11 Best Liquid Eyeliners for Long-Lasting Definition Leave a comment
I don’t know whether it’s all of the amazing red carpet beauty looks that we’ve been treated to recently or spring’s imminent arrival giving me the urge to try something new, but despite actively avoiding most eye makeup on a daily basis (yes, even mascara), I have recently been tempted to up my liquid eyeliner game. You see, there are few makeup trends that I admire more than a razor-sharp feline flick. It adds definition, lifts and opens eyes and basically elevates your entire makeup look by adding instant polish. However, historically, my attempts have led to wonky wings, uneven thickness and on more than one occasion, having to remove all of my makeup entirely and start again.
This time, though, I decided to call on some experts to steer me in the right direction. You see, as a beauty editor, I have tested many of what are considered to be the best eyeliners, but it seems they can sense my fear. And what I’ve learned is that a confident hand can make all the difference. Once that’s in check, finding the right formula is a bit like a science experiment—you need exactly the right combination of pigment, a tip or brush with the right balance of control and flexibility, and something that’s going to stay put once you’ve put in the hard work. So, where to start? Scroll ahead for the best liquid eyeliners I’ve tried, as well as pro tips from makeup artists on how to apply liquid eyeliner.
The Best Liquid Eyeliners
1. Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
Lisa Eldridge
Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
Lynskey rates this as a great liquid eyeliner option if you want a thin, fine liner look, and as someone who had very little confidence in my liner abilities, it was the first product I tested. Turns out, I really haven’t looked back since trying this one. As someone who usually ends up looking like I have two totally different eye looks going on, this slim and tapered brush felt reassuringly easy to use. I was able to sketch a really fine, barely-there line to start with, and then could up the drama if I wanted to with extra thickness or a more extended flick. It’s glossy, grown-up and ideal if you want something that will apply precisely without causing any panic.
Pros
- Ultra-fine tip
- Great for a classic feline flick
Cons
- Takes some more work if you like a thicker line
2. Lancôme Idôle Ultra Precise Waterproof Liner
Lancôme
Lancôme Lash Idôle Ultra Precise Waterproof Liner
While most of the liquid eyeliners on this list have been chosen for their staying power, there are certain occasions that call for a little more resistance, and this one from Lancôme will stick around come rain, shine or tears. It has a beautiful glossy finish and an ultra-thin tip, so you can create a perfectly precise makeup look with this. The only issue is that because it is a waterproof formula, it does really require a dedicated eye makeup remover or heavy-duty cleansing oil to get it all off at the end of the day.
Pros
- Lovely glossy finish
- Very fine tip
3. Maybelline Tattoo Liner Ink Pen Eyeliner
Maybelline
Tattoo Liner Ink Pen Eyeliner
If you have oily eyelids like me, or simply want the reassurance that your liner won’t do a disappearing act halfway through the day, then this high-street formula has impressive staying power. The tip itself is lovely and flexible, meaning you can create fine or full lines with ease, and the pigment is a brilliant matte black that glides on with instant opacity. For me, that’s brilliant as it doesn’t require lots of layering up, but it also undeniably aids how well this liner sticks around all day long.
Pros
- Affordable
- Doesn’t budge
Cons
- Make sure lid has clicked in place to stop it drying out
4. 19/99 Beauty Liquid Pen Eyeliner
19/99
Ink Pen Liquid Liner
This is Burton’s pick for the best liquid eyeliner on the market right now. “I’m obsessed with the new 19/99 Beauty Liquid Pen Eyeliner. It’s super fine and not too wet so I find it really easy to use,” she explains. “Sometimes when liquid eyeliner formulas are too wet, you end up smudging them before they’ve had time to dry but not this one.”
Pros
- Ultra-fine tip
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Need to layer for a thicker look
5. Valentino Beauty Dual-Ended Eye Liner
“I love the Valentino Beauty Dual-Ended eyeliner,” says Lynskey. “It has the finest nib, the pigment is very good and also it has a waxy pencil on the other end. The liquid liner lasts very well, doesn’t dry out and maintains its nib shape if treated with care.”
Pros
- Dual-end liquid and pencil formulas
- Creates natural and dramatic looks
6. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Stila
Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
One of the brand’s hero products for a reason, this much-beloved liquid eyeliner is a bestseller for a reason—it’s so easy to use. The pen itself is a really nice size, which means it’s easy to grip and it feels comfortable to use, and the thin tip means you can get a really sharp line with very minimal effort. Even on my less-than-steady hand days, it seems to play nice and delivers an inky, satin black edge that looks flattering and sticks around without fading.
Pros
- Easy-to-use pen tip
- Very long-wearing
Cons
- Seems to run out quite quickly
7. Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Liner
Clinique
High Impact Easy Liquid Liner
One of the reasons that I tend to avoid wearing much eye makeup these days is that my eyes have a habit of watering the second I’ve put on a slick of mascara. If you’re the same the second you attempt a wing then this liner from Clinique is ophthalmologist-tested to keep irritation at bay. Not only is the formula gentle on the eyes, but the flexible precision tip applies it without dragging too. Just one simple motion and you’ll have soft, beautifully defined eyes without causing any heaviness on your eyes. It wears well and removes easily too which is another bonus.
Pros
- Non-irritating formula
- Applies gently
8. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Rare Beauty
Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
For a really chic eyeliner look, you can’t beat a matte formula for being totally timeless and endlessly versatile. This one from Rare Beauty is rich, pigmented, and there isn’t a hint of sheen. Yet despite how matte it is, it feels so comfortable on the eyelids with no hint of dryness or flaking. The brush is brilliant too. It’s made with over 800 vegan bristles, and it’s really flexible, meaning that you can use it at any angle and to create a thicker line. Plus, like all of Rare Beauty’s products, the design of the pen itself is so comfortable to use.
Pros
- Striking matte finish
- Versatile brush tip
Cons
- It’s best stored upside down
9. Chanel Le Liner De Chanel
Chanel
Le Liner De Chanel
Another of Lynskey’s picks for best liquid eyeliner is this classic formula from Chanel, particularly the burgundy shade, which she rates as one of her favourite alternative colour options. It is a more expensive option, and has more of a classic liquid applicator, which can take some getting used to, but once you’ve mastered it, it’s really brilliant for creating red carpet-esque feline flicks and ultra-smooth definition. It’s wonderfully long-wear too, thanks to the almost latex-like film that helps with stretching out the line and leaving a really expensive-looking finish.
Pros
- Precision brush
- Creates fluid lines
10. Dior Diorshow Liquid Liner
Dior
Diorshow Liquid Eyeliner
If you want to switch up your liner from classic black, then Dior’s range of liquid liners can’t be rivalled for playful yet polished pops of colour. There are nine colours to choose from, in pearly, satin and shimmer finishes, so whether you want to add a cool khaki shimmer or a shock of electric fuchsia to your lids, you’ll find an option to suit. The flexible felt tip is really fine, so it’s great if you want just a subtle slick of colour, and it stays vibrant for hours and hours too.
Pros
- Pigmented, vibrant colour options
- Easy to apply
11. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
NYX Professional Makeup
Epic Ink Eye Liner
This is a really brilliant brush tip liquid eyeliner that allows you to create the most fluid of lines without having to go back in for touch-ups. Truly, it holds its own against formulas three times the price. It’s intensely pigmented (in fact, my only gripe is that it can feel a little much the first couple of times you use it—it’s better when it’s a little more dry) but it does mean that once it’s set your handiwork won’t fade all day. Plus, the flexible brush tip makes it easy to create a really tapered and precise edge.
Pros
- Flexible brush tip
- Affordable
Cons
- It’s quite runny to start with
What to Look For
When searching for the best liquid eyeliner, it’s important to consider the overall makeup look that you’re trying to create. “If you want a really dramatic look, or that full Amy Winehouse-inspired flick, then you should opt for a liquid liner with more surface area and a thick nib,” explains makeup artist Elaine Lynskey. “If you want a more natural definition, then opt for a finer nib.”
Skill level also plays a part in the type of liquid eyeliner that you might feel most comfortable using. Makeup artist Scarlett Burton recommends a liquid liner with a felt tip end for beginners. “It’s quite sturdy and gives me the most control,” she explains. “However, I do love a gel point style liner too, applied with a thin art brush, which lots of pros use as they are often a lot thinner and more precise than makeup brushes.”
How to Apply a Liquid Eyeliner
Of course, narrowing down your perfect liquid eyeliner is all well and good, but how do you actually go about applying it? Well, when creating the perfect line, there’s one clear rule: “You must look directly into a mirror with no squinting, head tilts or side-eyes,” says Lynskey. This is particularly important if you’re doing eyeliner on hooded eyes. She also recommends using a pressing motion rather than a drawing one. “By pressing the side of the liquid applicator, rather than dragging along the tip, you have more precision and control to create a smooth shape,” Lynskey explains. “If you want to create a sharp point, then you can use the nib.” And if you’ve made any errors, Lynskey swears by a little bit of moisturiser (not micellar water) on the end of a fine cotton bud to tidy up with.
For total beginners, Burton recommends prepping with a pencil eyeliner first. “If it’s a real struggle, then creating the line and wing with a pencil first can be easier to master, and it’s more forgiving if things go wobbly,” she explains. “Then just trace over it with your liquid liner, and you’ve got your perfect shape.”
How We Tested
As a beauty editor, I’ve tested hundreds of liquid eyeliner formulas over the years, and these are the ones that I personally rate for their ease of use (as mentioned, my application skills leave much to be desired!), longevity and flexibility to create different thicknesses of line. I also called on my fellow beauty editors for their picks and makeup artists to share their must-have liquid eyeliners from their kits.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts, including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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