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The Best Liquid Eyeliners for 2023
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST LIQUID EYELINERS
If there’s one thing a makeup look isn’t complete without, it’s liquid liner. I don’t know about you, but that final touch always makes or breaks the look for me. Liquid liners are incredibly versatile and can widen, elongate, or even drastically change the appearance of one’s eyes.
The problem is finding the right product to achieve your desired finish. For beginners, a liquid liner can be incredibly messy to practice with compared to a gel eyeliner or pencil. This is because most of them are super pigmented and have a long-wearing formula. If you’re not yet confident with your winged liner skills, check out our beginner’s guide to applying liquid eyeliner like a pro.
If you’re one of the people who can’t live without their day-to-day wing, then you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up all the best liquid eyeliners in the market so you never have to run out. Take a look right here!
WHAT ARE THE BEST LIQUID EYELINERS?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall | Best Long-Lasting |  Best Pigmented |
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid EyelinerStila Stay All Day is perfect for beginners. It's easy to use and control, lasts 24 hours long, and is highly pigmented. | Tom Ford Eye Defining PenIf you love wearing eyeliners for long periods, the Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen is the one for you! It's versatile, dual-tipped, glides easily, and lasts for a very long time. | Fenty FlylinerGoing for a bold look? the Fenty Flyliner got you! It has a flexible tip, it can be easily maneuvered, and it's fade proof and highly pigmented! |
Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: |
LET’S GO OVER EACH LIQUID EYELINER
#1: STILA STAY ALL DAY WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER
Did someone say makeup bag staple? The Stila Stay All Day has everything you need in an eyeliner: a precise felt tip applicator, a waterproof liquid eyeliner, portability, and a tapered shape at the end. That’s why we consider this the best overall liquid eyeliner.
Whether you’re applying a thick line, thin line, or a fox eye for that extra glamorous look, this best waterproof liquid eyeliner stays on and it stays on for long. Richly pigmented with a flexible applicator, this waterproof liquid eyeliner grants the user complete control no matter the look they’re going for.
The Stila can go head-to-head with some of the most famous eyeliners in the market, including the makeup artist-owned Pat McGrath Perma Precision and the Sephora Collection Long-Lasting liner, both of which are notorious for their pigmented and heavy-duty formula that doesn’t smudge for hours. The Stila Stay All Day isn’t a gel eyeliner, which is better for some who are still practicing, as it’s easier when applying liquid eyeliner.
PROS AND CONS OF THE STILA EYELINER
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Simple packaging ✔️ Waterproof formula ✔️ Great for beginners and pros | ✖️ Expensive |
#2: TOM FORD EYE DEFINING PEN
Looking for a luxurious experience? Tom Ford can help you with that. While this eyeliner may or may not break the bank, it’s certainly a valuable product that hangs onto your eyes for dear life.
Long-wearing and flexible, anyone who wants to experiment with different eye-opening looks can certainly make use of the dual-tipped liners that come in both a fine calligraphy-tip end as well as a brush super fine tip for a smooth line.
It’s the best of both worlds.
The rich black glides on effortlessly to create the perfect cat eye or the most seductive smoky eye finish. Celebrity makeup artists love this liquid eyeliner sturdy tip for cat eyes.
PROS AND CONS OF THE TOM FORD DEFINING PEN
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Dual-tipped eyeliner ✔️ Rich black pigment ✔️ Suitable for any makeup look | ✖️ Product is a little costly |
#3: FENTY FLYLINE
Fenty is a brand that has quickly become a household name. Apart from being attached to superstar Rihanna, the cosmetics company has become synonymous with inclusive, diverse foundation shades that are loved by makeup artists and high-quality formulas that have a long-staying power.
The Fenty Flyliner is our pick for the best pigmented liquid eyeliner. Hyper-saturated and water-resistant, this best liquid eyeliner comes with a unique flex tip that makes application easy and simple for anyone, even if you use just the tip.
The triangular shape of the brush tip also makes experimenting with different lengths and styles less challenging. This black liquid eyeliner makes for stunning eye looks that you can wear every day. Plus, it’s also fade and transfer-proof. But, it’s quite difficult to remove liquid eyeliner like this.
PROS AND CONS OF THE FENTY FLYLINER
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Ultra-pigmented black color ✔️ Advanced flex tip for easy and versatile application ✔️ Fade and transfer-proof | ✖️ A little hard to remove ✖️ Pricier than local brands |
#4: L’OREAL PARIS SUPER LINER FLASH CAT EYE
Remember how we said liquid eyeliners can be terribly hard for beginners? What if we told you that you could skip the practice phase and go straight to the “Oh my gosh, this cat-eye is absolutely perfect” part?
One of the best drugstore liquid eyeliner options, L’Oreal Paris definitely came through with this one. The Super Liner Flash Cat Eye comes with a removable wing stencil so you don’t have to spend hours perfecting that tip.
All you have to do is place the stencil a few centimeters away from the outer corner of your eye and above your lash line where the tip would be, then fill it in.
Considered one of the best drugstore eyeliner, this Drugstore Liquid Eyeliner has a brush tip for more precise strokes, but without the stencil, it might be hard to achieve the same precision compared to liners with a felt tip. If you have sensitive eyes or you’re a contact lens wearer and you kept on poking your eyes with eyeliner, you won’t have to worry about it as this is as easy as applying a stamp eyeliner.
PROS AND CONS OF THE L’OREAL PARIS SUPER LINER
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Includes a stencil for easy winged eye ✔️ Quick application ✔️ Long-lasting | ✖️ Brush tip might be harder to control without stencil |
#5: BENEFIT ROLLER LINER
Precise application is key to becoming an eyeliner pro, and this baby can certainly help.
Benefit’s Roller Liner boasts a sleek matte finish and a precision applicator similar to that of felt-tip pens.
However, this might not be the best to practice with as a beginner (unless you have bottles of makeup remover stocked) as the pigment is long-wearing and meant to last for as long as 24 hours.
The good news is that it’s perfect for avoiding constant retouches and for those who have oily lids.
PROS AND CONS OF THE BENEFIT ROLLER LINER
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Smudge-proof and fade-proof formula ✔️ Great for oily lids ✔️ Felt-tipped for better control | ✖️ A little costly |
WHAT KIND OF LIQUID EYELINER SHOULD I BUY?: 3 THINGS TO CONSIDER
One wonderful thing about liquid eyeliners is their pigment. Compared to pencils, liquid liners are usually much darker and bold, making them great for sharp lines and angled tips. However, there are different kinds of liquid liners that are suited for different needs. Some things you should look for in your liquid liner are:
APPLICATOR STYLE
As you go through our list, you’ll notice different types of applicators, usually brush or felt-tip. Brushes are usually more fluid and ideal for thin lines, while marker-style tips are best suited for beginners because they allow for more control.
PIGMENT
Most liquid liners are jet-black for a bold look. However, there is a wide range of colors to choose from if you’re feeling experimental! Try out browns, whites, and neon colors for a unique look.
TEXTURE
Some liners have a creamier texture that is easier to erase and change, while others have a pen-like feel that dries easily. This really depends upon preference more than anything and what style you’re most comfortable with.
IS LIQUID EYELINER BETTER THAN GEL?
One of the most popular beauty trends right now is achieving the perfect winged eyeliner. But with so many different types of eyeliner on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to use.
First, let’s talk about liquid eyeliner. Liquid eyeliner is known for its intense color payoff, thicker line, and long-lasting wear. It’s perfect for achieving a sharp, precise line that stays in place all day. When you apply liquid eyeliner, it is easy to use and dries quickly, making it a great option for those on the go.
On the other hand, gel eyeliner is a bit more versatile. It comes in a pot or pencil liner and can be applied with a brush or directly onto the lash line. Gel eyeliner is known for its creamy consistency, making it easy to blend and perfect for achieving a smoky eye look. It’s also long-lasting and has a waterproof formula, making it a great option for those who need their eyeliner to stay put all day.
So, which one is better? The answer is that it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a bold, precise line that will last all day, liquid eyeliner is the way to go. However, if you want more flexibility in your eyeliner application and enjoy creating different looks with your liner, gel eyeliner is a great choice.
IS FELT OR LIQUID EYELINER BETTER?
When it comes to achieving that perfect wing whether it’s cat eyes, or just a hint of a sharp line, many of us turn to either pencil liner, felt, or liquid eyeliner to get the job done. Both options have their pros and cons, but which one is better?
Let’s start with felt-tip eyeliner. Felt-tip eyeliners are known for their precision and ease of use. They come in a pen-like applicator with a flexible felt tip and a precise tip that makes it easy to control the thickness and shape of your line. You can use a firm felt tip to create fine lines, a natural look for the inner corner, or a more dramatic, bold cat eye line with its fine tip.
Now, let’s talk about liquid eyeliner. Liquid eyeliner is a classic favorite for achieving a sharp and defined line. Liquid eyeliner comes in a small bottle with a brush applicator, making the liquid liner perfect for creating a winged eyeliner look or any other dramatic eye makeup look. Liquid eyeliner is known for its intense inky pigment and long-lasting wear, making it a popular choice for many. Waterproof liquid eyeliner pens can help you achieve an ultra-fine tip when applying liquid liner, their precision tip can help you design the outer corners without poking your eyes.
So, which one is better? The answer is that it really depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re someone who’s just starting out with eyeliner or prefers a more subtle look at your top lash line or lower lash line, then felt tip eyeliner might be the better option for you. However, if you’re looking for bold pigment, thick lines, and long-lasting wear, then liquid eyeliner might be the way to go, like Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner Sephora.
In the end, the most important thing is to choose the product that works best for you and your makeup routine. Whether you’re a felt tip eyeliner fan or a liquid eyeliner lover, there’s no right or wrong answer. So go ahead and experiment with both options to find your perfect match!
CONCLUSION
A good eyeliner will make you look and feel great, no matter what — so it’s best to invest in one that is going to bring out the best in you! With these five products, we’re sure you’ll be on your way to achieving the perfect makeup style. Oh, and you can elevate your eyeliner with a fresh new eye color too!
Found this guide helpful? Check out our other beauty, skincare, and health guides right here at Pretty Me.
Editor’s Choice
STILA STAY ALL DAY WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER
This cult favorite is a cult favorite for a reason. It’s popular all over social media, on Pinterest, and basically has its users raving. If there’s anything you should purchase this liner for, it’s the precise line and staying power. This waterproof liquid eyeliner is perfect for long wear, making this liquid eyeliner great for when you’re out and about without time for retouches.
This precision liquid eyeliner includes a smudge-proof formula (goodbye, oily lids!) so you don’t accidentally sweat the liquid liner off. The tapered tip and rich pigment make precise lines as this precision liquid eyeliner makes it easier for both eye makeup novices and makeup artists when making a cat eye or other liquid liner designs.
Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.