I’m Super Picky About Liquid Eyeliner, But I’m Obsessed With These 9 Formulas (2024)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.18 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This liquid liner stood way out from the other formulas I tested. Even better, you can find it at the closest drugstore. I can’t say enough good things about it. Dark as night? Check. Smooth as silk? Check, check. Super affordable? Check, check, check.

It applied smoothly without skipping from the start, and didn't dry out no matter how long I spent touching up. (If you’ve got an unsteady hand, it even comes with a small stencil attached to help you achieve a super-straight line.) I was able to work with it for a minute or two, but once it set, it was on for the long haul. This liner really impressed me with its longevity over the course of a full workday and night out, and didn't fade or transfer onto my eyelids like many liners do when balmy weather enters the equation. Even though I brought it with me in my purse just in case, it didn't require any reapplication. I’ve got no complaints about this formula.

Shades: 6 | Size: 0.03 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You don’t need to splurge for phenomenal makeup, and this pen is a prime drugstore example of that. It’s an incredibly flexible formula;it struck the right balance between being wet enough to play with but viscous enough to stay put and not run. It set after about two minutes and didn't transfer at all when I put my finger on it.

The pigment is awesome; it’s inky right out of the gate and offers really nice coverage. My wings did look slightly less vibrant at the end of the night than they initially did, and the borders of one wing got slightly less sharp, but I didn’t notice any flaking.

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.08 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If there’s one thing I demand from a black liquid liner, it’s powerful pigment—I’m talking deep space, black hole-levels of darkness. In Anastasia’s waterproof formula, I found just that. The liquid glided on super smoothly, and the applicator’s tip was long enough to help me create a sharp, defined wing. I also appreciated the nice balance the formula struck between being liquid-y and viscous; it helped create a bold, dark line in just one stroke.

After the formula set, it stayed put for the rest of the day despite me sweating through most of it. I didn’t end up needing to touch up the liner at all. That said, since the liquid is stored in an inkwell, it’s not super convenient for reapplication on the go.

Shades: 2 | Size: 0.03 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A ‘60s-style wing has become something of a signature for me, and this formula is perfectly suited for a Mad Men-inspired look. I’ve actually had one of these pens stashed in my bag for years, thanks to its bold pigment and stay-put formula.

This liner glides on beautifully and achieves a really inky wing in just a few seconds. I can easily draw the exact shape with its long tip and easy-to-hold pen. It did dry out ever so slightly towards the end of the initial application, but I see that as a fair trade-off for what’s become a super comfortable, dependable option. Aside from having to do a few minor touch-ups to remedy a little fading—it was sweltering hot out, folks—this liner held up.

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

I’ve had my reservations about “clean” formulas when it comes to long wear and pigment. That said, Ilia’s liquid liner exceeded my expectations. While it wasn’t the inkiest of the bunch, the liquid applied easily with minimal tugging thanks to its easy-to-glide tip. It only took a minute to set, which I definitely appreciated on a busy morning when I was not as careful or steady as I could be.

The formula’s longevity impressed me, too. Even on an extra-steamy day, the pigment held up for the most part, save for a bit of flaking by the time I got home. If you’re searching for a clean option, this is a safe bet—just make sure to throw the pen in your bag for a touch-up or two.

Shades: 2 | Size: 0.02 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This liner claims to last 24 hours, and after testing it, I believe that (although I did remove it at the end of the evening). The liquid glided on smoothly in one bold stroke without skipping. It took about 30 seconds to set, and once it did, it didn’t budge. If you’re like me and can’t stand the feeling of dry or crunchy liquid liners on your lids, I’ve got good news: this formula dries down weightlessly with an almost tattoo-like effect.

As a worthy adversary against sweltering heat, this liner stayed on well throughout the day and night; I only touched it once or twice over 16 hours for extra vibrancy. Despite its many merits, I do wish this formula was slightly more inky in tone.

Shades: 2 | Size: 0.021 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

For me, a flawless wing means achieving a knife-sharp point, and Maybelline’s liner makes it easy to nail. This pen's tiny, superfine tip is ideal for finessing little details like gaps, uneven edges, and even tightlining. Beyond the applicator, the formula itself is just as impressive. Though it spread a bit when I blinked during application, refining it with a fingernail before it set was easy.

This liner stayed on really well throughout the day despite the humidity. There was no flakiness at all, and the color remained bold well into the night. If you don’t mind a hint of transfer on your lids in steamy conditions, this pen is a solid pick.

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.014 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Even the shakiest, least dexterous hand can wield this powerful pen. Thanks to the pen’s slightly thicker shape and substantial tip, outlining a bold wing was like sketching with a Sharpie. The tip is a little stiff, so it did wipe off a little product when I attempted to add an extra layer of pigment, but this was easily remedied.

I loved how comfy this liquid felt on my lids. As it dried down in a thin layer (a good thing!), it didn’t feel heavy at all. This one also lasted nicely throughout the day: I didn't notice any transfer on my eyelids, and it didn’t smear when I touched it. However, I wish the pigment was slightly darker in tone, and my wings’ edges blurted slightly (I tested it on a 90-degree day).

Shades: 3 | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

I usually avoid navy eyeliner because, behind my mascara, it can just look like a weak shade of black. This liner was an exception. The blue liquid glided on bold and bright with minimal tugging, and even after setting within a couple of minutes, it stood out through my lashes.

Another concern I often have with more vivid-toned liners is crunchiness, and this option avoided that pitfall, too. It was comfy the whole day I wore it and only required a touch-up or two. If you don’t mind adding an extra layer for complete opaqueness upon first application, this liquid is a solid choice when blue makeup is on the brain.

FAQ

• How do you apply liquid eyeliner?

  First, rest the elbow of the arm you’ll be applying the liner with on a flat surface to steady your hand. Use your other hand to gently pull your eye taut (no tugging!) and apply small dots or dashes as close to the lash line as possible. Extend these dots from the outer corner of the eyes at a slight angle toward the end of the eyebrow, and then connect with short strokes to create a winged look. While you can start your line anywhere from the inner corner to the midpoint of the lash line, you’ll generally want to keep lines thinner at the start, thickening as you reach the outer corners.

• Can you put liquid eyeliner in your waterline?

  Liquid eyeliners aren't intended for use on the waterline, though you can use them to line the lash line. Pro makeup artist Kirin Bhatty suggests reaching for a pencil eyeliner for the waterline, especially one with a formula specifically intended for this sensitive part of the eye.

• How do I make my liquid eyeliner last?

  Some liquid eyeliners last longer than others; it is what it is. The number one tip pros agree on is simple. “Always make sure you choose a liner with a secure cap that snaps shut so it doesn’t dry out,” Lottie notes. Also, make sure you store your liner tip down to help the product flow more smoothly. A good liquid eyeliner should last you three to six months, depending on how often you use it.

• How do I remove liquid eyeliner?

  Removing your liquid eyeliner is as easy as a few swipes of micellar water or eye makeup remover. If your formula is waterproof, you'll want to use something stronger, such as an oil cleanser, cleansing balm, or waterproof makeup remover.