Long before the smoky eye became a runway shorthand, kajal had already perfected it. Rooted in South Asian beauty rituals, kajal was traditionally worn to define and protect the eyes - applied generously, smudged intentionally, and never meant to look precise. The modern smoky liner borrows directly from this language: soft, lived-in, and expressive. In many ways, today’s obsession with blurred eyeliner isn’t a trend at all - it’s a continuation of a beauty standard that’s always understood the power of imperfection.

Making achieving this effortless look easy, eyeliner sticks have quietly become the shortcut product of the season. Their appeal is simple: they glide on like a pencil, blend like a cream shadow, and set like something far more considered. A soft line along the lash, smudged outward, creates instant depth without precision - making them ideal for holiday makeup that feels relaxed, instead of overworked.

They also travel well, layer easily, and don’t demand a full face to look intentional. Whether worn close to the lash line for definition or built up into a diffused smokey shape, the eyeliner stick is less about perfection and more about mood.

From matte to satin finishes and shades that go beyond basic black - think khaki, espresso, plum, bronze and charcoal tones - this is the product that delivers atmosphere with minimal effort.

These are the eyeliner sticks that might become your new hero product…

BYREDO Kajal Pencil

A contemporary embodiment of Ben Gorham’s Indian heritage, BYREDO’s Kajal Pencil defines eyes with intense pigmentation and a creamy, ultra-gliding application. The vegan formula can be applied impeccably to the waterline, melted across the lashline or smudged across the lid for a smoky finish. 

Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner

One of VBB’s best selling products - for good reason, the Satin Kajal Liner glides on smoothly for gorgeous colour and eye-calming comfort in a single swipe delivering dramatic eye definition any way you wear it, whether seamlessly crisp or smudged for a smoky look, the possibilities are endless.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick 

The perfect product for fuss-free eye looks, this sublime stick offers impressive staying power and high-impact colour payoff. This hero product is infused with a nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid and raspberry stem cells to keep skin hydrated all day long.

Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Liner Stick

Featuring a fine-tip applicator, the Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Liner Stick defines the eyes with a pigment-rich finish. From sleek lines and winged liner to a softer smokey eyeliner look, this blendable stick is the quickest way to achieve an effortless evening look. 

Huda Beauty Creamy Kohl Eye Pencil

Whether you love to smudge, tightline, draw on soft flicks or create fun graphic shapes with your liner, the Creamy Kohl Longwear Eye Pencil will make it happen smoothly and effortlessly. The ultra-creamy formula gives you time to smudge and smoke your liner before its locked in and totally transfer-proof.

Hourglass 1.5mm Mechanical Gel Liner

Offering ultimate precision and ease of application, a single stroke of this will be enough to create your desired look. Whether you're creating feline flicks, subtle definition or finishing off a smoky eye, its moisturising formula glides on seamlessly and dries quickly. Plus, thanks to the spectrum of shades, there's a hue to suit every aesthetic.

Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Kajal Eyeliner

Featuring a creamier, highly pigmented kajal formula and easy-to-use smudger tip, this one-glide wonder makes it effortless to create bold, smokey eyes in seconds. With long-lasting wear in a number of new shades, it’s your go-to for limitless eye looks that stay all day.

Shiseido Kajal InkArtist

Shiseido’s Kajal InkArtist is an eyeliner, kajal, and eyeshadow that delivers bold, 12-hour waterproof wear. Its soft, graduated point lends precision and can create both thin and wide lines with its angular shape. A detachable sharpener maintains the tip’s shape, whilst a built-in sponge can be used to smudge and blend for smoky looks.