Top Gel Eyeliner Brands to Elevate Your Eye Game

When it comes to creating the perfect eye look, choosing the right gel eyeliner can make all the difference. Known for their smooth application and long-lasting wear, gel eyeliners are favored by makeup enthusiasts for their versatility and intense pigmentation. From easy-to-use pots to smudge-proof formulas, there's a vast range of options to cater to every preference and skill level. Discover which top brands stand out from the rest in the area of gel eyeliners below.

Illustration of gel eyeliner

Best brands of gel eyeliner in 2025

MAC

MAC is renowned as one of the best producers of gel eyeliner, known for its high-quality and long-lasting products. The MAC Fluidline Gel in Blacktrack, for instance, is highly praised for its smooth application and flake-free finish, making it a favorite among makeup artists and consumers alike. This product is part of a broader eyeliner market that was valued at USD 3.47 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% until 2030. MAC's innovative formulations and wide range of products have contributed significantly to the growth of the eyeliner market, particularly in regions like North America where the brand holds a significant market share. With its commitment to quality and user satisfaction, MAC continues to be a leading brand in the cosmetics industry.

Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown is renowned for its high-quality gel eyeliners, offering long-lasting and smudge-proof formulas that have garnered widespread acclaim. The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, for instance, is praised for its creamy texture and ability to last all day without smudging or creasing, making it a favorite among makeup enthusiasts. Introduced as part of the brand's commitment to natural and durable makeup, these eyeliners have been a staple in many makeup collections since their launch. With a rating of 4.5 stars, they are highly recommended for their ease of application and soft, yet defined finish. The brand's eyeliners are available in various formats, including gel pots and cream sticks, ensuring versatility and convenience.

Maybelline

Maybelline is a leading global brand in the cosmetics industry, renowned for its high-quality gel eyeliner products. The company, owned by L'Oreal, has been a staple in the beauty market since its founding in 1915. Maybelline's gel eyeliner, such as the Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner, is praised for its smudge-proof and waterproof formula, lasting up to 24 hours and safe for sensitive eyes. The brand's strong presence in 129 countries and a significant rise in e-commerce sales, particularly a 47.1% increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight its market dominance. Maybelline's innovative product offerings and effective marketing strategies have contributed to its success in the competitive cosmetics industry.

Inglot

Inglot Cosmetics is renowned for its high-quality gel eyeliner, particularly the AMC gel eyeliner, which stands out for its true black color payoff, longevity, and waterproof properties. Founded in 1983 by Wojciech Inglot, the company has innovated significantly, introducing the Freedom System and breathable nail polish. Inglot's products are available in 90 markets worldwide, with 95% of its products produced in-house in Poland. The AMC gel eyeliner is a favorite among makeup artists, especially on Broadway, and is known for its durability, lasting more than 12 hours. Inglot's commitment to scientific research and customer needs has made it a leader in the cosmetics industry.

L'Oréal Paris

L'Oreal Paris, a leading brand in the gel eyeliner market, is renowned for its high-quality and innovative products. The company has experienced significant growth, with a notable 13% revenue increase in Q3 2021, buoyed by a robust e-commerce and digital strategy implementation. As part of the L'Oreal Group, L'Oreal Paris maintains a global presence in 150 countries and employs over 85,000 individuals, including 2,500 scientists dedicated to driving product innovation. The brand's commitment to ethics and sustainability, alongside its diverse product lines, has solidified its standing as a market leader. L'Oreal's gel eyeliner products enjoy popularity among both women and men, contributing significantly to the overall growth of the eyeliner market, which is projected to reach USD 9.58 Billion by 2031.

Clinique

Clinique is renowned as one of the top producers of gel eyeliner, known for its high-quality and safe products. Their High Impact(tm) Gel Tech Eyeliner is ophthalmologist tested, safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, and offers 24-hour wear on lids and 12-hour wear on the waterline. This product is 100% fragrance free and has undergone rigorous allergy testing to ensure consumer safety. Clinique's commitment to eye safety and effectiveness has made their eyeliners a favorite among beauty enthusiasts. With a long history of innovation, Clinique continues to meet the evolving needs of the beauty market.

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury is a renowned brand in the beauty industry, particularly praised for its high-quality eyeliner products. Founded by esteemed makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, the brand has seen significant growth, with a 38% increase in turnover to £310.1 million in the year ending December 31, 2022, and a further jump to £448.5 million in 2023. Known for its innovative and transformative products, Charlotte Tilbury's eyeliner duos, such as the Hollywood Exagger-Eyes Liner Duo, offer long-wearing, waterproof performance and are formulated with emollient oils and natural waxes for easy application. The brand's commitment to digital innovation and strong product launches has driven its success. With a cruelty-free policy and a wide range of shades, Charlotte Tilbury remains a favorite among beauty enthusiasts.

Smashbox

Smashbox is renowned as one of the top producers of gel eyeliner, offering high-performance, long-wearing products that are cruelty-free and vegan. Their eyeliners, such as the Always Sharp Longwear Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner Pencil, are designed for smoky and graphic definition, making them a favorite among makeup enthusiasts. Smashbox's products are stress-tested in iconic photography studios to ensure they hold up all day without the need for touch-ups. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal customer base, with many users praising its products for their ease of use and durability. As of 2023, Smashbox continues to be a leading name in the cosmetics industry, particularly in the eyeliner market.

Stila

Stila is renowned as one of the best producers of gel eyeliner, particularly with its legendary Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, which remains the number one product in its category. This eyeliner is celebrated for its ease of use, waterproof and smudge-proof properties, and its ability to last all day. In a consumer panel study, 100% of participants praised the intense color payoff of Stila's Stay All Day Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner, with 97% noting its effectiveness in defining the eyes. Stila has maintained its market presence despite changes in the beauty landscape, and its products continue to be favored by both consumers and makeup artists. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has kept it a staple in the beauty industry since its inception in the 1990s.

Revlon

Revlon is a leading brand in the cosmetics industry, renowned for its high-quality gel eyeliner products. The Revlon ColorStay Creme Gel Eyeliner Pencil, for instance, boasts an ultra-soft formula that glides on effortlessly, delivering vibrant color and ensuring up to 24 hours of smudge-free wear. It is also waterproof and enriched with hydrating ingredients like Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. As America's #1 long-wear eyeliner, Revlon's ColorStay formula has been a favorite among consumers, as evidenced by its top ranking in the Eyeliner Pencil form type segment for the 52-week period ending 11/18/23.