3 Best Pencil Eyeliners for Ultimate Smoky Eye Look
Achieving the perfect smoky eye involves selecting pencils that balance pigmentation, blendability, and staying power, which can be challenging with so many options available. The key is finding a product that applies smoothly, withstands smudging, and creates depth without creasing or fading. While some pencils deliver intense color payoff right away, others require layering or blending for the desired effect. With that in mind, understanding the unique qualities of these top contenders will help you create a look that’s both bold and durable, but there’s more to contemplate if you want it to truly last.
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Kajal Longwear Kohl Eyeliner Pencil (Smoky Plum)
- KAJAL LONG-LASTING EYELINER: Laura Geller's Kajal Eyeliner features a soft kohl formula designed to glide...
- SOFT KOHL FORMULA: Infused with Vitamin E and Caffeine for a long-wearing formula that hydrates and...
If you want an eyeliner that’s easy to use and helps you make a smoky eye look, the LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Kajal Longwear Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Smoky Plum is a good choice. The soft and creamy formula glides smoothly on your eyelids. It contains Vitamin E and caffeine, which helps keep your skin hydrated and can make puffiness go down. The color is rich and strong, so applying it is simple and you don’t need to go over the same spot many times. You can blend it easily to get that smoky effect.
This eyeliner has a built-in sharpener, so you can get a fine and precise line. It’s long-lasting and waterproof. It won’t smudge or fade easily during the day. You can use it as an eyeliner or even as eyeshadow, so it’s useful for different looks. But, because of the sharpener, you might need to sharpen it often. Some people find it hard to make very thin lines. And a few users notice it fades a little sooner than they expected, even though it says it lasts long.
This product is good for anyone who wants a long-lasting, easy-to-blend eyeliner. It’s gentle on soft skin around the eyes and works well for making smoky eye looks.
LAURA GELLER INKcredible Gel Eyeliner in Smoky Night
- LAURA GELLER INKCREDIBLE GEL WATERPROOF SMUDGE-PROOF EYELINER PENCIL WITH BUILT IN SHARPENER: INKcredible...
- WATERPROOF FORMULA: This waterproof gel eyeliner is gentle enough for tight-lining and everyday wear, yet...
The LAURA GELLER INKcredible Gel Eyeliner in Smoky Night is a good choice for many people. It works well whether you want a soft, everyday look or a bold, smoky eye. The gel is soft and smooth. It glides on easily, similar to liquid eyeliner. But it also gives you the control and staying power of a pencil.
This eyeliner is waterproof. It won’t smudge or wash away, even if you are in humid weather or if you shed tears. It has a built-in sharpener. You can use it to keep the tip sharp. A sharp tip helps you make precise lines or soft smudges.
Some people might need to apply a few extra layers to get a fully dark color. The formula is a little less blendable for soft, light looks. The color options are also more limited than some pencils or liquid liners.
Julep Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Chocolate Brown Shimmer
- WATERPROOF GEL FORMULA: Glides on easily and sets to a smooth, stay-put finish.
- ALL-DAY WEAR: Stays put for up to 10 hours without fading, smudging, or transferring.
The Julep Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Chocolate Brown Shimmer is a great choice if you want your eyeliner to last all day. It is waterproof and doesn’t smudge. The gel formula goes on smoothly and dries quickly. It stays in place for up to 10 hours, even if you get wet or sweat. The pencil has a creamy feel, so you can draw sharp lines easily. The shimmer adds a bit of shine and makes your eyes look more done-up. It works well for a smoky eye or a natural look. It is gentle for sensitive eyes and safe to use on your waterline.
You should know that sharpening this pencil can be tricky. You need a special sharpener for gel or jumbo pencils. The shimmer finish may not be for everyone. If you prefer a matte look, this might not be the best choice. The color options are mainly shades like Chocolate Brown Shimmer, so there’s not a big variety.
Best For: People who want a long-lasting, smudge-proof eyeliner with a little shimmer to make their eyes stand out.
Pros:
- Stays put for up to 10 hours
- Goes on smooth and easy to control
- Safe for sensitive eyes and waterline use
Cons:
- Sharpening can be hard and may need a special sharpener
- Shimmer finish might not be for everyone
- Limited color choices outside of shades like Chocolate Brown Shimmer
This eyeliner is simple to use. It works well, lasts long, and makes your eyes look pretty.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pencil Eyeliners for Smoky Eyes
When choosing pencil eyeliners for a smoky eye, you need to consider factors like shades and pigmentation, since richer colors create more depth, but some formulas may be too sheer or uneven. Longevity and durability matter too, especially if you’ll be wearing your makeup for hours, though waterproof options can sometimes be harder to blend. Additionally, ease of blendability and application precision play vital roles in achieving that effortlessly smoky look, but some pencils may be too soft or too stiff for comfortable, controlled use.
Shades and Pigmentation
Choosing the right pencil eyeliner for a smoky eye is simple. Look for pencils that have bold, bright color. You don’t want to use too many layers to get the dark, intense look. Dark colors like black, deep purple, or charcoal work great. They add depth and make your eyes pop. Matte finishes give a serious, smoky look, while shimmer or metallic ones add a bit of sparkle and glamour.
It’s best to pick eyeliners that go on smoothly. Good quality pencils won’t make a mess or bunch up. They should give even color so your look looks neat. And most importantly, choose eyeliners that stay put all day. You don’t want it to fade or smudge.
Pick the shades that match your style. Dark, pigmented pencils help you create a bold smoky eye easily. With the right pencil, your eye look will last and look fantastic all day long.
Longevity and Durability
Long-lasting pencil eyeliners are great because they don’t smudge, fade, or transfer easily. This makes them perfect if you want a smoky eye that stays in place all day. Waterproof or water-resistant versions make your makeup even more durable. They let you go out in the rain, sweat, or even tears without worries.
Creamy, pigmented pencils that set quickly help lock in the color. This stops the eyeliner from smudging and keeps your smoky eye looking fresh longer. Good quality pencils often have ingredients that help the product stick better to your skin. This reduces creasing or smudging on your lower lid.
Sharpening your pencil regularly helps you get sharp lines. This makes your eye makeup look clean and neat. Also, sharp pencils make the makeup stay in place better and last all day. Some pencils might feel a bit stiff at first, but with good application, they stay put longer.
Blendability Ease
The way a pencil eyeliner feels is important if you want to blend it easily. Softer, creamier pencils usually glide on smoothly. They make it easy to smudge and blend to get that smoky eye look. Harder, drier pencils can be harder to work with because they don’t move as easily on your skin.
Pencils that bend and stay soft are good for blending. They help you spread the color evenly. Some ingredients like Vitamin E or Caffeine can keep the pencil soft and easy to use. Using a sharpened pencil gives you better control. You can draw thin, soft lines and then blur them with a brush for a pretty smoky effect.
Creamy pencils blend well at first but may not last all day. Waterproof pencils can be tough to blend once they dry. But they are good for staying put after they set. You can still blend them well when you first apply, before they dry completely.
Choosing the right pencil depends on what look you want and how long you want it to stay. Softer formulas are easier to blend, but waterproof formulas stay longer. Test different types to find what works best for you.
Waterproof Capabilities
Have you ever noticed how some pencil eyeliners stay perfect all day? Even when it’s hot outside or you’re feeling emotional? That’s because of waterproof pencils. These eyeliners are made to resist water and sweat. They have ingredients called polymers that make a thin, flexible film on your skin. This film keeps the eyeliner from smudging, smearing, or fading away.
Waterproof eyeliners are great if you want your smoky eye to last a long time. They can handle tears, sweat, and oily skin. This means you don’t have to check your makeup all the time. But, there is a catch. Waterproof eyeliners are tricky to remove. You need special makeup remover to get rid of them completely.
These eyeliners are very strong, but they might feel stiff at first. It can take some practice to get them to blend well. Still, if you want your eye makeup to stay put through everything, waterproof pencils are a good choice. They last longer, but you need the right remover and a gentle hand during application.
Application Precision
Choosing the right pencil eyeliner for a smoky eye depends on how easy it is to control. The tip of the pencil is very important. A sharpened, fine point helps you draw clean lines along your lash line and inner eye. This gives you more control when making detailed or precise lines. If you want to add small, sharp details, a pointed tip is best.
On the other hand, a dull or rounded tip makes softer, blurry edges. This is good if you want to blend the eyeliner and get that smoky, hazy look.
The softness of the pencil is also key. Softer pencils apply more smoothly and are less likely to tug or skip on your skin. Harder pencils give more control but can be harder to apply smoothly.
Remember to sharpen your pencil often. Keeping the tip sharp helps you get even lines and avoid breaks. Regular sharpening makes your smoky eye look neat and flawless.
Skin Sensitivity Compatibility
When choosing a pencil eyeliner for a smoky eye, especially if your skin around your eyes is sensitive, it’s important to pick something gentle. Look for eyeliners labeled as hypoallergenic or tested by eye doctors. These are made to cause less irritation.
Stay away from eyeliners with strong scents, alcohol, or many preservatives. These ingredients can cause allergic reactions or make your eyes uncomfortable. Some eyeliners have ingredients like Vitamin E or caffeine. These can help soothe your eyelids and keep your skin feeling good.
Always test a new eyeliner on a small patch of skin before putting it on your eyes. This step can help you avoid reactions or allergies. Picking the right eyeliner helps you get a pretty smoky eye while keeping your skin happy and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Pencil Eyeliners Typically Last During a Smoky Eye Look?
Pencil eyeliners usually last around 4-8 hours during a smoky eye look, depending on the formula, application, and your skin type. To boost longevity, set it with a matching eyeshadow and use a primer beforehand.
Can Pencil Eyeliners Be Used to Create a Waterproof Smoky Effect?
Yes, you can create a waterproof smoky eye with pencil eyeliners by choosing waterproof formulas, smudging them carefully, and setting with a matching eyeshadow. This technique guarantees your smoky look stays flawless and lasts longer.
Are There Specific Sharpening Techniques for Achieving Precise Smoky Lines?
Yes, you can sharpen pencils with a clean, fine-tipped sharpener or a professional makeup sharpener. Aim for a precise, pointed tip, and gently rotate for an even edge to achieve sharp, smoky lines effortlessly.
What Are the Best Ways to Blend Pencil Eyeliners for a Smoky Eye?
To blend pencil eyeliners for a smoky eye, you should use a smudging brush or a small, dense brush. Gently wiggle or sweep over the liner, softening the edges to create a seamless, smoky effect.
How Do I Prevent Smudging Throughout the Day With Pencil Eyeliners?
You prevent smudging by setting your pencil eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow, using a primer beforehand, and avoiding touching your eyes throughout the day. Also, choose long-wear formulas for better staying power without smudging.
Last update on 2026-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API