Nothing creates a crisp eye-enhancing line quite like a liquid eyeliner. Pigmented and precise, they’re the perfect partner for emulating Alexa Chung’s iconic cat-eye or Adele’s signature flick.
However, it can take a while to master the craft, made substantially easier by choosing the perfect pen partner.
And whether you prefer a felt tip or thin flexi-brush, we’ve rounded up the best liquid liners in terms of control, colour and smudge-proof staying power.
Maybelline Master Precise Liner, $16.95 at priceline.com.au
Best for: Budget
This under $20 Priceline find is a felt-tip favourite featuring easy control. It doesn’t dispense too much liquid at a time, so mistakes are easy to clean up.
Benefit Roller Liner, $39 at sephora.com.au
Best for: A dramatic black
If you like a bold wing, this liner packs a pigment punch. The matte black finish stays well creasing or cracking, and the extra-long tip doesn’t dare to dry out.
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner Liquid Eyeliner, $30 at sephora.com.au
Best for: Oily lids
If your oily eyelids have hindered your ability to wear liner thus far, try this cult classic. It’s earned plenty of rave reviews for its smudge-proof formula that outlasts even the most sweaty situations.
Nudestix Rock N Roll Eyeliner, $35 at sephora.com.au
Best for: On-the-go
If you’re someone who’s constantly doing their makeup in between meetings, in a cab or wherever you find yourself with a few seconds free, this is the liner for you. Designed with a pizza-cutter-like roller applicator, it’s almost impossible to draw a wonky line. Simply rest it on your lash line and roll. No mirror necessary and the Golden Rosé shade is perfect for party season.
L’Oreal Superliner Flash Cat Eye, $27.95 at priceline.com.au
Best for: Beginners
With a lid that doubles as your wing template, this liner offers the support every flick first-timer needs. And once you begin to nail it free hand, you’re still left with a long-lasting and easy to control liner.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $35 at mecca.com.au
Best for: Staying power
Available in chocolate, charcoal, navy and black, this is the liner you can rely on to get you from 6am to 10pm. It dries down quickly and won’t budge once it does, but is also easily removed with micellar water when the time comes.
The Quick Flick, $35 at thequickflick.com.au
Best for: Those who failed art class
If no amount of tracing tools or tutorials have been able to help your freehand liner skills, try this stamp invention. Simply line it up with the outer corner of your eye and press.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Liquid Liner, $48 at bobbibrown.com.au
Best for: A touch of sparkle
Ideal for the festive season or a night out, Bobbi Brown’s liquid liner comes in shimmering shades of dark blue, purple and bronze. The tiny paint-like brush allows you to go as thin or thick as you like.
Diorshow Onstage Liner, $56 at sephora.com.au
Best for: Colour choice
If black bores you, Dior have a whole host of colours to get creative with, from subtle browns to punchy pinks.
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