Eyeliners complement your looks by adding definition to your eyes. The best drugstore liquid eyeliners are an apt buy for those looking for affordable cosmetics that can do the trick as they have a smooth texture and a no-compromise finish. These eyeliners are known to last longer, similar to any top-quality luxury eyeliner would. Well, if you are looking to experiment with some of these eyeliners, we have got you covered. Check out the list of top eyeliners that we have compiled based on the features, quality of the product, and testers’ experiences. Pick a suitable one to give your eyes a classic look.
Top Picks
17 Best Drugstore Liquid Eyeliner
1. Best Waterproof:Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Be free with the Stila liquid eyeliner that glides easily on the eye and makes it look glossy. The smooth texture of the liner tip gives you an effortless feel and stays on for long. This professional-grade waterproof eyeliner doesn’t smudge or get messy while applying. A single stroke is enough for a tapered look, while two strokes would make it darker. Stila is available in different colors to suit different occasions and tastes. Watch this video to get a detailed review of this eyeliner.
2. Best Smudge-Free:Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Eyeliner
Maybelline precision eyeliner is a jet-black liner that intensifies the color of your eyes with long-lasting effects. You can stay smudge-free, chemical-free as well as untroubled with this liquid eyeliner. A sleek slide from the inner corner to the outer edge with the liner pen could add vibrancy to your eye shadow and make you look classy. Move your hand straight without a shake for a proper finish to go with any dress you wear. Check this reviewer video to learn more about the celebrity-favorite product.
3. Best Chemical-Free:NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
Apply eyeliner like a pro with this NYX liner, which gives a long-lasting, ultra-finish. Move the brush smoothly and get a straight or thick line as desired. This tapered brush tip drugstore liquid eyeliner lets you glide it effortlessly on the lids to give your eyes a defined look. The product is chemical-free, not tested on animals, and does not harm your eyes. It is smudge-free, waterproof, and offers a shiny look. Check out this product review video to learn more.
4. Best Skid-Proof:L’Oréal Paris Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner
Glossy, stylish, and pitch-black, that is what the L’Oréal Paris liquid eyeliner is. The ultra-smooth texture of this super slim liner allows you to apply it with precision for a look that lasts up to 12 hours. It works effortlessly on the eyes and slides down to the other corners to give you a classy look. The smudge-proof drugstore liquid eyeliner can be combined with volume-building mascara to give your eyes a celebrity-inspired defined look.
Point To Consider5. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Maybelline New York Ultra-Liner
For a smooth and precise finish that lasts long, get the Maybelline ultra-liner that works comfortingly on the eyes and makes them super charming. It is waterproof and ultra-black and enhances the makeup look when used correctly. Use it tapered or thick with a single dip to augment the beauty of the eyes. It is also dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes.
6. Best Precision:Essence Cosmetics Superfine Eyeliner Pen
The Essence Cosmetics three-pack eyeliner pen is easy to use and suitable for daily wear, delivering visible results. It features a super-fine and flexible felt tip for bold, streak-free, and precise application and is perfect for achieving an everyday or dramatic cat-eye look. The highly-pigmented formulation product is also cruelty-free, free of parabens, oil, and acetone, and gentle on sensitive skin.
Quick Tip7. Best Long-Lasting:Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Liquid Eyeliner
The Covergirl Perfect Point Plus liquid eyeliner is an anti-smudge and 12-hour long-wear eyeliner. Its cruelty-free formula is waterproof, fragrance-free, highly pigmented, and gentle on sensitive skin. The precision drugstore liquid eyeliner features a super-fine and easy-to-control felt tip for perfect detailing without tugging on the skin. With a silky smooth matte finish, it comes in three versatile colors. Use this fade- and flake-resistant liner to create bold eye looks with ease and enjoy the visible results.
8. Best Non-Messy:e.l.f Liquid Eyeliner
Don’t hide your beautiful eyes; contour them with this makeup artist-approved e.l.f liquid liner, which is smudge-free, waterproof, and non-messy. One stroke of this liquid eyeliner on the eyes can bring that shiny, glossy charm to your day. The all-day liner comes with a brush that allows precision lining and doesn’t pull your eyes. Simply move your hand from the inner to the outer corner of the eye for a defined application.
Did You Know?9. Best For Sensitive Eyes:L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner
One of the best from the drugstore liquid eyeliner collection by L’Oréal, this waterproof eyeliner allows you to apply it with precision, like a pro. It is chemical-free and safe for sensitive eyes. Shake it, open it, and move the liner pen on your eyes gently. The jet-black texture of this liner is enough to boost your overall look without any need for additional makeup. The expert-recommended eyeliner also dries quickly, making it a convenient product to use on the go.
10. Best Gentle:Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Image: Neutrogena® Neutrogena liquid eyeliner brings out the proper look of the eyes with its long-lasting color. Formulated with natural ingredients such as coconut and honey, this eyeliner is gentle on the eyes and comfortable to carry all day. The waterproof drugstore liquid eyeliner is chemical-free and safe to use. It delivers visible results without smudging or leaking and it doesn’t fray when you apply it.
11. Milani Stay Put Matte Liquid Eyeliner
Milani’s Stay Put eyeliner boasts a smudge-proof formula that lasts more than 17 hours with just a single application. The water-resistant eyeliner delivers a matte finish that remains intact, even in sweaty or humid conditions. Available in brown and black colors, the highly pigmented eyeliner features a quick-drying formula. On the other hand, it also stands out as a fine felt tip drugstore liquid eyeliner for easy and precise application with proven efficacy. The product is not tested on animals, making it an ideal choice for your conscience.
12. Jesse’s Girl Liquid Eyeliner
Jesse’s Girl is a subtle calligraphy-style liner brush for contouring the eyes with precision and creating a long-lasting effect. The ultra-glossy black liner has a waterproof base and is quick-drying and non-messy, thus helping you look fresh and classy all day long. Just glide the liner on your eyes and make it as thick as you want it.
13. New York Color Liquid Eyeliner
NYC features this long-lasting drugstore liquid eyeliner, providing a strong black sheer finish. The tapered brush assists in getting the subtle finish and helps you wear it confidently. This is an ophthalmologist-tested and safe drugstore liquid eyeliner for sensitive eyes and is even suitable for people with contact lenses. It dries swiftly and is smudge-free, as well as fragrance-free. The creamy texture of the liner makes it glide on smoothly. You can wear the eyeliner throughout the day without any need for touch ups.
14. Ucanbe Liquid Eyeliner
This product brings sheer precision, great color value, and longevity in one package. The liquid eyeliner dries in a few seconds and keeps the shine for the whole day. The tip moves gently and enhances the appearance even without other makeup. This intense black drugstore liquid eyeliner is waterproof, chemical-free, and also works for lens wearers. It is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested.
15. Kayla-Ism Black Eyeliner
Kayla-Ism is a super-classy eyeliner that outlines your eyes beautifully and changes your complete look with a single application. It is quick to apply, dries swiftly, never smudges, and is even waterproof. Complement your outfit with this eyeliner that lasts almost all day and enhances your existing makeup.
16. Palladio Eye Ink Liquid Eyeliner
Palladio eyeliner comes with a smooth tip and offers a jet-black texture to your eyes. It glides effortlessly on the eye to create a simple and sleek or thick and bold look. Additionally, this is a cruelty-free drugstore liquid eyeliner, as it is not tested on animals. Apply this anytime on any occasion in roughly a minute or carry it with you for instant application on the go.
17. L. A Colors Liquid Eyeliner
Let the brush slide on your beautiful eyes to give them an ultra-fine look for the day. The L.A Colors eyeliner in blue is something new and different from the black eyeliners. The waterproof and smudge-free eyeliner complements your outfit and is easy-to-use when you are in a rush. It dries quickly and remains intact no matter how long the day.
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Liquid Eyeliner?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a drugstore liquid eyeliner.
- Decide upon the exact drugstore liquid eyeliner brand you want to invest in. Not all brands make the same variety of eyeliner, and not all brands are vegan-friendly or cruelty-free.
- Make sure you check the tip of the liner, whether it is pinpointed, bit tilted, or pen-shaped. The perfect liner would give a perfect shape.
- Check the longevity of the liner to know how many hours it could keep you work-ready. The more the hours, the better.
- Also, the finish of the eyeliner must be as desired. Again, not all eyeliners give the same finish. So, check that before picking one.
- Look for eyeliners that are free of chemicals and added fragrances. Ideal ones would be ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested.
Marin McCarthy, a licensed makeup artist and owner of Marin Eve Makeup, says, “The easiest eyeliner to work with is one with a felt tip. It is versatile and can be used for creating natural or glamorous looks or achieving a graphic eye look.”
She adds, “Also, consider a waterproof formula, as it usually has good staying power. And when unsure which finish is best for you, consider matte as it offers a classic look.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag holds an interest in beauty and skincare products. Keeping your convenience and quality parameters in mind, she has compiled a list of the best drugstore liquid eyeliners for you. With extensive research, she has provided a detailed description of each product, including its longevity, ease of use, and finish. You can choose from various affordable eyeliners after going through the helpful purchasing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is liquid or pencil eyeliner better?
Pencil eyeliners are ideal for beginners as they are easy to work with, while liquid eyeliners are highly pigmented and provide a smooth and intense application. The latter are also a better choice to achieve a dramatic winged look.
2. Should I wear black or brown eyeliner?
Black eyeliners are ideal to create a sharp and sleek look, while brown eyeliners are the best choice to create a soft look and add intensity to the eyes.
3. Can I put eyeliner on top and bottom?
Yes, you may apply the eyeliner on the top and bottom of your eyelashes depending on the look you want to create. But using liquid eyeliner on the bottom lashes may smudge and needs more care and perfection.
The best drugstore liquid eyeliners are must-haves in your makeup kit, as they help accentuate your eyes and give them the sparkle you have always wished for. To get the best look, pick one that glides smoothly and allows precision lining. It is equally important to choose one based on your skin tone and eye color. Moreover, you might also want to pick an eyeliner that is dermatologically tested, cruelty-free, smudge-proof, waterproof, and one with a long-staying power.
Infographic: How To Apply Liquid Eyeliner?
Although tricky to apply, liquid eyeliners can help you perfect the winged look. However, certain tips and tricks can help make your eyeliner application hassle-free. Follow the infographic below to learn how to apply liquid eyeliners correctly. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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