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Makeup trends come and go, but there are a few beauty tools that will always be essential – and that includes liquid eyeliners. The cat's eye dates back to ancient Egypt and is seen on Cleopatra who outlined her eyes with the tiny movement. Since then, makeup has become a staple that's still seen on red carpets and makeup tutorials—which means the trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Just like Taylor Swift says, liquid eyeliner is a must if you're planning to create a 'cat eye sharp enough to kill a man'. Not only that, but the beauty product provides the finishing touches to all makeup looks whether you're going for a bold blue eye shadow or something casual with all-day wear for the office.
In addition to shaping your eyes exactly how you want them, liquid eyeliner has quickly become a multi-purpose 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 look.
Before you start practicing your next evening look, you'll want to make sure you have the best liquid eyeliner that's not only waterproof, but won't smudge easily (especially important for beginners) and will last all day. ShopBillboard also chatted with celebrity makeup artist Michael Anthony, who has put together looks for Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Katy Perry and even Tyla, for tips on how to use the product.
Keep reading to learn more.
What are the best liquid eyeliners?
Instead of doing the research yourself, we've scoured the reviews to find the top and best-selling liquid eyeliners you can buy below.
Target
editor's choice
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 about how “pigmented” the formula is and how easy it is to apply thanks to the thin brush. It is also waterproof and can last up to 16 hours after application.
Target
waterproof option
Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Anthony's favorite liquid eyeliner is Too Face's Better Than Sex as it has an easy-to-use brush tip that he says gives him a bold line every time. She has used the liquid eyeliner for live shows “and at the after party” without smudging. He also notes that using a good sealer or hardener spray will help further prevent smudges, “but a really good waterproof liner is usually a stand-alone type of product that you can rely on.”
Amazon
waterproof option
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Stila's liquid eyeliner is another favorite for its long-wearing formula and precision tip. Application is practically seamless as it glides onto your lid without smudging. Reviewers are also fans of the product with over 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 in teary eyes or wet weather.”
Sephora
choice for beginners
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Selena Gomez has taken beauty lovers by storm with her makeup brand, and this liquid eyeliner has become an instant favorite. First-time liquid eyeliner users will want to pick up this formula as reviewers note that the rounded handle gives you “more control” when creating your cat eye. Others also rave about the pigmentation, saying it “lasts all night.” It's also made with a vegan formula and bristles.
Amazon
daily choice
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner
The last thing you want is for your eyeliner to disappear after a few hours, which is where Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Liner comes in. The formula can last up to 16 hours and features a fine felt tip that can go from fine precise lines to bold and bold looks with just a change of hand pressure. Amazon shoppers call it the “holy grail” of an eyeliner, saying it's easy to apply and really “lasts all day.”
How to use liquid eyeliner, according to a celebrity makeup artist
Anthony discovered that the best way to apply liquid eyeliner is to draw the shape you want first with an eyebrow pencil. This will give you a map that you can easily follow when going in with the liquid eyeliner. Although you want to really lengthen the makeup, then it has a different technique to achieve professional quality.
“If you want to try a longer cat eye liner, try starting at the end of the eye and sticking the liner to the tail end of the eye to the side instead of trying to draw a line,” she explains. “This will deposit the product, and then you can swipe it out with a brush or the tip of the pen.”
And, if you're just starting out, don't expect perfection right away.
“One thing to remember is that you'll want 'play time' meaning some time before the liner sets so you can adjust the shape and length,” she says.
You'll also want to be careful with liquid eyeliners with an easy applicator like a felt tip on the end of the brush, as this will help with precision.
“I think the flow of the product is also important,” he notes. “If you've ever used a fountain pen, you probably know how difficult this can be, so look for a fountain pen that has controlled product delivery. I avoid liner pens that you have to click to get the product out as they tend to leak and get messy.”
For more product recommendations, take a look ShopBillboardCollection of the best setting sprays, at-home manicure kits and online makeup tutorials.
