e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner, Creamy, Ultra-Pigmented & Waterproof, Creates Bold & Defined Lines, Vegan & Cruelty-Free…
e.l.f.
Best for
Best for tightlining
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$6.00
Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable shows up repeatedly in r/MakeupAddiction threads as the budget pick that punches above its price, particularly on the waterline. One high-upvote post titled 'a $3 elf eyeliner stayed on my waterline for 12 hours' captures the consensus; commenters describe the formula as very soft, very pigmented, and forgiving on application.
What reviewers liked
- High-trust r/MakeupAddiction threads repeatedly cite all-day waterline performance
- Retractable design avoids sharpening near the eye
- Very pigmented and creamy on application according to community and retailer reviews
- Under $7 makes it the lowest-risk pick in the lineup
Where it falls short
- r/MakeupAddiction users report poor inner-corner and detail performance
- Some r/MakeupAddiction users find the formula too dry compared to a true cream liner
- Target retailer reviews note it isn't reliably smudge-proof on oily lids
- Soft tip crumbles if pressed too firmly
The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable shows up repeatedly in r/MakeupAddiction threads as the budget pick that punches above its price, particularly on the waterline. One high-upvote post titled 'a $3 elf eyeliner stayed on my waterline for 12 hours' captures the consensus; commenters describe the formula as very soft, very pigmented, and forgiving on application.
The community is honest about the limits. An r/MakeupAddiction thread specifically about tightlining notes the pencil 'works for a wing, waterlining and inner corner is awful,' and another user reports the formula feels dry compared to a true cream liner. Retailer reviews on Target add that despite the 'no budge' branding, it isn't truly smudge-proof for everyone.
For under $7 with a retractable mechanism that avoids sharpening near the eye, this is the pencil the threads we read keep coming back to for waterline and tightlining use, with the understanding that long-wear liquid pens still win for sharp wings.
- Ultimate Eye Pencil
- The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a waterproof, retractable eyeliner that checks all your pencil liner requirements
- All-Day Wear
- This product is creamy, ultra-pigmented, and has ultimate waterproof staying power
- Intense Look
- We recommend you use this retractable eyeliner pencil on your lash line, waterline, or all over the lid for intense eyes that last all day
- Beauty Tip
- Apply all over the eyelid as a base for eyeshadow for an intense, dramatic, runway-inspired look
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free
- 100% vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
This pencil is SO SOFT. The tiniest amount of pressure is all it needs! Too much and the tip will crumble. It is really pigmented and goes on very smooth.
This was $3 and it is the most perfect eyeliner I have ever used! I have never used a cream or gel eyeliner and was skeptical but it is a dream.
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“e.l.f. no budge retractable eyeliner - review, tutorial” · first impressions
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