Image: MomJunction Design Team
Eye makeup plays a huge role in the way you look. So, we have created a list of the best eye-brightening pencils to define your eyes and make them pop. They help elevate your appearance and make you look radiant and attractive. As the skin around your eyes is delicate, they need extra protection and can benefit from some TLC.
Whether you want to sport a smokey eye, a classic winged eye, or a cat-eye, eye brightening pencils can do the trick. They also help you shape and highlight your brow bones, giving you eyebrow goals that everyone will love. So, choose your favorite, makeup artist-approved eye brightening pencils from the list below and get some heads turning.
Top Picks
11 Best Eye Brightening Pencils
1. Best Waterproof: Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Light Eyeliner
A celebrity-endorsed brand, Maybelline’s shiny bronze automatic eye brightening pencil is an extremely long-lasting pencil with a shimmery metallic finish and a smudge-free, waterproof formula. It is a smooth formula with a self-sharpening tip, making it easy to use. This brightening eyeliner comes in different colors to suit varied skin tones.
Pros
- Glides smoothly
- Highly pigmented
- Even consistency
- Smudge-proof eye brightening pencil
- Available in a range of luminous shades
Cons
- May break easily
- May clump slightly
"I adore the light shade of this eyeliner, which is suitable for a soft glam makeup look. While it is not smudge-proof, its long-lasting ability and the shine it offers make up for it. The easy application and convenience of removal also add to its charm."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 3,949 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
2. Best Long-Lasting: Artisan L’uxe Beauty Velvet Jumbo Eyeliner Pencil
Artisan L’uxe’s brightening pencil contains age-defying ceramides and hyaluronic acid to enhance your eye look each time and make your skin firm. The eye brightening jumbo pencil is water-resistant, smudge-proof, and long-lasting. It has a smudge tip on one end to allow you to blend the shimmering bronze shade smoothly over your eyelid. This highlighting eye pencil can give you smokey eyes within minutes, and its organic ingredients such as sunflower seed oil and chamomile extract help moisturize your skin. Learn more about the eye illuminating pencil via a tester’s experience in this video review.
Pros
- Dome-shaped
- Finely-milled
- Nourishes the delicate area
- High-density pigments
Cons
- May be slightly shimmery
- Tip may be a bit thick
"The eyeliner's long-lasting formula and sponge end is helpful in creating an impressive smoky eye. Its larger size and smooth texture allow a thicker application that can be smudged for a shadow-like effect. It's gentle on the skin and suitable for daily use. It also offers an impressive stay on oily skin."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 2,282 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
3. Best Dual-Sided: Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil
Accentuate your eyes with a subtle shimmer or a matte effect with this dual-sided pencil by Anastasia Beverly. For visible results, apply the shimmer end and follow it up with the matte end. It smoothly slides across your eyelids, giving your eyes a defining natural finish. Check out this video review to learn more about this creamy eye-brightening pencil’s tested features.
Pros
- Non-wax formula
- Cruelty-free
- Brightens your eyes
- Creamy texture
Cons
- Tip may be a bit fragile
- May be a tad greasy
"This eyeliner has been a staple in my makeup routine. Its highlighting formula is gentler than others I've tried and quite manageable. It leaves a lovely smooth line behind. Overall, a decent purchase."
Beauty tipMaybelline New York Lasting Drama Light Eyeliner Best Waterproof | Artisan L’uxe Beauty Velvet Jumbo Eyeliner Pencil Best Long-Lasting | Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil Best Dual-Sided | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Shiny Bronze, a0.01 Ounce | Shimmering Bronze | Black Matte |
| Dimensions | 0.41 x 1.88 x 5.63 inches | 3.15 x 0.79 x 0.79 inches | 6.75 x 0.75 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 0.01 Ounces | 0.63 Ounces | 0.32 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,949 | 2,282 | 115 |
| Price | $14.7 | $19.99 | $20 |
4. Best Pigmented: Lorac Front Of The Line Pro Eye Pencil
Get the desired finish with this Front Of The Line Pro liquid eyeliner by Lorac that is long-lasting and highly pigmented. It gives a uniform matte finish and is available in several metallic shades. This matte finish eye pencil for brightening is ophthalmologist-tested. It comes with a sharpener as an additional feature. To know more, check out this review video.
Pros
- Twist-up eye brightening pencil
- Safe for contact lens wearers
- Soft formula; can also be used on the waterline
- Waterproof formula
- Doesn’t irritate the eyes
- Enables precise application
Cons
- May be a bit waxy
- May dry out pretty quickly
"The pencil's soft consistency is gentle on my mature eyelids. I find the product better than other liquid variants I have tried. It gives a neat, smooth line and lasts long."
5. Best Light-Reflecting: Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener
The Thrive Causemetics eye brightener features Ring Light Technology to provide instant illumination. It can help redefine your eyes by highlighting the best features, leaving a soft glow. The eye brightener includes light-reflecting pigments that provide a shimmering appearance and makes your eyes look radiant. Infused with macadamia and meadowfoam seed oil, this shimmering eye pencil also has hydrating benefits that help reduce fine lines.
Pros
- Provides a seamless finish
- Dermatologist-tested
- Waterproof
- Non-irritating
- Suitable for lens wearers
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Tip of the pencil might seem uncomfortable for some
- May not be suitable for aged skin
6. Best Creamy Texture: NYX Professional Makeup Faux Whites Eye Brightener
NYX eyeliner pencil comes in various shades, such as linen, lavender, blush, and mint, and gives a velvety-soft matte effect. This professional-grade pencil glides on effortlessly across your eyelids, and you can apply the creamy brightener in a single swipe. This eye brightening liner pencil is cruelty-free.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Stays put all day long
- Waterproof
- Available in different shades
Cons
- May be less suitable for the waterline
- May not be easy to sharpen
"I like the beautiful, soft shade of this eyeliner. While the application is easy and smooth, I find myself struggling to get precise lines due to the blunt edge. The product is a bit tough to sharpen. However, it also didn't irritate my skin and stayed on for roughly six hours unprimed. It brightens up the waterline nicely but may suit those who prefer more dramatic makeup styles."
7. Best Natural Brightener: Trish McEvoy Eye Brightener Pencil Shell
Known for its visible results, Trish McEvoy’s brightening pencil highlights the brow bones effectively, giving you a natural, fresh appearance. The soft-glide eye pencil for brightening smoothly glides across the eyelids, defining your eyes and giving you a natural, fresh appearance. You can blend the pencil with a laydown brush to obtain a subtle uniform brightening effect.
Pros
- Creamy texture and soft formula
- Bright pale pink shade
- Free of phthalates and SLS
- Provides ease of application
Cons
- May be slightly thick
- May dry out and not last very long
"I've tried various highlighter pencils, but this is the first that hasn't irritated my eyes or caused swelling. It doubles as a liner, and the color gives me a well-defined look. Would recommend it."
8. Best For All Skin Types: Youngblood Eye-illuminating Duo Pencil
This dual-ended pencil gives a shimmery and matte effect. The shimmer side helps brighten your eyelids, while the matte shade helps define your brow bones to give you an attractive, well-defined natural eye look. This tried-and-tested instant eye brightener is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients, making it the perfect eye makeup product for most skin types.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Has hydrating properties
- Non-comedogenic
- Free of parabens and talc
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Pigmentation may be less
- May need frequent reapplication
"I like the clever dual-faceted design of this product - shimmery on one side and matte on the other. Perfect for popping in my makeup bag. It's effective as a brow bone highlighter, though it needs reapplication on the waterline every few hours. It's been helpful with under-eye darkness when combined with a light liquid blend, and the smooth application is a plus. All in all, a compelling and versatile makeup staple."
Do remember9. Best Refreshing: Jolie Waterline Liner Eye Brightening Pencil
Give your eyes a refreshing appearance with this pencil by Jolie. It is a smudge-proof brightening liner that gives your eyes a natural luster. The nude shade of this makeup product blends perfectly with your skin. When applied directly to the lower inner rim of your eyes, this waterproof eyeliner makes the eyes look wider and prominent. This result-driven waterline brightening pencil is formulated with jojoba oil extracts and does not contain parabens.
Pros
- Transfer-resistant
- Free of fragrance
- Stays put all day long
- Makes your eyes pop with its natural color
Cons
- May fade out soon on the waterline
- Shade may be lighter than expected
"The highlighting pencil helps create a brighter and fresher look. It is great for beginners to experiment with new looks as its subtle hue and nude shade give a natural look and perform well at highlighting the facial features, especially the eyes."
10. Best Fragrance Free: Sorme Cosmetics Brow Lift Highlighting Pencil
Brighten your eyes with this pencil that forms a creamy natural layer around your eyes to give them a youthful, dewy appearance. It is suitable for all skin types and can also be used to define your brow bone and highlight your inner eye corners. This inner corner highlight pencil is fragrance-free and easy to apply.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Enhances eyes
- Crease- and flake-resistant
- Doesn’t budge
Cons
- Shade may be lighter than expected
- May be less suitable for darker tones
11. Best Easy-To-Apply:Beauty Junkees Eye Brightener Stick Highlighter
The Beauty Junkees eye brightener stick highlighter is a hassle-free and multipurpose pencil for highlighting your brow and inner corners of the eye, bringing out your inner radiance. High-quality ingredients are incorporated into this eye highlighter, giving you a soft glow that looks natural. The composition is creamy and subtle, making it suitable for everyday use and special events. This dual-ended pencil with a neutral shade has a matte end and a shimmery one to suit your needs. You can also use it as an illuminating eyeshadow stick for a glamorous shimmer effect.
Pros
- Provides ease of application
- Glides and blends smoothly
- Long-lasting formula
- Cruelty-free and free of harsh chemicals
Cons
- Consistency may be tacky
- Tip may break easily
"I got this as a stand-in for my usual highlighter, and it does a reasonably good job. It's creamy and easy to apply, and I like the two-in-one function. While it was a bit too smooth for use on my waterline, the nude shade offers great variation. It does well in defining the eyebrow line and adding a dash of color to the lids."
How To Choose The Right Eye Brightening Pencil?
Before buying an eye-brightening pencil, consider the following factors.
1. Shade: Pencil highlighter eyeliners come in various shades. You can choose the shade depending on your skin tone.
2. Finish: Some pencils give a matte effect, while others have a shimmery effect. Some pencils have both. Choose a pencil that is versatile and fits your makeup routine.
Barbie Ritzman, a beauty and skincare specialist and founder of Barbie’s Beauty Bits, says, “Choose an eye-brightener pencil with a soft tip that glides on smoothly along your water line to avoid pulling and tugging.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an eye brightener the same as an eyeshadow?
No, eye brighteners and eyeshadows are not the same. Eye brighteners have a creamy formula that is used to brighten your eye area, whereas eyeshadow comes in powder, cream, or liquid form for creating both light and dark eye makeup looks. However, darker shades of eye brightener can be used as an eyeshadow for creating smokey eye looks.
2. Is eye brightener the same as concealer?
No, eye brightener and concealer are not the same. An eye brightener is used to highlight some points of your face, like your brow bone and inner corner of your eye, and darker colors can also be used as an eyeshadow base, whereas concealers are used to conceal uneven skin tone.
3. What can I use to highlight the inner corner of my eye?
You can use an eye brightener or a white eyeliner pencil to highlight the inner corner of your eye. Just apply it with a light hand to the inner corner of your eye in a V shape and blend lightly for a natural look.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag, the writer of this post, has a knack for reviewing beauty and personal care products. She has rounded up this list of the best eye brightening pencils available online. Poulami has done in-depth research to ensure you purchase high-quality products that contain safe ingredients and are water-resistant, smudge-proof, and feature a long-lasting formula. Further, she gives you useful tips on choosing the most suitable product that can help you accentuate your eyes.
An eye brightening pencil will help you master the trick of eye makeup. It makes your eyes look brighter and more attractive and helps you shape and highlight your brow bones. The best eye brightening pencils are water-proof, and smudge-proof and make your makeup last longer. Always choose the right shade that accentuates the beauty of your eyes and also blends well with your natural skin tone. Some pencils feature a matte shade, while others have a shimmery effect. So, look for the pencil that gives you the best finish.
Infographic: How To Apply Eye-Brightening Pencils Perfectly?
Eye-brightening pencils could be a good addition to your eye makeup for an elegant and flawless look with concealed dark circles. However, if you are unsure of its application, check out our guide in the following infographic to learn how to apply an eye-brightening pencil. The guide includes stepwise points for easy understanding, along with some tips.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Eye Cosmetic Safety.
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/eye-cosmetic-safety
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Barbie Ritzman
Read full bio of Poulami Nag
Read full bio of Shreya Vishwanathan
Read full bio of Deyasini Biswas
