1. Maybelline New York Unstoppable Eyeliner (551-Onyx), $7.79

Tester says: "I find it difficult to find an eyeliner that doesn’t smudge. For years, I’ve been using a Chanel eyeliner but I’m glad to have found a cheaper alternative. This no-need-to-sharpen pencil, unlike many I’ve tried, lasts reasonably well, but its best feature is that it doesn’t smudge. It applied easily and smoothly, creating a soft line, nothing too harsh. I’d definitely buy it again...in fact, I intend to!"

Available at drugstores
2. Marcelle Powder Eyeliner (Indigo), $9.95

Tester says: "I found this pencil softer and easier to use than a normal pencil, and it lasted all day. The colour is very good for me -- black is a little too strong and brown just doesn't do anything for my eyes, but this is flattering. I haven't used eyeliner for some time, but I like this one so much I will continue to use it and I will buy it again – the ease of application would be the determining factor."

Available at drugstores

3. Cargo Eye Pencil (Brown), $14

Tester says: "I've always liked Cargo products – especially their tin lip glosses! – so I was eager to test out the liner. It has nice packaging and the formulation goes on my eyes really easily. Liner is hands-down my must-have product so I've tried a million and a half different brands. I've always been partial to liquid liners because they last longer and the effect is a bit more dramatic, but this Cargo liner is really saturated in colour and it complements my brown eyes nicely."

Available at select retailers (visit cargocosmetics.com) and at sephora.com

4. Revlon Luxurious Color Eyeliner (Brushed Pewter), $10.95

Tester says: "This liner is very easy to apply and it's great for smudging a harsh line into a softer one. It's easy to maneouvre the pencil and the colour glides on smoothly. One end of the pencil has a sponge tip that makes smudging a breeze. I like that the sponge has its own cap to keep it clean while it's in your makeup bag."

Available at drugstores



5. Chanel La Ligne de Chanel Professional Eyeliner (Noire et Marine), $57

Tester says: "This liner is in compact form – two eyeshadow-like palettes with a brush that you wet in water. Using it is like painting with watercolours. I love that it has two colour options, and the blue is perfect – it's not too bright. It is very easy to apply, although it takes a bit more time than a pencil. Its staying power is phenomenal – it never budged and barely faded. I would definitely buy this in place of any liquid liner."

Available at Chanel beauty counters across Canada; chanel.ca

6. L'Oréal Paris Carbon Black Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner Felt Tip (Carbon Black), $10.95

Tester says: "This is an intensely black liquid eyeliner with a long, spongy wand. It's very easy to apply, especially if you're used to liquid eyeliner, and it stays on for hours. I usually prefer brown eyeliner, but this works well when you want a really dramatic effect, with very dark, crisp lines. I wouldn't use it every day, but it's nice to have in my makeup bag for special occasions."

Available at drugstores

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