It even works for beginners, never skipping or smudging. “This liquid eyeliner has a smooth delivery known to last a long time,” adds Sarai Martinez, a Boston-based makeup artist. As far as the finishes, you’ve got options: satin, pearl, and shimmer, each richly pigmented and built to turn heads. We’re especially into Shimmer Rose (a vivid, shimmery pink), while Sanchez swears by Satin Brown for “a warm, smoky eye” that gives the eyes a sultry, soft-focus effect. TL;DR: once it’s on, it’s on—and it looks stunning doing it.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I prefer gel liners but that doesn’t mean I’m not in the mood for extra drama every once in a while—and drama does Dior Diorshow bring. I’ll usually go for a brown (which are just as lovely in this range!), but since I have pink hair, I can’t resist an on-theme makeup moment. As for the formula itself, the soft, flexible tip means there’s zero tugging (a non-negotiable) and the pigment is super punchy from the first swipe. I will caveat that the color showed up so well on my lids but in my wing area, I struggled to get the same color payoff over my foundation/concealer. It’d probably help to apply powder over my base makeup or do my liner first. It’s not a dealbreaker because, even in the midst of a NYC heatwave, it didn’t budge one inch.”—Sarah Han, commerce editor
Best Waterproof: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Stila
Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Why it’s worth it: If there’s one liquid eyeliner that’s earned its place in countless makeup bags (and Allure editors’ hearts), it’s Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. This Best of Beauty winner has a felt-tip applicator that gives you total control, so you can go from a barely-there definition to more bold, graphic wings. Unlike many waterproof formulas, it won’t skip or tug at your lids. We’re obsessed with the shade range, which makes everything from a classic, inky black to a bold violet that somehow makes jeans and a white tee feel like a full look.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I don’t have the steadiest hand, but I’ve found the relatively firm brush of Stila’s liquid liner to be especially forgiving. It never skips or drags on my lid as I’m drawing, and the color truly doesn’t budge once it sets.”—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
Best Precision: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Chanel
Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: Commitment-phobes, beware—once you swipe on Le Liner de Chanel, it’s not backing down. While it’s not fully waterproof, the latex-based, water-resistant formula stays put through long days with zero flaking or smudging. The ultra-fine felt tip glides on like silk (Chanel wouldn’t have it any other way), making it easy to nail everything from the tiniest kitten flick to a full-on cat eye. And while we haven’t seen it available in classic black in a while, can we tempt you with rich brown, deep maroon, jewel-toned plum, or a sultry dark red? Trust us—any of them will look French-level chic.
“My days of thick, forgiving winged eyeliner are long behind me, so I’m all about precision and control with my eyeliner formulas these days. Chanel’s Le Liner de Chanel has a fine tip applicator that’s quite stiff compared to others I’ve tried, which I find to be ideal for keeping my lines tight and clean. The formula is definitely a liquid but not so loose that it’s runny and stressful—I love dragging my fingertip along the outer wing to slightly soften the tip—and this eyeliner has just enough viscosity that I can safely manipulate the wing with my fingers without fear that I’m going to end up with inky fingerprints all over my face. You can do a lot with this eyeliner which really helps justify the price tag, IMO.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
Best for Oily Lids: Isamaya Micro Eye Liner
Why it’s worth it: Isamaya was born from the avant-garde genius of Isamaya Ffrench, the boundary-pushing British makeup artist known for transforming faces (like Rihanna’s) into art. The Isamaya Eyeliner captures that same fearless spirit. “It’s smudge-proof, which is perfect if you tend to have a more oily lid,” says Sanchez. “The pigment is beautiful, and the fine brush tip gives an easy one-swipe application.” Our tester found the liner glided on effortlessly and was seriously impressed by its staying power, even with her perpetually teary eyes.
As someone with monolids, I usually go for a thicker line so my eyeliner actually shows up—but the Isamaya Eyeliner is so fine, I feel like I could sketch artwork with it. While it’s not the most pigmented in a single swipe (I do have to layer it a bit), that actually works in its favor when I want to get super close to the lash line. It’s amazing for creating a really subtle, clean, precise look.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
Best Ergonomic: Urban Decay 24/7 Inks Liquid Liner
Why it’s worth it: Urban Decay has a long track record of racking up Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Awards, thanks to its bold colorways and high-impact pigments (we’re still obsessed with their OG eyeliner pencil, the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil). The Urban Decay 24/7 Ink Liquid Liner carries that same legacy, delivering punchy color and serious precision. Each shade comes equipped with either a brush or a felt tip. According to the brand’s R&D team, some pigment particles, especially in pastels and shimmers, are larger and need a brush tip to flow smoothly, while others work best with felt. Regardless of the format, the result is a seamless application, whether you’re going for a razor-sharp wing or bold graphic lines. The waterproof, quick-drying formula stays locked in place, and the ergonomic pen design—inspired by actual no-slip paint brushes you’d find in a craft store—gives you pro-level control.
“I initially tested three of the nine shades: stark white Ozone, lime green Freak, and neon yellow Mucho Mucho. Because these colors are so bright they have bigger pigment particles and are notoriously hard to find in a high-quality liquid pen format. Nevertheless, when I swiped on the green and yellow, they were nearly opaque (keep in mind, I have very fair skin), and the white shade was closer to opaque than any other liquid white I’ve encountered. It reached full opacity with just a little layering, which, for a white shade, is no biggie in my book. Every time I wear these liners, each color dries down immediately and doesn’t budge until met with an oil or balm cleanser. The hype about the built-in grip is real. Having a designated place where your fingers can lay flat provides comfort, as opposed to a slick, curved surface, and that comfort fosters confidence during the application process.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
Best Pigment: MAC Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Eyeliner
MAC
Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: When a former beauty editor first tried MAC’s Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Eyeliner, the pigment was so intense, people genuinely thought it was a tattoo. And honestly? They weren’t wrong to ask. Its jet-black formula glides on with inky precision and dries down to a bulletproof finish that stays sharp for up to 24 hours (yes, really). “This liquid liner is always one of my favorite products due to its high performance and the fact that it is transfer-resistant,” says Boston-based makeup artist Sarai Martinez. “It delivers a super-rich look. I use it to create a precise line when applying—it’s one of the best on the market, especially for professional use.” She especially loves reaching for it on wedding days or anytime a client needs serious staying power. Bottom line: If you want a liner that shows up and sticks around, this one’s it.
“I’ve been a devotee to black liquid liner for one-third of my life. Combine the intensity of the pigment with its matte, skin-like finish and you have the Liquidlast Liner mimicking the effect of a fresh tattoo. The pigment can be painted on with the M.A.C. Liquidlast Liner’s paintbrush-like applicator, which is thin enough to create sharp wings and delicate shapes, though it can also fan out for thicker, bolder lines. Before you decide to wash it away, the liner won’t smear, smudge, or run, no matter how much you sweat, cry, or get caught in a torrential downpour.” —Devon Abelman, former beauty editor
Best for Beginners: KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
KVD Beauty
Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: There’s a reason KVD Beauty’s Tattoo Liner Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner has tattoo in the name—it’s that serious about staying power. This cult-favorite liquid liner delivers ultra-saturated pigment with a needle-precise brush tip that makes flicks, wings, and graphic lines feel weirdly doable (even if you’ve had one too many coffees). One tester previously noted, “Unlike most liner pens, the applicator is a very fine tip that makes it easy to achieve the sharp point I like when drawing on my winged liner.” It’s vegan, waterproof, and trusted by pros and beginners alike for its unmatched control and longevity.
I’ve put this liner through the ringer, wearing it to work, wedding receptions, and even two workout classes in a row. (Now I know wearing makeup to the gym isn’t a great idea, but when you can only make it to evening gym sessions — and you’re always running late to them — something’s gotta give.) So what happened after this accidental gym experiment? The Tattoo Liner fulfilled its tattoo-like indelibility. At the end of my two classes, when my entire face of makeup was on my towel (foundation, blush, contouring), there was not a trace of black liner to be seen. The flow of product is smooth (so no blobbing or skipping), but the pigmentation isn’t always as dark as I prefer. Luckily, that’s easily fixed by simply tracing over lighter areas, which you can do easily without disrupting the original line underneath.” —Katheeln Suico, former beauty editor
Best Dual-Ended: Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen
Why it’s worth it: If eyeliner is one of your desert island essentials and your budget has a little wiggle room, Tom Ford’s Eye Defining Pen is 100% worth the splurge. At first glance, the price might make you blink twice—but here’s the thing: you’re basically getting two liners in one. The double-ended design features a super-fine brush tip on one side for razor-sharp precision to create thin lines and a slightly thicker calligraphy tip on the other for bolder eye looks, so you can switch up your style without switching tools. Add in the ultra-black, smudge-resistant formula, suddenly the cost feels a whole lot easier to justify.
“I’ve used this eyeliner for years—primarily the thicker end, which I find to be easier to control. Since it’s a little longer than other applicators, I find that it’s more forgiving when my hands are shaking. And because it’s not capital-W waterproof, I have time to clean up any mistakes before it sets.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
Best Black: Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Fenty Beauty
Flyliner Liquid Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: Fenty Beauty’s Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner doesn’t just serve sharp lines—it serves attitude. The jet-black shade is called “Cuz I’m Black,” a nod to her now-legendary Twitter clapback heard ‘round the world. Like the name, this liner pulls no punches: “This liquid liner provides super precision and a long-lasting finish that is highly saturated and waterproof,” says Martinez. “I like this liner because of its special tip, which gives an easy application, and it doesn’t run on the lid, leaving you with a cleaner look.” In short: It’s sharp, saturated, and unapologetically fierce—just like RiRi herself.
If jet-black feels a little too bold for your everyday vibe, try Flyliner in In Big Truffle, a rich matte brown that’s especially perfect for enhancing brown or blue eyes.
Best Drugstore: Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner
Wet n Wild
Breakup Proof Liquid Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: When it comes to Wet n Wild’s Mega Last Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner, the name really does say it all. “It will not budge, and it’s so easy to use since it’s a felt tip,” says Rose Siard, a makeup artist based in Houston, Texas and founder of Rose and Ben. Whether you’re crying over actual heartbreak, sweating through the dog days of summer, or just caught in a downpour without an umbrella, this liner stays locked in for up to 16 hours. The felt tip glides on effortlessly, even if you’re not exactly steady-handed. And the best part is that it delivers that kind of performance without blowing your budget.
Let the first layer dry for a few seconds before applying any additional layers to reduce the risk of smudging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best long-wearing liquid eyeliner for mature skin?
If you have mature skin, the skin around the eyes tends to become thinner, drier, and more delicate, which makes it trickier to get a smooth, even line. The best long-lasting eyeliner for mature skin, then, should have a gentle glide, grip, and staying power without calling attention to fine lines or crepey lids. A precise felt- or brush-tip applicator is ideal for easy control, and a waterproof or water-resistant formula is helpful if you want your liner to last all day long. Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner, above, offers just that, according to Martinez. “It has a matte finish and a precise tip that glides on easily and stays put—even on hooded eyes or maturing lids—creating a smoother, more lifted look,” she says.
How do you make liquid eyeliner stay on all day?
To make liquid eyeliner stay put, your eye makeup look all begins with the prep. “Make sure that your eyes are oil-free to start with,” says Martinez. “That would require using an eye primer, then using either a clear mineral powder or a regular face toning powder to dust off any type of moisture on the lid.”
Once you’ve created that matte, grippy base, reach for a smudge-resistant formula on your lash line and give it a few seconds to fully dry before blinking or layering. Top it off with a waterproof or water-resistant mascara to prevent smudging.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide, inclusive shade range with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best long-lasting eyeliners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness, a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine, or you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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