Nobody wants to spend 45 minutes trying to get the perfect cat-eye just for it to smudge or crack off. Eyeliner is a star product, but if you buy the wrong one, you’ll end up with marks, smudges, or running that can ruin your whole look.
Sometimes the felt tip just doesn’t make it easy for someone to swoop a crystal clear line across their lid. However, many makeup brands have stepped up the formulas for their liners, making them easier to work with and longer-lasting.
Without further ado, here are the best liquid liners that I have tested over the years, along with a few cult favorites that have kept it solid for makeup lovers!
Best Liquid Eyeliners
NYX Epic Wear Long Lasting Liquid Liner
Affordable and super popular, NYX created a liner that is not too much or too little.
The felt tip doesn’t let the product run or pool when you take the cap off, and the thinness of the tip makes it super easy for those who are just beginning to use makeup!
KVD Beauty Tattoo Eyeliner
With its vegan and cruelty-free formula, this award-winning liquid eyeliner sits at the top of our list. The fine tip is highly pigmented and is super smudge-proof. The color will last all day and won’t bleed out.
Note: Be careful not to store the product upside down or else it will dry out! This liner is also great for those who have a hard time drawing different shapes on the lid.
Maybelline Hyper Easy Waterproof Liquid Liner
The name says it all!! Also an Allure winner, Maybelline created a product that is smudge-proof, waterproof, and intense. The color will give you a 24 hour wear that won’t disappoint.
Plus, it’s easy to create a simple wing look with this liner. Skip the gaps, cracks, and smudges with this one!
Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Liner
While its pencil liner sister has been a cult favorite for years, the liquid version does just as good a job. This liner will give you the perfect cat eye!
It cuts with clean precision and leaves a semi-matte color on the eyes that will make them pop and stand out. The liner is also paraben and cruelty-free, which is always a bonus for anyone.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Waterproof Liner
Stay All Day offers a great, waterproof liner that does exactly what it says. The thin felt tip makes it easy to smoothly draw on a wing or cat eye without having to worry about feathering or cracking.
What Reviews Say: “I literally cried my eyes out after burning pictures of my ex so I could move on and low and behold that eyeliner powered through!”
Sephora Collection Long Lasting Eyeliner High Precision Brush
This ultra-precise liquid liner features a super fine tip that makes the application appear professional.
With its rich formula, the liner creates a bold and dramatic look that will bring attention to the eyes and highlight your features. Plus, it glides on flawlessly and is affordable!
e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner
Unbeatable for its price, this liner has been a staple to many beginners. The color is rich and bold, creating a look that is highly defined.
The liner glides on smoothly, avoiding any tugging or pulling of your lids (which only causes wrinkles and crow’s feet). The pigment is there to stay all day!
What Reviews Say: “I’ve tried every high and low end liner and I’ll never use anything else. You do have to use an eye primer with it, but when you do, it’ll stay on all day (I’ve fallen asleep with it and it’d still be on the next day).”
Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Liner
Fairly new to the game, Rihanna provides us with a liner that is hyper-saturated and water-resistant. The product comes with a fine, flex tip and an easy-to-hold applicator that lets you meanuver your liner look effortlessly.
No dragging, skipping, or retracing is required when using this liner. You can draw on a thick wing, simple fine line, or anything else in between.
What Reviews Say: “I’m allergic to every other eyeliner I’ve tried except this one. You can [even] go swimming and it will still stay on. I’ll use it everyday and it will last me about a month before it dries out.”
Milk Makeup KUSH Liquid Liner
Infused with hemp-derived cannabis oil, the Kush liner will give you a smooth, glide-on finish in the blackest black.
Pro Tip: To save this liner when it dries out, simply pull the tip out with some tweezers until you see the rod on the inside. Flip it the reverse direction and then attach the tip again. Viola!
Essence 24Ever Ink Liquid Liner
You won’t have a hard time framing your eyes with this matte finish liner. The waterproof liner has an easy grip for sturdy application and a deep black color.
This liner provides a crisp finish and lasts for 24 hours. Plus, it’s perfect for those who are on a budget.
What Reviews Say: “The only brands I’ve tried are elf and KVD tattoo, and I can say with certainty that this is the PERFECT middle between those two–It’s cheap and it doesn’t budge, while also being easy to draw with.”
Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Liner Duo
Another splurge on the list for good reason, this liner features a dual application for double the eyeliner look. It gives the ultimate precision and the blackest black color to complete your sexiest eye look. This product is far from disappointing.
What Reviews Say: “I never want to use another eyeliner. To me, the formula and brush are perfection.”
Charlotte Tilbury Feline Flick Volume 2 Liquid Liner
Whether you are at the pool, in the heat, or going out for a night on the town, this liner will hold through every hour of the day.
You can achieve your best feline look with zero smudging and a vibrant, rich color. Zero skills needed!
RELATED: 11 Best Eyeliners for Waterline
To Sum It Up
Finding the right eyeliner is like striking gold. When searching for the best liquid eyeliner, easy application is key, especially if you’re a beginner!
Once you’re more practiced with liquid eyeliner, try picking up something super-pigmented and long-lasting. With any of these best liquid eyeliner options above, you’ll become a pro in no time.
