price suggests. Retractable, pigmented, and it actually lasts. I use it for tightlining and a quick soft wing. The satin finish looks intentional instead of chalky.

On almond eyes the creamy texture lets you build without patchiness. Vegan and cruelty-free is a nice bonus.

Pros

• Strong color for what you pay
• Wear claim that mostly checks out
• Easy retractable design
• Soft enough to blend if you want

Cons

• Can feel a bit soft in really hot weather
• Some shades aren’t as deep as you’d hope

Budget hero that still performs.

6. e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

Another cheap one that works. Creamy, waterproof, and the retractable tip stays usable. I like it for a defined but not harsh line that follows the almond curve. Creates bold lines without needing a bunch of layers.

Wear time is solid for the price. Feels comfortable and doesn’t irritate my eyes the way some cheaper ones do.

Pros

• Nice creamy glide
• Good color payoff
• Waterproof formula
• Super affordable

Cons

• Tip can round out with heavy use
• Not the longest lasting in the group

Solid daily driver when you don’t want to spend more.

7. NYX Professional Makeup Mechanical Eye Pencil (Vivid Rich / Always Onyx)

Creamy retractable that gives rich color fast. I use this when I want a softer look or need to work the waterline. Smudges nicely if you want a smoked effect at the outer corner, which adds depth without closing the eye down.

Long-wearing for a pencil and the price is right.

Pros

• High pigment
• Easy to use and blend
• Comfortable texture
• Reliable for everyday

Cons

• Can transfer a little if you don’t set it
• Not great for ultra-sharp graphic wings

Great when you want flexible, buildable definition.

8. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

This one claims serious wear time and mostly delivers. The gel pencil glides on and grips. For almond eyes I keep the line thin and clean, then add a tiny lift at the outer edge. Resists smudging better than a lot of drugstore gels.

Smooth application makes it pretty beginner-friendly too.

Pros

• Strong hold
• Creamy but sets well
• Good intensity
• Easy mechanical format

Cons

• Some shades feel a little drier
• Needs a decent cleanser to come off fully

Reliable when you need it to last through a long day.

9. Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Eyeliner (or the Tattoo Studio versions)

Smooth glide and solid waterproof performance. These mechanical pencils are easy to control along the natural almond shape. I like the depth of color and how they stay put without feeling heavy.

Good for both tightlining and a soft outer wing.

Pros

• Smooth application
• Long wear
• Cheap and easy to find
• Comfortable enough for sensitive-ish eyes

Cons

• Needs a light touch so it doesn’t get too thick
• Tip isn’t the finest for tiny details

Dependable drugstore pick that gets the job done.

10. Julep When Pencil Met Gel Eyeliner

Multi-use gel pencil that transfers less than I expected. The formula is long-wearing and the tip works for precise or softer looks. On almond eyes it gives clean definition that still feels flexible.

Rich color and decent hold make it a nice step up from pure drugstore.

Pros

• Doesn’t transfer much
• Versatile
• Good pigment
• Comfortable wear

Cons

• Sharpenable so it needs some maintenance
• Price sits above the cheapest options

Solid choice if you want something a little nicer that still performs.

Quick Comparison Table

Rank	Product	Type	Best For	Wear Claim	Price Feel
1	NYX Epic Ink Liner	Liquid	Clean wings & precision	Long / waterproof	Budget
2	Urban Decay 24/7	Pencil	Soft definition & waterline	Up to 16 hrs	Mid
3	Stila Stay All Day	Liquid	Sharp graphic lines	All-day waterproof	Mid
4	Revlon ColorStay	Pencil	Everyday reliability	Long / waterproof	Budget
5	wet n wild Mega Last Gel	Gel Pencil	Pigment on a budget	16 hrs	Budget
6	e.l.f. No Budge	Retractable	Creamy daily wear	Waterproof	Budget
7	NYX Mechanical Pencil	Pencil	Soft & blendable looks	Long-wearing	Budget
8	L’Oréal Infallible Grip	Gel Pencil	Strong hold	Up to 36 hrs	Budget-mid
9	Maybelline Unstoppable / Tattoo	Mechanical	Smooth everyday	Waterproof	Budget
10	Julep Pencil Met Gel	Gel Pencil	Transfer resistance	Longwear	Mid

A Few Application Tips That Actually Help

Start thin. You can always add more. Keep the inner third lighter so the eye doesn’t look closed in. At the outer corner, follow the natural upward angle instead of dropping the wing down. Tightlining the upper waterline adds depth without bulk.

A light dusting of translucent powder under the eye catches any fallout. And if you’re doing a wing, look straight ahead in the mirror rather than tilting your head way back the whole time. It keeps the angle more natural to your face.

I used to overdo the outer corner and wonder why my eyes looked smaller. Once I started matching the line to the actual shape instead of fighting it, everything got easier.

FAQs

What eyeliner works best for almond eyes?
Liquids and gel pencils with good control. You want something that lets you keep the line close to the lashes and lift slightly at the outer corner.

Should I wing eyeliner on almond eyes?
Yes, but keep it soft and following your natural shape. A short, slightly upward flick elongates without looking costume-y.

Is liquid or pencil better?
Liquid for sharp definition and wings. Pencil or gel for softer, more forgiving looks and waterline work. Most people end up keeping both.

How do I stop eyeliner from smudging on almond eyes?
Pick waterproof or long-wear formulas, set with a tiny bit of matching shadow if needed, and go easy on heavy creams right under the eyes.

Can I use colorful eyeliner?
Sure. Deep browns, soft plums, or muted greens can look great. Just keep the intensity balanced so the shape still reads clearly.

Wrapping It Up

Almond eyes respond really well to clean, intentional liner that respects the natural shape. The NYX Epic Ink and Urban Decay 24/7 have been my most consistent ones, but the cheaper options like wet n wild and e.l.f. prove you don’t have to spend a ton.

Try a couple. See what feels right in your hand and on your lids. Once you find the formula that cooperates with your eye shape, the rest gets a lot more fun. Your eyes already have good structure. Just give them a line that works with it instead of against it.

That’s it. Go try a few and see which one sticks around past lunch.