Liquid eyeliner is our absolute favorite when it comes to creating high-defining eye makeup looks. From a timeless feline flick to a graphic effect, fluid formulas work to achieve the best results. Liquid also tends to last a lot longer than other types of liner and have more pigment, but making the switch to the fluid can be intimidating. Trust us, the eye-emphasizing liner is a beauty bag staple and practice makes perfect. But how to choose the right formula?
If you’re a first-timer, a pen-like version with a felt tip is the easiest way to get started. This is because the ink stays in that tip, so that dripping messiness is avoided. A pen is also easy to use since there is no well to dip it into or brush strokes to keep steady. Because the felt tip is generally straightforward, however, creating a thin line favors a brush tip, which we would say takes a steady hand and intermediate to advanced skills. Either way, these long-lasting formulas will generally withstand the hottest of summer days without flaking off or smudging into raccoon eye territory, and choosing a liquid liner is half the battle.
Whether you’re a total newbie or an eyeliner aficionado, there are many options to get the look you want. Here, 12 of the best liquid eyeliners to define eyes, create the perfect cat eye or for when you just want a pop of color.
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Best Liquid Eyeliners 2017
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Best Liquid Eyeliners 2017 #1
These are the best liquid eyeliners to define eyes, create the perfect cat eye or for when you just want a pop of color.
Image: Imaxtree
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Lancôme
Artliner, $30.50 at Sephora
You can't go wrong with Lancôme. Both its Artliner and Grandiôse liner, while a bit of an investment, feature expertly devised applicators that dispense smooth, smudge-proof, fast-drying matte pigment. The high-quality formula easily survives even the busiest, hottest of days.
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NYX Professional Makeup
Matte Liquid Liner, $6.99 at Target
There are an overwhelming number of drugstore liquid liners on the market these days, but NYX's Matte Liquid Liner stands out from the crowd thanks to its super pigmented formula that doesn't crack or fade, even on oily lids. One caveat: you will need a good makeup remover on hand, but for a $6.99 smudge-, fan- and waterproof line, we're certainly not complaining.
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Charlotte Tilbury
The Feline Flick Quick Fine Line Shodō Pen, $30 at Nordstrom
Charlotte Tilbury's glossy, pigmented formula glides effortlessly along the lash line thanks to its clever brush-tip applicator. Specifically designed with cat eyes in mind, the pointed tip helps your line progress from pin-thin to thick and winged. Watch as the pro demonstrates how to use her well-loved product here.
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Bobbi Brown
Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, $27 at Sephora
Fun fact: This is the brand of eyeliner makeup artist Michael Ashton uses on his longtime client Adele. It's also a three-time Allure Best of Beauty Award winner (2012, 2011 and 2007). To apply the hyper-pigmented product, use an eyeliner brush — necessary and purchased separately — to swirl a small amount of gel on the back of your hand. Allow the formula to dry slightly — this makes it easier to draw on skin. Then dip and trace your flick. If you're feeling particularly dramatic, add a second coat.
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Urban Decay
Razor Sharp Water-Resistant Longwear Liquid Eyeliner, $22 at Sephora
If you're looking to experiment with color, look no further. This water-resistant, easy-to-apply liner comes in 19 rich, awesome shades. To find your iris' ideal match, consult the color wheel.
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Maybelline
Curvitude Liner, $6.99 at Target
We know, the angled handle and showy felt tip can read a bit...gimmicky. But they get the job done. The handle bends at the perfect angle, allowing the tip of your Curvitude Liner to run, unimpeded, along your lash line. It also makes drawing a wing easier.
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Make Up For Ever
Aqua XL Ink Eye Liner, $24 at Sephora
This SELF Approved Beauty Award winner boasts a longer — and therefore easier to control — felt-tip applicator than the brand's now discontinued Aqua Liner Liquid (another cult favorite). It also comes in an array of zippy colors (violet, turquoise, gold, white, etc.) and won't budge throughout the day, no matter your schedule (or local clime).
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KIKO
Precision Eyeliner, $12 at KIKO
Beauty editors and cat eye enthusiasts swear by this budget-friendly liner, which boasts a precise, super skinny applicator, a jet-black, quick-drying formula and remarkable staying power.
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Marc Jacobs Beauty
Magic Marc'er Precision Pen Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $30 at Sephora
Marc Jacobs' Magic Marc'er really does mimic the feel of using a writing implement on your eye, which sounds weird, but actually makes the whole application process a lot less intimidating. We're also fans of the pigment's opaque satin finish and tremendous staying power. Once it's on, it's on.
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Stila
Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $22 at Sephora
Call it baby's first liquid liner. Waterproof, budge-proof and equipped with a no-frills applicator, this makeup artist fave is a great starting point for liquid liner novices. Also, it comes in a bunch of fun colors. Be bold: give the white a try.
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Kat Von D
Tattoo Liner, $20 at Sephora
Leave it to Kat Von D to create the perfect liquid eyeliner. Its precise brush tip is easily one of the best on the market. It may take a couple of passes for you to achieve your desired boldness/thickness, but once it's there, that line is guaranteed to last all day long — no smudging, no smearing. Plus, the formula dries almost instantly.
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Smith & Cult
B-Line Eye Pen, $26 at Net-a-Porter
When beloved nail polish maker Smith & Cult expanded into makeup, beauty junkies lost their minds. And rightly so. Among the line's hero products is its super inky B-Line Eye Pen. With the help of its felt-tipped applicator, the formula glides on smooth (no streaking here), dries instantly and doesn't smudge or flake. Ever.
