Best Purple Eyeliner for Green Eyes?

If you have green eyes, you already know you possess one of the rarest and most striking eye colors in the world. But are you truly making them pop? For years, I stuck to the safety of basic black and brown liners, thinking they were the only “professional” options. I was wrong. The secret to transforming green eyes from “pretty” to “mesmerizing” isn’t a complicated eyeshadow routine—it’s color theory. And specifically, it’s finding the best purple eyeliner for green eyes.

Enter the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black Violet. This isn’t just another drugstore pencil; it is a cult classic that promises up to 24 hours of waterproof, smudge-proof wear. But does it actually hold up against humidity, oily eyelids, and long workdays? And more importantly, does this specific shade of purple actually enhance green eyes without looking like costume makeup?

In this deep-dive review, we are going to break down everything you need to know about this product. From its ingredient safety to its actual performance on the waterline, we will see if this affordable pencil deserves a permanent spot in your makeup bag.

Key Features of Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

When looking for a purple waterproof eyeliner pencil, you often have to choose between a formula that stays put but feels like dry chalk, or a creamy formula that slides off your face by lunch. Revlon claims to have solved this with their ColorStay technology. Here is what makes this product stand out.

1. The “Black Violet” Shade (The Secret Weapon)

The star of the show here is the shade itself. “Black Violet” is not a neon bright purple that looks out of place in a corporate meeting. It is a deep, blackened aubergine. This is crucial for versatility. At first glance, it provides the definition of a black liner, but as the light hits it, the rich plum undertones shine through. This contrast is what makes the green in your eyes appear more vibrant and emerald-like.

2. Up to 24-Hour Wear Technology

The boldest claim Revlon makes is the “up to 24-hour wear.” While few of us plan to wear makeup for a full day and night, this claim speaks to the durability of the formula. It is designed to set quickly and lock onto the skin, resisting the natural oils that usually break down eyeliner on the lid.

3. Waterproof and Smudge-Proof Formula

Whether you are caught in the rain, hitting a sweaty gym session, or just have naturally watery eyes, this liner is built to repel moisture. It uses a blend of silicones (like Trimethylsiloxysilicate) to create a flexible, breathable film over the skin that refuses to budge once it sets.

4. Built-in Tools: Sharpener and Smudger

One of the most convenient features of this mechanical pencil is the hidden utility.

• The Smudger: On the opposite end of the pencil, there is a firm sponge tip. This allows you to smoke out the line immediately after application for a softer, more romantic look before the formula sets.
• The Sharpener: Many users don’t realize this exists! If you pull the smudger tip out, there is a tiny sharpener hidden inside. This is essential for a twist-up pencil, as the tip can become blunt over time. This tool lets you regain a needle-point tip for sharp cat eyes.

5. Ophthalmologist Tested

For those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers, safety is non-negotiable. This formula is ophthalmologist-tested, meaning it is safe for use on the delicate waterline (the inner rim of the eye), which is a popular placement for purple liner to intensify eye color.

Pros & Cons

No makeup product is perfect. Here is an honest look at the good and the bad based on extensive analysis.

Pros

• Enhances Green Eyes: The deep violet hue provides the perfect color contrast, making green and hazel eyes look brighter and more intense.
• Incredible Longevity: It truly lasts all day (8+ hours) without fading or flaking, living up to the “ColorStay” name.
• Creamy Application: It glides on the lid without tugging, skipping, or pulling at delicate skin.
• Waterline Friendly: Unlike many waterproof pencils, it actually sticks to the wet line of the eye and stays there.
• No Sharpening Mess: Being a mechanical twist-up means no pencil shavings in your makeup bag.
• Budget-Friendly: It offers high-end performance at a fraction of the price of luxury brands.

Cons

• Difficult to Remove: Because it is so waterproof, standard water-based cleansers won’t touch it. You will need an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water.
• Smudger Can Be Stiff: Some users find the sponge tip a bit too firm for very sensitive eyelids.
• Sets Quickly: You only have about 30 to 60 seconds to smudge or blend the liner before it locks in place.
• Hidden Sharpener Confusion: The sharpener is a great feature, but it is not obvious; many users go years without knowing it is there.

Why This Product Is Worth Buying

If you have been hunting for the best purple eyeliner for green eyes, the Revlon ColorStay in Black Violet is worth every penny, and here is why.

The Power of Color Theory

Basic color theory teaches us that colors opposite each other on the color wheel create the strongest contrast. Red and purple sit opposite green. When you place a purple pigment next to a green iris, the green doesn’t just sit there—it glows.

Many purple eyeliners make the mistake of being too light or lilac, which can wash out the face or look juvenile. Revlon’s “Black Violet” strikes the perfect balance. It is dark enough to frame the eye and add depth, but purple enough to trigger that color-enhancing effect. It flatters every shade of green, from deep forest green to light jade and hazel.

Unmatched Durability for the Price

In the world of drugstore makeup, finding an eyeliner that doesn’t transfer to your upper lid (the dreaded “panda eye”) is a challenge. This formula rivals high-end pencils that cost three times as much. It is particularly valuable if you have hooded eyes or oily eyelids, where transfer is a common issue. You can apply this at 7:00 AM and confidently know it will still look crisp at 7:00 PM.

Versatility in Application

This isn’t a one-trick pony. Because of the creamy glide and the built-in smudger, you can achieve multiple looks:

• The Sharp Wing: Use the built-in sharpener to get a fine point for a precise, graphic line.
• The Smoky Eye: Draw a thick line and immediately use the sponge tip to diffuse the edges for a sultry, soft-focus effect.
• The Tightline: Run the pencil along your upper waterline to make your lashes look twice as thick.

Who Should Buy This?

This product is not for everyone, but it is the “Holy Grail” for a specific group of people:

• Green and Hazel Eye Owners: If you want to enhance your eye color with zero extra effort, this is made for you.
• Busy Professionals: If you don’t have time to check a mirror or touch up your makeup throughout the day, you need this reliability.
• Contact Lens Wearers: The formula is stable and won’t flake into your eyes, which can cause irritation for lens wearers.
• Gym Goers & Swimmers: If you want definition that survives a workout or a dip in the pool, the waterproof claim holds up.
• Oily Eyelid Types: If standard pencils melt off your face within hours, the ColorStay technology is your solution.

Who Should Not Buy This?

• Lovers of Easy Removal: If you only use a gentle face wash and hate scrubbing your eyes, this stubborn formula will frustrate you.
• Those Wanting a Pastel Look: If you are looking for a bright, pastel lavender or lilac, this shade is too dark for you. It is a deep, moody purple.
• Liquid Liner Purists: If you strictly prefer the razor-sharp, ink-like finish of a liquid felt tip, a pencil (even a creamy one) might not give you the finish you prefer.
• People with Extremely Dry Eyelids: While creamy, waterproof formulas set to a dry finish. If your eyelids are flaky or extremely dry, you might prefer a softer kohl that doesn’t set as hard.

Best Purple Eyeliner for Green Eyes & Other Stunning Picks

These best purple eyeliners for green eyes are selected to enhance eye color, while other included shades provide versatile looks for all occasions—helping women choose colors that complement their style effortlessly.

Final Verdict

The Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black Violet is arguably the best purple eyeliner for green eyes available at the drugstore level today. It successfully bridges the gap between a fun pop of color and a wearable, everyday staple.

It solves the two biggest problems eyeliner users face: fading color and smudging. By combining a sophisticated deep purple shade with bulletproof wear time, Revlon has created a product that works as hard as you do. It allows green-eyed beauties to enhance their best feature subtly and elegantly.

If you are tired of black eyeliner looking too harsh, or if you simply want your green eyes to look greener, this pencil is a low-risk, high-reward addition to your makeup routine. It delivers on its promises, provides functional tools, and withstands the rigors of daily life.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the "Black Violet" shade very noticeable?

It is subtle. Indoors or in low light, it looks like a soft black or charcoal. However, in sunlight or well-lit rooms, the purple undertones become visible, which makes green eyes sparkle without looking like obvious colorful makeup

How do I find the sharpener?

This is the most common question! Look at the bottom of the pencil where the colored smudger tip is. Grip the plastic ring right below the sponge and pull it firmly out (away from the pencil). It is a small cap that pops off to reveal the sharpener inside.

Can I use this on my waterline (inner rim)?

Yes. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested and safe for the waterline. Because it is waterproof, it stays on the wet rim of the eye much better than standard kohl pencils, though you may need to do a couple of swipes to get full opacity on the wet area.

What is the best way to remove this eyeliner?

Do not rely on just water or a basic foaming cleanser. You will need an oil-based eye makeup remover, a cleansing balm, or micellar water specifically designed for waterproof makeup. Soak a cotton pad and hold it over your eye for 10-15 seconds to dissolve the polymers before wiping away.

Does this eyeliner drag or tug on the skin?

Generally, no. The formula contains emollients like Vitamin E and Aloe that help it glide. However, if you leave the cap off, the tip can dry out. If it feels stiff, scribble it on the back of your hand for a second to warm it up before applying it to your eye.

Is it suitable for sensitive eyes?

Yes. Many users with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers report excellent results with this pencil because it does not flake off into the eye throughout the day.