Here are our top 9 best liquid eyeliners for precise, stunning eye looks. From long-lasting formulas to easy application, find the perfect eyeliner for bold, flawless makeup.

Best liquid eyeliners for Eyes that'll give you a perfect wing every time

Finding the perfect liquid eyeliner is like hunting for the ideal pair of jeans—it's tough! You end up trying countless options, dealing with smudges, and spending a lot of money. Just when you think you’ve found “the one,” it’s usually smeared by the afternoon. That’s why we tested 9 of the top liquid eyeliners in the UK to see which ones really live up to their promises.

It’s not just about black liquid eyeliners! While black is a classic and essential, we also love a brown cat-eye look. That’s why we had to include the Benefit They're Real Xtreme Precision Liner in our review—it comes in both black and brown options.

Whether you need a waterproof eyeliner that lasts all day without smudging, or a tiny tip for perfect cat flicks, we've got you covered.

1. L'Oréal Infallible Flash Cat

This liquid liner really stood out from the rest I tried. Plus, you can pick it up at any drugstore. It’s dark, smooth, and super affordable—everything you could want!

It went on smoothly from the start and stayed wet, even when I was touching up. If you’re not great with steady hands, it comes with a small stencil to help you draw a straight line. Once it dried, it stayed put all day and night without fading or smudging, even in warm weather. I carried it in my purse just in case, but I didn’t need to reapply. I have no complaints about this liner at all.


2. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

You don’t have to spend a lot to get great makeup, and this pen proves it. It has a perfect formula—wet enough to work with but thick enough to stay in place without running. It dries in about two minutes and doesn't smudge when you touch it.

The color is fantastic—bold and fully covers right away. My wings were a bit less vibrant by the end of the night, and one edge got a bit fuzzy, but there was no flaking.

3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Liner

When it comes to black liquid liner, I need it to be really dark—like, deep space dark. Anastasia’s waterproof formula delivers just that. The liquid goes on smoothly, and the applicator’s tip is long enough to make a sharp wing. The formula is perfectly balanced, so it’s liquid enough to apply easily but thick enough to make a bold, dark line in one stroke.

Once it dried, the liner stayed put all day, even through my sweating. I didn’t need to touch it up at all. However, since the liquid is in an inkwell, it’s not very handy for quick touch-ups on the go.

4. Benefit Cosmetics Matte Liquid Eyeliner

I love a ‘60s-style wing, and this formula is perfect for that classic look. I’ve kept one of these pens in my bag for years because of its bold color and long-lasting formula.

This liner goes on smoothly and creates a bold wing in just a few seconds. The long tip and easy-to-hold pen make it simple to get the exact shape you want. It did dry out a bit towards the end of application, but it’s still a reliable and comfortable choice. Even with some minor touch-ups due to the heat, it stayed put well.

5. ILIA Liquid Eyeliner

I was skeptical about “clean” formulas for long-lasting wear and color, but Ilia’s liquid liner surprised me. It might not be the darkest, but it goes on smoothly with minimal tugging thanks to its easy-to-use tip. It dries quickly, which was a lifesaver on busy mornings when I wasn’t as steady as usual.

I was impressed with how long this formula lasted. Even on a hot, steamy day, it stayed mostly intact, though I did notice a bit of flaking by the end of the day. If you're looking for a clean option, this one is a good choice—just keep the pen in your bag for a quick touch-up if needed.

6. MAC Brushstroke Eyeliner

This liner promises to last 24 hours, and I believe it—though I did take it off at night. It applied smoothly in one bold stroke and took about 30 seconds to set. Once it was dry, it stayed put. If you don’t like the feeling of dry or crunchy liners, you’ll be happy with this one. It dries weightlessly and feels almost like a tattoo.

This liner held up well through the heat, lasting all day and night. I only needed to touch it up once or twice over 16 hours for extra brightness. Although it has many good qualities, I wish it were a bit darker.

7. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Liner

For a perfect wing, I need a sharp point, and Maybelline’s liner makes it simple. The tiny, superfine tip helps with details like filling gaps and fixing uneven edges. The formula is also impressive. It did spread a bit when I blinked during application, but I could easily fix it with a quick swipe of my fingernail before it dried.

This liner stayed put all day, even in humidity. There was no flakiness, and the color stayed bold into the night. If you’re okay with a bit of transfer in hot conditions, this pen is a great choice.

8. NARS Climax Liquid Eyeliner

Even if you have unsteady hands, you can use this pen easily. Its thicker shape and bold tip make drawing a wing feel like using a Sharpie. The tip is a bit stiff, so it wiped off some product when I tried to add more color, but I was able to fix it easily.

I loved how comfortable this liquid liner felt on my lids. It dried to a thin layer, so it didn’t feel heavy. It lasted well all day, with no transfer to my eyelids and no smearing when touched. However, I wish the color was a bit darker, and the edges of my wings got a little blurry in the 90-degree heat.

9. One/Size by Patrick Starrr Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen


I usually avoid navy eyeliner because it often looks like a dull black behind my mascara. This liner was different. The blue went on bold and bright with minimal tugging, and even after it dried in a couple of minutes, it still stood out through my lashes.

I’m usually worried that bright liners will feel crunchy, but this one was comfortable all day. I only needed to touch it up once or twice. If you don’t mind adding an extra layer for full coverage, this liquid liner is a great choice for a blue look.

FAQ

Q. How do you apply liquid eyeliner?

First, rest your elbow on a flat surface to keep your hand steady. Use your other hand to gently pull your eye taut (avoid pulling too hard). Apply small dots or dashes close to your lash line. Extend these dots from the outer corner of your eye at a slight angle towards your eyebrow. Connect the dots with short strokes to create a winged look. You can start your line anywhere from the inner corner to the middle of the lash line, but keep the line thin at the start and make it thicker as you go towards the outer corners.

Q. Can you put liquid eyeliner in your waterline?

Liquid eyeliners aren’t meant for the waterline, but they work well on the lash line. For the waterline, pro makeup artist Kirin Bhatty recommends using a pencil eyeliner, especially one designed for this sensitive area.

Q. How do I make my liquid eyeliner last?

Some liquid eyeliners last longer than others, and that’s just how it is. Pro tip: choose a liner with a secure cap that snaps shut to prevent it from drying out, and store it tip-down to keep the product flowing smoothly. A good liquid eyeliner should last three to six months, depending on how often you use it.

Q. How do I remove liquid eyeliner?

Removing liquid eyeliner is simple with micellar water or eye makeup remover. If your eyeliner is waterproof, use a stronger option like an oil cleanser, cleansing balm, or waterproof makeup remover.

Here are our top 9 best liquid eyeliners for precise, stunning eye looks. From long-lasting formulas to easy application, find the perfect eyeliner for bold, flawless makeup.

Best liquid eyeliners for Eyes that'll give you a perfect wing every time

Finding the perfect liquid eyeliner is like hunting for the ideal pair of jeans—it's tough! You end up trying countless options, dealing with smudges, and spending a lot of money. Just when you think you’ve found “the one,” it’s usually smeared by the afternoon. That’s why we tested 9 of the top liquid eyeliners in the UK to see which ones really live up to their promises.

It’s not just about black liquid eyeliners! While black is a classic and essential, we also love a brown cat-eye look. That’s why we had to include the Benefit They're Real Xtreme Precision Liner in our review—it comes in both black and brown options.

Whether you need a waterproof eyeliner that lasts all day without smudging, or a tiny tip for perfect cat flicks, we've got you covered.

1. L'Oréal Infallible Flash Cat

This liquid liner really stood out from the rest I tried. Plus, you can pick it up at any drugstore. It’s dark, smooth, and super affordable—everything you could want!

It went on smoothly from the start and stayed wet, even when I was touching up. If you’re not great with steady hands, it comes with a small stencil to help you draw a straight line. Once it dried, it stayed put all day and night without fading or smudging, even in warm weather. I carried it in my purse just in case, but I didn’t need to reapply. I have no complaints about this liner at all.


2. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

You don’t have to spend a lot to get great makeup, and this pen proves it. It has a perfect formula—wet enough to work with but thick enough to stay in place without running. It dries in about two minutes and doesn't smudge when you touch it.

The color is fantastic—bold and fully covers right away. My wings were a bit less vibrant by the end of the night, and one edge got a bit fuzzy, but there was no flaking.

3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Liner

When it comes to black liquid liner, I need it to be really dark—like, deep space dark. Anastasia’s waterproof formula delivers just that. The liquid goes on smoothly, and the applicator’s tip is long enough to make a sharp wing. The formula is perfectly balanced, so it’s liquid enough to apply easily but thick enough to make a bold, dark line in one stroke.

Once it dried, the liner stayed put all day, even through my sweating. I didn’t need to touch it up at all. However, since the liquid is in an inkwell, it’s not very handy for quick touch-ups on the go.

4. Benefit Cosmetics Matte Liquid Eyeliner

I love a ‘60s-style wing, and this formula is perfect for that classic look. I’ve kept one of these pens in my bag for years because of its bold color and long-lasting formula.

This liner goes on smoothly and creates a bold wing in just a few seconds. The long tip and easy-to-hold pen make it simple to get the exact shape you want. It did dry out a bit towards the end of application, but it’s still a reliable and comfortable choice. Even with some minor touch-ups due to the heat, it stayed put well.

5. ILIA Liquid Eyeliner

I was skeptical about “clean” formulas for long-lasting wear and color, but Ilia’s liquid liner surprised me. It might not be the darkest, but it goes on smoothly with minimal tugging thanks to its easy-to-use tip. It dries quickly, which was a lifesaver on busy mornings when I wasn’t as steady as usual.

I was impressed with how long this formula lasted. Even on a hot, steamy day, it stayed mostly intact, though I did notice a bit of flaking by the end of the day. If you're looking for a clean option, this one is a good choice—just keep the pen in your bag for a quick touch-up if needed.

6. MAC Brushstroke Eyeliner

This liner promises to last 24 hours, and I believe it—though I did take it off at night. It applied smoothly in one bold stroke and took about 30 seconds to set. Once it was dry, it stayed put. If you don’t like the feeling of dry or crunchy liners, you’ll be happy with this one. It dries weightlessly and feels almost like a tattoo.

This liner held up well through the heat, lasting all day and night. I only needed to touch it up once or twice over 16 hours for extra brightness. Although it has many good qualities, I wish it were a bit darker.

7. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Liner

For a perfect wing, I need a sharp point, and Maybelline’s liner makes it simple. The tiny, superfine tip helps with details like filling gaps and fixing uneven edges. The formula is also impressive. It did spread a bit when I blinked during application, but I could easily fix it with a quick swipe of my fingernail before it dried.

This liner stayed put all day, even in humidity. There was no flakiness, and the color stayed bold into the night. If you’re okay with a bit of transfer in hot conditions, this pen is a great choice.

8. NARS Climax Liquid Eyeliner

Even if you have unsteady hands, you can use this pen easily. Its thicker shape and bold tip make drawing a wing feel like using a Sharpie. The tip is a bit stiff, so it wiped off some product when I tried to add more color, but I was able to fix it easily.

I loved how comfortable this liquid liner felt on my lids. It dried to a thin layer, so it didn’t feel heavy. It lasted well all day, with no transfer to my eyelids and no smearing when touched. However, I wish the color was a bit darker, and the edges of my wings got a little blurry in the 90-degree heat.

9. One/Size by Patrick Starrr Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen


I usually avoid navy eyeliner because it often looks like a dull black behind my mascara. This liner was different. The blue went on bold and bright with minimal tugging, and even after it dried in a couple of minutes, it still stood out through my lashes.

I’m usually worried that bright liners will feel crunchy, but this one was comfortable all day. I only needed to touch it up once or twice. If you don’t mind adding an extra layer for full coverage, this liquid liner is a great choice for a blue look.

FAQ

Q. How do you apply liquid eyeliner?

First, rest your elbow on a flat surface to keep your hand steady. Use your other hand to gently pull your eye taut (avoid pulling too hard). Apply small dots or dashes close to your lash line. Extend these dots from the outer corner of your eye at a slight angle towards your eyebrow. Connect the dots with short strokes to create a winged look. You can start your line anywhere from the inner corner to the middle of the lash line, but keep the line thin at the start and make it thicker as you go towards the outer corners.

Q. Can you put liquid eyeliner in your waterline?

Liquid eyeliners aren’t meant for the waterline, but they work well on the lash line. For the waterline, pro makeup artist Kirin Bhatty recommends using a pencil eyeliner, especially one designed for this sensitive area.

Q. How do I make my liquid eyeliner last?

Some liquid eyeliners last longer than others, and that’s just how it is. Pro tip: choose a liner with a secure cap that snaps shut to prevent it from drying out, and store it tip-down to keep the product flowing smoothly. A good liquid eyeliner should last three to six months, depending on how often you use it.

Q. How do I remove liquid eyeliner?

Removing liquid eyeliner is simple with micellar water or eye makeup remover. If your eyeliner is waterproof, use a stronger option like an oil cleanser, cleansing balm, or waterproof makeup remover.