The Best Liquid Eyeliner to Create a Flawless Look for Less

If you are looking to master a glamorous winged look or perfect the kitten eye, you may require the best liquid eyeliner for the job.

The right eyeliner can complete your makeup, define your eyes, and accentuate your lashes.

However, the wrong eyeliner can leave your eyes a smudgy mess and your dramatic cat eye look a horrible fail. That's why it is vital to get a great liquid eyeliner that allows you to create the perfect dramatic makeup look without any drama while you apply it.

Snag one of the best liquid eyeliner options from this list, and you'll be rocking a perfect wingtip in no time!

If you are on a hunt for the best liquid eyeliner, chances are you have wandered through many store aisles or scrolled down countless webpages trying to distinguish one small black tube from another.

Are all eyeliners created equal?

Not quite.

Many factors determine what is the best liquid eyeliner for you. Considering the type, brush style, and special features of your eyeliner will help you to narrow your search. This will provide you with the best liquid eyeliner to create your perfect look.

The shape of things

The most critical factor when searching for the best liquid eyeliner is the shape of the applicator. If you are a beginner in the world of the wingtip, choose a felt tip applicator. These often come in pen form and are easy to use.Keep an eye out for a fine tip. This will be easiest for newbies who want to rock the perfect cat eye but don't know where to begin. The skinnier the pen, the easier the application.

Oh. And don't forget to keep a stiff upper tip.

Yes, you read that right. The best liquid eyeliner applicator will have a stiff tip, allowing for lots of control during application.

Those who are more advanced may seek out the angled or ball-shaped applicator which allows for more experimentation. Some applicators even offer an angled brush, for those who crave precision and long to get as close to the lash line as possible.

The formula

Obviously, if you go to the effort of creating the perfect makeup look, you want it to last. Find a liner that will withstand the test of time, and continue no matter what you have planned for your day.If you really want an eyeliner with some sticking power, you might want to check out a waterproof formula. This eyeliner will have some serious staying power, not budging until you break out the makeup remover.

Color choices

Sure, most of us just want a simple black eyeliner. Or maybe a deep brown shade for those with fairer coloring.

However, for those who are looking to think outside the little black box, there are eyeliner options that come in all kinds of shades. If this sounds like your thing, then the best liquid eyeliner for you will have all the trendy color choices.

Don't let the sheer number of liquid liners available overwhelm you! We have done the hard work for you to find the best liquid eyeliners that won't break the bank.

The best news?

These options are all top-rated on Amazon, and makeup artist approved. So, rest easy knowing you cannot go wrong with one of these.

Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner, Black Out

• #301 Black Out
• #1 Longwear Brand*
• Long lasting color stay formula won't smudge, smear or fade for all day wear
• 0.1mm skinny tip applicator
• Ophthalmologist tested

This liquid eyeliner from Revlon makes our list because of its incredible staying power. Revlon promises up to sixteen hours of wear with no smearing or smudging. The applicator tip is easy to control, whether you are looking for a subtle liner look or a bold, dramatic one.

It is priced between $5 and $9. It has an average Amazon customer review of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars. As Amazon's Choice for liquid eyeliner, customers and makeup artists alike swear by the quality of this eyeliner.

COVERGIRL Get In Line Liquid Eyeliner (packaging may vary)

• 0.1 mm feather-fine tip for a fine line
• Contour-grip handle for precise application
• Long-lasting, quick-dry liquid eyeliner
• Removes easily with soap and water

Covergirl contributes to this list of the best liquid eyeliner choices. Their liquid liner has a super-thin 0.1 millimeter felt tip applicator and a handle designed for a precise grip. It applies smoothly and lasts all day with no smudging.

Available in five different shades, this eyeliner has both glossy and matte shades to match every style. This is the perfect eyeliner for the budding makeup artist who wants to experiment with all kinds of colors but does not want to break the bank.

Grab this eyeliner for $5 to $11, depending on your color choice and retailer. It received an average Amazon customer review of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars.

stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

• Finally a waterproof liquid liner that glides on with ease won't smudge or run, and stays in place until you say when! The thin marker-like tip is easy to use even for the least experienced, and delivers a defined thin line to a dramatic bold line with precision. Goes on smoothly without skipping, smudging, or pulling, and lasts all day!

This waterproof eyeliner from Stila Cosmetics makes our list for the best liquid eyeliner for about a dozen reasons. It's smudge-proof, and the quick-dry formula is perfect for even the hottest days.

This eyeliner applies smoothly with a razor-thin felt tip applicator and stays on for up to 10 hours. Not to mention, it comes in nine stunning colors with a gorgeous glossy finish.

Purchase this fantastic eyeliner for $20 to $23. With an average Amazon customer review of 4.1 out of 5.0 and more than 5,000 reviews, customers love this product.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Liquid Eyeliner, Long-Lasting Formula Intensifies and Defines Eyes, Black

• LONG LASTING LIQUID LINER - Intensify the look of your eyes with our pigment-rich, long-lasting Precision Liquid Eyeliner. The smudge-proof formula is designed to go on smooth and dry quickly for defined and precise lines.
• IMPECCABLE LINES EVERY TIME - Our liquid eyeliners feature a tapered brush that's designed to create thin or bold lines for a custom look.
• HOW TO USE - Holding the applicator like a brush, draw a line along the lash line, sticking as close to it as possible. Adjust length and thickness as desired.
• CREATE A LOOK YOU'LL LOVE - Create the perfect makeup look with our liquid eyeliner. Go for a demure, day-time look by keeping your lines ultra-thin, or try a thick, winged look to unleash your inner retro diva.
• VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE - Our cosmetics are PETA certified cruelty free and vegan, so you can feel good about using our products.

E.L.F. Cosmetics is a makeup company known for its fantastic products at even more fantastic prices. This liquid eyeliner is no exception with its tapered brush design that allows for precise application. Even beginners to the world of liquid liner had no trouble creating the dramatic winged look they desired.

The rich pigment glides on smoothly and lasts all day. And don't forget, all E.L.F. makeup products are vegan and cruelty-free so you can feel good while looking good.

This eyeliner is available for just $3 to $6. It has an average Amazon customer rating of 4.1 out of 5.0 stars.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, Black

• WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER: Get the perfect long-lasting cat eye look with NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink eyeliner.
• PRECISE TIP: Our ultra-precise tip is flexible and easy to use. Every stroke is unbelievably fluid for a defined finish. Control the thickness of your lines by pressing down just a touch. Fine and natural, broad and bold the look is always up to you!
• HIGH QUALITY: Try our quality metallic liners, matte liners, gel eyeliners, liquid eyeliners, cream eyeliners & pencil eyeliners in multiple colors for bold & beautiful designs by NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP.
• THRIVE WITH CRUELTY FREE COSMETICS: NYX PRPOFESSIONAL MAKEUP is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals.
• PERFECT TO PAIR WITH: Try with NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Setting Spray, to keep your whole look locked in all day long.

This eyeliner from NYX Cosmetics boasts an intensely pigmented and waterproof formula that creates bold and lasting makeup looks with little effort. The slender brush tip allows you to customize your liner. Whether you are feeling thin and natural or thick and bold, this eyeliner can help you create the perfect look.

Purchase this for $7 to $10. This product has an average Amazon customer review of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars and nearly 500 reviews. Customers are especially pleased with this product.

Rimmel Exaggerate Felt Tip Eye Liner, Black - Easy Precise Application Long Lasting Felt Tip Liquid Eye Liner Pen

• DEFINE YOUR EYES: This eye defining pencil goes on smooth with rich color. Soft textured and fine tipped eyeliner for precise, long wearing application. Easy twist up self sharpening means no more searching for a sharpener. Get ready for eyes that smolder
• DEFINE YOUR LOOK: For eye defining color that lasts, Rimmel Exaggerate Felt Tip Eye Liner has got you covered. No matter your favorite eye look--winged, smoky, or au natural: this eyeliner pen compliments any eyeshadow, mascara, or highlighter.
• BE YOU Rimmel Felt Tip Eye Liner is the perfect way to accentuate what makes you, you. Try with our full line of Rimmel products, including foundation, concealer, mascara, contouring kits, eye shadow, bronzer, lipstick, lip gloss, blush, & highlighter.
• TRUE TO YOU What started with the first non-toxic mascara has lead to more than a century of legacy, leadership and innovation in affordable makeup, beauty products, and tools. At Rimmel, we're not here to define your look. We innovate to take you there.
• RIMMEL QUALITY: Try Rimmel quality beauty products if you've liked those from L'Or©al, Maybelline, Revlon, NYX, e.l.f., Almay, Prestige, Julep, Lush, Milani, Clinique, MAC, Sonia Kashuk, Neutrogena, Physician's Formula, Glossier, Sephora & bareMinerals.

If you're looking for a drugstore brand that has professional quality without the huge price tag, look no further than Rimmel London. Their liquid eyeliner does not smudge, flake, smear, run, or clump, even with the most dramatic makeup look.

The applicator is designed to give the user plenty of control for precision. They promise their highly pigmented formula will last for up to sixteen hours of wear.

Snag some for just $5 to $7. A great budget option, this liquid eyeliner received an average Amazon customer review of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars.

Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen | Precision Brush with 24-Hour Smudge and Budge-Resistant Wear

• Clinique's mistake-proof pen creates a clean line in one steady sweep. Tapered, precision brush paints on pure, deep colour from thin to thick
• All the drama of a liquid eyeliner without the drama of putting it on
• Create thin lines, thick lines, tight lines, cat eye designs, and more
• 24-hour smudge and budge-resistant wear
• Ophthalmologist Tested. Allergy Tested. No parabens. No phthalates. 100% Fragrance Free. Just happy skin

Clinique delivers a quality product that deserves to make the list for best liquid eyeliner. Their mistake proof pen is tapered so you can create a precise line with just one steady stroke.

This liquid liner is ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested, and 100 percent fragrance-free. It's safe on even the most sensitive skin and eyes. Their formula has no parabens or phthalates and promises 24-hour smudge and budge-resistant wear. So, no matter what your day holds, your eyeliner promises to hold too.

A higher-end option, this product is priced between $21 and $27 and possesses an average Amazon customer review of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. But with such a high rating, no one will regret a little splurge for such an excellent product.

Eyeliner Stamp Wingliner by Lovoir Black, Waterproof Make Up, Smudgeproof, Winged Long Lasting Liquid Eye liner Pen, Vamp Style Wing, 2 Pens In A Pack

This bonus product from Lovoir, sold by Amazon, makes our list for the best liquid eyeliner because of its unique design and positive ratings. This liquid liner has a double-sided pen designed to make the perfect wing every time.

The secret is a wing-shaped stamp that allows even the shakiest of beginners to achieve an even look on both eyes. This is no small feat if you are familiar with the art of the wingtip. The formula is waterproof and smudge-proof as well as vegan and cruelty-free.

Available in three different widths for varying levels of drama, this eyeliner costs between $13 and $15. With thousands of Amazon reviews and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars, customers are thrilled with this liquid eyeliner.

Making Your Final Decision

You cannot go wrong choosing from this list for the best liquid eyeliner.

If you are looking for a great liquid eyeliner you can pick up at the drugstore, then NYX Epic Ink Liner is overall the best choice. The best liquid eyeliner for your budget would be the Precision Liquid Eyeliner by E.L.F. If you are looking for the best eyeliner for beginners, then Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner will not let you down.

But no matter what, if you stick to this list, then you are sure to get a quality liquid eyeliner that meets your needs and leaves your makeup looking flawless.