Beauty Best Rimmel Eye Pencil Picks: Kohl, Gel and Definer Liners
Rimmel eye pencils prove that great eyeliner does not need a luxury price tag. The London-born drugstore brand built its liner reputation on the Scandaleyes kohl kajal, a soft. Intensely pigmented pencil that glides along the waterline without tugging. Makeup artists reach for it for smokey eyes, while beginners love it because mistakes blend away easily.
This guide ranks five Rimmel eye pencils you can buy on Amazon right now. The lineup includes two Scandaleyes kohl kajals, including the bold Cobalt Craze. It also features the Scandaleyes gel pencil for sharper lines. And two Exaggerate definers including a handy two-pack. Every pick is waterproof or long-wearing, because liner that migrates by noon helps nobody.
We judged each pencil on pigment payoff, glide, waterproof performance, ease of sharpening or twist-up, and real buyer feedback. Kohl wins for blendability and waterline comfort; gel wins for crisp definition; definers win for everyday precision. Your eye look decides the format.
Read on for full reviews, a format guide, application techniques for wings and smokey eyes, and safe waterproof removal. Whether you want a classic black or a bold cobalt, your Rimmel match is here.
Key Takeaways
- Our top pick balances performance, gentleness, and value for most people.
- Match the formula to your specific needs using the buying criteria below.
- Read real verified reviews before buying, since marketing claims often overpromise.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner, Cobalt Craze Intense cobalt blue kohl pigment.
- Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner, 001 Black Classic 001 Black with intense pigment.
- Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil, 001 Black Gel formula in a pencil format.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Bold eye looks and anyone who loves colored liner.
#1 Best OverallRimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner, Cobalt Craze
- Intense cobalt blue kohl pigment
- Waterproof wear for up to 24 hours
- Soft kajal texture glides without tugging
- High-impact color for bold eye looks
Pros
- Bold blue makes eye color pop
- Truly waterproof through long days
- Smooth glide even on the waterline
Cons
- Bright blue is not an everyday shade
- Kajal tip dulls fast with use
- Waterproof needs oil remover
Best for: Classic black liner lovers and smokey eye fans.
Runner-UpRimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner, 001 Black
- Classic 001 Black with intense pigment
- Waterproof kohl for all-day wear
- Soft texture for smokey blending
- Safe for the waterline
Pros
- Deep black in a single stroke
- Blends easily for smokey eyes
- Drugstore price, premium performance
Cons
- Smudges if not set on oily lids
- Needs sharpening regularly
- Black can look harsh for daytime
Best for: Sharp winged liner with gel-level intensity.
Best ValueRimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil, 001 Black
- Gel formula in a pencil format
- Intense black with a smooth finish
- Waterproof and smudge-proof wear
- Retractable style tip, no sharpener needed
Pros
- Gel intensity with pencil convenience
- No sharpener to carry or lose
- Stays sharp-looking for hours
Cons
- Gel can drag if the tip dries out
- Less blendable than kohl versions
- Retractable tips can break
Best for: Precise everyday liner with a backup always handy.
Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer, 2 Count
- Two waterproof definers in one pack
- Automatic twist-up pencil design
- Smudge-proof formula for clean lines
- Fine tip for precise application
Pros
- Two-pack keeps a spare in your bag
- Twist-up means no sharpener waste
- Fine tip draws precise lines
Cons
- Shades in multipacks may vary
- Twist mechanism can jam
- Thin tip breaks with pressure
Best for: Soft daytime definition without harsh black lines.
Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer, Rich Brown 212
- Rich brown shade softer than black
- Automatic pencil with fine point
- Long-lasting definer formula
- Natural definition for daytime wear
Pros
- Brown looks softer and more natural
- Great for fair skin and blondes
- Easy daytime alternative to black
Cons
- Brown fades faster than black shades
- Less dramatic for evening looks
- Single shade, no variety
Kohl vs Gel vs Definer: Know the Formats
Kohl kajal is the softest format, with a creamy texture that glides and smudges beautifully. It is the best choice for smokey eyes and waterline lining, since it never tugs. The tradeoff is precision: kohl cannot draw a razor-sharp wing and it needs sharpening often. Gel pencils deliver intense, almost liquid-like pigment with more staying power and sharper lines than kohl. But they set fast and blend less. Definers are slim twist-up pencils built for precise everyday lines. They need no sharpener and the fine tip draws clean strokes, but they cannot smudge into a smokey eye. Match the format to the look: kohl for smokey, gel for wings, definer for daily definition. Many liner lovers own one of each. Price is the quiet advantage across all three formats. At four to six dollars, you can own the kohl, the gel. And a definer for less than one prestige pencil. That means the right tool for every look without compromise. Beginners can experiment freely; a mistake costs dollars, not regret. The low price also means replacing on schedule, which matters for eye safety. Old pencils harbor bacteria; cheap ones get replaced. Rimmel pricing removes the temptation to keep expired liners. Affordable and hygienic is a rare combination. That combination is why Rimmel liners live in professional kits. Pros buy them by the dozen.
Picking Black, Brown, or Bold Color
Black is the workhorse: dramatic, defining, and perfect for evening. But black can look harsh in daylight, especially on fair skin. Rich brown is the daytime diplomat, offering definition without severity; blondes and redheads often prefer it. Cobalt blue and other bold shades are the fun option, making eye color pop, blue eyes especially. A useful rule: match liner intensity to the occasion, not just your mood. Offices and daytime events favor brown or thin black; evenings welcome thick black or color. If you buy one pencil, black suits most. If you buy two, add brown for day and keep black for night. Bold colors are the third purchase, for weekends and creativity. Consider your eye shape when choosing intensity. Hooded eyes benefit from thinner lines that do not disappear into the fold. With brown often more flattering than heavy black. Almond eyes carry any liner style beautifully. Round eyes look more defined with liner focused on the outer third. Downturned eyes lift with an upward wing. These are guidelines, not rules, but they explain why the same pencil looks different on everyone. Match the shade and the application to your features. The pencil is constant; the technique personalizes. Experiment to find your signature line. The low prices make exploration painless.
Waterline Lining Without Irritation
The waterline gives instant definition, but it demands a gentle formula. Kohl kajals are made for this: their soft texture deposits color without dragging on the delicate rim. Always start with a clean, sharpened tip to avoid transferring bacteria. Look down into a mirror and gently pull the lower lid down. Then glide the pencil along the rim in short strokes. Set it by pressing matching eyeshadow over it with a small brush for longer wear. Avoid lining the waterline if your eyes are irritated or you wear contacts and struggle with transfer. Remove waterline liner thoroughly at night, since residue causes morning redness. With the right pencil, waterline lining is comfortable all day. For contact lens wearers, apply waterline liner after inserting lenses, never before, to avoid trapping pigment. Choose the softest kohl to minimize particles. If eyes water during application, wait for them to settle rather than fighting through tears. Remove lenses before removing makeup at night, then cleanse. Some lens wearers prefer tightlining the upper waterline only, skipping the lower to reduce transfer. With these adjustments, liner and lenses coexist comfortably. Insert lenses first, line second, and reverse the order at night. Consistency builds habit.
Wings and Smokey Eyes: Core Techniques
For a classic wing, draw from the outer corner upward toward the tail of your brow. Then connect back to the lash line to form a triangle and fill it. Gel pencils work best here for crisp edges; clean mistakes with a cotton swab before the formula sets. For a smokey eye, line thickly along the upper lashes with kohl. Then smudge upward with a small brush or fingertip before it sets. Layer dark eyeshadow over the smudged liner to deepen it. The key with both looks is working quickly while the formula is movable, then leaving it alone once set. Practice makes both techniques fast: ten minutes of practice beats any tutorial. Keep makeup remover and cotton swabs handy while learning. For a soft daytime smokey, use brown kohl instead of black and blend thoroughly with a brush. The result is definition without drama. For evening, layer black gel over the smudged kohl for intensity that lasts. The double-layer technique gives depth that single products cannot. Set each layer lightly with shadow to lock it. This is how artists build liners that photograph well: layers, not single strokes. Practice the transition from day to night by deepening the existing liner rather than starting over. Efficient and effective. Keep practicing; muscle memory develops fast. Soon the techniques feel automatic.
Removing Waterproof Liner Safely
Waterproof liner needs oil to dissolve; water and regular cleanser just smear it. Soak a cotton pad with oil-based remover or micellar water for waterproof makeup. Press it gently over the closed eye for fifteen seconds to melt the formula. Wipe softly outward, never scrubbing back and forth, which irritates skin and breaks lashes. Use a cotton swab with remover for stubborn spots along the lash line. Follow with your normal cleanser to remove oily residue. Never sleep in eyeliner: it clogs the tiny oil glands along the lids and causes styes and irritation. Gentle, patient removal keeps eyes healthy for decades of liner wear. Store pencils tip-down so the product stays at the point, ready to apply. Keep sharpeners clean; a dirty sharpener drags bacteria into the fresh point. Replace kohl pencils every six months with regular use, sooner if the texture changes. If the pencil starts tugging when it used to glide. The formula has dried and it is time for a new one. At these prices, replacement is painless. Your eyes will notice the difference immediately. Fresh liner glides; old liner drags. You will feel the difference on the first stroke. Treat yourself to fresh pencils.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Budget options work well for everyday needs. Mid-range products often deliver better ingredients and performance. Premium options suit those wanting the best formulas. Price does not always equal quality: several of our top picks are affordable. Set your budget first, then choose the best performer within it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right rimmel eye pencil product comes down to matching formulas to your specific needs and routine, not chasing viral trends. Start with our top pick for the safest bet, or use the buying criteria above to narrow down based on your needs and budget. Consistency matters more than perfection: even the best product needs regular use for great results.
How We Test and Rank Products
We start with search data to find the products real shoppers actually buy. Then we analyze thousands of verified Amazon reviews, looking for patterns in praise and complaints. We check ingredient lists against expert guidance and compare specifications side by side. Products earn their ranking through consistent real-world performance, not marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Scandaleyes kohl and gel pencils are waterproof, and the Exaggerate definers are waterproof or long-wearing. They resist sweat and humidity well.
Kohl pencils need a sharpener; the gel pencil and Exaggerate definers are twist-up or retractable and need no sharpener.
The Scandaleyes kohl kajal is best for the waterline thanks to its soft, non-tugging texture and intense pigment.
Use the gel pencil for the crispest lines. Draw the wing shape first, fill it in, and clean edges with a cotton swab before it sets.
Oily lids are the usual cause. Prime lids first, set liner with matching eyeshadow, and choose waterproof formulas.