The best eye makeup products,according to makeup artists and beauty experts
The 25 eye makeup products that makeup artists and beauty experts rate highest, ranked by genuine consensus.
Eye makeup is judged on payoff and staying power, and the gurus have little patience for either falling short.
This category covers mascara, eyeshadow, liner and brow products. The experts look for pigment that shows up true to the pan, formulas that blend or wing on without dragging, and wear that survives a full day without smudging, creasing or flaking. A palette that turns muddy or a mascara that smears by lunch gets called out fast.
The debate is drama versus ease. Some gurus reward the boldest payoff and the longest wear even when a product is fussy to apply or remove, while others prize a forgiving formula that looks good with minimal effort. The ranking below favours the products that please both camps or clearly win their lane.
The podium
99%Guru ScoreLimitless Lash Mascara
“I like the brush head and I really like the way that it applies mascara. It just gives that nice separation, that fanned out look, but it also gives that great length as well.”Sincerely Miss Ash
What the gurus liked: Brush separates and defines each lash; Fluffy, lifted look without clumping
Fragrance-free.
91%Guru ScoreMake Waves Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara
“I obviously love so many types of mascara but this one is the one that came to mind first. I just really love love it.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Lengthens and defines lashes without heaviness; Water resistant, holds curl in humidity
The catch: Gets clumpy as the tube empties
Fragrance-free.
91%Guru ScoreMaster Mattes The Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette
“I love this palette. The shades are gorgeous.”HotandFlashy
What the gurus liked: Blends effortlessly without heavy-handedness; A little product goes a very long way
Fragrance-free.
The rest of the list
- 4
MaybellineLash Sensational MascaraGuru CertifiedBudget buy86%7 gurus“It also wears beautifully on me, it doesn't smudge or flake, which is key. It's hands down my most used drugstore mascara.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Lifts and curls lashes without clumping; Curved brush grabs every lash
Fragrance-free.
- 5
L'OrealTelescopic MascaraBudget buy84%5 gurus“This has really impressed me. I'm a huge fan of the Maybelline Colossal Mascara and this rivals that.”Dr Dray
What the gurus liked: Lengthens lashes noticeably; Buildable volume with layering
The catch: Too lightweight for those wanting bold volume
Fragrance-free.
- 6
Thrive CausemeticsLiquid Lash Extensions MascaraMid-range83%9 gurus“Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, absolutely love, love, love, love, love.”No BS Beauty
What the gurus liked: Stays put all day without smudging or flaking; Washes off with water, no harsh cleansing needed
The catch: Takes multiple swipes to remove completely
Fragrance-free.
- 7
Urban DecayEyeshadow Primer PotionMid-range81%7 gurus“This is hands down amazing. The tinted one was better when I was younger, however on my mature eyelids it tends to be kind of almost like mattifying and drying, and this one however is amazing.”Dr. Aleksandra Brown
What the gurus liked: Holds eyeliner in place even on oily lids; A tube lasts nearly a year
The catch: Silicone formula feels slippery to some
Fragrance-free.
- 8
MaybellineLash Sensational Sky High MascaraBudget buy81%7 gurus“This one is just the best all-around mascara. I feel like it gives the perfect amount of volume, great separation, great lift, and it wears really well, which is the most important for me personally.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Lengthens and lifts lashes noticeably; Does not flake or smudge
The catch: Can irritate eyes during removal for some
Fragrance-free.
- 9
Anastasia Beverly HillsDip Brow PomadeMid-range81%5 gurus“Super amazing brow gel.”Beyond50Skin
What the gurus liked: Creates defined, carved brow shape; Color match in ash brown shade
The catch: Difficult to apply with a light hand
- 10
NYXBlade and Shade Brow PencilBudget buy79%5 gurus“I'm really really impressed with this. I love this, this is so good. This NYX Blade and Shade, so easy to work with. I love the shape on this brow pencil.”HotandFlashy
What the gurus liked: Ultra-fine tip for precise detail; Affordable compared to premium brow pencils
The catch: Uses product quickly with daily application
Fragrance-free.
- 11
L'OrealShadow Stick Twinkling RoseBudget buy79%5 gurus“Love the eyeshadow stick. Highly recommend this. I think this is probably one of the best eyeshadow sticks that I've used.”HotandFlashy
What the gurus liked: Glides on smoothly; Long wear time
The catch: Sparkle and depth may underwhelm some
- 12
NYXLift & Snatch Brow Tint PenBudget buy78%5 gurus“Try the Nyx brow tint pen in gray black, that's what I use. It's a really really great cool toned color for someone who has really dark hair.”Alexandra Anele
What the gurus liked: Tiny tip for precise hair-like strokes; Waterproof and affordable
The catch: Requires a very light hand to look natural
- 13
L'OrealTelescopic Lift Lengthening MascaraBudget buy78%5 gurus“I'm back on the L'Oreal Telescopic Lift. Far and away one of the better mascaras. A more of a spidery lash and it's a really nice formula.”Dr Dray
What the gurus liked: Spidery, separated lashes; Not messy or goopy
The catch: Gets dry and flaky quickly
- 14
Makeup by MarioEthereal Eyes Moonlight PaletteMid-range77%6 gurus“I'm a huge fan of the Ethereal Eyes palettes, it's just so my vibe. I love sparkly things, I love like an ethereal look in general, so both of these palettes I'm really really happy about.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Niche blue shades work beautifully layered; Matte shades blend easily for everyday looks
The catch: Shimmer shades have excessive glitter fallout
Fragrance-free.
- 15
Rare BeautyPerfect Strokes Long-Wear Gel EyelinerMid-range77%5 gurus“Absolutely love it.”Pampered Wolf
What the gurus liked: Fine point for precise application; Easy to apply and blend
The catch: Brown shade runs darker than expected
Fragrance-free.
- 16
Rare BeautyPerfect Strokes Universal Volumizing MascaraMid-range76%11 gurus“The volume that you get from this is amazing. I love a voluminous mascara.”Pampered Wolf
What the gurus liked: Builds volume with multiple coats; Separates lashes without clumping
The catch: Wand is oversized and hard to control
Fragrance-free.
- 17
DuoBrush On Lash AdhesiveBudget buy75%5 gurus“The brush really allows you to be a little bit more precise. So, I like this. It's probably my favorite.”Alexandra Anele
What the gurus liked: Allows a quick dip-and-apply method; Gets tacky enough for layering
The catch: Sticky to remove from skin
Fragrance-free.
- 18
LancômeLash Idôle MascaraSplurge74%9 gurus“I love a good brown mascara, and this is one of my favorite formulas of all time. It's such a beautiful mascara.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Doesn't flake or smudge; Curved brush separates lashes without clumping
The catch: Not the most intense for volume seekers
Fragrance-free.
- 19
L'OrealVoluminous Panorama MascaraBudget buy74%5 gurus“This one is just the best all-around mascara. I feel like it gives the perfect amount of volume, great separation, great lift, and it wears really well, which is the most important for me personally.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Doesn't smudge or flake; Separates and volumizes lashes
The catch: Stings if it gets in the eye
Fragrance-free.
- 20
NYXEpic Ink Waterproof Liquid EyelinerBudget buy74%5 gurusMost gurus are fans, while a mixed camp found it merely nice, and shaking the bottle can send ink flying.
What the gurus liked: Affordable and easy to find; Fine tip for precise lines and wings
Fragrance-free.
- 21
HourglassAmbient Lighting Edit Unlocked PaletteSplurge73%7 gurus“I love my Ambient Light -- it's one of my favorite powders of all time.”Beyond50Skin
What the gurus liked: Luminous finish without glitter; Lasts for years
The catch: Ashy on deeper skin tones
Fragrance-free.
- 22
Giorgio ArmaniLiquid EyeshadowSplurge73%5 gurus“The other liquid eyeshadows that I really like a lot are the Armani liquid eyeshadows, these are gorgeous and these come in so many beautiful shades as well.”HotandFlashy
What the gurus liked: Longwearing without creasing; Smooth finish that doesn't accentuate wrinkles
The catch: Creasing on some lids
- 23
e.l.f.Lash 'N Roll MascaraBudget buy70%5 gurus“I love this for a more natural look.”Beyond50Skin
What the gurus liked: Separates and defines each lash; Natural, lifted appearance
The catch: Can clump on application
- 24
The OrdinaryMulti-Peptide Lash and Brow SerumBudget buy69%13 gurus“I really recommend The Ordinary serum, the growth one, it's really good.”Nipun Kapur
What the gurus liked: Noticeably thicker, denser brows after 3 months; Easy-to-use applicator wand
The catch: Results slower than prostaglandin-based serums
Fragrance-free.
- 25
Anastasia Beverly HillsBrow WizMid-range67%11 gurus“My favorite brow pencil of all time. The best way matte formula is really buildable.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Fine, precise tip for hair-like strokes; Buildable color, easy to layer
The catch: Wears down quickly with regular use
Fragrance-free.
Wondering why your favourite isn't here?
Some of the most talked-about eye makeup products don't make this ranking. That isn't because the experts dislike them: every one of these has fans. They just drew more reservations than the eye makeup products that made the cut, where last place holds a Guru Score of 67%. Here is what holds each one back.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze
A Guru Score of 64% from 9 experts.
The catch: Weakens after three to four hours
Tarte Tarteist XL Tubing Mascara
A Guru Score of 66% from 6 experts.
The catch: Flakes and transfers during application
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
A Guru Score of 66% from 5 experts.
The catch: Clumping after a month
Who's doing the judging
Ranked from the public takes of 33 independent gurus, including 7 dermatologists, 5 makeup artists and 3 beauty journalists.
DoctorlyDermatologist
Dr. Shereene IdrissDermatologist
Dr DrayDermatologist
Dr. Sam EllisDermatologist
The Budget DermatologistDermatologist
Dr. Aleksandra BrownDermatologist
Cassandra BanksonMedical Esthetician
Darnell Cox | 50+ Healthy Aging ExpertGerontologist
Caroline HironsEsthetician
Nipun KapurSkincare Consultant
Alexandra AneleMakeup Artist
Jamie GenevieveMakeup Artist
Robert WelshMakeup Artist
Mixed MakeupBeauty Journalist+19These are independent experts we follow, not an in-house panel. We collect opinions they have already shared publicly on YouTube; they are not connected to The Guru Index and have not endorsed this ranking. "Guru" is our own editorial title for the voices we trust.
You asked
What is the best eye makeup product?
On the latest data it is ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara, with a Guru Score of 99% from 8 gurus. The ranking above lists all 25 that clear our bar, in order.
What eye makeup product do makeup artists recommend?
Of the 5 makeup artists whose reviews feed this ranking, 3 approve of each of Tower 28 Make Waves Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara, NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen and Duo Brush On Lash Adhesive, more than any other pick on the list.
What is the best budget eye makeup product?
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, at number 4 on the list, with a Guru Score of 86% from 7 gurus.
Which brand makes the best eye makeup product?
L'Oreal has the most picks on this list, 4 of the 25, led by L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara at number 5 with a Guru Score of 84%. The list is ranked product by product, though, so the best pick for you may come from another brand.
What do the top eye makeup products have in common?
Of the 19 we hold a full ingredient list for, 19 are fragrance-free and 14 skip drying alcohol. That is a pattern in what the experts rate, not a rule: the ranking itself is by their verdicts.
Does this combine mascara, eyeshadow and liner?
Yes. The list ranks all eye makeup together by guru consensus. The takes on each product page make clear what kind of product it is and what the experts thought of it.
What pulls an eye product's score down?
Smudging, creasing, flaking and patchy payoff are the complaints that come up most. Difficulty removing the product also draws criticism, especially for waterproof formulas.
How is this ranking decided?
We rank by the Guru Index consensus score: the warmth of every independent expert take we have logged for each product, with a minimum number of reviewers required so a single enthusiastic review can't top the list. Nothing here is paid placement.
How we make money. Some shopping links may earn The Guru Index a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes which products rank or how they score.