8 Best Plum Eyeliners of 2026

Unstoppable wear meets bold plum payoff in the L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Pencil Eyeliner—a game-changer for anyone battling smudges and fading color. With up to 24-hour waterproof, smudge-resistant performance, this sharpenable pencil lays down creamy, intense pigment without tugging, making it ideal for both tightlining and dramatic winged looks. Its Aubergine shade delivers a rich plum tone that pops on all skin tones, solving the common frustration of patchy or sheer drugstore liners.

In real-world testing, this eyeliner holds firm through humidity, oily lids, and long workdays without budging—rare for its price point. The 0.042 oz pencil glides smoothly even on the waterline, though it performs best when used on the lash line and set with a powder for extra longevity. While it doesn’t blend as softly as a kohl, it offers precision and control, especially when sharpened to a fine tip. It does require a good sharpener (sold separately) to maintain its edge, and lighter-handed users may find it slightly stiff on first swipe.

Positioned as the best long-wearing drugstore option, it outperforms many pricier rivals in smudge resistance while delivering professional-level staying power. Compared to the Almay Gel Eyeliner, it offers darker pigment and better adhesion, though Almay wins on sustainability. It’s perfect for busy professionals, travelers, or makeup lovers who want one-and-done eyeliner without reapplying. It packs high-end performance into a wallet-friendly package, rivaling luxury liners in wear time but not in comfort on the waterline.

Flawless all-day intensity without irritation—the Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense in Intense Plum is a sensitive-eye savior that doesn’t sacrifice performance. This automatic retractable pencil glides on silky-smooth with zero tug, delivering liquid-liner-level depth in a single stroke, while staying smudge-resistant for up to 24 hours. Its dermatologist-guided formula is 100% fragrance-free and allergy-tested, making it a top pick for those prone to redness, dryness, or contact lens discomfort.

Real-world use confirms its gentle-yet-durable formula—it survives office AC, outdoor commutes, and even accidental eye-rubbing without flaking or fading. The plum shade is bold and opaque, perfect for defining hooded or mature eyes without pulling or skipping. Unlike many creamy liners, it sets quickly, minimizing transfer to the lid, though it’s not fully waterproof—expect minor fading after 18+ hours. Blending is easy for a smoky effect, but it’s best used for sharp definition rather than dramatic smudging.

When stacked against the Estée Lauder Double Wear, it offers comparable wear time but with superior comfort on sensitive eyes. It’s less intense than the e.l.f. Smoky Kohl in pigment, but far gentler and more reliable for daily use. Ideal for contact lens wearers, allergy-prone users, or anyone seeking a no-fail daily liner, it balances luxury feel with medical-grade safety. It delivers high pigment and peace of mind, outperforming many high-end options in eye comfort and consistency.

The Almay Gel Eyeliner in Pure Plum proves eco-conscious beauty can perform—delivering fade-proof, waterproof color in a planet-friendly pencil. With a creamy, gel-infused formula, it glides on without skipping, laying down bold, 24-hour wear that resists sweat and humidity. What sets it apart is its sustainable barrel—made from 85% recycled paper—making it a guilt-free choice for eco-aware users who refuse to compromise on quality.

In testing, it matches the staying power of L’Oreal’s Infallible, with even pigment and no feathering, even on oily lids. It works beautifully on the waterline and lash line, though it benefits from a quick blend within the first 30 seconds for a smoky effect. The 0.045 oz size offers great value, and the formula is free of parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde donors, appealing to clean beauty fans. However, it can drag slightly if applied too slowly, and the color, while rich, isn’t as deeply saturated as plum shades from Estée Lauder or Julep.

As the best sustainable choice, it outshines e.l.f. and L’Oreal in environmental responsibility while holding its own in performance. It’s less buttery than Julep’s gel-pencil hybrid, but more eco-forward than any other in the lineup. Perfect for green beauty advocates, minimalists, or those with sensitive eyes, it combines clean ingredients with reliable wear. It’s not the most pigmented, but it’s the most responsible, offering strong performance with a lighter environmental footprint.

Unrivaled endurance meets luxury precision—the Estée Lauder Double Wear Eyeliner in Deep Plum is the gold standard for all-day wear. Engineered to withstand sweat, heat, humidity, and oil, this 24-hour waterproof liner delivers crisp, transfer-proof lines that stay razor-sharp from morning to midnight. With a built-in sharpener and smudger tip, it’s a complete toolkit in one pencil, designed for flawless performance under pressure—ideal for weddings, long shifts, or humid climates.

In real-world trials, it outlasts every other liner here, showing zero fading or smudging even after 16+ hours of wear. The Deep Plum shade is deeply saturated, adding drama without turning ashy, and the formula glides on smoothly with minimal tugging. It sets fast, so blending must be done immediately, but once set, it locks in place—no touch-ups needed. While it’s not the softest on the waterline, it’s gentle enough for daily use and ophthalmologist-tested. It does require firm pressure for full opacity, which may be tricky for beginners.

Positioned as the best overall, it beats Clinique in longevity and surpasses Almay in pigment depth. It’s pricier than drugstore options, but justifies the cost with performance and convenience. Ideal for professionals, brides, or anyone needing fail-safe makeup, it’s the most reliable liner in extreme conditions. It offers superior wear and features, making it worth the investment over budget picks despite a steeper glide-in curve.

The best of both worlds—the Julep When Pencil Met Gel in Smoky Plum delivers gel-like smoothness with pencil convenience, creating a buttery, one-swipe application that feels luxurious on sensitive lids. Infused with extra-finely milled pigments, it offers intense, saturated color that glides on without skipping or tugging, even on the inner waterline. With 10+ hour wear and transfer-proof finish, it’s ideal for those who want bold plum drama without the mess of gel pots.

Real-world use highlights its exceptional blendability—it smudges beautifully for a soft smoky eye, then sets for lasting wear. The matte plum shade is sophisticated, not overly bright, making it perfect for daytime-to-evening wear. It works flawlessly on dry and mature lids, thanks to its wax-rich formula, and sharpens cleanly for precision. However, it’s not fully waterproof—expect minor fading after 12 hours, and the barrel lacks a built-in sharpener, which is a missed convenience at this price.

Compared to the Laura Geller Kajal, it offers smoother application but less nourishing ingredients. Against the e.l.f. Smoky Kohl, it delivers higher performance and pigment, though at a higher cost. It’s the go-to for gel enthusiasts who hate the hassle, blending ease with high-impact color. It’s ideal for makeup lovers who want salon-quality results at home, offering professional-grade glide and payoff, outperforming budget liners in texture and wear.

Beauty meets skincare—the Laura Geller Kajal in Smoky Plum is the best nourishing formula, infused with Vitamin E and caffeine to hydrate lids and reduce puffiness while delivering vibrant, blendable color. The soft kohl texture glides on effortlessly, making it perfect for tightlining, waterlining, or smudging into a sultry smoky eye. With long-wearing, smudgeable pigment, it’s designed for effortless, radiant eye looks that care for delicate skin.

In practice, it blends like a dream and feels comfortable all day, even on dry or sensitive lids. The built-in sharpener ensures precision, and the plum shade is rich and warm, flattering on both fair and deep skin tones. It lasts 8–10 hours with light smudging, but isn’t fully transfer-proof—expect slight shadowing on oily lids. It’s not the longest-wearing, but its skin-loving benefits make up for it. It performs best when set with a shadow for longevity.

Versus the Julep gel-pencil, it’s more nourishing but less long-lasting. Compared to Artisan L’uxe, it’s easier to sharpen but lacks age-defying actives. Ideal for mature users, skincare-focused makeup lovers, or those with dry lids, it’s a treatment liner with bold color. It offers luxurious feel and skin benefits, making it stand out in comfort and care over raw performance.

Smokey eyes in three minutes—the Artisan L’uxe Velvet Jumbo Pencil in Deep Plum is the best for creating instant drama, thanks to its jumbo dome shape and silky texture that deposits rich, smudge-proof color with minimal effort. Pioneered by celebrity makeup artist Sue Devitt, this waterproof, smudge-proof liner is packed with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to firm and nourish the eye area, turning makeup into a skincare moment.

Real-world use shows it’s perfect for quick glam—one swipe along the lash line builds intense plum depth, and the built-in smudge tip blends it seamlessly without extra tools. The organic sunflower and chamomile infusion soothes lids, ideal for mature or sensitive skin. It lasts 10–12 hours with minor fading, but its jumbo size means slower sharpening and less precision for fine lines. It’s not ideal for tightlining, but unmatched for bold, smoldering looks.

Compared to e.l.f. Smoky Kohl, it’s more luxurious and nourishing, though less affordable. Against the Laura Geller Kajal, it offers bolder payoff but less portability. It’s the top pick for smokey eye lovers, especially those wanting anti-aging benefits. It delivers high drama and skin care, making it worthwhile for special occasions or mature users seeking impact and comfort.

Big drama, tiny price—the e.l.f. Smoky Kohl in Plum & Go is the best budget-friendly eyeliner, delivering bold, high-pigment color for under five dollars. This vegan, cruelty-free kohl pencil glides on smoothly for crisp lines or sultry smoky eyes, making it a holy grail for students, beginners, or makeup experimenters. With long-lasting, smudgeable color, it’s perfect for creating intense plum looks without breaking the bank.

In testing, it blends effortlessly and delivers rich payoff in one swipe, especially when used with the e.l.f. Smudge ‘N Smoke brush. The formula is soft and blendable, ideal for smoky waterline looks, though it fades after 8–10 hours and may transfer slightly on oily lids. It’s not waterproof, but it’s incredibly forgiving for practice and play. The packaging is simple, and while it lacks a built-in sharpener, it sharpens cleanly.

Versus the Julep gel-pencil, it’s less smooth but far more affordable. Compared to Almay, it offers darker pigment but fewer clean beauty claims. It’s the go-to for cost-conscious users, especially those learning eyeliner techniques. It proves luxury looks don’t require luxury prices, outperforming many higher-end liners in blendability and fun, even if it lags in longevity.