10 Best Soft Eyeliner Pencil 2025 in the United States

The Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner in Black Violet stands out for its longwearing and waterproof formula, promising up to 24 hours of smudge-proof wear. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need their makeup to last throughout the day without touch-ups. The texture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a comfortable application that glides effortlessly along the eyelid.

Additionally, the built-in sharpener and smudger add convenience, making it easy to achieve precise lines or a smoky, blended look depending on your preference. With 14 intense shades available, there's plenty of variety for different styles and preferences.

However, some users might find the pigmentation to be slightly less intense compared to liquid eyeliners. Also, while the waterproof feature is beneficial for longevity, it could be challenging to remove without a good makeup remover. Those with sensitive eyes or skin might want to check the ingredients list to ensure there are no irritants. This eyeliner is a versatile and practical option for anyone looking for a reliable, everyday makeup staple.

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil in Smokin Topaz offers several appealing features for those looking for a soft eyeliner pencil. Its retractable design means you don’t need to worry about sharpening, making it convenient for quick application. The texture is creamy, which helps it glide on smoothly without tugging at your eyelids. Users will appreciate its strong pigmentation, delivering an intense color similar to liquid eyeliners.

Additionally, this eyeliner is smudge-proof, providing long-lasting wear even in heat and humidity, so you don’t have to worry about it fading or bleeding throughout the day. This aspect makes it particularly suitable for those with active lifestyles or those living in hotter climates. The blendability is mostly good, allowing you to create a variety of looks from sharp lines to soft, smudged effects. However, due to its smudge-proof quality, blending needs to be done quickly before it sets.

The ingredients are a plus point too, as NYX is a cruelty-free brand recognized by PETA, ensuring no animal testing. On the downside, the product is discontinued by the manufacturer, which could make it harder to find in the future. Additionally, if you prefer or need a sharp tip for more precise application, the retractable design might not be to your liking. This eyeliner is best for users who need a reliable, easy-to-use product with strong color payoff and excellent staying power.

The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is designed to offer creamy, ultra-pigmented color that's also waterproof, making it ideal for creating bold, defined lines. One of its standout strengths is its longevity; once applied, it sets within 30 seconds and stays in place throughout the day without smudging or fading. This makes it a reliable choice for long-wear situations or even humid conditions. Its high pigmentation ensures that a little goes a long way, providing strong color payoff with minimal effort.

Additionally, the creamy texture facilitates a smooth application, which is great for both beginners and experienced users. The eyeliner's blendability allows for versatile looks, from a sharp, defined line to a smoky, smudged effect. You can easily smudge it before it sets, offering flexibility in your eye makeup routines. The retractable design means there’s no need for sharpening, adding to its convenience. However, it’s worth noting that because it sets quickly, there is a limited window to blend before it becomes budge-proof.

The product is also vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with ethical beauty standards, which is a considerable advantage for conscious consumers. On the downside, the eyeliner may not be ideal for those looking for a more natural or subtle look due to its intense pigmentation. Additionally, while the creamy texture aids application, it might be prone to breaking if too much pressure is applied. For those who prioritize bold, long-lasting eyeliner that aligns with cruelty-free values, this product is a strong contender.