Let’s be real. Finding the perfect eyeliner is a nightmare. You’ve probably stood in the aisle at CVS or scrolled through Sephora for forty-five minutes, staring at twenty different black pencils that all claim to be "life-changing." They aren't. Most of them smudge before you even leave the bathroom. That’s why so many people end up searching for some eyeliners NYT Wirecutter has vetted, hoping a professional gear reviewer has done the dirty work for them.
Honestly, they have.
The New York Times, specifically through their Wirecutter division, puts these products through the ringer. We aren't just talking about a quick swipe on the back of a hand. They make people wear them during workouts. They make them cry. They check for that annoying "raccoon eye" effect after eight hours of humid weather. It’s intense.
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The Liquid Legend: Stila Stay All Day
If you’ve looked into the NYT recommendations, you’ve definitely seen the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. It’s basically the gold standard at this point. Why? Because the felt tip is actually stiff enough to give you a straight line but flexible enough to not poke your eye out.
Most people mess up liquid liner because the brush is too floppy. Stila fixed that. It’s been a top pick for years because the formula dries down almost instantly. If you have oily eyelids—which, let's face it, is most of us—this is one of the few that won't migrate into your crease by lunchtime.
But here is the thing nobody tells you: it can dry out in the tube if you don't store it tip-down.
What about the "Drugstore" alternative?
The NYT often points toward the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner as the budget pick. It’s significantly cheaper. Like, "buy three for the price of one Stila" cheaper. It has a brush tip rather than felt, which some people find easier for a sharp wing. However, a common gripe with the NYX version is that it can sometimes "leak" or dump too much ink at once. You have to be careful. It’s high-stakes makeup. One wrong move and you’re starting your whole face over.
The Best Pencil for People Who Hate Pencils
Pencils are usually the enemy of longevity. They’re waxy. They melt. But the Marc Jacobs Highliner used to be the NYT darling until it was tragically discontinued. Since then, the search for "some eyeliners NYT" enthusiasts can trust has shifted toward the Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner or the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On.
Urban Decay is a classic for a reason. It’s soft.
It feels like butter when you’re putting it on. That’s great for your delicate eyelid skin, but it means you have about thirty seconds to smudge it before it sets into iron. If you wait forty seconds? Forget it. You’re stuck with that line until you get the oil-based cleanser out.
Tightlining and the Waterline Struggle
If you’re trying to do that "invisible makeup" look where you put liner inside your lash line (tightlining), you need a specific formula. You can't just use any old thing. The NYT has historically highlighted the Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner, though that requires a brush and a bit of water. It’s a bit "pro" for most people just trying to get to work on time.
For a more modern, "I’m in a rush" version, the Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil is a beast. It’s designed for synchronized swimmers. Literally. If it can stay on someone doing a backflip in a chlorinated pool, it can probably handle your 2:00 PM meeting.
Why "Long-Wear" Often Fails You
You’ve probably noticed that even "waterproof" liners fail. It’s usually not the water’s fault. It’s your skin oils.
When your skin produces sebum, it acts as a solvent. It breaks down the waxes in the eyeliner. This is why the NYT testers emphasize wearing these liners over a primer. If you aren't using a lid primer, you’re basically setting your eyeliner up to fail. Using something like the Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion (another frequent NYT mention) creates a barrier. It’s like a coat of primer before you paint a wall.
The Application Gap
Expert reviewers like those at the Wirecutter have professional makeup artists on speed dial. They know the tricks. For the rest of us, the tool matters more than the technique.
- The Dot Method: Instead of drawing a line, make three dots. One at the inner corner, one in the middle, one at the end. Connect them.
- The Mirror Angle: Don't look straight ahead. Look down into a mirror. It stretches the skin of the eyelid naturally so you don't get that "jagged" look.
- The Q-Tip Trick: Keep a pointed Q-tip soaked in micellar water nearby. Even the NYT pros mess up their wings.
Comparing the Heavy Hitters
If we look at the data from various long-term wear tests conducted by beauty experts, a few patterns emerge.
The Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof is often cited for its elegance and the fact that it comes with its own sharpener in the base. It’s bougie, sure. But does it stay better than a $10 Maybelline? In some tests, yes, because the pigment density is higher. You don't have to press as hard.
On the flip side, the Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Liner is frequently praised for its hexagonal grip. It doesn't roll around in your fingers. This is a huge deal for people with shaky hands. Sometimes "the best" isn't about the ink—it's about the plastic tube it comes in.
What to Look for Right Now
Right now, the trend is moving away from harsh, "ink-black" liquids toward "espresso" or "deep plum" gels. They look softer. They’re more forgiving.
If you are hunting for some eyeliners NYT recommends, look for the "Gel Pencil" category. These offer the best of both worlds. They glide like a liquid but have the "smudgeability" of a pencil. The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (the one in the little glass pot) remains a staple. It’s been around for decades. It doesn't move. But you need a brush, and you have to wash that brush, which—let's be honest—nobody actually does as often as they should.
Final Reality Check
No eyeliner is truly permanent. If a brand tells you it lasts 36 hours, they are lying. Or, at the very least, they are assuming you aren't blinking, sweating, or touching your face.
The goal isn't "forever." The goal is "until I get home."
The products mentioned in NYT roundups generally hit that mark. They prioritize formulas that don't flake. Flaking is the worst. Little black specks falling into your eyes or onto your cheeks make you look tired. A good liner should fade gracefully, not crumble.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
Stop buying eyeliner based on the packaging. It’s a trap.
First, identify your eye shape. If you have hooded eyes, you absolutely must use a "power-stay" liquid or a gel that sets completely, or it will transfer to your upper lid the second you open your eyes.
Second, check the "open jar" symbol on the back of the package. Most eyeliners are only good for 3 to 6 months. If your favorite liner is starting to tug or skip, it’s not you—it’s the product drying out. Toss it.
Third, if you’re overwhelmed by the NYT list, start with the Stila Stay All Day in "Dark Brown" instead of "Intense Black." It’s much more forgiving for beginners and looks more expensive on the skin.
Finally, invest in a dedicated bi-phase makeup remover (the kind you have to shake). Water and soap won't cut it for these high-performance liners, and rubbing your eyes is the fastest way to get wrinkles you don't want.
Pick one of the vetted options, use a primer, and keep your steady hand on the counter. You’ve got this.