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The Best Liquid Eyeliners
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 liner. 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! |
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LET’S GO OVER EACH LIQUID EYELINER
#1: STILA STAY ALL DAY WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER
Did someone say makeup bag staple? The Stila’s Stay All Day has everything you need in an eyeliner: a precise felt tip applicator, a waterproof liquid eyeliner pen, portability, and a tapered shape at the end. That’s why we consider this the best overall liquid liner.
Whether you’re applying a thicker line, thin line, or a fox eye for that extra glamorous look, this best waterproof liquid eyeliner stays on and stays on for a 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 smudge-proof 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 and takes cares of those oily lids. The beginners’ 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 formulation eyeliner and comes off easily with makeup remover.
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 great liquid 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 ultra 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 artist love this liquid liner 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 hard for beginners? What if we told you that you could skip the practice phase and go straight to the “Oh my gosh, this classic 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 through the inner corner of your top lash line where the tip would be, then fill it in.
Considered one of the best drugstore eyeliner, this Liquid Eyeliner has brush tips for more precise strokes, but without the stencil, it might be hard to achieve the same precision compared to liners with a firm 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: MAYBELLINE HYPER PRECISE ALL-DAY LINER
Precise application is key to becoming an eyeliner pro, and the drugstore liner Maybelline’s Hyper Precise All-Day Liner is a must-have for your makeup bag!
It’s super easy to use with its special felt tip that never dries out or skips. You’ll get smooth, precise lines every time, without any mess or extra product. And don’t worry about it fading – the inky pigment technology keeps the color intense all day long.
It’s also great for sensitive eyes and safe for contact lens wearers. Plus, it’s made with natural ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, so it’s gentle on your skin.
This eyeliner comes in a bold matte black color that makes your eyes pop. The best part is that it comes in a travel-friendly size, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MAYBELLINE HYPER PRECISE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Precise application ✔️ Suitable for sensitive eyes ✔️ Formulated with natural ingredients | ✖️ May not be completely waterproof |
WHAT IS THE BEST BRAND OF LIQUID EYELINER?
Some top-rated brands known for their high-quality liquid eyeliners include Stila, Kat Von D Beauty (now known as KVD Vegan Beauty), and NYX Professional Makeup. These brands offer a range of options, from precision tip liners to long-lasting gel formulas, catering to different eyeliner styles and preferences.
WHAT IS THE BEST LIQUID EYELINER TO STAY ON ALL DAY?
The effectiveness of a liquid eyeliner in staying on all day largely depends on its formulation. Look for eyeliners that boast long-lasting, smudge-proof, and waterproof properties. Long-lasting formulas are designed to resist fading, ensuring your eyeliner maintains its vibrancy throughout the day. Smudge-proof eyeliners are crucial for preventing unintended smears or smudges, particularly in high-moisture areas like the waterline. Waterproof eyeliners are resistant to tears, sweat, and other environmental factors, making them especially effective in maintaining their integrity. Having a velvety texture, consistent flow of ink, and fun colors are a plus.
The best liquid eyeliners for all-day wear often feature a combination of these characteristics, providing a reliable solution for those seeking a makeup look that endures various conditions without compromise. These formulations are well-suited for individuals with busy lifestyles or those who want their eyeliner to remain intact from morning until night.
Some highly recommended options include the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, known for its intense pigmentation and long-wearing formula, and the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner, praised for its longevity and precise application. Also, the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is favored by many for its staying power and vibrant color payoff, while the Diorshow On Stage Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner has the best colored one. The Rare Beauty Liquid Liner by Selena Gomez is also making waves for its beautiful matte finish.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST LIQUID EYELINER TO APPLY?
Liquid eyeliners with fine-tipped applicators or pen-style designs are typically the easiest to apply, especially for beginners or those looking for quick and precise application with a bit of a steady hand and a learning curve.
Fine-tip applicators offer a level of control that allows for precise lines, whether you prefer a subtle look or a more dramatic cat-eye when you apply liquid eyeliner. The thin tip enables users to create sharp lines and intricate designs with ease. Eyeliner pen-style designs, on the other hand, provide a similar level of control but often come in a marker-like tip, simplifying the application process further. The familiarity of holding a pen makes these eyeliners accessible to even the most novice users. Chiseled tip eyeliners are versatile, allowing for thin lines or bold strokes, and can even double as eyeshadow.
The NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner features a flexible felt-tip applicator that glides smoothly along the lash line, allowing for effortless control and precise lines. Similarly, the Maybelline New York Hyper Easy Liquid Pen Eyeliner offers a unique paddle-shaped tip that makes it easy to create both thin and thick lines with minimal effort.
IS IT OK TO WEAR LIQUID EYELINER EVERY DAY?
Wearing liquid eyeliner every day is generally safe for most people, as long as proper hygiene and makeup removal practices are followed. However, some individuals with sensitive eyes or skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain ingredients found in liquid eyeliners. It’s essential to choose eyeliners, be it liquid, gel, or pencil eyeliner, formulated for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers if you have any concerns.
Thorough makeup removal before bedtime is crucial to prevent clogged pores and potential eye infections. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, it’s best to discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist or ophthalmologist.
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 makeup products, we’re sure you’ll be on your way to achieving the perfect makeup style. Oh, and you can elevate your eyeliner with just a hint of new eye color too! Or maybe try gel, pencil liners, or dip pot for a change?
Found this new liquid eyeliner guide helpful? Check out our other rare beauty arsenal, 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 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 eye liner is perfect for long wear, making this liquid eyeliner great for when you’re out and about without time for retouches.
The All-day waterproof liquid eye liner includes a smudge-proof formula (goodbye, oily eyelids!) 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 an eye makeup novice and makeup artist when making a bold cat eye or other liquid liner designs. Stila also offers white eyeliner to brighten the eye.
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.
