One thing that oh-so-many fashion icons have in common is stellar eyeliner. Whether it is the cat-eye, a classic flick, or wings, good eyeliner can define a look. Even the Ancient Egyptians rocked the original cat-eye, as it may have helped reflect the sun’s glare. Using eyeliner can be tricky at first, but to create the ultimate style, you must perfect the use of liquid eyeliner. Today, the massive range of products available on the market can be overwhelming, so where should you start? Read our helpful guide to help perfect your eyeliner game and you’ll be painting on your own cat-eye in no time. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Lines for a lovely lookThis popular liquid eyeliner offers a solid range of waterproof colors and comes with a great applicator.Best OverallFind on Amazon Pros: This eyeliner from Stila comes in two tip types: original and microtip. The microtip is so versatile that it makes it easy to achieve the perfect style. The tips are flexible enough to create any style with practice. Drying time is quick, which avoids application smudges. It comes in a good range of fourteen colors. Available colors are all useable, everyday colors. It has a long-lasting formula that is sweat-, water-, and smudge-proof. Cons: There is only one type of finish, which is glossy. Some of the colors may need to be reapplied in layers to get the full depth required. There are no unusual colors in the collection. NYX Profesional Makeup Epic Ink Liner Make it look easyThe flexible-yet-sturdy felt tip and fast-drying design make this option perfect for beginners.Most Effortless ApplicationFind on Amazon Pros: The pen’s style is easy to grip and move to make the perfect shape. The color is well-saturated so that you do not need to reapply to get the depth you want. The felt tip applicator is simple to use and applies the liquid evenly. It dries quickly to form a lightly glossy to semi-matte finish. All formulas are water-resistant and smudge-proof. This product has great value that gives you the confidence to try out new styles without the worry of cost. Cons: The eyeliner is only available in three colors: Black, Ash Brown, or Expresso. It can dry out quickly if left open. Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner Smooth and precise with staying powerThis one is a bold liquid eyeliner with a fine, soft, brush-style tip.Best Precision TipFind on Amazon Pros: A 0.1mm tip creates a precise and accurate line. The pigmentation in this liquid eyeliner is high, so a rich color is achieved in one swipe. The formula is smooth and applies evenly for an opaque finish. The long-lasting formula is waterproof and stays in place without smudging, fading, melting, or cracking. A great range of colors is offered. The formula dries quickly to a matte finish that stays matte, even on oily skin. Cons: This only comes in one color: Black. The felt tip is small, which can make it more difficult to do fill-in work. Schwing Liquid Eyeliner Unbelievably bold colorThis one gives your eyes luxurious definition, thanks to the smooth formula and flexible pen style.Best For All Skin TypesFind on Amazon Pros: A precision tip helps you achieve a very neat look. This product is available in a true matte finish. The pen-style applicator is easy to use. The tip of the product is tapered and has the suppleness of a brush but styles like a felt tip pen. The tip is very sturdy and handles firm treatment. This liquid is highly pigmented and produces a solidly dark color. The smooth eyeliner glides on easily and dries quickly without loss of color. The long-lasting formula is smudge-proof. The smooth, flexible tip can be used on all skin types. Cons: The tip is fine, and it can take some practice to load it up with the right amount of liquid. It can take time to fill in large areas. Maybelline New York Line – Stiletto Ultimate Precision Viva la vibrancyThis eyeliner from Maybelline has a strong color that is easy to apply in any style.Best On A BudgetFind on Amazon Pros: The brush is fine and moves well around the eyelid. The fine sponge tip creates crisp lines and the formula glides well on the skin. The color is very intense and has a glossy finish. The lightweight liquid leaves the skin feeling fresh and even works well on oily skin. The liquid is water-, smudge-, and fade-proof liquid. It can be built up in layers. Tip holds up well even after repeated use. Cons: The brush is very fine and flexible, which may be difficult for beginners. The applicator does not reach the end of the bottle, which makes you shake it quite hard when the eyeliner is low. Frequently Asked Questions Is liquid eyeliner bad for my eyes? No, quality eyeliner is safe to use. There is a risk with pencil eyeliner, though; you can miss your lid and hit your eye with the tip of the pencil instead. This will cause irritation due to the force of the contact, not the ingredients in the eyeliner. Liquid eyeliner is safer as you do not have to press it into your lid; it will simply glide on. All cosmetics have a rigorous set of guidelines that they must legally follow to protect your body, so make sure you buy reputable brands to ensure they will not cause damage. I can never get my liquid eyeliner to be symmetrical. What can I do? It’s really hard to achieve a perfect set of matching cat eyes, swoops, or double bandits every time. Proficiency takes practice. Buy a cheaper eyeliner and draw straight lines on your hand or arm — and keep drawing. If you want to practice on your eyes, draw on your non-dominant side. As you have to reach around your nose to create the line, your body needs more effort to remember the movement and steady the hand. It will then make it easier to repeat the action on your dominant side. It will take a little time to create a perfectly symmetrical eyeliner, but it’s worth the effort. If all else fails, buy a template, but don’t be fooled. They also take some practice to look good. Why are there different finishes? Different looks require different finishes. Liquid eyeliner comes in matte, glossy, semi-glossy, pearl, and glitter finishes. Standard eyeliner colors are black and brown, so having a different finish can spruce up your overall look, or just give you a break from your daily routine. Is it safe to use liquid eyeliner on my waterline? Eyeliner is safe to use on your eyelids and is safe if it mistakenly goes in your eyes, but it is not recommended for use on your waterline. The waterline is the thin edge of skin on your eyelid between the eyelashes and the surface of your eye. Can I use liquid eyeliner on other parts of my body? Yes, you can use your liquid eyeliner on other skin. It’s great for drawing temporary tattoos or fun designs for a particular occasion. Using a long lasting-formula is paramount when it is being used on other types of skin, as the design will be rubbed away by clothing. Removal is easy with a little oil-based cleanser or micellar water. Can liquid eyeliner be used as a guyliner? Yes, of course. Eyeliner has no gender – it’s for anyone and everyone. With all the new shades and finishes, guys can have some amazing eyes that accentuate their natural features with liquid eyeliner. Related posts: The Best Eyeliners The Best Eyelash Glues The Best Eye Drops