Sharp Eyeliner Looks Are In, and We're Using These 16 Liquid Eyeliners to Create

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(Image credit: @mishti.rahman)

My introduction to liquid eyeliners was a result of pure tween-age curiosity. Youtube's earliest generation of talented beauty vloggers, inspired countless trips to my nearest drug store and beauty retailer in search of the countless products included in their hauls and tutorials (I watched Michelle Phan and Bethany Mota's videos religiously). To this day, when it comes to liquid eyeliner, I'm still complimented on the sharpness of my wings, the steadiness of my hand, and the confidence behind the application.

I know a good liquid eyeliner when I see it, and I'm more than happy to give anyone interested the inside scoop on what to keep an eye out for.I'll also be the first to argue that choosing the right liquid eyeliner for the job is the result of trail and error. With the help of thousands of glowing reviews and my first-hand accounts, I've identified the 16 liquid eyeliners that check all the boxes. Keep reading to find the liquid eyeliner that's truly worth the investment; delivering picture-perfect results every time.

The 411 On Liquid Eyeliners

I'm a firm believer that selecting and using the right liquid eyeliner can either make or completely decimate your finished makeup look. Realistically, there's not one 'right' way to wear or use it, but isn't it a good idea to understand the products you're considering using before they make it on your skin? In the case of liquid eyeliner, there are two main factors that ultimately determine their impact: formulas and applicators. Most of the products you'll see below feature a flexible, easy-to-control tip that distributes color evenly and smoothly onto the skin (with no uncomfortable tugging).

The best liquid eyeliners on the market will withstand the test of time and look as good a full day into wearing them as they did when first applied while (with no re-application required), yet easy to remove when the time comes. When I'm on the hunt for a liquid eyeliner, I keep any eye out for nourishing ingredients that hydrates the skin; making for a smooth finish and surface for future liquid eyeliner applications.

To make your selection process that much easier, I've also categorized them based on their best qualities supplemented by honest pros and cons. Ready to see which ones made the list? Read on!

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(Image credit: @amaka_hamelijnck)

Best Overall: Dior Diorshow On Stage Eyeliner

Best For Beginners

Best Shade Selection

Best Black Shade

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(Image credit: @itsmayalala, Pictured: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner)

Best White Shade

Best To Wear While On-The-Go

Best Transfer-Proof Option

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Best Long-Wearing Eyeliner

Best For Crisp Cat Eyes

Best Drugstore Option

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(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

Best For Bold, Graphic Looks

Best For Sensitive Eyes

Best For Work Outs

Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.