The 17 Best Liquid Eyeliners of 2024

Oct 14, 2024

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InStyle / David Hattan

As beauty experts, we can admit that liquid eyeliners can be slightly intimidating. They’re not super easy to blend out if you mess up, and they require a lot of Q-tips and makeup remover to correct if needed. However, mastering the liquid liner application only requires a steady hand and a great liner formula (a little luck doesn’t hurt either). “Liquid eyeliner can be used to create more precise looks ranging from a tight line to thicker, more stylized shapes, as well as fine-line art with the applicator that the liner comes with,” says New York-based celebrity makeup artist Natalia Thomas. “You can even use some liquid formulas to create a smudged, smoky effect by smudging them out with a dense pencil brush before it dries down.”

A good liquid liner is also necessary because you won’t be able to nail a great cat eye look with one that’s dry, smudgy, too sheer in color, or takes forever to dry down. That’s why, thanks to the help of multiple makeup artists, we’ve narrowed down all the best liquid eyeliners for every type of need—from the best for beginners, the best waterproof, the best double-ended, and many more.

“A lot of liquid eyeliner is a matter of preference—some prefer a brush tip and others prefer a felt tip similar to a marker. There are even some liners that have both options, with one on either end. Generally, I like to look for formulas that claim to be long-wearing so that they don’t bleed and stay put. As for the applicator, I make sure to find one that has a very precise and sharp tip that allows me to create both tight lines and more stylized liner precisely.” —Natalia Thomas, New York-based celebrity makeup artist

Why We Love It: The Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid does it all and is a makeup artist fave. Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman explains that it has an easy-to-use applicator that allows liquid liner to spread evenly along the top lash line. The fine tip is firm and makes a precise line every time. Plus, it will not budge; it really does stay on all day long.

Who It’s For: This product is easy to use, long-lasting, and comes in eight shades, making it great for those looking for an everyday option but still like to mix it up. Do note that some of the shades apply a little sheerer and need two layers.

Type: Pen | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.016 oz

Why We Love It: Celebrity makeup artist Sang Jeon selected his pick for best budget-friendly eyeliner as Maybelline's Hyder Easy Liquid Pen Eyeliner. It glides on easily on the lash line and provides an even application of the highly-pigmented black liquid.

Who It’s For: This classic black liner is key for anyone who needs a tried-and-true workhorse product. Keep in mind that reviews claim it's not 100 percent smudge-proof, so you might need to use a primer or setting spray if you have oily skin.

Type: Pen | Shades: 1 | Size: 0.02 oz

Why We Love It: Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, founder of The Blighlighter, likes the Dior Show On Stage Liner because of all the different colors and finishes it comes in. You get a total of 16 highly-pigmented colors like gold, indigo, and emerald, and that come in either matte, satin, or pearly finishes.

Who It’s For: The Dior spring runway show showed white eyeliner is trending, making it great for fellow trendsetters. As an added bonus, Greenberg says the liner boasts 24 hours of wear time. The tip is very fine, though, and may take a couple of passes to get a thicker line.

Type: Felt tip | Shades: 16 | Size: 0.01 oz

Why We Love It: Dorman's pick for best color eyeliner is the Lime Crime Venus Pigmented Liquid Eyeliner because it gives intense color on the eyes and it doesn't flake off. It's a waterproof matte formula that dries quickly and will not transfer or fade.

Who It’s For: This liner has a variety of fun shades available in a smudge-free formula, making it great for those who like to match their liner color to their mood. It does have a bristle brush which may be difficult for precise application.

Type: Brush | Shades: 11 | Size: 0.079 oz

Why We Love It: Everyone needs a great classic black liner in their beauty arsenal, and you can't go wrong with Dorman's pick. KVD Beauty Tattoo Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner's black shade, "Trooper," is an opaque black with a satin finish that goes on smoothly along the lash line. The ultrafine tip allows you to do so many things with the highly-pigmented liner (think graphic or winged cat eyes) and it will last all day.

Who It’s For: This satin-finish liner is perfect for anyone who likes a cat eye look with a touch of extra elegance. You do have to store it properly (tip down) and shake it before using to really get the liquid out.

Type: Brush tip | Shades: 2 | Size: 0.019 oz

Why We Love It: Greenberg loves the Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner for beginners because it has a very, very easy application. The fine brush tip makes it so the liner goes on smoothly and it's pretty much smudge- and foolproof.

Who It’s For: Beauty beginners will appreciate this intuitive product, as it's one of the easiest liners to put on with great precision. However, it only comes in one shade.

Type: Brush tip | Shade: 1 | Size: 0.13 oz

Why We Love It: Dorman loves the Surratt Beauty Auto-Graphique liner because of its Japanese calligraphy-inspired brush that allows for a nice, smooth application. The formula is opaque and buildable. It's even one of the sustainable options as you can refill the cartridge once you're out.

Who It’s For: The eyeliner goes on so artfully and it has a refillable option, making it a great option for the environmentally conscious. Reviews say that it smears easily, so you might need to prep with primer beforehand.

Type: Pen | Shade: 4 | Size: 0.30 grams

Why We Love It: Jeon's pick, the Kaja Wink Stamp, makes a cat eye super easy—even for eyeliner novices out there. You get a classic black liquid liner along with a double-ended wing stamp pen in this set. Simply position the stamp at the outer corner edge of the eye (it is labeled "left" and "right" for the corresponding eye) so that the longest edge of the wing connects to your lower lash line. Then draw the liner along the upper lash line and connect it to the wing. And voila! A perfect cat eye in seconds.

Who It’s For: Anyone who regularly does winged liner will appreciate this easy-to-use tool. Unfortunately, the wing only comes in one size.

Type: Felt tip, stamp | Shades: 1 | Size: 0.01 oz

Why We Love It: The L'Oreal Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner will not move. It stays on vividly with no flaking or smudging all day. As an added bonus, it comes with a cat eye stencil to help you create a winged eye look in seconds.

Who It’s For: This is a long-lasting waterproof liner on even the oiliest of skin. It only comes in two shades, but this works for those who like to keep things simple.

Type: Brush tip | Shades: 2 | Size: 0.18 oz

Why We Love It: Who doesn't love a little shine? Add some sparkle to your eyes with the Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner, which contains fine colored glitter on a clear base for a buildable pretty liner look. It dries quickly and lasts all day.

Who It’s For: The glitter really makes eyes pop and is long-wearing for a more dramatic look. The clear base makes the colored glitter subtle, though, unless you really pack on the layers.

Type: Brush tip | Shades: 11 | Size: 0.25 oz

Why We Love It: Jessica Alba's Honest Beauty Liquid Liner is made with sensitive eyes in mind. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, this is labeled hypoallergenic and doesn't include known irritants like parabens and silicones. You can easily define your eyes with its fine tip brush and super black color.

Who It’s For: This sensitive skin-friendly formula is hypoallergenic and made without parabens, carbon black pigment, or silicones. However, it only lasts for eight hours before it starts to smudge.

Type: Felt tip | Shades: 1 | Size: 0.06 oz

Why We Love It: Sleek and classic, the Lancôme Artliner Precision Felt-Tip Liquid Eyeliner is going to be your new go-to for a simple lined eye look. It has one of the finest felt-tip brushes that makes lining your lash line super easy. It's also made with double film-forming polymers so that it lasts all day.

Who It’s For: The fine felt-tip brush makes the most precise outline for the most detail-oriented among us. This one is truly budge-proof and can be difficult to remove.

Type: Felt tip | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.04 oz

Why We Like It: Celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero loves this liner in Syrup Brown. “I like that it stays put for hours without losing the intensity of the color,” he says. “It also doesn’t break down (or flake off) if you need to touch it up throughout the day, or if you have oily eyelids.”

Who It’s For: This liner is long-lasting and the color intensity is impressive, making it great for when makeup longevity is the goal. One of the downsides of this pick is that it seems to dry out relatively quickly. Always make sure to reapply the cap back after you’ve used it, and shake up the pen before applying to your lids.

Type: Pen | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.03 oz

Why We Like It: In our experience, you’re either a dip pot convert, or you’ve never used one before. If you haven’t tried one already, consider opting for the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. This pick comes in four shades and is a favorite amongst many. “The Bobbi Brown one is a go-to of mine because it glides on and gives a soft look while also allowing you to build opaqueness if desired,” explains celebrity makeup artist Brittany Lo.

Who It’s For: This is a classic gel eyeliner that’s housed in a dip pot for controlled application, making it great for those who like a classic look but want to try something new. One issue to note with this dip pot is that you will need to purchase a separate eyeliner brush to be able to apply this to your lash line. Additionally, if you’re a big germophobe, you might not like that you have to double dip your brush into this pot, as it’s not the most sanitary option.

Type: Dip pot | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.1 oz

Why We Love It: It’s hard not to love a great liquid eyeliner that only costs $7. This pick from e.l.f. Is one of Rivero’s favorites because it stays “wet” on the felt pen tip for a long time without drying. Meaning, it will last you a long time and won’t dry out too quickly. “This pick glides with ease, is at a great price point, and has a very intense color payoff, too.”

Who It’s For: This bold color payoff is great for more intense or nighttime looks. Unfortunately, while the felt tip seems to stay wet for a while, sometimes the cap will pop off randomly, and leave a mess in your bag. Make sure to check on the top, and secure it in place every time you put the cap back on.

Type: Pen | Shades: 1 | Size: 0.02 oz

Why We Love It: Sometimes it’s hard to notice from pictures, but there are a few different types of liquid eyeliners that you can purchase—there are the felt tip liners, the dip pot liners, and the brush tip liners. This trusty pick from MAC is part of the latter group, and uses small brush hairs to distribute the liner pigment, rather than a felt tip. If you love to draw a thin line with a lot of precision, the MAC Brushstroke Eyeliner is the way to go.

Who It’s For: This pick offers the ultimate precision for those who hone in on the little things. It comes in two colors and is safe for contact lens-wearers. Although the packaging promises 24-hour wear, we’ve noticed that it doesn’t last that long—you might find that it smudges or runs by the end of the day.

Type: Brush tip pen | Shades: 2 | Size: 0.02 oz

Why We Love It: Why opt for one formula when you can use both? This pick from Tarte is our favorite double-ended eyeliner because it comes with a liquid end, as well as a pencil end. “The Tarte Double Take eyeliner is a fantastic option, as it has a pencil that allows you to draw out the line, then flip the liner for a liquid to add definition with a beautiful matte finish,” explains Lo.

Who It’s For: This pick is great for travelers because you only have to bring one liner instead of two. Unfortunately, some folks have found that the pencil side breaks easily, so make sure you are applying the liner with a gentle pressure each time you use it.

Type: Double-ended pen | Shades: 2 | Size: 1 oz

Greenberg says the best way to apply eyeliner is to outline where you want your liner to go. She recommends placing very small dots—one in the inner corner on the top lash line, one in the middle of the lop lash line, and another on the outer corner on the top lash line—while your eye is open looking at a mirror.

Next, connect the dots. Start slowly from the inner corner and bring in the liner until you reach the middle. Then start slowly from the outer corner and bring in the liner until you reach the middle. Then go back in and add thickness to the line or you can leave it as is.

Dorman adds that most people find that a thin line that thickens at the outer third of the eye with a slight wing is flattering on most eye shapes. She says if your wing looks disconnected when the eye is closed but crisp when your eye is open, it means you have a hooded eye. In this case, she says to do your best to fill in the wing so that it looks more straight and precise when the eye is open.

Dorman recommends a firm felt tip brush for beginners. She explains that if the top is too pliable, it will become difficult to control. If the applicator is too thick, she says it will make precision difficult.

Jeon agrees and adds that if the brush is thin and small to begin with, any mistakes that do happen will also be small and easier to fix. So definitely opt for liquid liners that have a small fine felt tip if you're just starting out.

Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist who has covered beauty for InStyle since 2022. Allison Lax is a commerce updates writer at InStyle who is a lover of a good liquid liner. Together, they spoke with celebrity makeup artists Natalia Thomas, Jamie Dorman, Sang Jeon, Jamie Greenberg, Brittany Lo, and Tomy Rivero for their expert insights on what separates the good liquid eyeliners from the greats.