Wanting to add cat eyes, wings, or just a little something to highlight your beautiful peepers? Whatever you choose, it goes without saying that only the best liquid eyeliner can do that, which can also give you the most desired effect and long-lasting wear.
Liquid eyeliner brands are plentiful, so which brands are worth considering when it comes down to the nitty-gritty?
In this article, our makeup experts shared a list of 15 best liquid eyeliners for you to choose. Plus, we also provide you with some helpful shopping tips in this guide. So, read on to see which brands made the cut in the ultimate showdown.
Contents
- 1 What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Liquid Eyeliner?
- 2 Which is the Best Liquid Eyeliner for Your Skills?
- 3 How Can You Easily Remove Water-Proof Liquid Eyeliner?
- 4 Best Liquid Eyeliner
- 5 1. stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
- 6 2. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen Eyeliner
- 7 3. NYX Epic Ink Vegan Waterproof Liquieliner
- 8 4. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
- 9 5. Lancôme Idole Ultra-Precise Felt Tip Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
- 10 6. L’Oreal Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
- 11 7. Lime Crime Venus Liquid Liner
- 12 8. Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner
- 13 9. Glossier Pro Tip
- 14 10. Kaja Wink Stamp Wing Eyeliner Stamp & Pen
- 15 11. Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner
- 16 12. Honest Beauty Liquid Eyeliner
- 17 13. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Eyeliner
- 18 14. Master MattesTM Liquid Eyeliner
- 19 15. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Liner
- 20 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- 21 Which eyeliner is the best between liquid or gel?
- 22 Should you line your bottom waterline?
- 23 Should hooded eyes wear eyeliner?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Liquid Eyeliner?
Each type of eyeliner (gel, pencil or liquid) will work best in certain conditions, yet may not do so well for other specific jobs. Take pencil eyeliners, for instance; they are the perfect tool to create smoky eyes. However, having to sharpen them constantly can become somewhat irritating.
It goes the same with liquid eyeliners; they too have their upsides and downsides. Even the best liquid eyeliner will have some characteristics, which you will have to consider carefully before deciding to use it.
Pros
- Delicate Details – Liquid eyeliners do a marvelous job when a delicate, precise and bold look is needed.
- Varying Designs – They make perfect flicks and swoops (with practice).
- Artistic – They can really help you to bring your inner creativity to the fore.
- Range of Applicators – Liquid eyeliners come with different forms of applicators to suit your skill level (we’ll discuss more on this later).
Cons
- Messy – Using liquid eyeliner can be a pretty messy job, especially for beginners.
- Can be Intimidating – The level of skill required to perfect liquid eyeliner use might be a turn-off for some people.
Which is the Best Liquid Eyeliner for Your Skills?
There are four basic types of applicators, which include the pen, the sponge tip, the brush and lastly, the pot.
- The Pen – The tip of the pen-type eyeliner looks pretty much like a felt tip marker. This type of applicator is a real breeze for most people to use, so newbies or anyone with less than steady hands should love this one.
- The Sponge Tip – This eyeliner will give you bolder and cleaner lines so you’ll look more “made-up” compared to using a pen eyeliner. The tips are available in varying lengths, and you can use shorter sponge tips to build your confidence before progressing to longer ones. In addition to that, the sponge tip is also a great way to transform into more professional applicators that we’ll look at next.
- The Brush – If you have naturally steady hands or you’ve put in the time and practice with the pen and sponge tip type applicators, then the brush type is for you. The long bristles may tend to splay out at first, but that’s okay. After all, building your skills with the brush requires quite a bit of trial and error. Once you have mastered the brush, however, you will be able to complete more intricate and artistic designs with your liquid eyeliner.
- The Pot – This type of applicator brings to mind fancy calligraphy done with a quill and ink. It is definitely for the experts, but not necessarily a professional. However, it does created for someone who has had loads of practice and neurosurgeon-like steady hands (think: Doctor Strange’s hands before the accident).
How Can You Easily Remove Water-Proof Liquid Eyeliner?
While water-proof liquid eyeliners will give you both the precision and durability that you crave, a possible downside is that they can be notoriously hard to remove. In order to provide you with a solution for that, here are a few quick steps guaranteed to make removal of water-proof liquid eyeliner a frustration-free breeze.
- Step One – Soak a cotton pad in a makeup remover that is specifically made for removing eye makeup. However, try to avoid using a cotton ball if you can, as this might cause bits of fiber to get into your eyes.
- Step Two – Close your eye and begin to dissolve the eyeliner by gently wiping across the top eyelid. Wipe two or three times with one side of the pad, then turn it over and wipe again for another two or three times. For maximum result, repeat with a clean and soaked pad if necessary.
- Step Three – Repeat Steps One and Two for the top lid of the other eye.
- Step Four – Now it’s time to clean the eyeliner from the bottom lids. Do this by soaking a Q-tip in the eyeliner remover, and then wiping it carefully across the eyeliner on one lid. Repeat with more clean, soaked Q-tips, if necessary. Also, remember to avoid getting the remover into your eyes.
- Step Five – Repeat Step Four for the bottom lid of the other eye.
Once all of the eyeliner is gone from both eyes, then you can continue with your regular face cleansing routine.
Best Liquid Eyeliner
1. stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Finish type: Matte
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is on top of our list for a very good reasons. We found this product to be the best liquid eyeliner when you really need your eye makeup to stay put all day. It’s both waterproof and smudge-proof, and it won’t break sweat, water, and also tears. The thin felt tip applicator pen is ideal for grasping and maneuvering around your eyes, making it easy to draw and fill in the lines.
Pros:
- Full-coverage
- Easy to apply
- Long-wearing
Cons:
- Dry out too quickly
2. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen Eyeliner
Finish type: Matte
Right off the bat, we were wowed by the color – extreme black! The New York Color eyeliner gives you the rich and deep black color that you need to the perfect styles. It has a tapered natural brush applicator, which will ensure those designs go on smoothly and evenly, no matter how intricate they are. Moreover, if you want to try natural, then the brown shade is also available for you to pick.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
- Long-wearing
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
Cons:
- It can get messy
3. NYX Epic Ink Vegan Waterproof Liquieliner
Finish type: Satin
You can set free the your inner artist in you with this NYX Epic Ink Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. Its ultra-fine felt tip is built for precision and detail, which allows you to draw lines with different weight and thickness. Furthermore, the intensely black waterproof formula is also resistant to smudging, which gives you a long-lasting wear.
Pros:
- Bold color
- Easy to apply
- Doesn’t run
- Long-wearing
- Vegan
Cons:
- Difficult to remove
4. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Finish type: Matte
The Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Eyeliner comes with a waterproof formula with ultra-pigmented black color to create a dramatic look. It also features a fine-tipped brush applicator, which takes all the effort out of getting your eyeliner to look professionally done. Plus, the brush bears 1,000 vegan bristles, allowing you to design thin or thick styles you desire.
Pros:
- Super-pigmented
- Long-wearing
- Bold color
Cons:
- Dry out too quickly
5. Lancôme Idole Ultra-Precise Felt Tip Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Finish type: Satin
Rounding out our top five of the best liquid eyeliners that you can buy, is the Idole Ultra-Precise Felt Tip Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner by Lancôme. It brings you an ultra-felt tip brush that seamlessly delivers the blackest pigment on your lash line. In addition to that, it also features easy application that offers no smudge, flake, or fade, leaving you with no grumpy eyes that lasts up to 24 hours until you remove it.
Pros:
- Long-wearing
- Easy to apply
- Bold color
- No smudge, flake, or fade
Cons:
- Dry out too quickly
6. L’Oreal Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Finish type: Matte
Despite being a super affordable product, L’Oreal Infallible Flash Cat Eye eyeliner will provide you with the best quality liner to love. Highlighting matte finish with highly-pigmented blackest ink, it plays on the game on your lash line with dramatic look. Moreover, it is also waterproof, allowing you to hold on the style for up to 24 hours straight! Not to mention the thin tip brush that will precisely glide on the line.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
- Bold color
- Long-wearing
Cons:
- Dry out too quickly
7. Lime Crime Venus Liquid Liner
Finish type: Matte
If you happen to be the type of person who love to be playful with your eye makeup, then this one is the best liquid eyeliner to add to your basket. Featuring 11 different colors, you can freely choose the one that suits your personality the most. Besides, its packaging is also super slim, with a delicate tip brush that offers smooth, precise, and easy glide on the lash line. Even though it is not waterproof, it will definitely gives you a resistant wear from smudging.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Long-wearing
- Easy to apply
- Available in 11 colors
- Paraben-free
Cons:
- A little watery
8. Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner
Finish type: Matte
Calling all beginners in the world of eyeliners, because we have found the best liquid eyeliner that will fit them perfectly. Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner offers smudge-proof, super-pigmented texture to improve your eye makeup look for 12 hours. Furthermore, it also comes with the Japanese precision brush that delivers the ink evenly in just a single stroke. Last but not least, it is also formulated with tripeptide that promotes lashes growth.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Tripeptide formula
- Long-wearing
- Japanese precision brush
Cons:
- Difficult to remove
9. Glossier Pro Tip
Finish type: Opaque
Those with sensitive eyes will consider this product as a life savior because the formula has been clinically tested by ophthalmologists and dermatologists to ensure the product safety. It highlights flexible pen brush tip that easily follows the lash line and then coat it with the rich black pigment. Moreover, the liner is also smudge-resistant and buildable, which will allow you to showcase your cat wings for up to 12 hours.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Buildable
- Long-wearing
- Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Cons:
- Dry out too quick
10. Kaja Wink Stamp Wing Eyeliner Stamp & Pen
Finish type: Matte
Considering its amazing dual-sided applicator, you won’t regret spending $29 for this best liquid eyeliner. It comes with a stamp and pen in one product, which will make it easy for you to style the lines that you want, especially if you are in rush! With the super-pigmented, waterproof and smudge-proof black ink, it will definitely ensure a long-lasting look that stays from morning ’til down.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Double-ended applicator
- Long-wearing
- Paraben and phthalates free
Cons:
- Pretty expensive
11. Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner
Finish type: Clear-Glittery
Urban Decay blesses us with cheerful glittery eyeliner that is available in 10 different colors. This product is the best item that glides easily on top of your eyeshadow to add sparkle to the lash line. Plus, it will also boost up your eye makeup look as well. Since they are water-based eyeliners, you will need to apply multiple layers to have the long-lasting look and super-pigmented effect.
Pros:
- Available in 10 different glittery colors
- Quick dry formula
- Long-wearing
Cons:
- Expensive
12. Honest Beauty Liquid Eyeliner
Finish type: Satin
This one comes as another best liquid eyeliner for sensitive skin fellas out there! This time, we recommend you with it is a pocket-friendly eyeliner that won’t rob your pocket. This Honest Beauty Liquid Eyeliner features a highly-pigmented black color that will enhance your lashes look with just one swipe. Moreover, its ultra-thin brush tip also allows precise application, coating every inch of the lash line without leaving anything behind. Even better, this product is also dermatologists and ophthalmologist-tested, so it is totally safe for sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to remove
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Hypoallergenic formula
Cons:
- Can smear
13. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Eyeliner
Finish type: Matte
The name of this product may be intriguing, but don’t be too distracted by it since this product truly gives you rich deep black pigment that you will ever wish for. It is also waterproof, smudge-proof, and flake-proof that lock the look for 24 hours. Plus, the dual-fiber brush also allows easy-glides on the lash line, creating the think or thick wings smoothly.
Pros:
- Long-wearing
- Transfer-resistant
- Lightweight application
Cons:
- Can be patchy
14. Master MattesTM Liquid Eyeliner
Finish type: Matte
Easy application is the key for amazing eyeliner product, and this Master MattesTM Liquid Eyeliner is a true definition of that. It comes with a flexible tip brush that any beauty enthusiast will definitely appreciate! The brush effortlessly glides on the lash line to cover it with waterproof, smudge-proof, and rich black pigment that lasts all day. Not to mention its bullet-proof formula that hug the lids, creating more defined eye look.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Long-wearing
- Easy to apply
- Paraben and gluten-free
Cons:
- Dry out too quick
15. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Liner
Finish type: Matte
Last but not least, we recommend Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Liner as the best liquid eyeliner that you need to add to your eye makeup list! It brings you a highly-pigmented, blackest liner that glides on smoothly with a matte finish. Also, thanks to its felt-tip precision brush, you can easily create natural or dramatic, thin or thick lines that you wish for.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Easy to apply
- Long-wearing
- Paraben, sulfate, gluten, and fragrance-free
Cons:
- Dry out too quick
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which eyeliner is the best between liquid or gel?
It highly depends on what you prefer for your eyes look. If you want to have a dramatic and bold-looking eyes, then liquid eyeliner is the best choice since it delivers highly-pigmented color than gel or pencil eyeliner. However, the best buildable eyeliner goes to gel eyeliners.
Should you line your bottom waterline?
It is best to avoid creating lines on your bottom waterline especially if you are using liquid eyeliners. The liquid can smear and run into tiny lines on your waterline. It is also too risky as the liquid can unintentionally enter your eyes that may lead to irritation, or worst, damage your eyes.
Should hooded eyes wear eyeliner?
Yes! Those with hooded eyes can make their eyes look bigger, wider, and more defined when putting the dark color eyeliners on. Those eyeliners can also help conceal the hoodedness of their eyes smoothly.
