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Beauty/Makeup/Eyes/Eyeliners

Top 10 Powder Eyeliners

This Eyeliner Formula Is Trending—Here Are The Internet's Top Picks Worth Adding To Your Cart

Image credits: nordstrom

If you're lucky enough to have made it to beauty TikTok, chances are you haven't been able to take a single scroll through the social platform without seeing someone swipe on a bold line of powder eyeliner. Also referred to as "cake eyeliner" or "water-activated eyeliner," powder eyeliners are the eyeliners of the moment, and pencils, pens, and gels seem to be a thing of the past.

But like many TikTok trends (we're looking at you, yoga pants), powder eyeliner is actually nothing new. In fact, it's long been a staple in the beauty bags of makeup artists and influencers everywhere, and for good reason. Similar to pressed shadows but usually more pigmented, powder eyeliners are some of the most versatile formulas in the game. Mixed with a bit of water, they turn into creamy liquids that dry down with a stunning matte finish. Used dry, they can serve up a soft, smudged look or a more sultry smoky eye. To top it all off, they usually work well as eyeshadows and brow definers too.

Whether you're looking to try out the trend or have long been a powder-liner devotee, take a look at the list below. We're bringing you a roundup of the absolute best powder eyeliners you can get your hands on, from $6 drugstore duos to splurgy compacts destined to become daily essentials.

How We Found The Best Powder Eyeliners

Here at Rank & Style, we don't mess around when it comes to product recommendations. In fact, we use a data-driven algorithm that factors in things like best-seller lists, editorial mentions, and rave reviews to ensure that everything we recommend truly is the best of the best. Scroll on to see the 10 powder eyeliners that made the cut.

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September 25, 2023

Written By:Rank & Style

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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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


10
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Rank & Style Approved

amazon

Sace Lady Pro Cake Eyeliner Powder

Overall Score

4.05

10

Sace Lady Pro Cake Eyeliner Powder

4.47

995 User Reviews

3

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

0

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.

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Best Waterproof Powder Eyeliner

WHAT IT DOES
This eyeliner powder boasts intense pigmentation that allows you to create bold, striking lines with ease. Additionally, it has excellent staying power. Meaning it will stay put throughout the day or night. 

PROMISING REVIEW
"The compact is great! Used once and it did what I expected. Went on easy! Loved that it a cruelty free product. No smudging."

More Colors

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Michael Marcus Cake Eyeliner

Overall Score

4.1

09

Michael Marcus Cake Eyeliner

4.57

3996 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

0

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 Powder Colored Eyeliner

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
With its combination of precision, longevity, and color options, you can trust this powder eyeliner to deliver the perfect eye look and keep your makeup looking pristine even in challenging conditions.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Formulated with gentle ingredients, this eyeliner is suitable for sensitive eyes. 

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Jolie Extra Long-Wear Cake Eyeliner

Overall Score

4.1

08

Jolie Extra Long-Wear Cake Eyeliner

4.62

2479 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

0

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 Powder Eyeliner

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Richly pigmented with intense color payoff, this cake eyeliner was formulated to last all day and then some—we're talking through the workday, happy hour, and beyond—even if you shed a tear or two.

APPLICATION TIP
For more definition and even more staying power, top it off with Jolie's cake eyeliner sealant.

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Jane Iredale Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner

Overall Score

4.15

07

Jane Iredale Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner

4.12

1351 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

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 Powder Eyeliner With Brush

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Aside from the obvious—the genius built-in brush—reviewers love this eyeshadow for its unique powder-cream formula. It applies smoothly and evenly without skipping or tugging, and it stays put until the moment you take it off.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I stopped using eyeliner when my eyelids started showing signs of aging. No matter what I did, I couldn't achieve a solid line—my liner would just skip across the lids. This product is really pretty amazing. I can achieve a solid black line, thick or thin, without even trying. It's honestly the easiest eyeliner I have ever used."

More Colors

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Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


NYX Professional Makeup Cake That! Powder Eyeliner

Overall Score

4.15

06

NYX Professional Makeup Cake That! Powder Eyeliner

3.86

383 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

0

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 Drugstore Powder Eyeliner

WHO IT'S FOR
If you're new to the powder eyeliner game, this classic duo is the perfect product to start with. Including both black and brown shades and ringing up at just $6 a pop, you really can't go wrong.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
You can also use these babies as eyeshadows, primers, and brow enhancers.


Sweet Face Minerals Black Eye Liner

Overall Score

4.2

05

Sweet Face Minerals Black Eye Liner

4.35

276 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

0

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 Loose Powder Eyeliner

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Because this comes in the form of a loose powder, this formula lets you have complete control over the intensity and pigmentation of your liner looks. Plus, since it's made with 100% natural ingredients, it's ultra-gentle and won't irritate sensitive eyes.

PROMISING REVIEW
"Love this eyeliner! This is the only natural powder eyeliner I've found that doesn't flake off during the day and really stays put (I actually need eye makeup remover to take this liner off at the end of the day). It's also super easy to apply wet or dry.

Made In Usa

Made In Usa

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Cle De Pau Beaute Eyebrow & Eyeliner Compact

Overall Score

4.2

04

Cle De Pau Beaute Eyebrow & Eyeliner Compact

4.46

32 User Reviews

2.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

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 Powder Eyeliner Kit

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Complete with a highlighter shade, brow shade, and eyeliner shade, this may just be the last pressed powder compact you will ever buy. You can use the lightest shade above and below the brow, the medium shade to fill in brows, and the darkest shade to line.

WHO IT'S FOR
Rumor has it, shade #2 is the perfect brow powder for blondes.

More Colors

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L'Oreal Paris Infallible Smokissime Powder Eyeliner

Overall Score

4.25

03

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Smokissime Powder Eyeliner

4.17

1211 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

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 Powder Eyeliner Stick

WHAT IT DOES
There are two types of people in this world—those who can do smoky eyes and those who can't. But with this stuff, 

APPLICATION TIP
To achieve a perfect smoky eye, use the fat side of the brush around your top and bottom lash lines, then use your fingers to smudge the pigment up onto the lid.

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Ritual De Fille The Black Orb Eyeliner

Overall Score

4.25

02

Ritual De Fille The Black Orb Eyeliner

4

79 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

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 Clean Powder Eyeliner

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This jet-black formula may just be the last liner you ever buy. Ideal for creating precise wings, smudged lids, and smoldering waterlines, the 100% vegan pick can morph into whatever you want it to.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Reviewers rave that the formula is super buildable, so you can use it for everything from subtle daytime looks to dramatic smoky eyes.

More Colors

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Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Trish McEvoy Eye Definer

Overall Score

4.3

01

Trish McEvoy Eye Definer

4.42

148 User Reviews

2.6

Best Seller

0

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 Powder Eyeliner Overall

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This powder eyeliner is versatile and long-lasting, with a buildable formula for dense lining, shading, and contouring that works well wet or dry. 

PROMISING REVIEW
"I've been wearing this eyeliner for at least 20 years, since I was introduced to it at a professional Trish McEvoy make up session at my local Nordstrom. It's the most reliable eyeliner I've found. It's not overly dark and I use the Trish McEvoy special brush that you use with it -- it deposits the product just where you put it, not all over my eyelid."

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