With so much pressure to create the sharpest wing or a simple line that perfectly defines the lashes, the thought of using a liquid liner can be daunting, to say the least. And of course, many formulations on the market today either tug at the sensitive eye area, deposit color sporadically, or flake shortly after application. But with a little practice and the right product, you can get to the eyeliner look of your dreams. Here are a few of our favorite liquid liners that apply as smooth as butter and last all day, smudge- and flake-free.
Bite Beauty Upswing Extreme Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
If you find yourself opting for kinder, vegan, and cruelty-free alternatives to your favorite makeup products, look no further than this new liquid eyeliner by Bite Beauty. This formula contains passionflower extract, which nourishes the skin and prevents flaking, and fruit-derive pectin, which provides a smooth application that won’t have you tugging at your delicate eye area. This applicator wand is felt tip, making it great for those looking to stamp minimal color onto their lash line to enhance the look of volume in their lashes.
Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Consider this eyeliner if you prefer a matte finish on your sharpest wing. This formulation glides on seamlessly while providing a hold that lasts up to 24 hours, making it great for those who attend back-to-back Zoom meetings on the daily. This tip is thin enough to create stunningly precise details, like a fawn-liner look on the inner corners of the eyes for that sculpted, lifted look that’s circulating Instagram and TikTok.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
This waterproof liner by Stila is a tried and true favorite, and we cannot imagine any liquid liner list without it. This formula is highly pigmented and waterproof, making it perfect for those living in warmer climates or with active lifestyles. Plus, this liner comes in a range of fun colors, making it great for those looking to rock a simple liner look or a technicolor medley on their lids.
L’Oréal Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
If you’re in the market for a great drugstore liquid liner that won't break the bank, consider this iconic formula by L’Oréal. The brush tip applicator makes this liner great for beginners who prefer to paint their liner on in short strokes with little to no mistakes. This liner takes it a step further for beginners and includes a stencil for the perfect wing every single time.
KVD Beauty Tattoo Eyeliner
We love a glossy liner look just as much as the next person, but sometimes we need a matte liner—especially those of us with oily lids. The ultra-precise tip on this liner creates the sharpest cat liner look for days where you prefer a more natural look and works great for creating intricate designs around the lid during Saturday evenings. This liner is a great option for those looking to create a winged liner look on their hooded lids.
Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen
Eyeliner, and eye makeup in general, is the ideal form of self-expression during these times, but some people are a bit sensitive to the formulations on the market today. If you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts, consider this ophthalmologist-tested formula by Clinique. It provides the ease in application and staying power throughout the day of a great liquid liner without disturbing your precious pupils.
Dior Diorshow On Stage Liquid Eyeliner
Fans of the floating liner look, this one’s for you. This formulation by Dior glides on effortlessly with its felt tip design and is great for adding a subtle pop of color to an otherwise bare face for the ultimate editorial look. The best part? It lasts for up to 24 hours, meaning you won't ever have to worry about your smudging your masterpiece. We love this product’s matte formulations, but don’t sleep on the pearlescent satin formulas for a reflective addition to any dewy makeup look.
Ilia Clean Line Liquid Eyeliner
Clean beauty titan, Ilia, creates one of the best liquid liner options for those looking to rid their vanities of potentially harmful ingredients. This liner has a natural, glossy finish that is perfect for those of you looking for a simple line to accentuate your lashes for a sultry come-hither effect. This product is perfect for everyone from beginners to liquid liner pros, as the packaging is easy to hold and maneuver around the eyes.
Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Liquid Eyeliner
We couldn’t forget this sultry formula by the iconic Mario Dedivanovic. This matte liner is highly pigmented and glides on in seconds for a finish that is as sharp as it is easy to apply. The flexible felt tip provides the utmost control during application, which is ideal for those with especially round eyelids. We recommend using this matte liner as the finishing touch to an intensely dark smokey eye look.