19 Best Liquid Eyeliners for Beginners and Pros Alike

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, have hooded eyelids or struggle with oily skin, the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner is our top choice for you. The phthalate free, paraben free and hypoallergenic formula glides on smoothly and dries to a matte finish. Designed to last over eight hours without flaking or smudging, this is a go-to product for many a makeup influencer.

Some reviewers note that it takes a while for this liner to dry and it can therefore smudge before fully drying. While the brush is thin, it is not extremely thin or long — making it a little difficult to achieve a thin cat eye. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates the ingredients as moderate in terms of irritants and toxicity. Indeed, the formula contains one ingredient in particular that raises eyebrows: Black No. 2 (color index number 77266), a colorant and a potential carcinogen, according to extensive research.

In terms of quality for price, the NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner can’t be beat. The formula is smooth, dark black and truly waterproof, meaning it will last eight-plus hours without smudging or flaking. When it does finally start to come off, reviewers note that it flakes rather than smudges — which they find is easier to fix.

Bear in mind that this liner is liquid-y, so it is not forgiving if you have a shaky hand or are a beginner. The products you use on your skin may also decrease the staying power of this formula, leading to smudging or premature flaking. The EWG rates this product as moderate for irritants and toxicity.

With a flexible yet strong, elongated and thin brush, the L’Oréal Infallible liner makes customizing your cat eye a breeze. The felt tip allows you to create thin or thick lines and the formula glides onto the lid effortlessly. Plus, it is waterproof and lasts over eight hours without smudging or flaking.

Most reviewers agree that this formula doesn’t irritate the skin or the eyes, though it receives a moderate rating in terms of irritation and toxicity. Questionable ingredients include fragrance, preservatives and Black No. 2. In addition, the product tends to dry out after a month or so.

Looking for a matte finish that rivals the Rare Beauty liquid liner? Consider Maybelline’s Master Precise All-Day liner. The long-lasting formula withstands humidity and sweat for over eight hours, and the thin felt tip makes it easy to create thin or thick lines.

Keep in mind that most liquid liners with felt tips dry out quickly, and the Maybelline Master Precise is no exception. Reviewers complain that it dries out after a month or so of use. The EWG rates this formula as moderate in terms of potential irritation and toxicity, primarily because it contains Black No. 2.

For an inexpensive product, the Wet n Wild is a top contender. It has a brush tip with a pen-like style, making it easy to apply. The liner also flows more easily out of the brush than other drugstore options, which dramatically reduces the chance that the applicator will skip across your lid as you apply the product.

In wear tests, the Wet n Wild liquid liner stayed without smudging for over eight hours. However, the package instructs you to shake it before using, which reviewers have said leads to leakage. The irritation and toxicity levels are rated as moderate, thanks to the formula’s fragrance, preservatives and inclusion of Black No. 2.

If you’re looking for precision, Lauren Conrad’s Beauty the Eyeliner comes to mind. This underrated liquid liner features a thin, precise brush that glides across the eyelid. The formula is almost like butter, making it easy to create a classy, thin cat eye.

Since this eyeliner is not waterproof, its staying power is not as strong as many waterproof drugstore brands. And though it is high-end, the formula has a moderate rating in terms of irritants and toxicity levels, especially because it contains Black No. 2.

If you’re looking for a waterproof liner with a very rich pigment, consider L’Oréal’s Infallible Flash Cat Eye liner. The thin, flexible brush makes it easy to apply the product. In addition, the cap has a wing-tip applicator to help beginners.

While most buyers have a great experience with this product, some note that the tube dries out quickly. Others say the application isn’t as smooth depending on the eyeshadow or skincare products worn underneath. The formula has a moderate rating for irritants and toxicity, primarily because it uses Black No. 2.

The Maybelline Hyper Easy waterproof liner is a top pick among makeup artists because of its staying power. This product won’t break down on long, humid days. Plus, the brush-tip pen style is comfortable, familiar and easy to use.

Some reviewers wish that this liner were a darker shade — the pitch black is not as black as they had hoped. The brush also doesn’t dispense the liquid formula as easily as other brushes, which means the application process could take a while. The toxicity levels for this formula are moderate.

Looking for the thinnest brush possible to achieve your sharpest cat eye yet? We recommend the Profusion Cosmetics WING IT Eyeliner. The applicator is very precise, making it extremely easy to outline your lashes. Best of all, this formula lasts for over eight hours without flaking or smudging.

This product has a very glossy finish, which many makeup aficionados dislike. In addition, some buyers note that they occasionally receive a “dud,” or a tube of product that is dry before the first application. This eyeliner does not have a toxicity rating yet, though it does contain the potential carcinogen Black No. 2.

For a luxurious experience, we recommend the Lancôme Idôle Ultra Precise Liquid Eyeliner. The tip is razor thin, making it the perfect shape for a cat eye. It doesn’t tug on the lid, either, creating a smooth application experience. The finish is satin (semi-glossy), and during wear tests, this product lasted 12+ hours.

For the first few uses, you may need to shake the liner vigorously so enough product coats the felt tip. In addition, some users found that it didn’t last a full day and smudged. This product is not yet rated for toxicity or irritation, but it contains the potential carcinogen Black No. 2.

If you need a beginner-friendly eyeliner before you try the expensive stuff, we recommend Wet n Wild’s MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner. It retails for just $3.28 and has a dark black color that applies smoothly. In addition, it is easy to remove if you mess up.

A word of warning: Since this product is easy to remove, it smudges easily and takes a while to dry. Also, this formula contains Black No. 2, a potential carcinogen. It is low down on the list of ingredients, but something to keep in mind.

Worried about applying potential irritants and carcinogens to your skin? Try Ilia — a brand known for their clean ingredients. The liquid liner has a score of just 1/10 for irritants/toxicity. In terms of application and staying power, this formula glides on smoothly and is easy to fix if you make a mistake. (However, you have to act fast, as it dries somewhat quickly.)

Since this is not a waterproof formula, it is not smudge-proof. The tip is a little thicker than cat-eye lovers may like, but it is flexible, so you can still achieve your desired look. The biggest downside in our opinion? The $28 price tag — though it may be worth it for you.

The Honest Beauty Liquid Eyeliner takes the cake in terms of the cleanest formula; it is EWG certified, meaning it meets the strictest standards for health and safety. Plus, the rich pigment with a satin finish gives this liner a bold appearance that buyers love.

In terms of performance, however, Ilia has Honest Beauty beat — but only slightly. The flexible tip on the Honest eyeliner creates a beautiful, precise cat eye but the liquid-y formula takes a while to dry and smudges easily. However, the low price point and the excellent ingredient list may make you choose this product over Ilia’s — and we wouldn’t blame you.

Kat Von D’s vegan makeup has won many awards with good reason: The products always deliver. The KVD Beauty Tattoo Waterproof Liner is the perfect example because it features a smudge-proof, quick-drying formula with an exceptionally precise tip. Those features make it a great pick for hooded eyelids, which can easily lead to smudging.

In terms of irritants and toxicity level, this formula is “moderate” and has a 6/10 rating, which is the highest rating of all our recommendations. Potentially toxic ingredients include propylparaben, a fragrance and preservative that is a known endocrine disruptor, and Black No. 2.

Though underrated in the eyeliner world, Heroine Make’s Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is quickly gaining buzz. The application process for this product is smooth, and the fine tip allows you to get very precise with your line. In addition, reviewers note that the formula doesn’t smudge during all-day wear — even with oily skin.

However, many note that the product runs if they start to sweat. The formula does not yet have an EWG rating, but the ingredient list includes many polymers, which may contain potentially toxic irritants that pollute the environment.

Most eyeliners with excellent staying power and a smooth application will work on mature eyes, but the Long Last Liquid Eyeliner by 100% Pure ticks the most boxes for mature skin. It’s pigmented with black tea leaves which provide a long-lasting, all-natural colorant. Plus, it contains organic aloe vera, cocoa seed butter, oregano and rosemary — all of which may help sparse eyelashes grow. Reviewers note that the formula doesn’t smudge and lasts all day. It also comes in three shades (black tea, blackberry and dark chocolate) to fit different skin tones.

Unfortunately, this eyeliner is often sold out due to its popularity and isn’t available at most retailers. Some reviewers note that the bristles on the brush tend to break, and the product smudges depending on skincare ingredients and eyeshadow worn underneath.

If you wear lash extensions, an oil-free, non-waterproof formula is the way to go. (Oil-based formulas can dissolve lash glue, while waterproof liners are hard to remove and may cause you to pull out the extensions when you remove your makeup.) Xtreme Lashes’ Lash Densifying Liquid Eyeliner is a great option because it contains no oil and comes off with micellar water or facial cleanser. Plus, it has a rich, black color and two differently-shaped felt tips to help you achieve your desired look.

At $34, this is one of the most expensive products in our guide. While most reviewers say it is worth every penny, some believe they can achieve the same effect with a less-expensive liner. In addition, the formula may smudge on oily skin. This product does not yet have a toxicity rating but it does contain Black No. 2.

For an eyeliner that is noticeably brown — and doesn’t look black — we recommend the NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner (again!) in dark brown. The formula has a matte finish like the black version and an impressive staying power of eight or more hours.

The downsides: Unlike the black version of this eyeliner, the brown version is on the dryer side. So, the product may flake after a few hours and the tube itself is likely to dry out after a month of use. It also doesn’t have the smoothest application experience. The formula contains Black No. 2 and polymers, which are potentially irritating and toxic.

Though the NYX Epic Ink Eyeliner mentioned above has the truest brown color, the Physician’s Formula Eye Booster eyeliner takes the number-one spot for brown eyeliners. The brush tip on the Physician’s Formula Eye Booster Liner is incredibly thin, making it easy to create one long, thin swipe across your eyelid. So, the application experience is excellent since the product doesn’t skip over skin.

Keep in mind that the brush tip is on the longer side. Experienced buyers love the length which helps create a smooth, precise wing, while beginners may find this a bit difficult to use. In addition, the shade is such a deep brown that it is close to black. This product has a moderate level of toxicity due to fragrance, preservative and Black No. 2.