Shades: 1 | Who it’s for: anyone who wants an affordable, high-quality liquid eyeliner.
Best for Waterline: Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil
Why it’s worth it: Urban Decay’s 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil was formulated to stay put on the waterline, so you know it’ll hold—neven in the hottest, sweatiest scenarios. And it does, thanks to its creamy and quick-drying formula. This ultra-black gel liner creates a demi-matte finish that accentuates the eyes, no matter how much (or how little) you decide to swipe on.
Shades: 1 | Who it’s for: anyone who needs a smudge-free liner for tightlining their waterline.
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Liquid Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is so easy to use and impressed our editors so much that it garnered a Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award back in 2019. Instead of hoping and praying that you’ll end up with a clean, even flick while freehanding, this drugstore darling comes with a removable cat-eye wing stencil to make the process totally foolproof. Even if you don’t use its attached tool, you can still expect flawless lines, thanks to its pitch-black color and firm felt tip. After you’ve perfected the shape of your wing, go in with the super-fine tip to build up the pigment’s intensity—and then you’re golden.
Shades: 2 | Who it’s for: anyone who wants a goof-proof cat eye.
Thinnest Applicator: Shiseido ArchLiner Ink
Why it’s worth it: Creating crisp lines with an inky, jet-black liquid liner feels a little intimidating, but Shiseido’s ArchLiner Ink makes the process much easier. Its innovative tip is micro-fine and angled to ensure you can reach every little corner with total precision. The liner’s pigment also earns praise for its midnight-black intensity and 24-hour wear. To create a flawless cat eye in seconds, simply press this liner’s tip on the outer corner of your eye, et voilà.
Shades: 1 | Who it’s for: anyone who wants an easy-to-use, beginner-friendly liquid eyeliner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does waterproof eyeliner differ from regular eyeliner?
Waterproof eyeliners have all the eye-defining benefits of your usual liner—tag-teamed with long-lasting, smudge-proof abilities. Like most waterproof makeup products, these liners are designed to be more resistant to smearing caused by tears and sweat, according to cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. “They often contain ingredients polymers that adhere strongly to lashes and create a water-resistant film,” she previously told Allure. Due to their intensive staying power, rinsing off won’t remove these liners fully. “Using a bi-phase or oil-based eye makeup remover helps reduce pulling or tugging at the delicate eye area to remove,” Dobos says. “Isohexadecane and silicones work to dissolve the tenacious polymer films.”
How should I apply eyeliner?
Feel free to apply your eyeliner however you’d like, but for a professional-level approach, there are proper techniques to follow depending on what type of eyeliner you use. When it comes to classic eyeliner pencils, Houston-based makeup artist Rose Siard recommends doing the following for a smokey, sultry effect: “As soon as you draw your line, start smudging,” she says. “I work one eye at a time so I have more blending time.”
