As an avid eyeliner wearer, I’ve tried just about every formula, type, applicator format, and you could conjure up. Some of the best liquid eyeliners I've tried help add just the right amount dimension to my lash line—whether it’s for the cat-eye style I wear daily or a dramatic wing. So, how to find the right one for you? , a celebrity makeup artist in NYC says she looks for the intensity of the pigment first.
“I want the blackest black possible,” she says. A rich black liquid pigment can suit a variety of skin tones and create a contrast against any so your eyes really pop. Spickard also recommends a long-wearing formula for a smudge-free and water-resistant finish that'll last all day long.
Below, we spoke with makeup artists to compile the very best types to try, and even tested a bunch ourselves. All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Amazon , a celebrity makeup artist who's created striking eyeliner looks like , recommends the Inglot Liquid Eyeliner. It's water-resistant, long-wearing, and has a very saturated black pigment. It also has a fine tip that won’t smudge during application, and is suitable for whatever type of liner look you’re going for: whether that’s a micro-fine lash line definition or a thick wing.
Henney particularly likes the super thin brush applicator for precision. It can even be applied with a separate angled brush for a more dramatic, fuller wing. It dries down quickly, leaves behind seamless lines, and is wallet-friendly to re-up at $15, which is why it's our best overall pick.
As an -obsessed person myself, the Inglot liner is has been in my collection for years. It stays put after application and is one of the most pigmented liners I own. Anyone can use this precise tip liner for a smooth finish—whether you’re a liquid eyeliner rookie or fanatic.
Amazon This liquid liner is Spickard’s go-to when shopping for . “It’s affordable and has a rich beautiful black pigment,” he says, which makes it a favorite to use on clients with various eye shapes and skin tones to create contrast and add dimension to the eye, whether you have monolids or hooded eyes. reviewer Danielle Hoblin uses this for her cat-eye makeup look everyday to achieve precise lines.
“This is my favorite eyeliner! The fine tip is so thin and flexible, giving me the perfect cat-eye swoosh every time!” she says. This is also commerce director go-to drugstore pick. “What I love most is the super thin tip that makes it easy for me to subtly line my eyes.
It’s also simple to remove with a damp cotton swab when my hand isn’t steady. And while the price is right, it takes months to go through, despite using it every day, which makes it all the more affordable.”.
