The right eyeliner can change how our eyes look and feel. Japanese eyeliners are known for gentle formulas, rich pigments, and smudge-proof wear that lasts all day. In this guide, we rank and review the Best Japanese Eyeliners of 2025 so we can help you find a perfect match fast.
We believe choosing a high-quality eyeliner is key to a simple eye routine. It supports sensitive eyes, keeps lines crisp, and helps us draw a clean winged liner or tightline in seconds. In Japan, we see options for every budget and need: waterproof liquid liners, gel eyeliners, and pencil eyeliners with flexible brush tips or micro tips.
With so many choices, picking a new favorite can feel hard. That’s why we tested the most talked-about Japanese eyeliners ourselves: looking at staying power, ease of removal, and how well they handle humidity.
Let’s start!
1. Our Japanese Eyeliners Top Picks
Kanebo Kate Super Sharp Liner EX BR-1
Ultra-precise tip, smudge-proof all day.
Heroine Make Waterproof Eyeliner Pen Jet Black
Waterproof, budge-proof jet-black line.
D-Up Silky Liquid Eyeliner Apricot Brown
Silky apricot-brown for soft definition.
| Product | Click to Purchase | Review | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎖️4.Canmake Creamy Touch Liner | Amazon Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.25 |
| 5.Heroine Make Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Brown Black | Amazon Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.10 |
| 6.D-Up Pencil Eyeliner Cinnamon Brown | Amazon Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.00 |
| 7.Canmake Creamy Touch Liner 01 Deep Black | Amazon Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.00 |
2. How Do We Choose the Best Japanese Eyeliners?
We selected 10 of the most popular Japanese eyeliners and narrowed them to the top 7 we can buy today, including recent releases. We personally tested each formula so we can recommend products that truly perform on real eyes.
2.1 How We Reviewed the Best Japanese Eyeliners
In our testing, we focused on these eight key factors:
- Precision and Brush Tip: Thin lines, sharp wings, steady inner corners.
- Pigment and Opacity: Deep color in one to two strokes.
- Smudge Proof and Waterproof: Stays put through sweat, tears, and humidity.
- Dry Time and Control: Sets fast with smooth, even flow on bare lids and shadow.
- Longevity on Oily Lids: No transfer, no crease printing, even on hooded eyes.
- Comfort for Sensitive Eyes: No sting, no tightness, light feel on the lash line.
- Removal and Film Type: Lifts with warm water or mild remover without rubbing.
- Value and Popularity in Japan: Strong results per yen with consistent shade quality.
In our experience, the best eyeliners were not just strong on paper. They were the ones we reached for again and again because our lines looked clean and our eyes stayed comfortable all day.
2.2 Our Methodology
We spent days testing every eyeliner across different days so we can see how each formula behaves. We shared notes after each wear test and compared results side by side to find patterns that matter in daily life.
Brush tips with very fine fibers helped us anchor a steady flick even when our hands felt tired. Film type liquids kept their shape through sweat and tears yet lifted with warm water at night, which we love for sensitive eyes. Smooth gel pencils set quickly for tightlining, while soft mechanical pencils felt ideal for beginners who want gentle definition on the waterline.
We confidently selected the best Japanese eyeliners of 2025. Our picks cover different eye shapes and needs, including monolids, hooded eyes, and sensitive eyes.
3. The 7 Best Japanese Eyeliners of 2025 – Tested and Reviewed
Choosing eyeliner can feel tricky. We tested and ranked the 7 best Japanese eyeliners of 2025 for every eye shape and need.
Check below to see which ones stood out!
No.1. Kanebo Kate Super Sharp Liner EX BR-1
We like Kanebo Kate Super Sharp Liner EX BR-1 for its ultra fine brush and steady flow. It draws thin lines, builds clean wings, and reaches the inner corner without skips. Wear is long and smudge resistant, and the light green tea scent feels fresh yet subtle.
This set lists BR-1 while some pages show Black, so shade naming can vary. It suits daily use and all skin types, with two items in the pack for backup or travel.
Best for: all skin types; sensitive eyes | Key notes: liquid eyeliner; green tea scent; set of 2 | Color: BR-1 noted
No.2. Heroine Make Waterproof Eyeliner Pen Jet Black
Heroine Make Waterproof Eyeliner Pen Jet Black stands out with its ultra fine 0.1 mm brush and steady ink flow. It draws tight lines, builds a sharp wing, and reaches the inner corner cleanly. The formula is waterproof and smudge resistant, yet it removes with warm water.
From what we have seen, the pigment reads deep jet black on most lids and sets fast to limit transfer. It is a single pen format that suits daily cat eye looks and precise tightlining.
Best for: oily lids, hooded eyes; cat eye looks
No.3. D-Up Silky Liquid Eyeliner Apricot Brown
D-Up Silky Liquid Eyeliner Apricot Brown is a mechanical gel pencil with an oval fine tip that shifts from thin to bold lines by rotating the angle. The texture feels creamy on contact, it dries in seconds, and the formula is built to resist water, sweat, and sebum. It is waterproof, smudge-proof, and designed for easy removal.
The shade Brown Black gives soft definition that works for daily makeup and tightlining. The brand highlights five “beauty serum” ingredients, and the INCI list includes sodium hyaluronate and a collagen derivative with botanical extracts for a gentle feel around the lash line.
Best for: oily lids, hooded eyes; everyday definition | Key ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinoyl Atelocollagen, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Charcoal Powder
No.4. Canmake Creamy Touch Liner
Canmake Creamy Touch Liner is a twist-up gel pencil with an ultra-fine 1.5 mm tip designed for tightlining and precise edges. The texture melts on contact, draws clean micro-lines, and sets to a long-wear finish that resists water, and sweat. One swipe delivers rich medium-brown color with a soft sheen.
The pen format removes the need for sharpening, but the brand advises twisting up less than 1 mm since the tip is very soft and not retractable. The formula includes four moisturizing “serum” ingredients for a smoother glide on delicate lids.
Size: 0.09 g | Best for: oily lids; tightlining and precise definition | Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba seed oil, macadamia seed oil, sodium hyaluronate
No.5. Heroine Make Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Brown Black
Heroine Make Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Brown Black uses an ultra fine 0.1 mm brush for crisp, detailed lines. The waterproof film formula aims for long wear with a fast dry that keeps edges clean. Brown Black gives softer definition than jet black while staying deep enough for a sharp wing.
It promises warm water removal, which helps sensitive eyes avoid heavy rubbing. The ingredient list includes moisturizing agents to support a smoother glide and gentle feel on the lash line.
Best for: sensitive eyes; precise cat eye; hooded or oily lids with proper set time | Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, succinoyl atelocollagen, rosa canina fruit extract
No.6. D-Up Pencil Eyeliner Cinnamon Brown
D-Up Pencil Eyeliner Cinnamon Brown uses an ultra-fine oval core in a retractable pencil to control line width with a simple twist of the angle. Cinnamon Brown is a warm, soft brown that defines without looking stark. The gel texture sets fast and is built to resist water, sweat, and sebum.
The formula includes five “beauty serum” ingredients and is described as washable without staining the skin. The pencil format travels well and avoids sharpening, which keeps the tip tidy for quick touch-ups.
Size: 0.04 oz | Best for: oily lids; everyday definition and tightlining | Key ingredients: squalane, sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, rosemary leaf extract, chamomilla flower extract, hibiscus extract
No.7. Canmake Creamy Touch Liner 01 Deep Black
Canmake Creamy Touch Liner 01 Deep Black is a twist-up gel pencil with a hyper-slim tip designed for ultra-fine lines and filling lash gaps. The low-drag formula feels soft on the lid, lays down opaque black in one pass, and sets to a waterproof, sebum-resistant finish.
The simple format and clear guidance: twist up under 1 mm, cap tightly, and note the tip is not retractable. The formula includes four moisturizing “serum” ingredients to support glide on delicate skin.
Size: 0.09 g | Best for: tightlining, precise edges; oily and hooded lids | Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba seed oil, macadamia seed oil, sodium hyaluronate
4. How to Choose the Best Japanese Eyeliners for Your Eye Type
Match your eyeliner’s formula and applicator to your eyelids and style for clean lines that last.
- Best Eyeliner for Oily Lids: Pick a film-type, waterproof pen that sets fast to prevent transfer. Heroine Make Waterproof Eyeliner Pen Jet Black holds through humidity and long days with a crisp edge.
- Best for Sensitive Eyes: Go for warm-water removable formulas that skip harsh rubbing. Heroine Make Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Brown Black offers precise lines, soft color, and gentle cleanup.
- Best for Tightlining: Choose an ultra-slim gel pencil that glides between lashes. Canmake Creamy Touch Liner draws super-fine, opaque lines that lock in place.
- Best for Natural, Everyday Definition: Try a soft brown, smudge-resistant pencil for subtle depth. D-Up Silky Liquid Eyeliner Apricot Brown gives warm definition without looking harsh.
- Best for Sharp Wings: Opt for a fine brush tip with steady flow. Kanebo Kate Super Sharp Liner EX BR-1 traces thin flicks and clean inner corners with minimal skipping.
5. FAQ
What makes Japanese eyeliners different from Western eyeliners?
Japanese eyeliners often use film-type formulas and ultra-fine brush or slim gel tips. They aim for precise lines, fast dry, strong humidity resistance, and gentle removal with warm water.
Are Japanese eyeliners good for oily or hooded lids?
Yes. Many film-type liquids are designed to resist sebum and transfer. Let the line dry for a few seconds before blinking to keep wings crisp on hooded lids.
How do I choose between liquid, gel pencil, and pencil for the best Japanese eyeliners?
Liquid with a brush tip is best for sharp wings and tight edges. Gel pencils work well for tightlining and soft definition. Traditional pencils suit quick, natural looks.
Do Japanese eyeliners irritate sensitive eyes?
Most focus on gentle wear and easy removal. Look for warm-water removable claims and formulas with moisturizing agents. Patch test first if your eyes are reactive.
Why do some users say eyeliners dry out quickly?
Brush-tip pens can lose flow if left uncapped or stored horizontally. Cap firmly after use and store tip down to maintain consistent ink.
How can I make Japanese eyeliner last all day?
Start on clean, dry lids, avoid heavy creams on the lash line, apply in thin layers, and allow 5–10 seconds to set. Optional: set the area with a translucent powder before and after application.
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