Smoky-eyed girls, your eye game is about to get a lot more dramatic. Taking a page from ancient days, we’re turning to kajal and kohl liners. Loved by the OG winged liner masters and waterline lovers, these formulas are not only primarily made from natural ingredients, but also have ultra-creamy finishes for the smoothest application with the least amount of irritation. The 10 liners that follow boast out of this world pigmentation along with stellar reviews. They can be toned down for an everyday eye or smoked out for a sultry Cleopatra-esque look. We know steady hands go a long way in precise liner application, but the key is in the formula, and these 10 can’t be beaten. Opening image: @bobbibrown
April 2, 2018
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The Rankings
By Terry Kajal Eye Powder
BEST FOR: Achieving the ultimate smokey eye
LOVED FOR: 6-hour wear lets you do the smudging to your liner rather than the liner doing the smudging itself.
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner
BEST FOR: Drugstore buy
LOVED FOR: Coloring your waterline without the waterworks
Stila Smudge Kajal Eyeliner
LOVED FOR: Channel your inner cool girl with a Sapphire colored liner
FUN FACT: Left your sharpener at home? No worries, this liner has one built in.
Chantecaille Brightening Eye Kajal
BEST FOR: Making your eyes pop
LOVED FOR: Infused with aloe, this pencil has a smooth application and creamy texture.
Revlon ColorStay 2-in-1 Angled Kajal Eyeliner
BEST FOR: A two-in-one liner
LOVED FOR: The blend-ability makes for an easy smokey look.
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Kajal Liner
LOVED FOR: Kohl has never been more pigmented
USERS SAID: "It's the perfect eye pencil - not too black, not too brown, soft enough where you can smudge it and create a very smokey eye, but hard enough that you can achieve a sharp line with it. I love it the fact that it's not stark black, so it looks great with my hazel eyes."
Laura Mercier Kajal Eyeliner
BEST FOR: Drama, drama, drama with a high shine finish
LOVED FOR: Eyeliner can be tough to apply, but that's not the case with this stick. It glides on smooth whether you want a thin wing or are smoking it out.
Clinique High Impact Custom Black Kajal
LOVED FOR: Staying power
BEST FOR: Twist up applicator for on the go touch ups
Yves Saint Laurent Couture Kajal Eyliner Pencil
LOVED FOR: Luxurious color options in a luxurious formula
BEST FOR: Doubling as a shadow
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner
LOVED FOR: Tried and true, this classic brand keeps it simple for the perfect everyday liner
HELPFUL TIP: For a daytime look, swipe on a fine line at your lashline. Going out after work? Amp it up by layering on for a dramatic, thick cat eye.
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