All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Makeup trends come and go, but there are some beauty tools that will always be an essential — and that includes liquid eyeliners. The cat eye dates all the way back to ancient Egypt and can be seen on Cleopatra who outlined her eyes with the tiny flick. Since then, the makeup look has become a staple that is still seen across red carpets and makeup tutorials — meaning the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Just like Taylor Swift says, a liquid eyeliner is a must if you plan on crafting a “cat eye sharp enough to kill a man.” Not only that, but the beauty product helps provide the finishing touches to all makeup looks whether you’re looking to do a bold blue eyeshadow look or something casual with all-day hold for the office.
Besides helping to shape your eyes just how you want them, liquid eyeliner has quickly become a multipurpose tool. In addition to highlighting your eyes, you can also use the makeup tool as a freckle pen to give yourself a more sun kissed appearance.
Before you start practicing your next night out look, you’ll need to make sure you have the best liquid eyeliner that’s not only waterproof, but won’t easily smudge (which is especially important for beginners) and has all-day staying power. ShopBillboard also chatted with celebrity makeup artist Michael Anthony who has put together looks for Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Katy Perry and even Tyla to for tips on how to use the product.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Are the Best Liquid Eyeliners?
Rather than do the research yourself, we scoured the reviews to find the most top-rated and bestselling liquid eyeliners you can shop below.
EDITOR’S PICK
Wet n Wild Megalast Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner
Consider this Wet n Wild liquid eyeliner the ultimate tool to have in your makeup arsenal. Not only is it under $10, but reviewers can’t stop raving over how “pigmented” the formula in addition to how easy it is to apply thanks to the thin brush. It’s also waterproof and can last up to 16 hours after application.
SMUDGE-PROOF PICK
Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Anthony’s favorite liquid eyeliner is Too Face’s Better Than Sex as it features a handy brush tip that he says gives him a sharp line every time. He’s used the liquid eyeliner for live shows “and into the after party” without any smudging occurring. He also notes that using a good sealing agent or setting spray will help further prevent smudging, “but a really good waterproof liner is usually a stand alone type of product that you can rely on.”
WATERPROOF PICK
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Stila’s liquid eyeliner is another fave for its long wear formula and precision tip. Application is practically seamless as it glides onto your eyelid with no smudging. Reviewers are also a fan of the product with more than 1,000 Amazon shoppers purchasing it in the past month. And as for how waterproof it is, one Amazon reviewer claimed it “stays put even through crying eyes or humid weather.”
BEGINNER PICK
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Selena Gomez has captured beauty lovers with her makeup brand and this liquid eyeliner has become an instant favorite. First time liquid eyeliner users will wan to pick up this formula as reviewers note the rounded handle gives you “more control” when you’re crafting your cat eye. Others also rave over the pigmentation saying it “lasts all night.” It’s also made with a vegan formula and bristles.
EVERYDAY PICK
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner
The last thing you want is for your eyeliner to disappear after a couple of hours, which is where Revlon’s ColorStay Liquid Liner comes in. The formula can last up to 16 hours and comes with a thin felt tip that can go from thin precise lines to bold and thick looks with just a change in hand pressure. Amazon shoppers are labeling it a “holy grail” of an eyeliner saying it’s easy to apply and really does “last all day long.”
How to Use Liquid Eyeliner, According to a Celebrity Makeup Artist
Anthony has found that the best way to apply liquid eyeliner is to sketch the shape you’re going for with a brow pencil first. This will provide you with a map that you can easily follow when you go in with the liquid eyeliner. Though if you want to really lengthen the makeup look, then he has a different technique to achieve professional-grade quality.
“If you’re looking to try a longer cat eye liner, try starting with the very end of the eye and stamp the liner against the tail end of the eye on its side instead of trying to draw a line,” he explains. “This will deposit the product and then you can drag it out with a brush or the tip of the pen.”
And, if you’re just starting out, don’t expect perfection right away.
“Something to remember is you’re going to want ‘play time’ meaning a bit of time before the liner sets so that you can adjust the shape and length,” he says.
You’ll also want to look out for liquid eyeliners with an easy applicator like a felt tip of brush end as that will help with precision.
“I think the flow of product is also important,” he notes. “If you’ve ever used a liner pen that gushes ink you’re probable familiar with how tricky that can be, so look for a liner that has controlled product delivery. I avoid liner pens that you need to click to get product out as they tend to get leaky and messy.”
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best setting spray, at-home manicure sets and online makeup courses.
