Graphic eye looks have moved from runway to real life, and colourful liner is the fastest way to make the shift without committing to a full eyeshadow palette. A precise flick, a floating crease line, or a colour-blocked wing can redefine your going-out makeup in minutes.
How we choose
This roundup highlights eight useful products across pencil, felt-tip, and liquid formats, with shades spanning green, blue, olive, brown, grey, and black. Each offers a distinct approach to the same problem: creating sharp, lasting graphic shapes that hold up from application through the end of the night.
Our 8 Picks
Urban Decay24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil - Smudge-proof Liner | Longwear Eye Pencil Up to 16HR Wear - Transfer-Proof, Creamy, No-Tug, Hydrating Vitamin E, Matte, Shimmer, Metallic, Glitter
What it is
A waterproof, creamy eyeliner pencil from Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On range in the deep forest-green shimmer shade Mildew.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to a graphic floating-liner look because the creamy pencil can draw a defined line or be blended into a softer shape. Urban Decay states the formula is waterproof, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and lasts up to 16 hours, which helps a green shade hold up through a full night out. The classic pencil format also allows sharpening to a fine tip for detailed shapes.
Caveat
A traditional pencil tip needs sharpening to maintain a precise point.
stilaStay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, Micro Tip | Ultra-Fine Micro Tip Liquid Eyeliner for Precise Lines, Waterproof Smudge-Proof, Long-Lasting Satin Finish, Cruelty-Free
What it is
A waterproof liquid eyeliner with an ultra-fine micro tip, in a limited-edition seasonal shade from Stila's Stay All Day line.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for sharp graphic wings because the ultra-fine micro tip is designed for precise, controlled strokes. Stila states the formula is waterproof and stays on without smudging, feathering, or running, which helps layered shapes keep crisp edges. The limited-edition seasonal shade is a way to wear color in the same pen-style format as the classic black version.
Caveat
Because it is a limited-edition seasonal shade, availability may end once that season's stock is gone.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUPEpic Wear Liner Stick, Long-Lasting Eyeliner Pencil - All Time Olive
What it is
A long-wearing eyeliner pencil from NYX Professional Makeup's Epic Wear Liner Sticks in the olive shade All Time Olive.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for trying green-toned eyeliner in a stick format, which makes thicker, bolder strokes easier than a wobbly liquid pen. NYX states the formula delivers 36 hours of waterproof, smudge-proof, fade-proof color. The price also makes it a low-risk way to experiment with olive as a non-black going-out shade.
Caveat
All Time Olive is a muted olive, so it won't read as neon or jewel-toned on the lid.
L'Oreal ParisCosmetics Paris Makeup Infallible Grip Precision Felt Eyeliner, Smudge Resistant, Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner, Blue, Blue, 0.03 fl oz
What it is
A waterproof felt-tip liquid eyeliner from L'Oreal Paris's Infallible Grip line in a blue shade.
Why it's worth it
The felt tip and easy-grip barrel are well suited to controlled, precise strokes for a bright blue eyeliner look. L'Oreal states the smudge-resistant, waterproof formula wears up to 30 hours, which is useful when a colorful line needs to survive a long event. The blue shade gives visible color without needing to stack eyeshadow underneath.
Caveat
Felt tips can dry out if the cap isn't closed tightly, so storage matters for keeping the applicator fresh.
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner Mad Max Brown - Rich Chocolate Brown, Pencil
What it is
A waterproof pencil eyeliner from KVD Beauty's Tattoo Liner range in the rich chocolate-brown shade Mad Max Brown.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for a going-out liner that reads warmer and less severe than black. The listing describes a creamy pencil with rich color and waterproof long wear, and the chocolate-brown shade works as a dressed-up neutral. The pencil format is convenient for quick application and touch-ups.
Caveat
Mad Max Brown is a brown rather than a saturated color, so it won't provide the same pop as a blue or green liner.
essence long lasting eye pencil 20 Lucky Lead
What it is
A long-lasting eye pencil from essence in the shade Lucky Lead.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for budget-friendly experimentation with non-black liner; the pencil glides on smoothly and the grey-lead shade offers a softer alternative to black for graphic shapes. Its compact size is easy to carry for touch-ups. At this price, it is simple to add another liner color to your makeup bag without a large commitment.
Caveat
Lucky Lead is a muted grey, so it won't give the vivid color hit of a blue or green liner.
e.l.f.H2O Proof Inkwell Eyeliner Pen, Film Noir | High-pigment, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, Delivers A Matte Finish, Vegan & Cruelty-free
What it is
A waterproof, high-pigment liquid eyeliner pen from e.l.f. in the matte black shade Film Noir.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to practicing graphic liner because the precision felt-tip wand can draw thin, sharp lines or fill thicker color-block shapes. e.l.f. states the formula is long-lasting and quick-drying, which helps a defined shape stay clean while you build the look. The matte finish gives a non-shiny base for layering other colored eyeliner on top.
Caveat
Film Noir is a black shade, so its role in a colorful-liner roundup is as a contrast or base rather than a color pop.
ColourPopGraphix Ink Liner - High-Pigment Liquid, Colored Eyeliner with a Long-Lasting, Buildable Formula and Flexible Precision Tip - Vampire (0.07 oz)
What it is
A high-pigment colored liquid eyeliner from ColourPop's Graphix Ink line in the shade Vampire.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for editorial-style winged liner because the flexible precision tip is designed to move with the eye for smooth, sharp strokes. ColourPop states the buildable, long-lasting formula dries down fast to help minimize smudging. The colored liquid format delivers a strong pigment pop, and the Twilight-inspired shade adds a moody, unexpected option for going-out looks.
Caveat
The shade name Vampire doesn't describe its exact tone, so check swatch photos if you have a specific color family in mind.
How to choose
How to choose the right colourful eyeliners for bold, graphic eye looks
Takeaway
The right graphic liner depends more on format preference and colour boldness than on any single formula. Pencils offer control and blendability; liquids deliver precision and intensity. Start with your most comfortable applicator, then expand into colour as your technique builds.
