30 of the Best Eyeliners that Will Give You the Perfect Wing
When it comes to eyeliner, Latinas don’t play any games
Photo: Unsplash/@freestocks
When it comes to eyeliner, Latinas don’t play any games. We love how it can make us look edgy, glamorous, and retro all at the same time. In fact, eyeliner plays a pretty big part in Latina beauty. It’s a product that’s been around since the ancient days and was originally very popular with Egyptian and North African women.
There are so many eyeliners options these days, it can seem overwhelming to branch out and try something new without that fear that you’ll buy something that won’t create a cool, even line. How many times have you used a new eyeliner only to later discover it’s watery, streaky, smudgy and an overall mess? We wanted to save you the drama, an help you keep your liner it where it should be — in your fabulous cat eye. The following are 30 superb eyeliners — in liquid, pencil, and gel form — that I found to be high-rated, celebrated, and purchased time and time again. The winners of the liner game, basically.
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3INA Makeup The Dot Pen Eyeliner
I was sent some makeup from the Spanish beauty brand, 3INA, and it’s safe to say that pretty much everything was amazing. Including their eyeliner. My mom is using their The 24H Pen Eyeliner, and I am using The Dot Pen Liner, and we are both beyond amazed. The color came out ink black on the first swipe, it never streaks, and the color lasts. I haven’t tried to create dots with The Dot Liner, but it works perfectly as a regular eyeliner. This is literally one of the best liners I’ve ever tried — ever.
“Es super preciso, no se borra con facilidad, tiene un acabado mate pero no te arruga la piel, y lo mejor de todo es que no se seca a los 3 dias!!”
Available at amazon.com, $15
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It Cosmetics Superhero Liner
The next must-try eyeliner on our list is It Cosmetics’ Superhero Liner. The Allure Best of Beauty winner is a brush-tip eyeliner with a 24-hour waterproof formula, and nourishing collagen, keratin, biotin, and kaolin clay.
“In love with this eyeliner! Smooth, easy to apply and perfect for a good wing! Stays on just fine all day/night. Actually fell asleep on accident before washing my face and it was perfectly still on in the morning. Its a great dark shade of black. No flaking dries quick. All around perfect!!”
Available at ulta.com, $24
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Maybelline New York Expert Wear Twin Brow & Eye Pencils
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwKvAoVDvFW/
This product holds a special place in the hearts of more than one generation of Latinxs. It appears in memes, where it is pointed out that the best way to use it is by first melting the top of the pencil with a lighter to get the right consistency and amount of color (but test it on your hand first to avoid burning yourself, m’ija!). It’s a classic, and so affordable — and you get two pencils per pack!
“This is my favorite eyeliner and I have been using it since the ’80s. It can be used for both eyes and brows. I like it because you can use it for lightly lining your eyes and for doing really dark lines. The trick to doing really dark black lines is to melt it for a couple of seconds over a lighter, let it cool for another few seconds, blow on it, then carefully line your eyes. If you make a mistake, you can easily correct it with eye makeup remover on a Q-tip. It stays on pretty much all day (and night – lol) as well if you use the melting method. I recommend you give the melting method a try if you are looking for a dark black liner that really stays put better than any other. It doesn’t flake off or really smear. You might only have to touch up at the corner of your eyes, but that’s about it.”
Maybelline New York Expert Wear Twin Brow & Eye Pencils, $3, amazon.com
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Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner is an eyeliner that stays on many a list of the best wing producers ever. The fine marker-like tip pen makes it easy to use, and the brand’s #1 best selling waterproof liquid liner is available in eight great colors.
“I have oily lids, so finding an eyeliner that’ll stay put was a real challenge. When I went into Ulta I was at my breaking point, ready to give up on eyeliners and join a convent or something…I asked what she recommended for the upper lash line, and she handed me this eyeliner. It was my first high-end product and I was nervous about spending that much money on eyeliner, but I was desperate for a solution so I bought it. Flash forward seven months, and this is hands down my go-to eyeliner. Application is easy, and its easy to fix mistakes since it doesn’t dry instantly. But when it does dry, it stays on for a good portion of the day (again, I have oily lids so there are days when it’ll fade away)…”
Available at ulta.com, $22
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Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJ85qVnVqV/
Another eyeliner that is a tried-and-true fan fave is Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner. We wrote about its staying power after a review went viral from a woman who still had her cat eye in place after a car accident. And, with 16,000 reviews and 450,000 loves on Sephora, you know the vegan liquid eyeliner is already a classic.
“I’ve been an avid user of liquid liner for almost a decade and people seem to always ask me how I get it so precise. I tell them its taken me years but with this product, this could be your first time with eyeliner application and it will come as close to perfection as you can get. The shape and felt tip make it so effortlessly to apply. It basically feels like your just holding a normal pen and it only applies where you want it to. The tip helps you control the thickness of your lines. Does not smudge or crease. Anything I apply to my eyes has a great risk of creasing because of my small eyelid, but it stays in place all day through anything. I work in an environment where water splashes are common as well as hot steam, and it does not move. This product is very long lasting. I usually have to buy a new liner every 3 to 4 weeks because I use it a lot. I wear this eyeliner 6 out of 7 days. But with the tattoo liner, I am still on my first one and I purchased it about 8 weeks ago and I don’t plan on buying a new one for a while because its not near to running out yet. This is saving me tons of money!”
Available at sephora.com, $20
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Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner
Revlon is one of the leaders when it comes to classic, tried-and-true, universally-loved cosmetics. Another Revlon product that is a drugstore fave is their Colorstay pencil eyeliner. Said to last a whopping 16 hours, the brand calls it “America’s #1 Longwear Eyeliner.” And we are all here for an eyeliner (in eight different shades) that doesn’t budge and smudge after only an hour or so.
“I have purchased expensive eyeliners that are not as good as this. In the last few years, I only buy this particular eyeliner. It might sound strange, but I use it for my eyebrows as well because it doesn’t smudge easily and the color is perfect. I highly recommend this product to try out.”
Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pencil, $4, amazon.com
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Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
It’s good to have a variety of eyeliner types to achieve different looks. It’s not all about liquid eyeliner. Pencil liner is also a definite must-have. Thankfully, the much-loved Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil comes in a dizzying number of colors, including four different types of black, for all your beauty moods.
“I have never been able to wear eye pencils because they pulled and tugged, so I pretty much gave up for years. Liquid liners made a huge mess, and I just resigned myself to doing without…that’s until I tried my first 24/7 pencil in Crash (which I don’t see online, but it’s my go-to color!). Glides on smooth as silk, thin lines or thick lines and blends great with a brush if you need to. Because I have terrible eye allergies in the spring, some days I can only wear a 24/7 but no other eye makeup. My eyes can tear up all day and I can dab them as I need and not worry about smears. I’m also super impressed with the glitter pencils, you never have to worry about glitter bits falling into your eyes, as I’ve experienced with other eye makeup…”
Available at sephora.com, $22
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Another eyeliner brand I have personally used, and stand behind, is Sephora Collection. I have their 24-hour liquid Colorful Waterproof Eyeliner (now discontinued) in Pool Party, a vivid electric/cobalt blue. The brand has several liners to choose from, but Sephora’s Long-Lasting 12-Hour Wear Eye Liner is loved by 50,000 people on the site and ranks at 4.3 stars, so you know it’s a winner.
“I’ve tried a large number of liquid eyeliners and I must say that the secret of drawing the perfect cat’s eyeliner lies in the brush. This is the only liquid eyeliner I would use and I can’t believe the house brand for only 12 bucks. Make sure you get the felt tip, not the skinny soft tip that gets no control because the packaging looks exactly the same. It will say on the side of the product, the felt tip is “long-lasting eyewear” and the skinny soft tip is “high precision eyeliner”.
Available at sephoracom, $12
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Okay, we have talked about must-have liquid and pencil liners, but to have a well-rounded collection, you should also have some gel liners. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is one of the best eyeliners on the market, going on easily and drying into a waterproof swipe that won’t budge for 12 hours.
“I’ve used tarte’s, Lancôme’s, smashbox’s, and lorac’s- this Bobbi brown pot liner is my favorite! It’s definitely waterproof (I have hooded eyes and can’t wear many shadows and liners because they come right off after a few hours). It is creamy enough to glide on easily with a liner brush, and dries quickly. My second favorite is Tarte’s (also waterproof enough). All that said, you must screw the lid on tightly! The first time I bought this liner, I wasn’t diligent about closing it tightly and it dried up in the pot. Since then I’ve bought two more pots and had no problems with it drying because I’ve closed it tightly after each use.”
Available at sephora.com, $27
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Lancôme GRANDIÔSE Bendable Liquid Eyeliner
Lancôme is legendary for knowing how to make the eyes pop with their products. Their GRANDIÔSE Bendable Liquid Eyeliner is another such item. Not only does this liner feature a bendable wand that also allows you to get a precise line, but it is made without sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
“Before buying this eye liner I tested ALL the waterproof AND smudgeproof eye liners in Sephora.
This was the ONLY eye liner that passed the test and lasted.
It is expensive and it does dry (Over a long time)
but it is WORTH EVERY CENT.
The brush itself is phenomenal.
This is my slay eye liner
I will continue test eye liners but this one in particular has NOT been beat.
*** I get alot of testers and do trials for products. I am in no way sponsored by Lancome**
I Wish I Was though.”
Available at sephora.com, $32
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Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bysmn9Dnl5d/
Another best-selling pencil liner that we have to include on this list is Make Up For Ever’s Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner. Available in 20 colors, it draws a creamy waterproof line that doesn’t move until you want it to.
“I purchased one shade me-42, as I’m not big on pencil liners and i only use them in the waterline. That being said, this shade is just gorgeous! and i wish there were more colors that i would actually wear because id definitely purchase more. This stays for hours so i can only imagine on the lid, after a full work day you can still see 60% of it?! it’s crazy, even when my eyes water from allergies its hung in there strong. Ive only come across one other liner that stayed as well, so i do believe these are waterproof for sure, once it sets its there. When i first swatched this on my hand, it was so hard to get off i had to really scrub it with a makeup wipe. if they come out with more golds or bronze shades in the metallic range i will be back for more.”
Available at sephora.com, $21
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NYX Professional Makeup Slim Eye Pencil
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bup_9_snIXb/
NYX has built an empire on inexpensive products that work like they’re from a luxury brand. One of the items you have to have is the NYX Professional Makeup Slim Eye Pencil. It comes in 24 fab colors and creates a solid line that also nourishes with coconut oils.
“I love the fact that this eyeliner is so creamy and it glides on. I have never been disappointed with NYX. (knock on wood) I find this is great for beginners because I recommended this to my new beginner friend and she found it so easy to use it. I love the bold colors. I used to stick to just black but with this, I use a lot of their colors even white (is great for highlighting eyes). So try this out because it is amazing. :D”
Available at ulta.com, $4.50
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Rimmel London Exaggerate Eye Definer
When you want a dramatic cat eye, you want an eyeliner that can give you that exaggerated look. With a name like Rimmel London’s Exaggerate Eye Definer and a bold reputation to match, you know this eye pencil will deliver a noticeable wing. A retractable tip, built-in smudger, built-in sharpener, and waterproof formula just makes the entire process more flawless.
“I’ve used a lot of eyeliner and a lot of cheap eyeliner and this is by far the best I’ve used, glides on very nice and has a dramatic effect. Stays in place amazingly and I used it on my waterline and it made it thru a day of hiking, swimming and showering before I wiped it off… It only sunk down a little but I would just wipe that away and it would still look like I was wearing eyeliner. Wonderful product — will be purchasing again and you should too!”
Rimmel London Exaggerate Eye Definer, $5, amazon.com
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Smashbox Always On Liquid Eyeliner
Smashbox Always On Liquid Eyeliner was selected as an Allure Best of Beauty Winner for 2018, so you know it’s an effective liner. It’s ergonomic, waterproof, and high pigment, made without parabens or phthalates.
“All day wear with no fade or smudging even with several eye drops a day!!!! The tip has the perfect amount of flexibility.”
Available at sephora.com, $22
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RevitaLash Cosmetics Defining Liner
RevitaLash Liner goes on creamy and smooth and stays on forever, just like a great eyeliner should. This is done with the aid of silicone emollients and Vitamin E.
“You know this is great eyeliner when after a couple uses, you go online to see what the cheapest you can get more is going to cost. After a couple wears, I knew I was hooked. It goes on smooth, like butter. I am not used to this. I am used to having to lift and apply several times, till i get every part I want. This just slides on without any hiccups. The twisting barrel is great for on the go, no sharpening necessary. Highly recommend”
Available at amazon.com, $28
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Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner
Rimmel is another drugstore brand that delivers like a high-end one. You’ll definitely want to try out their Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner, an Amazon Choice. The formula is creamy and smooth, and the color high-intensity.
“I am certified in makeup artistry from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics and I absolutely love this product. This pencil has the darkest black color that you would get from a liquid eyeliner. It glides across my eyelids very smoothly. You only need to do a touch up in the inner eyelids once or twice. I wear eyeliner everyday and have tried so many products, and I am so impressed. I will be purchasing this item often as it is now my “main” or “go-to” eyeliner. It causes no irritation to my eyes. If I accidentally fall asleep without washing my face before bed it is surprisingly still applied fairly well when I wake up in the morning.
Available at amazon.com, $3.77
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MAC Liquidlast Liner
MAC’s Liquidlast Liner is a top-rated eyeliner, that gives you a waterproof, transfer-resistant swipe which lasts a whopping 24 hours. And it comes in a variety of cool colors, including Late Night, a blackened green.
“Oh. My. God. I’m not even exaggerating when I say that I must have tried 30 or more liquid eyeliners over the last few years trying to find one that wouldn’t either transfer to my eyelids, bleed in my inner corner, or flake off during the day. None of them survived sweat, heat, or even just blinking. The closest I’ve ever come to finding a good eyeliner is Stila All Day waterproof liner, but I don’t like felt-tip eyeliner brushes and the color was always very weak, when I wanted intense BLACK. All this to say — I’m done searching. THIS IS IT. The color is the darkest black of any eyeliner I’ve ever used…”
Available at ulta.com, $22
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NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwFMSxPF9-1/
NYX makes good eyeliners, and they’re so inexpensive, you can easily stock up, in different colors and styles. Another one you should add to your stash is their Jumbo Eye Pencil. It lasts all day, comes in several fun colors like Strawberry Milk and Rust, and is only $4.50!
“Beautiful pigment, applies very easily, and nice shade range. I will be getting more of them.”
Available at ulta.com, $4.50
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COVERGIRL Ink It! Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner
There are certain classic beauty brands that consistently come out with gold in the form of makeup. COVERGIRL is definitely one of those trusted, tried-and-true brands. Their Ink It! Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner gives you an inky line that won’t smudge or budge.
“I have finally found an eyeliner that doesn’t run in my waterline! Love this!”
Available at ulta.com, $7.49
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NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
Another NYX eyeliner that you should add to your collection is the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner. Available in black, and brown, this pen is ultra-pigmented and waterproof, creating a sleek wing with a satin finish. For less than $10!
“Use it every day whether I’m wearing no makeup and just a wing or if I’m going all out. It’s super black and doesn’t seem to dry out quickly. Easy to hold and draw the wing with.”
Available at ulta.com, $9
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Tarte Maneater Liquid Liner
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByalAGLBCHN/
With a name like Maneater Liquid Liner, you know that this Tarte product is fierce. Packaged in a stylish black and gold leopard print tube, this eyeliner delivers with “lash-enhancing pigment spheres,” and a micro brush tip that helps create the perfect swipe.
“Honest the best eyeliner I have ever used. Smooth. Doesn’t drag and doesn’t smudge. Tip is super sharp which makes winging so much easier. I’ll never own another eyeliner!”
Available at ulta.com, $14
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Melt Cosmetics Allday Everyday Eyeliner
You want a trusted, go-to eyeliner, that works flawlessly, all day, every day. Well, you definitely have that in Melt Cosmetics’ Allday Everyday Eyeliner. This highly-pigmented, waterproof, and vegan liner can be used to create the perfect wing, or as an eyeshadow base. And it comes in three different finishes: matte, glitter, and metallic!
“…easy to apply! I love the Melt eyeliner formula so much I’ve been working on buying the whole line. This one is my absolute favorite Green liner. Goes on creamy, no tugging and lasts all day until I take it off. I wish they would carry the whole line at Sephora because they have some colors you don’t see just everywhere plus the ones they do have in blues, oranges, REDS! are just gorgeous with the perfect formula.”
Available at sephora.com, $17
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IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Anti-Aging Gel Liner
A great eyeliner that is also anti-aging? Sign us up! This is what IT Cosmetics’ No-Tug Waterproof Anti-Aging Gel Liner delivers. The formula, which is waterproof, even after eight hours, contains hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin E, vitamin C, and silk proteins.
“I consider myself something of an eyeliner connoisseur. I have tried more than 15 different brands of eyeliner, at least, in the past year. My skin is very oily and I live in a high-humidity state so getting eyeliner to stay put has been an uphill battle. UNTIL this product was recommended to me by an ULTA employee. I am continuously amazed at the longevity of this product. I am also delighted in the smoothness of the application since the lash line is a pretty sensitive area. It really, truly goes on so gently and at no time during the day does it imprint itself on my upper eyelid. This is the only eyeliner I have tried that can actually stay put, not transfer and doesn’t hurt to apply. I have pretty much the worst conditions for eyeliner even though I can’t leave the house without it, and finally I have one that I’m not embarrassed of after a full work day. Wonderful!”
Available at ulta.com, $22
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Dior Diorshow On Stage Liquid Liner
Dior is a luxury brand that knows how to create equally luxurious beauty products for the eyes that work well and stay on people’s shopping lists. Their Diorshow On Stage Liquid Liner was inspired by the backstage of a fashion show, where gorgeous looks have to be executed in seconds. The eyeliner features a cool hybrid tip that gives you the benefits of both a felt tip and a brush.
“I have been looking for an alternative for black eyeliner for summer and even though I thought Brown might be the one when I found this I knew it was perfect. Matte blue is a perfectly flat color, no shine at all! Its a very deep blue and not loud. If you are looking for a royal blue this isn’t for you. I had this put on by the MUA at a Dior backstage event and this was the highlight of everything. I took it off 10 hours later and the line was PERFECT. Sold.”
Available at sephora.com, $30.50
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L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJSxGC0AJpO/
Next on our list of fabulous eyeliners to try and buy is L’Oreal’s Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner. I personally own this pencil and it’s great for creating the perfect smoky eye or just lining the waterline. Of course, you can sharpen it (it comes with a sharpener!) to create a skinnier line or wing.
“This product I have happily used for a few years now, and to be honest – I never sharpen it! A little goes a very long way, and I use it primarily for the upper and lower waterline ( I think that’s what it’s called ) It makes my lashes appear thicker and I truly love it. Great Product!”
Available at ulta.com, $9.99
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Maybelline New York Eyestudio Master Precise Skinny Gel Pencil
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtL8cPnBvLk/
How many Maybelline products have you owned and used in your lifetime? Probably a ton. It’s a classic, tried-and-true brand that you go back to for the classics, as well as all their latest innovations. Maybelline’s Eyestudio Master Precise Skinny Gel Pencil is definitely an item you should check out. The waterproof formula, lasting up to 24 hours, comes in a precise, “1.8 mm micro tip” for even the skinniest lines.
“I really enjoyed this eyeliner. Impressed actually. The main thing I’m looking for in eyeliner is longevity and smudge-proof. Stays on ALL day and does not smudge! I personally think it stays on better than some high-end liners. Yeah, it is really small but I enjoy that. It’s easier for me to use.”
Available at ulta.com, $7.99
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Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Liner
When an eyeliner works for you, you want enough variety of colors and finishes that you can go back and stock up in all the different options you wish for. Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Liner comes in 40 colors at Sephora, in four different finishes: matte, glitter, satin, and shimmer. And with 200,000 loves on the site, you know it’s worth the buy.
“I’ve always been a liquid eyeliner girl since I mostly use eyeliner on my top lid. Most pencil eyeliners tend to catch on my skin and the line ends up looking chunky or broken. I have this liner in Brown(out) and am going to have to invest in a variety of colors. Besides the fact that this goes on SO smoothly, the shimmery colors are also light enough to use as a quick shadow. I use Brown(Out) on my top lid to enhance my eye color. I use a small amount on my bottom lid to create the “dewy eye” effect. Depending on the amount you put on, it is great smudged around and looks very sultry and not very harsh. First non-liquid eyeliner I’ve instantly loved. Would recommend this. Love it.”
Available at sephora.com, $25
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Benefit Cosmetics Roller Waterproof Liquid Liner
Some people like to try different eyeliners and compare and contrast, while others are more of the one and done variety. They want to invest in a liner that works and remain loyal to it. Or both! You can totally have your solid go to’s, and also find some other solid eyeliners here and there. Well, we have a winner here for you with Benefit’s Roller Waterproof Liquid Liner. After one week of use, “94% said it creates a smooth continuous line, 93% said it doesn’t tug or drag on skin, and 91% said it stays put.”
“I received this product for testing purposes and as a loyal Benefit Cosmetics lover I had high expectations. This product is everything you could want in a liquid eyeliner.- it checks ALL the boxes for me! Pigment, ease of use, sharp applicator and long lasting. Highly recommend this product and I will absolutely purchase again in the future!”
Available at sephora.com, $22
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Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kôhl Eyeliner
Now that we have already recommended their Always On Liquid Eyeliner, we also want to recommend Smashbox’s Always Sharp Waterproof Kôhl Eyeliner. If a brand knows how to make amazing eyeliner, stock up in different varieties! This version creates a solid line, with a self-sharpener, and without alcohol, sulfates, talc, oil, parabens, phthalates, fragrance, or sodium lauryl sulfate.
“This eyeliner is perfect for everyday wear. The dark matte gray is sophisticated and natural looking. It stays on all day long until you take it off with waterproof eyeliner remover. I bike to the office, work all day, bike home, go to yoga and it still looks like I just put it on. It’s really that amazing. Highly recommended!”
Available at sephora.com, $21
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Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner
The same thing goes for the Sephora Collection. Now that we know that they know their stuff when it comes to liquid liners, why not try out their lauded Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner? Available in several colors, the creamy yet waterproof liner features both a smudge tip and a self-sharpener, making it easy to create the perfect fine or smudged look.
“I have waited 61 years for an easy to use, LONG LASTING WATERPROOF eyeliner. Well girls, here it is. It goes on so easily and stay and stays. I wear the purple one and it’s lovely with Stila mauve eyeshadow on the lide and Stila white frost just below the brow. You can wear this combination with anything. I love the compliments I get.”
Available at sephora.com, $7 (sale)-$12
