“I woke up like this” is fun to say, but it’s rarely true (unless you’re Beyoncé). The truth is that pulling off an aesthetic that looks as though it requires no effort and is somehow still camera-ready does, in fact, require effort.
To that point, if you’re going for the effortless aesthetic, your makeup is probably “no-makeup" makeup—otherwise known as very light coverage, a few layers of mascara, lip balm, and the ultimate secret weapon for convincing everyone that you actually got eight hours of sleep: eye-brightening makeup.
It’s not eyeshadow, and it’s not exactly eyeliner either, but it deserves the spotlight just the same. Eye brightener is a niche product—a translucent, nude-like powder or pencil that makes your eyes look as if they’re straight out of a makeup ad: bright, wide, and full of dimension. In other words, effortless. Still, you don’t necessarily need concealer or other eye products to reap the benefits of a brightening pencil. Read on for our top tips.
How To Use An Eye Brightening Pencil
Eye brighteners should be used the same way you would apply eyeliner: just under or directly onto the lower lash line, depending on your level of sensitivity. If you want to draw less attention to that area, use a small angled brush to blend out and diffuse the line, which will add more dimension and blend seamlessly into your overall complexion.
If your end goal is a bolder makeup look, eye brightener also makes an excellent primer for eyeliner by enhancing the top color. To top it all off, eye brightener can also double as a brow illuminator when you want to lift and define your arches. Simply outline the bottom end of your brow and use a brush to blend it out for a natural-looking highlight.
If you want to add an eye brightener to your routine, you probably aren’t sure where to start your search. Lucky for you, we’ve found the best eye brightener pencils out there, keeping price and user-friendliness top of mind.
How We Found The Best Eye Brightening Pencils
As always, we compiled this list by consulting our ultra-smart and unbiased algorithm, a proprietary tool that picks products by analyzing a range of data like editor reviews, expert recommendations, and social media buzz. Brighter days are ahead—literally. Keep scrolling for the must-know details on these top-rated pencils.
December 4, 2024
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Trish McEvoy Eye Brightener Pencil
Overall Score
4.5
10
Trish McEvoy Eye Brightener Pencil
4.56
324 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Jumbo Eye Brightening Pencil
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This portable jumbo pencil has a creamy consistency that smooths onto the skin and can be used in several ways. For added brightness, apply it to the inner corners of the eyes, along the lashline, or onto the brow bone.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This highlighter pencil is super gentle, making it a must-try for those with sensitive skin.
Cruelty Free
Chantecaille Brightening Eye Kajal In Nude
Overall Score
4.55
09
Chantecaille Brightening Eye Kajal In Nude
4.66
187 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Eye Brightening Pencil For Redness
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"Amazing product! If you are looking for the perfect eye-opener look no further. After one use, the difference was unbelievable. My eyes looked brighter, less tired, and the redness disappeared. A game changer!"
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
The formula behind this eye-brightening pencil is cruelty-free and avoids harsh toxins like parabens and phthalates.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil In Boundless Bisque
Overall Score
4.7
08
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil In Boundless Bisque
4.5
1505 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Matte Eye Brightening Pencil
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
If you love multitasking makeup products, Make Up For Ever's Artist Pencil is for you. With over 10 shades to choose from, you can use this pencil to line your lips and eyes, fill in your brows, and accentuate contour looks.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I got this liner because I have seen SO many people use Endless Cacao for lip combos. This liner is so creamy and smooth and I love pairing this shade with any nude lippie."
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil In Eye Cheat
Overall Score
4.7
07
Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil In Eye Cheat
4.24
1371 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hydrating Eye Brightening Pencil
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Nothing beats the color payoff of kohl eyeliner, especially if it’s waterproof like this one. The Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner provides the silky precision of a liquid liner and promises to stay put for up to 14 hours.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Crushed pearl powder is also included in the formula to help boost natural collagen production in the skin.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener
Overall Score
4.75
06
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener
4.6
19009 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Light-Reflecting Eye Brightening Pencil
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
The Brilliant Eye Brightener goes on like a cream liner but dries down to a powder consistency that gives the eyes an instant lift. The pencil is also boosted by the brand’s proprietary Ring Light Technology, which features “light-reflecting smart pigments” that turn the dial down on imperfections around the eyes.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
A slew of skin-loving oils provides nourishment with each application—think macadamia seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Tarte Fake Awake Eyeliner
Overall Score
4.8
05
Tarte Fake Awake Eyeliner
4.21
2196 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Eye Brightening Pencil For A Universal Nude
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This eye-opener comes in the most beautiful, universally flattering shade of nude meant to be worn on the lower rim and inner corners of the eyes. The formula is also infused with aloe and antioxidants for added moisture and protection.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The built-in smudger can be used to blend out your lines for a diffused finish.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil In Yeyo
Overall Score
4.8
04
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil In Yeyo
4.54
28534 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best No-Tug Eye Brightening Pencil
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
With hydrating ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil, this award-winning eyeliner pencil has a creamy formula that goes on smoothly without dragging or pulling. Plus, it's waterproof, smudge-proof, and lasts for up to 16 hours of wear, making it great for under-eye use.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"Omg, I have tried white eyeliner from many brands and without a doubt this is the best by far, it is an intense white and it lasts a long time, I love it and I would buy it a thousand times."
More Colors
Glossier No. 1 Pencil In Pure White
Overall Score
4.9
03
Glossier No. 1 Pencil In Pure White
4.15
6887 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Longwear Eye-Brightening Pencil
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I’m obsessed with this pencil liner. It stays on all day long without budging, and its creamy texture makes it so easy to apply!"
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
Glossier's No. 1 Pencil has a vegan, cruelty-free formula that promises up to 12 hours of transfer-resisting wear. Reviewers point out that the creamy texture makes it easy to apply and build a pigmented look, which is due to the combination of castor oil and wax in its ingredients list.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil
Overall Score
4.9
02
Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil
4.56
1617 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Multitasking Eye Brightening Pencil
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Take your makeup from day to night with this dual-ended brow highlighter that can also be used around the eyes for brightening. One end is a matte highlighter for creating soft daytime looks, and the other is a shimmery highlighter for a metallic nighttime finish.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The Duo Pencil is formulated with vitamin E for moisture, and the shimmer side is enriched with other nourishing ingredients like castor seed oil and aloe leaf extract.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil In Milk
Overall Score
4.95
01
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil In Milk
4.29
83961 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Eye Brightening Pencil Overall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Minimalists and makeup artists will appreciate the versatility and affordability of this multitasking product. It serves as both an eyeliner and eyeshadow, allowing you to line, prime, fill in, or highlight, based on your mood and skill level. Additionally, the jumbo applicator and silky-smooth formula make for easy application and blending.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This is so easy to blend out and gives the perfect pop of color to any eye look! I bought multiple colors and use them almost daily! These have definitely become some of my new makeup staples!”
More Colors
Cruelty Free
The Latest
From Our Partners