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A retractable eyeliner should make quick eye looks easier, but staying power and control matter more than convenience alone. The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner in Black combines a creamy, high-pigment pencil with a matte finish and a twist-up design that works on the lash line, waterline, and lid. Its strongest points are easy application and a formula designed to set into a smudge-resistant finish, while the main tradeoff is that a creamy pencil is not as precise as a fine liquid-liner tip. This review will help you decide whether its balance of bold color, convenience, and long wear fits the way you do your eye makeup.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10, Recommended with caveats
Best For: Everyday pencil-liner users who want rich matte color, waterline use, and a retractable format.
Bottom Line: The No Budge Retractable Eyeliner gives you creamy application, strong color payoff, and a formula that sets for better smudge resistance. It is less ideal if you need the razor-thin precision of a liquid pen or a very soft pencil that stays blendable for a long time.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | e.l.f. |
| Product | No Budge Retractable Eyeliner |
| Product type | Retractable eyeliner pencil |
| Reviewed variant | Black |
| Amazon size listing | 0.01 ounce, pack of 1 |
| Finish | Matte |
| Formula | Creamy, high-pigment, long-wearing |
| Water claim | Amazon labels the Black ASIN waterproof; e.l.f. currently describes the line as water-resistant |
| Suggested use | Lash line, waterline, all over the lid, or as an eyeshadow base |
| Set time guidance | Smudge immediately for a smoky look or allow about 30 seconds to set |
| Ethics | 100% vegan; e.l.f. states cruelty-free certification through Leaping Bunny and PETA |
| Amazon color options shown | Black, Coffee, Grey, Navy, and Ruby |
What Is the e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner?
The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a twist-up pencil liner made for defined, long-wearing eye looks without the need for a separate sharpener. The Black ASIN reviewed here is sold as a single pencil and is listed by Amazon as a 0.01-ounce product.
The formula is creamy enough to glide along the lash line and waterline, but it is designed to set rather than stay soft all day. e.l.f. describes the current formula as water-resistant, smudge-resistant, long-lasting, and matte. Amazon uses stronger waterproof wording for this Black listing, so it is more accurate to treat the pencil as a long-wear liner that resists moisture rather than assume it will survive every watery-eye or rubbing situation.
Its versatility is the main reason to consider it. You can use one pencil for a regular lash line, a darker waterline, a softly smudged effect, or a full-lid base under eyeshadow.
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ULTIMATE EYE PENCIL: The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a waterproof, retractable eyeliner that checks all your pencil liner requirements
Retractable Eye Liner: A line and defined eye is just a twist away with this eyeliner pen; Intense pigment covers like a liquid eyeliner while its creamy formula holds for hours; No need to sharpen just twist up and apply for a winged out eyeliner look
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- You want a retractable pencil that does not need traditional sharpening.
- You use eyeliner on the lash line or waterline and prefer a matte, high-pigment look.
- You want one pencil that can also be smudged quickly or used under eyeshadow.
Skip If
- You mainly create very thin, sharp wings and prefer the control of a fine liquid pen.
- You want a soft kohl formula that stays easy to blend for several minutes.
- Your eyes are easily irritated and you need a product with sensitivity claims that are not confirmed for this liner.
Before You Buy: The Black Amazon listing uses waterproof wording, while e.l.f.’s current product page describes the line as water-resistant. Buy it for long-wear, moisture-resistant pencil performance, not with the expectation that it will be unaffected by every tear, rub, or splash.
Creamy Formula, Color Payoff, and Matte Finish
The strongest feature is the balance between glide and set. The pencil has a creamy feel during application, which helps reduce tugging and makes it easier to fill small gaps along the lash line. Once it sets, the formula is intended to become smudge-resistant, so you get more staying power than you would from a very soft, always-blendable kohl.
The Black shade is designed for intense color and a matte finish. That makes it useful when you want definition without shimmer. Because the pigment is strong, short strokes are usually easier to control than one long pass, especially around the inner and outer corners.
Retractable Design and Ease of Use
The twist-up format is simple and travel-friendly because you do not need to carry a sharpener. It also keeps the routine fast for daily makeup. The tradeoff is tip shape. A retractable pencil can become rounder with use, so it will not keep the same needle-fine point that a liquid felt-tip liner can offer.
For regular upper-lash definition, that is usually a minor issue. For graphic liner or very sharp wings, it matters more. This pencil is best viewed as a versatile everyday liner, not a direct replacement for a precision liquid pen.
Waterline, Lash-Line, and Lid Versatility
e.l.f. and Amazon both support using this pencil along the lash line and waterline. That gives you more options than a liquid pen that is mainly designed for the skin above the lashes. You can use Black on the upper lash line for definition or on the waterline for a deeper, more intense effect.
The pencil can also cover the lid as a base for eyeshadow. A dark base can make a smoky eye look richer, but work in small sections because the liner begins to set. Apply and blend before adding more instead of covering the whole lid at once and then trying to move a set formula.
Pro Tip: Decide before application whether you want a crisp line or a smoky edge. For smoke, blend right away. For a cleaner line, leave it alone for about 30 seconds so the formula can set into its smudge-resistant finish.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Everyday Lash-Line Definition
For a basic upper lash line, the creamy texture is the main advantage. You can use short strokes from the outer corner inward, then fill any gaps. The matte Black pigment gives clear definition without needing multiple layers in the same way a sheer pencil might.
For the Waterline
The product is specifically marketed for waterline use, so this is one of its more relevant jobs. A dark waterline can make the lash line appear fuller and create a stronger eye look. Because waterline comfort varies from person to person, stop using it if you notice irritation and follow the directions on the product you receive.
For a Smudged or Smoky Look
The formula gives you a short working window before it sets. That is useful for a soft outer-corner smudge or a smoky lower lash line. It is less forgiving if you wait too long, so blend immediately with a small brush or clean fingertip rather than trying to soften it after it has dried down.
As an Eyeshadow Base
Using the pencil across the lid can deepen powder shadow placed on top. This works best for smoky or dramatic looks rather than light, sheer makeup. Keep the layer thin so the lid does not feel overly coated, and blend each section before the product sets.
How to Use It Correctly
Start with clean, dry skin around the eye area so oil and leftover makeup do not interfere with the liner. Twist up only a small amount of product, then use short strokes. Extending too much of a retractable pencil can make the exposed tip harder to control.
For a defined lash line, place the pencil close to the roots of the lashes and build the line gradually. For a smoky finish, smudge immediately. For a more set look, allow about 30 seconds before touching or layering over the line.
If you are using it as an eyeshadow base, work one section of the lid at a time. Apply a thin layer, blend it, then press eyeshadow on top. This gives you more control than covering the whole lid with a heavy layer at once.
Materials and Eye-Area Safety
The Black formula listed by Amazon includes ingredients such as dimethicone, trimethylsiloxysilicate, synthetic wax, candelilla wax, and tocopheryl acetate, along with colorants. e.l.f. also identifies the product line as vegan and cruelty-free. Ingredient lists can change, so check the packaging you receive if you avoid a specific cosmetic ingredient.
No source reviewed for this update confirms that this eyeliner is hypoallergenic or specifically designed for sensitive eyes. Waterline use is supported, but that does not mean every eye will tolerate the formula. Stop use if irritation develops, avoid sharing eye makeup, and replace any eye product that has changed in smell, texture, or appearance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Creamy application helps the pencil glide without needing heavy pressure.
- High-pigment Black shade gives strong matte definition.
- Designed for lash-line, waterline, and all-over-lid use.
- Retractable format avoids the need for a traditional pencil sharpener.
- Can be smudged quickly or allowed to set for better resistance to smearing.
Cons
- The tip may become rounder with use, so very sharp wings are harder than with a fine liquid pen.
- The formula sets quickly, which gives you less time to blend a smoky look.
- Brand and Amazon wording differ between water-resistant and waterproof, so moisture performance should not be overstated.
Is It Worth the Price?
The No Budge Retractable Eyeliner sits in the budget end of the eyeliner market, but its value is not only about cost. You get a retractable format, a matte Black shade, waterline support, and a formula that can move from creamy application to a more set, smudge-resistant finish.
It offers the most value if you want one pencil for several jobs and do not need the exact line control of a liquid pen. It is less compelling if your main goal is an ultra-sharp cat eye, because a precision felt-tip liner is a better tool for that specific job.
How It Compares to Alternatives
If you want a softer pencil that is made to blend and smudge, the e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner is the more natural comparison. It is designed around a blendable kohl formula and smoky looks. The No Budge Retractable Eyeliner makes more sense when you want a pencil that sets and resists smudging after application.
If your priority is thin lines, sharp wings, and liquid-liner precision, the e.l.f. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen is a better match because it uses a precision felt tip and quick-dry liquid formula. The retractable pencil remains the stronger choice when you want waterline use and pencil-style control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner on the waterline?
Yes. Both e.l.f. and the Amazon listing identify waterline use as an intended application. Apply gently and stop using it if you experience irritation.
Is the No Budge Retractable Eyeliner waterproof?
Amazon describes the Black ASIN as waterproof, while e.l.f.’s current product page describes the line as water-resistant. It is safest to expect strong moisture resistance and long wear rather than assume complete immunity to water and rubbing.
How long should you let the eyeliner set?
Ulta’s usage guidance says you can smudge it immediately for a smoky look or allow about 30 seconds for a smudge-resistant finish. Avoid rubbing the area while the line is setting.
Can you use it as an eyeshadow base?
Yes. The product directions support all-over-lid use and using the pencil as a base under eyeshadow. Apply a thin layer and blend promptly before it sets.
Is it suitable for sensitive eyes?
The sources reviewed for this update do not confirm a hypoallergenic or sensitive-eye claim. If your eyes react easily to cosmetics, check the current ingredient list and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
How do you remove a long-wear pencil like this?
Use an eye-safe makeup remover or cleansing balm and give it time to loosen the pigment before wiping. Avoid hard rubbing around the eye area, especially along the waterline.
What other shades are shown for this eyeliner?
The Amazon product options viewed for this update showed Black, Coffee, Grey, Navy, and Ruby. Shade selection can vary by retailer, so check the current listing before ordering.
The Bottom Line
The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a strong fit if you want a creamy, matte pencil that works on the lash line, waterline, and lid, then sets for better smudge resistance. Skip it if you mainly need ultra-fine liquid-liner precision or a pencil that stays soft and blendable for a long working window. Its practical mix of pigment, convenience, and versatility supports the 8.5/10 verdict, with the water-resistant versus waterproof wording being the main claim to interpret carefully.
