For a long time, I totally overlooked eyeliners in my makeup routine. As a teenager, I loved lining my eyes with dark kohl liner, but these days, I prefer a more subtle look. Many eyeliners are too heavy for my hooded eyes, which is why I've been on the hunt for the best natural-looking eyeliners. I know that 2016 makeup trends may be making a comeback in 2026, but until I pluck up the courage to try liquid eyeliner again, I'm sticking to softly-diffused, smoky wings and barely-there brown eyeliner. It's the perfect way to add definition to your eyes while still achieving the 'no-makeup' effect. So, I've put the most natural-looking eyeliners to the test to find the ones that offer just the right amount of definition, whether you're tightlining, creating a smoky wing, or lining your lids. Here are my tried and tested favorites, along with tips to make your eyeliner look as natural as possible.
Best Natural-Looking Eyeliners, Tried & Tested
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa
- Best Overall
- Pros: Applies smoothly, blends effortlessly, can be used for tightlining, creating a soft wing, or defining upper/lower lashes. Includes a sponge on the other end for blending.
- Cons: Expensive
Jones Road The Best Pencil in Brown
- Best for Smudging
- Pros: Easy to blend, doesn't drag.
- Cons: Harder to find in stores
Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil
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- Pros: Helps to brighten the eyes, makes eyes look bigger.
- Cons: Doesn't offer definition like a traditional eyeliner
Beauty Pie Gel Eyeliner in Turkish Coffee
- Best Long-Lasting Eyeliner
- Pros: Easy to smudge for a smokey eye, built-in smudging tool on the other end.
- Cons: Requires membership to access lower prices
Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl in Barbarella Brown
- Best Waterproof Liner
- Pros: Gentle on sensitive eyes, applies and blends easily, comes with a smudging tool.
- Cons: Needs regular sharpening
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencil in Ground Coffee
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- Pros: Luxurious, buttery formula, glides on and blends effortlessly, great deep brown hue.
- Cons: More expensive than other pencils
Glossier Boy Brow Arch
- Best Fine Eyeliner Pencil
- Pros: Fine nib delivers precise definition, doubles as an eyeliner and brown pencil.
- Cons: Not technically an eyeliner, so the formula is a bit harder compared to most eyeliner pencils
E.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner in Plum and Go
- Best Burgundy Eyeliner
- Pros: Affordable, plummy tone naturally defines while being softer than black.
- Cons: Not the most luxurious packaging
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Sable Brown
- Best Affordable Eyeliner
- Pros: Affordable, good dark brown color ideal for natural-looking definition.
- Cons: Needs sharpening
Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner in Dusk
- Best Retractable Eyeliner Pencil
- Pros: Glides onto eyes, retractable nib, long-lasting formula.
- Cons: Expensive
MAC Eye Kohl in Costa Riche
- Best Brown Eyeliner
- Pros: Suits everyone, easy to blend, matte finish.
- Cons: Often out of stock
Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner in Depth
- Best Eyeliner With Sharpener
- Pros: Retractable pencil, comes with a smudger and a hidden sharpener.
- Cons: More expensive than other eyeliners
How to Apply Eyeliner for the Most Natural-Looking Results
- Tightlining: Apply eyeliner to the upper waterline to create the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes. Use soft kohl pencils for this technique.
- Choose Brown Eyeliners: Brown eyeliners offer a softer, more natural-looking result compared to black eyeliners.
- Eyeliner Pencils: Offer a more natural-looking formula that delivers a soft, blendable line. Liquid eyeliners produce a defined, crisp edge.
- Beige or Off-White Eyeliner Pencils: Can be applied on the lower waterline to neutralize redness and create a refreshed look.
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At Who What Wear UK, we understand that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years and work closely with trusted experts to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you. We focus on formulas that deliver tangible results, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments.
