Whether or not you’re after a razor-sharp cat eye, a barely-there flick, or one thing daring and graphic, the perfect liquid eyeliners will help you get the job finished—with out smudging, skipping, or fading midway via the day. The sort of eyeliner is ideal for anybody who loves a crisp, outlined look and desires their eye make-up to keep put, it doesn’t matter what the day (or night time) brings. It may be a go-to for minimalists who wish to elevate their look with one neat stroke, and is simply as beloved by make-up followers who lean extra in the direction of a dramatic type.
Whereas liquid liner has a status for being difficult to grasp in comparison with gel eyeliners and kajal-based eyeliner pencils, the newest formulation and applicators are extra user-friendly than ever, providing clean glide, intense pigment, and loopy endurance. “When you get the grasp of how one can apply, it may be fairly straightforward to make use of,” says Kate Johnson, a make-up artist in Chicago, IL. From long-lasting formulation to felt pens that behave nearly like calligraphy markers, there’s an possibility for each talent stage, eye form, and make-up temper.
Our High Picks
Steadily Requested Questions
Forward, we’ve rounded up the easiest, editor-tested liquid eyeliners for exact strains, daring shade, and all-day put on. Whether or not you are a liquid liner loyalist or simply studying the ropes, there’s one thing right here for you.
Finest General: Stila Keep All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Why we like it: As a Better of Magnificence Award Winner, Stila Keep All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner met all of our (extraordinarily excessive) expectations. The ultra-precise felt tip makes it straightforward to create all the things from barely there definition to daring, dramatic wings. One swipe delivers wealthy, opaque shade and the waterproof, smudge-proof, cry-proof system stays precisely the place you place it. Once they mentioned “Keep All Day,” they meant it. “This says it within the identify and is probably going probably the most well-known liner—it’s not going anyplace,” says Johnson. “It has a thicker tip than different liquid liners, so that you’ll wish to transfer just a little quicker. I think about this one for somebody already comfy making use of liner.”
Tester suggestions from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“Nothing makes me really feel extra put-together than a swipe of this liquid liner. I like that the applicator pen is agency on the base and extra versatile on the tip, which I discover provides me probably the most management after I’m making use of it. Better of all, as soon as it is on, it is ON. I normally battle with liquid formulation smearing or smudging through the day, and that is the one pen that does not do it—even within the useless of summer season.”
Shades and who ought to attempt it
11; everybody, particularly these with watery eyes
Finest for Exact Strains: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Why we like it: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel might are available in simply three shades, however every one is richly pigmented and delivers daring, opaque shade in a single flick. The latex-based, long-wearing system glides on effortlessly, units shortly to a satin end, and stays in place for hours with out smudging, flaking, or fading. The versatile brush-tip applicator makes it straightforward to create all the things from ultra-fine strains to dramatic strokes, permitting you to tailor your look with precision.
Tester suggestions from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“My days of thick, forgiving winged eyeliner are lengthy behind me, so I am all about precision and management with my liner formulation nowadays. Chanel’s Le Liner de Chanel has a high quality tip applicator that is fairly stiff in comparison with others I’ve tried, which I discover to be preferrred for protecting my strains tight and clear. The system is certainly a liquid however not so free that it is runny and irritating—I like dragging my fingertip alongside the outer wing to barely soften the tip—and this eyeliner has simply sufficient viscosity that I can safely manipulate the wing with my fingers with out concern that I will find yourself with inky fingerprints throughout my face. You are able to do loads with this eyeliner which actually helps justify the worth tag, IMO.”
Shades and who ought to attempt it
3; individuals who need a exact liner look or winged liner
Finest Waterproof: Sisley Paris Ligne Noire Eyeliner
Why we like it: Lastly, a long-wearing liquid liner that gained’t dry out your lashes within the course of. Sisley Paris Ligne Noire Eyeliner delivers intense, jet-black pigment in a single, exact stroke and goes the additional mile with lash-care advantages in-built. The waterproof system is infused with a vitamin peptide complicated that helps fortify lashes, scale back fallout, and promote a fuller, longer look over time. The mushy but exact felt-tip glides on easily, dries shortly, and stays in place with out smudging or flaking. Brownie factors: This black eyeliner is ophthalmologist-tested and protected for delicate eyes and call lens wearers.
Tester suggestions from viewers growth director Lexi Herrick
“This is a wonderful liquid eyeliner, with a high quality however agency felt tip that permits for exact software and management. It is nearly smudge-proof, which is superb for a persistent eye-rubber like myself who wants an eyeliner that cements to my pores and skin for the total day. Huge fan!”
Shades and who ought to attempt it
1; everybody, particularly those that want all-day put on
Finest for Cat Eyes: Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
Why we like it: If Euphoria’s make-up seems to be had you mesmerized, meet the liner that made them attainable: Half Magic’s Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner, created by the present’s legendary make-up artist Donni Davy. This TikTok-viral pen contains a one-of-a-kind paddle-shaped tip that permits you to effortlessly swap between razor-thin strains and daring graphic wings, simply by altering your grip. Use the skinny, curved fringe of the tip for precision, then flip it to the thicker, flat facet if you want extra protection, akin to filling in your wing or making a daring, graphic look. The ultra-black system is waterproof, smudge-resistant, and lasts as much as 12 hours with out flaking.
Tester suggestions from senior information editor Nicola Dall’Asen
“Even a cat eye veteran like myself wants some assist in relation to drawing straight strains with liquid eyeliner, and that is what Magic Flik gives in a method that no different eyeliner does. With its extensive, flat applicator tip, this eyeliner works like a flowery calligraphy pen, delivering clean strokes with high-impact shade.”
Shades and who ought to attempt it
1; anybody who experiments with their eyeliner look
Finest Drugstore: NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Why we like it: Precision, pigment, and playful shades for underneath $10? It exists with NYX Epic Ink Liner, which delivers outcomes with out the hefty price ticket. The versatile brush tip provides you whole management, whether or not you’re drawing razor-sharp strains or daring, dramatic wings. The waterproof, smudge-resistant system glides on easily, dries shortly, and lasts all day. It is available in each matte and glitter finishes, together with enjoyable pops of shade like electrical blue and pastel pink, to create any eye look. “It has a little bit of a thicker tip, is available in so many colours to select from, and also you merely cannot beat the good worth level,” says Johnson. No surprise it’s a drugstore favourite and an Attract Better of Magnificence Award winner.
Tester suggestions from commerce editor Sarah Han
“This has been a staple since my school days—it is reasonably priced, tremendous pigmented, easy-gliding as heck, and the felt tip is equal elements versatile and exact. Whereas I choose gel liners nowadays, I just lately picked up Epic Ink in two browns and a shimmery pink—I am so right here for these shade expansions—and have fallen again in love. This system lasts all day and units actually shortly however I discover that I can use my nails to shortly repair any out-of-line errors or sharpen the strains my wings on the very finish.”
Shades and who ought to attempt it
15; individuals who love a wide range of colours and finishes
Finest for Delicate Eyes: Ilia Clear Line Liquid Liner
Why we like it: In case your delicate eyes get indignant at even the slightest tug, Ilia Clear Line Liquid Liner is your new go-to. The ultra-fine felt tip glides on effortlessly, permitting you to create all the things from a exact, lash-hugging line to a daring wing, with out skipping or pulling. “It swaps carbon black—a typical irritant—for charcoal powder, making it a gentler possibility for delicate eyes,” Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Michigan, beforehand instructed Attract. Even with its waterproof maintain, the silky texture prevents it from feeling dry or being powerful to take away.
Tester suggestions from Herrick
“Ilia’s liquid eyeliner is ideal for management and precision when making use of a lightweight liquid eyeliner. I like the thinness of applicator pen and the lasting cat eye it gives all through the day. It does not run or smudge, and pairs completely with Ilia’s Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara.”
Shades and who ought to attempt it
1; everybody, particularly these with delicate or watery eyes
Finest for Learners: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
Why we like it: When you’ve ever swooned over make-up artist Lisa Eldridge’s signature “kitten eye” (a.okay.a.. the softer, extra wearable cousin of the traditional cat eye), you’re going to like her Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner. This Better of Magnificence Award winner options an ultra-fine, versatile felt tip that makes it tremendous straightforward to create all the things from delicate flicks to daring, dramatic strains. The pure-black pigment is intense, the system glides on like butter, and it units shortly to remain smudge-proof and waterproof for as much as 24 hours.
Tester suggestions from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor
“My signature cat eye is created utilizing this inky, long-lasting black pen. It by no means skips, and its high quality level makes it straightforward to impact a pointy wing.”
Shades and who ought to attempt it
1; individuals who need managed, excessive pigment
Different nice liquid eyeliners
- When you love luxurious formulation and sharp, managed strains, attempt the Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen. It has a dual-ended design with two totally different tip sizes, making it a favourite for each element work—like sharp wings—and daring flicks.
- Into shiny, punchy colours? City Decay 24/7 Inks Liquid Eyeliner Pen delivers a full rainbow of matte and shimmer shades with a precision tip excellent for artistic seems to be. “My take a look at reveals that bleeding, dry time, and switch should not of any concern with this system… every shade dries down instantly and does not budge till met with an oil or balm cleanser,” says Dall’Asen.
- And when you’ve got monolids or are new to liquid liners, Too Confronted Higher Than Intercourse Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a forgiving decide. It glides on like a calligraphy pen, because of a brush tip developed with Japanese artwork pen makers. The outcome? Clean software, crisp strains, and all-day put on.
Steadily Requested Questions
What are the professionals and cons of liquid eyeliner?
Liquid eyeliner presents unmatched precision and endurance—when you get the grasp of it. “I like liquid greater than pencil every time,” says Johnson. “When dragging a pencil throughout your lid, you’re prone to get uneven strains, and pulling on the pores and skin can create little wrinkles.” Liquid liners, particularly these with a structured felt tip, permit for clear, crisp strains and are simpler to manage than softer brushes. Plus, as a result of the system is thinner, it typically lasts longer and gained’t peel off like thicker merchandise can.
That mentioned, liquid liner has a studying curve. “With a liquid liner, it is advisable to hold your eyes closed not less than partially till it dries to maintain it from transferring to the lid,” says Johnson. Some formulation additionally dry shortly, so you must work quick and with a gentle hand. They’re additionally not preferrred if you wish to tightline your eyes, since making use of liquid eyeliner to the waterline can irritate the eyes. (We choose gel liners for that.)
How do you retain liquid eyeliner from smudging?
To forestall liquid eyeliner from smudging, begin with a clear, oil-free eyelid. An eye primer, concealer, or a lightweight dusting of translucent powder will help take up extra moisture and create a clean base. (Save mascara and eyeshadow for afterwards.)