When it comes to makeup, few products are more intimidating than liquid eyeliner. One small hand twitch can instantly mess up your look, forcing you to grab a makeup remover wipe and start all over again. Applying liquid eyeliner can be a frustrating task—we get it. But if you don’t dip your toes into liquid formulas, you’ll be missing out on some of the best eyeliners on the market.
I personally use black liquid eyeliner on most days to achieve the subtle cat-eye I’ve made my go-to makeup look. I first started my foray into liquid liner in high school and after a long learning curve, I can now do my signature winged eyeliner in a matter of seconds. However, trust me when I say I am in no way a master at applying liquid eyeliner, but with enough practice (and the best picks, below), you too will be confident enough in your application skills to attempt a variety of liner looks.
What I love most about liquid eyeliner is the ability to create ultra-sharp lines, which is the same reason many of the pros love the formula. “Personally I work a lot with graphic eyeliner shapes so I like to use liquid eyeliner for added precision,” says pro makeup artist and content creator Jonet Williamson. “It also glides on much easier than most pencil liners, making it really comfortable to use on my clients. No tugging or dragging.”
If you’re ready to take the plunge into liquid eyeliners, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, you’ll find everything you need to know about the tricky makeup product as well as the best of the best liners to get you started. Perfectly sharp cat eyes will soon be a staple in your beauty arsenal.
What to Look For in a Liquid Eyeliner
With the many liquid eyeliner options out there, how do you find the right one for you? Let us break it down: Williamson explains that there are three different types of liquid eyeliner: felt-tip marker or pen (Williamson’s personal favorite), brush-on pen, and bottled liquid liner with either a brush or felt-tip. When checking out eyeliner, take a look at the applicator and consider your personal skill level. “If you’re new to liquid liner you’ll find a felt tip easier to use than a brush-on liner,” explains Williamson. “A firm felt tip gives you more control and leaves less room for mistakes at the sleight of hand.”
You’ll also want to consider a liner’s pigmentation and finish. To find the best formulations of black liquid eyeliner, Williamson likes to check how true the pigment is by comparing it to a black permanent marker. “Also, keep in mind that some liquid liners will dry down matte while others may leave a vinyl shine,” she adds.
The Best Liquid Eyeliners
- Best Overall Liquid Eyeliner: ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen
- Best Drugstore Liquid Eyeliner: NYX Epic Ink Liner
- Best Luxury Liquid Eyeliner: Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo
- Best Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
- Best Colored Liquid Eyeliner: Dior Diorshow On Stage Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Patrick Starrr's eyeliner pen is a huge hit among pro makeup artists and for good reason. It's everything you could want in a liquid eyeliner—pigmented, long-lasting, smudge-proof, and glides on like a dream. Makeup artist Shadi Malek says this pick is her favorite. adding, "I have yet to find a felt tip with as much precision as this eyeliner. I love how pigmented the black in their formula is and it can be on for 12-plus hours and not move.” Jonet Williamson is also a fan: She says this eyeliner is her "runner-up" and keeps it in both her personal stash and pro kit.
Pros: Pro-approved; Precise felt tip; Highly pigmented; Long-lasting; Smudge-proof; Waterproof; Vegan; Features a comfort grip.
Cons: Takes longer to dry.
Customer review: "loving this!! the color is pigmented and glides nicely on skin!! it hasn’t dried out on me and i’ve been using about a month. i’m a beginner for eyeliner and this has been easy to use and stays all day!" — Sephora
This drugstore liner features a fine felt tip that makes it incredibly easy to create thin lines, even if you're a liquid liner newbie. You won't need to reapply or a second coat with this one either—this one has such an intense color, one flick is all you'll need. Plus, we love how this liner won't come off until you want it to. With all of this in mind, it's no wonder why this pick won Allure's Reader's Choice Award for the last two years in a row.
Pros: $10; Glides on smoothly; Long-lasting; High pigmented.
Cons: May smudge after a while.
Customer review: "This is the only eyeliner I've found doesn't flake on me. It stays all day but is easy to remove with remover. Can also make really sharp lines with it." — Ulta
If you still aren't convinced that drugstore eyeliners hold up just as well as high-end products, try this pick from Maybelline. The ultra-fine tip on this pen makes this onyx liquid a breeze to apply, and even easier to touch up. You likely won't need to, though, because this stuff is proven to be impervious for 12 long hours. The reviews don't lie on this pick—over 23,000 Amazon loved this liner so much, that they gave it a 5-star rating.
Pros: Under $10; Long-lasting; Waterproof; Precise felt tip.
Cons: Reviewers say this runs with oily eyelids.
Customer review: "This is a great liquid eyeliner that works super well for creating a classic cat eye. It’s a very easy to use pen that stays on really well, but comes off easily with makeup remover/wipes. Fantastic value for money." — Amazon
If you're a makeup fan, this pick probably doesn't surprise you. There's a reason why Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner tops every round-up of eyeliners. The staying power of this pick is unlike anything else you'll find. In fact, I can personally guarantee that this liner stays put for at least 12 hours. The ultra-thin tip means you can create fine or thick lines, depending on your pressure. It also is incredibly easy to apply thanks to its glideability, so this pick is especially great for beginners or those with a shaky hand.
Pros: Editor-approved; Incredibly long-lasting, Smudge-proof; Waterproof; Glides on smooth; Precision tip.
Cons: Not very pigmented; May be hard to remove.
Customer review: "This eyeliner is the perfect eyeliner. The applicator tip is smooth , with sharp and clean lines. It’s smudge proof and lasts all day until you decide you want to remove it. Eyeliner perfection!" — Sephora
Words cannot express how much I personally love this drugstore eyeliner. Back in high school, this is one of the first eyeliners I've ever tried and I haven't looked back since. I use the brown shade every day to line my upper lashline and to get a subtle flick. Its felt tip can be used to create fine lines or more dramatic looks and the color goes on vibrantly. The best part about this pick is that the liner stays put for over 12 hours. The only drawback of this liner is that it does tend to get clumpy the longer you keep it. Seriously, at just $8, this eyeliner is a steal.
Pros: Editor-approved; Under $10; Smudge-proof; Waterproof; Highly pigmented.
Cons: Formula gets clumpy over time.
Customer review: "’ve been wearing this liquid liner for 10+years (maybe 15+)… The dark brown color is where it’s at! Not too harsh but still bold and stylish. The felt tip applicator is what makes it so great! Easy to put on and get close to lash line" — Target
While we admit Tom Ford's Eye Defining Pen is on the pricier side, the results you can achieve from this pen are worth the steeper price. In a rich black shade, this liquid liner features two sides for different looks: a fine calligraphy tip on one end and a thicker brush on the other. With its fast drying time and precision, it's no wonder it's a favorite among the pros. “My favorite liquid eyeliner is no other than the Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen," says celebrity makeup artist Billie Gene. "This liner has the finest tip and a dual end that allows you to create a perfect line every time with the fastest drying time.”
Pros: Pro-approved; Features two different brushes; Dries quickly; Goes on smooth.
Cons: Over $30; Only one shade.
Customer review: "I have oily lids and this stayed on all day! It’s super easy to use and it glides on beautifully! Yes, it’s pricey, but I got it during the Sephora sale!" — Sephora
Created by celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, aka Kim Kardashian's makeup artist, you can trust that this liquid eyeliner pen delivers. It features a super sharp, flexible felt tip so you get ultimate control over where the liner goes. The formula is ultra-pigmented and reviewers say it lasts all day without any smudging. Pro makeup artist Jonet Williamson calls this liner her "top pick," adding, "It glides on so easy and is the richest black ever."
Pros: Pro-approved; Long-wearing; Waterproof; Highly pigmented; Glides on smoothly.
Cons: Only one shade.
Customer review: "I’ve been using this eyeliner for about a year now and I love it! The super fine tip is great for detailing and fixing mistakes. The formula is almost-everything proof — it does not budge, even in 1200% humidity. Definitely recommend!" — Sephora
The queen of backstage makeup knows the merit of an unbudging formula, and her own formula delivers. This waterproof formula will stand up to any amount of sweat or humidity, so feel free to test this pick on a night out. It has an intense, inky pigment that is so black that you won't need a second layer. The soft, chiseled tip is just flexible enough to provide control yet still firm enough to where you can create extra sharp lines.
Pros: Smudge-proof; Waterproof; Precise tip; Highly pigmented; Vegan formula.
Cons: Over $30; Takes longer to dry.
Customer review: "No better eyeliner than this! It doesn’t budge and even the next day I wake up (if I don’t take it off) and it’s still on smudge proof! Quality!" — Sephora
Along with eyeshadow palettes, playing with liquid eyeliner is one of the easiest ways to achieve a fun makeup look. This pick from Dior comes in a whopping 15 different shades in a variety of cool finishes, meaning the makeup possibilities are endless. It features an ultra-flexible felt tip that draws a precise line with adjustable thickness depending on your pressure. Reviewers say this liner dries quickly, glides on smoothly, and lasts the entire day.
Pros: Comes in 15 different shades; Waterproof; Dries quickly; Long-wearing; Goes on smooth.
Cons: Over $30; Reviewers say the brush dries out quickly.
Customer review: "This eyeliner is amazing. Application is easy, and it STAYS PUT. There is absolutely no flaking, running, or movement of any kind. I can put this on early in the morning and when it is time to remove it at night, it looks exactly the same and when I applied it." — Nordstrom
Selena Gomez is no doubt a beauty icon of this generation, so it's no surprise she ensured her Rare Beauty liquid liner truly delivers. This liner pen features a soft felt-top brush that's flexible enough to create the line you want, whether it's thick, thin, or something in between. It also dries down into a matte finish, which is ideal for daytime wear, but still elevates your look. If that wasn't enough, reviewers say this liner lasts all day without any smudging.
Pros: Long-wearing; Smudgeproof; Waterproof; Vegan formula.
Cons: Some reviewers note the packaging could be improved.
Customer review: "There are lots of liners out there. This one stands out because of its ease of use and elegant pen shape. Matte black color that’s lasts all day, even in the heat." — Sephora
Although the beauty industry has been taking steps toward a greener future, finding quality clean beauty products still isn't the easiest task. That's where ILIA comes in. One of the brand's top priorities is carefully and consciously choosing ingredients that won't harm you or your skin. This liner is right in line with the brand's ethos while delivering impressive results. Think: a long-lasting black color that won't smear throughout the day or irritate your skin.
Pros: Clean and vegan formula; Drys quickly; Smudge-proof; Long-wearing; Vegan formula.
Cons: Only available in one shade.
Customer review: "Goes on nicely and stays put! It has a shorter brush, so it it easier to control, but finely tipped so you can get precise long lines still" — Sephora
To all of my glitter lovers out there, Urban Decay has created a product to solve all of your beauty woes. With glittery eyeshadows, you may experience pesky fallout or creasing, but you won't have that problem here. This liner dries down fast for a mess-free application, while the thin brush allows you to apply this liner exactly how you want it. Each of the seven sparkly shades is buildable, too, so you're all set for high-impact or soft-glam looks.
Pros: Comes in seven shades; Buildable; Multi-use; Long-wearing; Dries quickly.
Cons: Some reviewers note a slight burning sensation with some shades.
Customer review: "Originally purchased for a special event but I find myself using it way more than that. It is probably the best glitter liner I have found. It goes on evenly and is easy to apply! I use on my lower lash line!"
How to Apply Liquid Eyeliner
First and foremost, applying liquid eyeliner can be intimidating, but don’t let that shy you away from the hero product! As with all makeup, mastering liquid eyeliner takes lots of practice and patience so know that sharp freehanded lines will come with time. As someone who wears liquid eyeliner every time I wear makeup, I still come across rogue marks and wonky streaks and that’s ok! To correct any hiccups, I recommend using a flat-edged brush with some makeup remover to gently swipe away any mistakes.
As for how to apply, take it from the pros—Both Gene and Malek like to start at the outer corner and then work their way in. “For liquid eyeliner I like to start at the end where I want my eyeliner wing to end because that way I feel I have the most control,” Malek explains. While looking straight in the mirror, use your pinky for stability and glide the applicator smoothly across your lid as close to the lashline as possible. You can also play around with the pressure and angle of the brush to get your preferred thickness, too
Liquid vs. Gel and Pencil Eyeliner
Along with liquid eyeliner formulas, there are also pencils and gels, with each formula designed to create a different look. If you’re tightlining or trying to achieve cat eyes or siren eyes, Williamson says that’s when you want to reach for a liquid liner to get sharp precision in your look. But if you’re going for something more sultry and smokey, that’s when you’ll want to use a pencil liner. Williamson explains, “These will give you playtime to smudge and diffuse while a liquid eyeliner will peel off if you try to smudge it out.”
Meet the Experts
Jonet Williamson is a New York-based Pro Makeup Artist and Content Creator specializing in relatable beauty from a pro perspective. Her work has been featured in commercial campaigns for Dolce & Gabanna, Levis, L'Oreal, Shea Moisture, and more. If you follow her online you can expect to see lots of fresh skin, a vibrant use of color, striking graphic liner shapes, and soft glam looks fit for a red carpet.
Bringing his background in fashion to the foreground of beauty, Eugene “Billie-Gene” is an industry innovator with a style all his own. As he continues to make a name for himself in the makeup world, Billie-Gene’s approach to the art lends a fresh aesthetic that renews and revitalizes everything we think of beauty. Gene’s basis in beauty shines light on the importance of a proper skin care regimen, and adding shape and dimension to the face.
Using his inspiration, Billie Gene’s technique – initially curated at Aveda and Tom Ford – has evolved into a model for those around him. The idea of using fashion and art to capture and captivate one’s beauty is one that he can call his own, treating each face as a canvas on which to create the art. And his premise is simple: “Beauty is glamorous. Everyone should feel beautiful, as we all know we are.”
With just under a decade of experience in the makeup industry, Shadi Malek's extensive list of clients goes far and wide. From brides and models to your favorite celebs and social media stars, Shadi tailors her glam to match every client's unique visage. She first started honing her craft in Vancouver, Canada, and is now based in Los Angeles, one of the world's largest makeup hubs. Shadi often lends her expertise to publications such as WhoWhatWear, Bustle, Byrdie, Popsugar, and more.
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