Beauty
Liquid Liner Does not Should Be Arduous—Promise
Apr
Whether or not you’re after a razor-sharp cat eye, a barely-there flick, or one thing daring and graphic, one of the best liquid eyeliners can assist you get the job performed—with out smudging, skipping, or fading midway via the day. Any such eyeliner is ideal for anybody who loves a crisp, outlined look and desires their eye make-up to keep put, it doesn’t matter what the day (or evening) brings. It may be a go-to for minimalists who wish to elevate their look with one neat stroke, and is simply as beloved by make-up followers who lean extra in the direction of a dramatic fashion.
Whereas liquid liner has a status for being difficult to grasp in comparison with gel eyeliners and kajal-based eyeliner pencils, the newest formulation and applicators are extra user-friendly than ever, providing clean glide, intense pigment, and loopy endurance. “When you get the cling of find out how to apply, it may be fairly straightforward to make use of,” says Kate Johnson, a make-up artist in Chicago, IL. From long-lasting formulation to felt pens that behave virtually like calligraphy markers, there’s an possibility for each ability stage, eye form, and make-up temper.
Our High Picks
Continuously Requested Questions
Forward, we’ve rounded up the perfect, editor-tested liquid eyeliners for exact strains, daring shade, and all-day put on. Whether or not you are a liquid liner loyalist or simply studying the ropes, there’s one thing right here for you.
Greatest General: Stila Keep All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Why we adore it: As a Better of Magnificence Award Winner, Stila Keep All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner met all of our (extraordinarily excessive) expectations. The ultra-precise felt tip makes it straightforward to create every part from barely there definition to daring, dramatic wings. One swipe delivers wealthy, opaque shade and the waterproof, smudge-proof, cry-proof method stays precisely the place you place it. After they mentioned “Keep All Day,” they meant it. “This says it within the title and is probably going probably the most well-known liner—it’s not going anyplace,” says Johnson. “It has a thicker tip than different liquid liners, so that you’ll wish to transfer a bit of quicker. I contemplate this one for somebody already snug making use of liner.”
Tester suggestions from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“Nothing makes me really feel extra put-together than a swipe of this liquid liner. I like that the applicator pen is agency on the base and extra versatile on the tip, which I discover provides me probably the most management once I’m making use of it. Better of all, as soon as it is on, it is ON. I normally battle with liquid formulation smearing or smudging in the course of the day, and that is the one pen that does not do it—even within the lifeless of summer season.”
Shades and who ought to strive it
11; everybody, particularly these with watery eyes
Greatest for Exact Traces: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Why we adore it: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel might are available in simply three shades, however every one is richly pigmented and delivers daring, opaque shade in a single flick. The latex-based, long-wearing method glides on effortlessly, units rapidly to a satin end, and stays in place for hours with out smudging, flaking, or fading. The versatile brush-tip applicator makes it straightforward to create every part from ultra-fine strains to dramatic strokes, permitting you to tailor your look with precision.
Tester suggestions from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“My days of thick, forgiving winged eyeliner are lengthy behind me, so I am all about precision and management with my liner formulation as of late. Chanel’s Le Liner de Chanel has a advantageous tip applicator that is fairly stiff in comparison with others I’ve tried, which I discover to be supreme for maintaining my strains tight and clear. The method is certainly a liquid however not so unfastened that it is runny and demanding—I really like dragging my fingertip alongside the outer wing to barely soften the tip—and this eyeliner has simply sufficient viscosity that I can safely manipulate the wing with my fingers with out concern that I’ll find yourself with inky fingerprints throughout my face. You are able to do quite a bit with this eyeliner which actually helps justify the worth tag, IMO.”
Shades and who ought to strive it
3; individuals who desire a exact liner look or winged liner
Greatest Waterproof: Sisley Paris Ligne Noire Eyeliner
Why we adore it: Lastly, a long-wearing liquid liner that received’t dry out your lashes within the course of. Sisley Paris Ligne Noire Eyeliner delivers intense, jet-black pigment in a single, exact stroke and goes the additional mile with lash-care advantages inbuilt. The waterproof method is infused with a vitamin peptide advanced that helps fortify lashes, scale back fallout, and promote a fuller, longer look over time. The delicate but exact felt-tip glides on easily, dries rapidly, and stays in place with out smudging or flaking. Brownie factors: This black eyeliner is ophthalmologist-tested and protected for delicate eyes and get in touch with lens wearers.
Tester suggestions from viewers improvement director Lexi Herrick
“This is a wonderful liquid eyeliner, with a advantageous however agency felt tip that enables for exact software and management. It is nearly smudge-proof, which is superb for a continual eye-rubber like myself who wants an eyeliner that cements to my pores and skin for the total day. Large fan!”
Shades and who ought to strive it
1; everybody, particularly those that want all-day put on
Greatest for Cat Eyes: Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
Why we adore it: If Euphoria’s make-up seems to be had you mesmerized, meet the liner that made them attainable: Half Magic’s Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner, created by the present’s legendary make-up artist Donni Davy. This TikTok-viral pen incorporates a one-of-a-kind paddle-shaped tip that allows you to effortlessly change between razor-thin strains and daring graphic wings, simply by altering your grip. Use the skinny, curved fringe of the tip for precision, then flip it to the thicker, flat facet whenever you want extra protection, similar to filling in your wing or making a daring, graphic look. The ultra-black method is waterproof, smudge-resistant, and lasts as much as 12 hours with out flaking.
Tester suggestions from senior information editor Nicola Dall’Asen
“Even a cat eye veteran like myself wants some assist in terms of drawing straight strains with liquid eyeliner, and that is what Magic Flik supplies in a means that no different eyeliner does. With its vast, flat applicator tip, this eyeliner works like a flowery calligraphy pen, delivering clean strokes with high-impact shade.”
Shades and who ought to strive it
1; anybody who experiments with their eyeliner look
Greatest Drugstore: NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Why we adore it: Precision, pigment, and playful shades for beneath $10? It exists with NYX Epic Ink Liner, which delivers outcomes with out the hefty price ticket. The versatile brush tip provides you complete management, whether or not you’re drawing razor-sharp strains or daring, dramatic wings. The waterproof, smudge-resistant method glides on easily, dries rapidly, and lasts all day. It is available in each matte and glitter finishes, together with enjoyable pops of shade like electrical blue and pastel pink, to create any eye look. “It has a little bit of a thicker tip, is available in so many colours to select from, and also you merely cannot beat the good value level,” says Johnson. No marvel it’s a drugstore favourite and an Attract Better of Magnificence Award winner.
Tester suggestions from commerce editor Sarah Han
“This has been a staple since my school days—it is inexpensive, tremendous pigmented, easy-gliding as heck, and the felt tip is equal components versatile and exact. Whereas I favor gel liners as of late, I not too long ago picked up Epic Ink in two browns and a shimmery pink—I am so right here for these shade expansions—and have fallen again in love. This method lasts all day and units actually rapidly however I discover that I can use my nails to rapidly repair any out-of-line errors or sharpen the strains my wings on the very finish.”
Shades and who ought to strive it
15; individuals who love quite a lot of colours and finishes
Greatest for Delicate Eyes: Ilia Clear Line Liquid Liner
Why we adore it: In case your delicate eyes get indignant at even the slightest tug, Ilia Clear Line Liquid Liner is your new go-to. The ultra-fine felt tip glides on effortlessly, permitting you to create every part from a exact, lash-hugging line to a daring wing, with out skipping or pulling. “It swaps carbon black—a typical irritant—for charcoal powder, making it a gentler possibility for delicate eyes,” Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Michigan, beforehand instructed Attract. Even with its waterproof maintain, the silky texture prevents it from feeling dry or being powerful to take away.
Tester suggestions from Herrick
“Ilia’s liquid eyeliner is ideal for management and precision when making use of a lightweight liquid eyeliner. I really like the thinness of applicator pen and the lasting cat eye it supplies all through the day. It does not run or smudge, and pairs completely with Ilia’s Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara.”
Shades and who ought to strive it
1; everybody, particularly these with delicate or watery eyes
Greatest for Freshmen: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
Why we adore it: For those who’ve ever swooned over make-up artist Lisa Eldridge’s signature “kitten eye” (a.ok.a.. the softer, extra wearable cousin of the basic cat eye), you’re going to like her Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner. This Better of Magnificence Award winner options an ultra-fine, versatile felt tip that makes it tremendous straightforward to create every part from delicate flicks to daring, dramatic strains. The pure-black pigment is intense, the method glides on like butter, and it units rapidly to remain smudge-proof and waterproof for as much as 24 hours.
Tester suggestions from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor
“My signature cat eye is created utilizing this inky, long-lasting black pen. It by no means skips, and its advantageous level makes it straightforward to impact a pointy wing.”
Shades and who ought to strive it
1; individuals who need managed, excessive pigment
Different nice liquid eyeliners
- For those who love luxurious formulation and sharp, managed strains, strive the Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen. It has a dual-ended design with two completely different tip sizes, making it a favourite for each element work—like sharp wings—and daring flicks.
- Into vibrant, punchy colours? City Decay 24/7 Inks Liquid Eyeliner Pen delivers a full rainbow of matte and shimmer shades with a precision tip excellent for inventive seems to be. “My check reveals that bleeding, dry time, and switch aren’t of any concern with this method… every shade dries down instantly and does not budge till met with an oil or balm cleanser,” says Dall’Asen.
- And when you’ve got monolids or are new to liquid liners, Too Confronted Higher Than Intercourse Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a forgiving decide. It glides on like a calligraphy pen, because of a brush tip developed with Japanese artwork pen makers. The end result? Clean software, crisp strains, and all-day put on.
Continuously Requested Questions
What are the professionals and cons of liquid eyeliner?
Liquid eyeliner provides unmatched precision and endurance—when you get the cling of it. “I really like liquid greater than pencil every time,” says Johnson. “When dragging a pencil throughout your lid, you’re prone to get uneven strains, and pulling on the pores and skin can create little wrinkles.” Liquid liners, particularly these with a structured felt tip, permit for clear, crisp strains and are simpler to manage than softer brushes. Plus, as a result of the method is thinner, it usually lasts longer and received’t peel off like thicker merchandise can.
That mentioned, liquid liner has a studying curve. “With a liquid liner, you’ll want to maintain your eyes closed not less than partially till it dries to maintain it from transferring to the lid,” says Johnson. Some formulation additionally dry rapidly, so it’s important to work quick and with a gentle hand. They’re additionally not supreme if you wish to tightline your eyes, since making use of liquid eyeliner to the waterline can irritate the eyes. (We favor gel liners for that.)
How do you retain liquid eyeliner from smudging?
To stop liquid eyeliner from smudging, begin with a clear, oil-free eyelid. An eye primer, concealer, or a lightweight dusting of translucent powder can assist take up extra moisture and create a clean base. (Save mascara and eyeshadow for afterwards.)