Finding a purple eyeliner that actually shows up on your skin and stays put through a workday, a workout, or a night out is harder than it should be. Most options either fade into a washed-out lilac within hours or smudge into an unflattering shadow by lunch. The formula, pigmentation, and wear time vary so wildly that a quick scroll through Amazon can leave you more confused than when you started.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve spent years digging into the real performance of cosmetic staples, analyzing ingredient formulations, wear-test data, and user feedback to separate the hype from the heavy hitters.
After testing and comparing dozens of purple liners across every price tier, I’ve narrowed the field down to the five that actually deliver on their promises. This guide breaks down the best purple eyeliner options for every budget and look so you can buy with real confidence.
How To Choose The Best Purple Eyeliner
Purple eyeliner is a unique category because the shade can range from a barely-there violet shimmer to a deep, opaque plum. The differences in formula and application are what make or break the look. Here’s what matters most.
Pigment Payoff and Color True
A pale lavender pencil can look pretty in the tube but deliver almost no visible color on the lash line, especially on medium to deeper skin tones. Look for terms like “intense,” “full-pigment,” and “rich” in the formula description. Cream gel formulas tend to deliver one-swipe opacity, while some sharpenable pencils require multiple passes.
Waterproof and Smudge-Proof Claims
Not all waterproof eyeliners are smudge-proof. A formula can resist water but still transfer to the lower lash line after a few hours due to natural eye moisture or oily lids. The best purple liners specifically mention both “waterproof” and “smudge-proof” in their specs. Check whether the liner sets quickly or needs a few seconds to lock in place.
Applicator Style: Retractable vs. Sharpenable vs. Slanted Tip
A retractable gel liner is ideal for precision and convenience because you never need a sharpener. A sharpenable pencil gives you more control over the point shape, which is great for tightlining. A slanted tip, like the one on the NYX Epic Inky Stix, is designed specifically for creating wings and graphic lines without a separate brush.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Too Faced Killer Liner | Premium Gel | All-day wear & waterline | 36-hour wear formula | Amazon |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside | Premium Gel | Intense matte color | 24-hour waterproof wear | Amazon |
| NYX Epic Inky Stix | Cream Gel | Easy wings & graphic lines | Slanted tip, 24HR wear | Amazon |
| Radiant Professional Waterproof | Sharpenable Pencil | Sensitive eyes & waterline | Vitamin E & jojoba oil | Amazon |
| Julep When Pencil Met Gel | Sharpenable Gel | Shimmer & subtle looks | 10-hour wear, tug-free | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Too Faced Killer Liner 36-Hour Gel Eyeliner Pencil
The Too Faced Killer Liner is engineered for marathon wear, with a gel formula that the brand claims lasts a full 36 hours. That claim is backed by real-world reports of no smudging, no flaking, and no raccoon eyes even after an entire day of activity. The formula glides on with a smooth, creamy feel that doesn’t tug at the delicate lash line, making it an excellent choice for mature skin or anyone who struggles with skipping pencils.
This pencil requires sharpening, and users note that a high-quality dual-blade sharpener is essential to get a precise point without wasting product. The pigmentation is rich and the color options include deep, wearable purples that read as true to the tube. It removes cleanly with a makeup remover but can be stubborn with wipes alone, which reinforces its serious waterproof credentials.
For users who prioritize staying power above all else, this is the most dependable option on the list. The 36-hour claim is overkill for daily wear, but it guarantees that an 8-hour office day followed by a dinner out won’t require touch-ups.
Why it’s great
- Exceptional 36-hour waterproof and smudge-proof performance.
- Smooth, creamy glide with zero tugging.
- Rich pigmentation that holds up on the waterline.
Good to know
- Requires a good sharpener; pencils are on the shorter side.
- Best removed with a dedicated makeup remover, not wipes alone.
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside Gel Liner
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside Gel Liner is built for people who demand intense, saturated color. The formula is a full-pigment gel that delivers a matte finish in a deep purple-black shade, making it ideal for creating a bold, defined eye. Retractable liners are inherently convenient, and this one holds a sharp point well for expert control during tightlining or winged application.
This liner is marketed as waterproof for 24 hours, and customer feedback supports that it will not budge, run, or fade through humidity, sweat, or even a pickleball session. The creaminess of the gel allows for a few seconds of blendability before it sets, which is helpful for smoking out the lower lash line. Some users have reported that the formula can feel slightly dry or less smooth than expected, but the majority praise its staying power and opacity.
For the purple lover who wants a darker, more dramatic take on the color, this liner bridges the gap between classic black and colorful statement liners. It’s a premium choice that performs best when you want a defined, graphic look that lasts.
Why it’s great
- Intense matte pigmentation that’s almost black.
- 24-hour waterproof wear that survives intense activity.
- Retractable design allows for a precise, sharp tip.
Good to know
- Some users find the formula slightly less creamy than expected.
- Best for those who prefer a very dark, dramatic purple shade.
3. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Inky Stix Eyeliner
The NYX Epic Inky Stix is a mechanical cream gel eyeliner that delivers one-swipe fluid color with an ultra-precise slanted tip. The 09 Lavender Link shade is a true matte purple that shows up vibrantly on a range of skin tones without needing multiple passes. The click mechanism advances the product incrementally, and while some users note it can be a bit slow or unpredictable, the payoff in pigmentation and staying power makes up for the minor inconvenience.
The waterproof formula is smudge-resistant and flake-proof, with users reporting all-day wear that includes long shifts in humid climates. The slanted tip is a standout feature for anyone wanting to create clean wings or bold graphic lines without a separate brush. It’s also PETA-certified cruelty-free, which matters to ethically conscious buyers.
At its price point, this liner punches well above its weight. It combines the precision of a mechanical pencil with the pigmentation of a cream gel, making it the best all-around purple liner for both beginners and experienced makeup wearers.
Why it’s great
- Exceptional one-swipe pigmentation that rivals higher-end brands.
- Slanted tip makes winged and graphic looks effortless.
- Waterproof, smudge-proof, and flake-proof for long wear.
Good to know
- Click mechanism can be slow and slightly unpredictable.
- The color range is expanding, but purple options may be limited.
4. Radiant Professional Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
The Radiant Professional Waterproof Eyeliner is a sharpenable pencil that includes nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil, making it one of the gentler options for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes. The purple shade (color 22) is a vibrant, true purple that glides on smoothly and sets into a smudge-proof finish. A built-in smudger tool on the cap allows for easy blending into a soft smoky eye.
Customer feedback is mixed on the longevity of this liner; while many report it holds up for hours, others note that the color can fade relatively quickly compared to gel-based competitors. The packaging has been flagged as overly difficult to open, with a sealed cap that can require significant effort to remove initially. This is a manufacturing issue rather than a formula issue, but it’s worth noting if you plan to use it on the go.
For the price, this liner offers a solid purple pigment and a gentle formula that is safe for the waterline. It’s a good entry-level pick for someone exploring purple eyeliner without committing to a higher-end gel.
Why it’s great
- Nourishing formula with vitamin E and jojoba oil is gentle on eyes.
- Built-in smudger tool for creating smoky eye looks.
- Gluten-free, cruelty-free, and safe for contact lens wearers.
Good to know
- Some users report fading faster than premium gel liners.
- Packaging can be extremely difficult to open initially.
5. Julep When Pencil Met Gel Sharpenable Eyeliner
The Julep When Pencil Met Gel is a sharpenable eyeliner that combines the ease of a pencil with the performance of a gel. The formula is creamy and tug-free, gliding on effortlessly for precise application. The purple shade is a shimmery, buildable color that works well for both subtle daytime looks and more dramatic evening wear when layered.
This liner is ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes and waterlines, making it a versatile option for daily use. It sets after about 5 to 8 seconds, which gives you a small window to blend before it locks into place. Some users report that the wear time falls short of the 10-hour claim, particularly on oily eyelids, and that it can smudge after a few hours in less-than-ideal conditions.
For those who prefer a softer, shimmery purple that can be worn without looking too bold, this is a comfortable choice. It’s also regularly found on sale, which makes it a strong contender for value-conscious shoppers who still want a recognizable brand.
Why it’s great
- Ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes and waterline use.
- Creamy, tug-free glide for smooth application.
- Shimmery finish that can be subtle or built up for drama.
Good to know
- Wear time may not reach the full 10 hours on oily lids.
- Does not sharpen to a very fine point, limiting precision.
FAQ
Will a purple eyeliner show up on my skin tone?
Can I use purple eyeliner on my waterline?
How do I remove a waterproof purple eyeliner without irritation?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best purple eyeliner winner is the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Inky Stix because it combines exceptional pigmentation, a user-friendly slanted tip, and 24-hour waterproof wear at a price that outpaces its value. If you want maximum staying power for all-day wear that truly won’t budge, grab the Too Faced Killer Liner. And for a sensitive-eye-friendly purple option with a gentle formula, nothing beats the Radiant Professional Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil.