12 Best Drugstore Eyeliners Under $10 For 2026

Looking for high-quality eyeliner that won’t drain your wallet? Drugstore brands deliver professional-level results at a fraction of luxury prices. We consulted makeup artists to curate this list of the best drugstore eyeliners under $10, focusing on pencils, gels, and liquids available at retailers like Target, CVS, and Amazon. These picks excel in pigmentation, staying power, and ease of use, whether you’re creating a sharp wing, smokey eye, or waterline definition.

Many are cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and formulated without harsh irritants, making them ideal for sensitive eyes or daily wear. Plus, most are waterproof and smudge-proof, holding up through tears, humidity, or long days. We’ll cover sharpening tips, ingredients, and specific strengths for each to help you choose the perfect match.

Why Choose Drugstore Eyeliners?

Affordable eyeliners rival high-end brands in performance. Makeup pros like those interviewed emphasize deep pigmentation, blendability, and longevity without common allergens. At under $10, you can stock up on multiple shades—black, brown, navy, plum—for versatile looks. Key benefits include:

• Budget-friendly: Save over $160 yearly by swapping premium for drugstore dupes.
• Accessibility: Found at drugstores, Target, Walmart, or online.
• Safety-tested: Many are dermatologist-tested, oil-free, and fragrance-free.
• Versatility: Suitable for waterline, tightlining, wings, or smokey eyes.

How to Sharpen Pencil Eyeliners Like a Pro

Pencil eyeliners need regular sharpening for precision. Invest in a dual-hole sharpener like the NYX Professional Makeup Sharpener ($4.50), with slots for standard and jumbo pencils. Steps for perfect tips:

1. Freeze the pencil for 10-15 minutes to prevent breakage.
2. Insert into the sharpener and twist gently—avoid over-sharpening.
3. For twist-up pencils, twirl on a paper towel for a fine point.
4. Clean the sharpener after each use to maintain hygiene.

Gel and liquid eyeliners skip sharpening altogether, offering mess-free application.

Our Top Picks for Best Drugstore Eyeliners

These 12 standouts were selected for their pro endorsements, covering every need from sensitivity to drama.

1. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner

Best Overall | $5.49 at Walmart

This ultra-creamy kohl glides on effortlessly for bold lines or smokey effects. Highly pigmented in shades like black and Nude.

What it’s Good For: Pigmented wear without irritation; ideal waterline or smokey eye base. Lasts all day.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Made Of: Castor seed oil, wax, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, acetate

How to Sharpen: Twist-up; perfect point via circular motion on paper towel.

2. CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil

Best for Long-Lasting | $3.19 at Target

A classic in black or black brown, with a built-in smudger for easy blending.

What it’s Good For: Deep color for smokey eyes; clean formula without harmful ingredients.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Made Of: Synthetic waxes, mineral oil, pigments

3. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Sticks

Best for Everyday Precision | $8.99 at Ulta

Soft yet controlled for fine lines; 36-hour wear.

What it’s Good For: Waterproof, transfer-proof; great for beginners.

4. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Best for Dramatics | $7.49 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Gel formula in a pot for intense, customizable application with a brush.

What it’s Good For: Smudgeproof, waterproof up to 24 hours; safe for sensitive eyes in 10 shades. Perfect for sugar skull makeup.

Cruelty-Free: No

Made Of: Oil-free, dermatologist-tested

5. Almay Liquid Liner

Best for Sensitive Eyes | $8.49 at Almay

Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic in six shades like navy and plum.

What it’s Good For: Creamy waterproof gel that dries fast; blend quickly. Avoid waterline if dry eyes.

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

Best for Waterline | $3 at Target

Retractable, long-wearing for inner rims.

What it’s Good For: Glide-on ease; stays put without tugging.

7. Wet n Wild Kohl Crayon Eyeliner

Best for Precision Lining | $1.89 at CVS

Six neutral shades at rock-bottom price.

What it’s Good For: Creamy glide, 12-hour waterline hold; purse essential.

8. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Pencil Eyeliner

Best for Criers | $3.47 at Amazon

Waterproof in five colors, including copper bling.

What it’s Good For: Smooth application on dry skin; tear-proof all-day wear.

9. Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Liner

Best for Humidity | $7.99 at Milani

Sweatproof liquid in two blacks.

What it’s Good For: Winged liner pro; versatile for all looks.

10. Physicians Formula Shimmer Sticks

Best for Shimmer | $6.99 at Walmart

Customizable shimmer for eyes or brows.

11. Essence Super Last Waterproof Eyeliner

Best Budget Liquid | $2.99 at Ulta

Precise pen for wings.

12. Catrice Liquid Liner

Best for Beginners | $5 at Target

Felt tip for steady lines.

Comparison Table: Top Drugstore Eyeliners

Tips for Application and Longevity

• Prime lids with eyeshadow base for better adhesion.
• Use setting spray for extra hold in humid conditions.
• For winged liner, start with dots at key points and connect.
• Remove with oil-based cleanser to avoid tugging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best drugstore eyeliner for beginners?

Felt-tip liquids like Catrice or Milani offer steady, forgiving lines without pressure.

Which drugstore eyeliner is waterproof for crying or swimming?

L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Last or Rimmel Scandaleyes stay put through tears and water.

Are there hypoallergenic options for sensitive eyes?

Almay and Maybelline Lasting Drama are dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free.

How do I prevent smudging in humidity?

Opt for Milani Supreme Kohl or set with translucent powder.

What’s the cheapest good drugstore eyeliner?

Wet n Wild Kohl Crayon at $1.89 delivers pro results.

This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.