8 Must-Try Cake Eyeliners Of 2025, As Per A Makeup Artist
Create dramatic and sassy looks with these cake eyeliners that are intensely pigmented.
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Cake eyeliners are ideal for getting sassy and dramatic looks for enhanced beauty. They come with good pigmentation and are easy to apply. The best cake eyeliners look similar to water paints. You can use them by adding the right amount of water to the cake. They turn into a creamy formula that offers a matte finish when it dries.
These eyeliners are ideal for getting a perfect winged eye. They offer a crisp, statement-making look and finish without any imperfections. Though these eyeliners are smudge-proof and crease-free, they are not waterproof as water-based formulas. However, well-formulated cake eyeliners can offer a long-lasting stay, and all you need to do is the right pick. So, in this article, we have curated a list of the 8 best cake eyeliners that offer bold color. Scroll down and read all about them!
In This Article
8 Best Cake Eyeliners
1. Best Smudge-Proof:Pure Ziva Dry Pressed Powder Cake Liner – Black
Be it a snooping winged eye or a tight lining technique, the Pure Ziva eyeliner does the trick! When the formula comes in contact with water, it turns into a velvety and creamy texture that glides smoothly across your eyelids for an even application. The powder eyeliner is enriched with natural plant extracts and hypoallergenic ingredients so as to not irritate your eyes in any way. The water-activated eyeliner dries to a matte finish and gives a bold color payoff.
Pros
- Smudge-free
- Dark pigment
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Non-toxic
- Easy to remove
- Easy application
- Value for money
- Fast drying
- Glides easily
Cons
- Becomes flakey
2. Best Quick-Drying:Graftobian Cosmetics Cake Eye Liner – Jet Black
This gorgeous black cake, water-activated eyeliner by Graftobian Cosmetics is super long-lasting and intensely pigmented. It gives you a flawless intense black finish in just a single stroke. The formula goes on smoothly, dries quickly into a matte finish, and does not crease. Lanolin oil in the formula moisturizes your skin, while beeswax seals in hydration. The handy and compact design of the powder eyeliner makes it ideal for travel and on-the-go application. Nyssa Green, a makeup artist with 20 years of experience, states, “I am a fan of this cake liner as it does not dry the lids and is super dark.”
Pros
- Easy application
- Easy removal
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
- Clump-free
- Smudge-free
- Quick-drying
- Doesn’t fade
Cons
- Might cause irritation
Pro Tip3. Best Lightweight:Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner – Black Ebony
The Laura Mercier cake eyeliner defines your eyes in one smooth stroke. The jet black transfer-resistant formula smoothly glides across your eyelids to deliver a precise application. Its lightweight and non-irritating formula is gentle on sensitive eyes and is also suitable for those with sensitive skin and contact wearers. The rich color stays all day long without drying the eyes. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video that details the tester’s experience on the merits and demerits of the product.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t fade
- Safe for contact lens wearer
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Easy to remove
- Smudge-free
- Doesn’t flake
- Fast drying
Cons
- Medium coverage
Quick TipPure Ziva Dry Pressed Powder Cake Liner - Black Best Smudge-Proof | Graftobian Cosmetics Cake Eye Liner - Jet Black Best Quick-Drying | Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner - Black Ebony Best Lightweight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | Jet Black | Black Ebony |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 2 inches | - | 1.5 x 0.9 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.64 Ounces. | - | 0.04 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 953 | 658 | 376 |
| Price | $14.99 | $12.83 | $34.99 |
4. Best Transfer-Resistant:JUST FOR REDHEADS Professional Cake Eyeliner
Just For Redheads Professional Cake Eyeliner is a steal deal for anyone who wants top-notch eye makeup. This powder eyeliner is fine-tipped, buildable, long-lasting, and highly pigmented, allowing for bold, vibrant color that stays in place throughout the day. It is smudge-resistant and water-resistant, making it an ideal choice for humid or rainy weather, or those with oily eyelids.
Pros
- Highly-pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Easy to remove
- Smudge-free
- Flake-free
- Water-resistant
- Glides easily
- Suitable for oily eyelids
Cons
- None
Quick Tip5. Best Blendable Formula:Gavissi Beauty Split Cake Retro Liner – Island Breeze
The Gavissi Beauty Split Cake Retro Liner is the perfect choice for anyone looking to add a touch of color to their eye makeup routine. The internet is full of rave reviews of this colorful eyeliner, with reviewers claiming it to be highly pigmented and long-lasting. This convenient palette contains three shades that range from light and bright colors, such as pinks and purples, to bolder hues like blues and greens. The bold and dramatic shimmery shades are long-lasting with minimal fallout, meaning they stay-put throughout the day no matter how long they are worn. You may also mix and match the colors to create your own unique shades.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly-pigmented
- Smudge-proof
- Transfer-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Flake-free
- Easy to remove
Cons
- None
6. Best Long-Wearing:Bowitzki Retro Liner – Pastel UV
If you are into dramatic and colorful eyeliner looks, then this cake eyeliner by Nowitzki is a must-buy for your makeup artistry! It is available in a set of eight different colors – yellow, purple, green, blue, pink, orange, white, and sea blue. The formula dries into a solid opaque finish that glows in the dark and UV light. These easy to apply artistic eyeliners are ideal for raves, festivals, and costume parties. You can use these shades for their true color or mix the colors to create your own unique shades. The set comes with three ergonomic brushes for precise application.
Pros
- Great coverage
- Smudge-proof
- Transfer-resistant
- Easy removal
- Easy application
- Long lasting
- Value for money
Cons
- None
7. Best Non-Toxic Formula:michael marcus Cake Eyeliner- Kohl Black
The michael marcus Cake Eyeliner is a must-have for any makeup enthusiast looking to make their eyes stand out. This high-quality, water-activated eyeliner is designed to provide long-lasting wear, vibrant color, and smudge resistance, making it perfect for creating a variety of eye makeup looks. The richly pigmented formula comprises premium-quality natural ingredients that nourish the skin around the eyes. The aloe vera in the formula offers anti-aging benefits while the Hawaiian sea extracts improve the skin’s texture. The tamanu oil promotes collagen production and supports skin restructuring. The ingredients ensure that the product is safe for use on even the most sensitive skin.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Long-lasting wear
- Offers anti-aging benefits
- Promotes collagen production
- Smudge-proof
- Easy application
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Great blend
- Smooth texture
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- None
8. Best Non-Flaking:Red & Black Pro-Cosmetics Cake Eyeliner – Coffee
This easy-to-use cake eyeliner by Red & Black Pro-Cosmetics delivers a long-lasting color payoff that is fade-proof, waterproof, transfer-resistant, and smudge-proof. The winged eyeliner cake formula glides seamlessly onto your eyelids and dries to a smooth matte finish. The compact eyeliner comes with a handy mirror which makes it ideal for on-the-go applications.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Smudge-Proof
- Cruelty -free
- Easy application
- Transfer-resistant
- Doesn’t flake
- Easy to remove
- Value for money
Cons
- Needs multiple applications
How To Choose The Best Cake Eyeliner
To invest in the best cake eyeliner, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind.
- Longevity Of The Liner
The first and foremost thing to consider when buying a cake eyeliner is its longevity. If the eyeliner fades and smudges easily, it’s best not to buy such a product. Invest in a cake liner that is smudge-proof and flake-proof.
- Ingredients
The skin around your eyes are extremely sensitive. When choosing a cake liner eyeliner, remember to look for a dermatologist-tested, gentle formula that doesn’t irritate your eyes. Ingredients with natural extracts can nourish and benefit your skin.
- Price
Opt for a cake eyeliner that has the best formula for its price. Since these eyeliners are long-lasting, you can also splurge a bit while buying.
- Color
You can choose a good old black liner for everyday use. If you want your eyes to really stand out, especially on special occasions, you can go for different colors like bright blues and neon for a statement-making look.
How To Apply A Cake Eyeliner Properly
Step1:
The very first thing you need to do before starting your eye makeup is to prime your eyes. This ensures a smooth application and also increases the lifespan of your makeup. If you do not have an eye primer, you can use a dab of foundation or concealer too! Don’t forget to apply your eyeshadow before the cake eyeliner.
Step 2: Next, you will need a liquid to activate the pigment. You can either use regular tap water or a setting spray to wet the brush. It is recommended to use a setting spray as it dries down faster and seals the pigment in place for long-lasting wear.
Step 3: Add a few drops of liquid on the cap of the cake liner or on the back of your hand. Then take a wet flat angled eyeliner brush or thin eyeliner brush and dampen it. If you want a dry, creamy, and opaque finish, use less liquid. If you want a glossy or watercolor effect, add more liquid to turn it into a creamy liquid liner.
Step 4: Next, take the wet flat angled brush or thin eyeliner brush, dip it into the cake liner, and gently swish in circular motions to get the pigmentation on your applicator.
Step 5: Before directly applying it to your eyelids, check for the liquid liner’s consistency and pigmentation on the back of your hands.
Step 6: Once you are satisfied with the consistency, paint the liner on to your lids in your desired shape or design.
The Bottom Line
Highly-pigmented cake eyeliners are easy to apply and smudge-proof. Unlike liquid or gel eyeliners, that can turn runny, these eyeliners can glide smoothly to offer a seamless application. Some cake eyeliners can make your eyes look flawless with a single stroke itself! You should purchase cake eyeliners that are vegan and cruelty-free. The Pure Ziva Dry Pressed Powder Cake Liner in Black is enriched with plant extracts and creates various eye looks, while the Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony offers a long-lasting, intense shade to enhance your eyes. The Graftobian Cosmetics Cake Eye Liner in Jet Black dries quickly and is fade-resistant. Moreover, it is better to choose eyeliners that are easy to use, and easier to remove as well. However, it is better to avoid cake eyeliners if they are too greasy, and do not have the tendency to dry quickly.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Shalini Roy, the author, is an avid makeup fiend with a passion for researching and sharing good products. She agrees that when it comes to sassy and dramatic eye makeup looks, cake eyeliners are what you need. She recommends using the listed cake eyeliners after spending time researching each of them and their reviews. These eyeliners will not only make your eye pop, but they also have additional benefits like gluten-free options, smudge-free advantages, cruelty-free brands, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cake eyeliners water-activated?
Yes. Cake liners are a solid block of pigment that gets activated with water and turns into a creamy formula that glides across your eyelids.
How long does a cake eyeliner last?
Cake eyeliners are usually super long-lasting, smudge-proof, and transfer-resistant. But a lot of them might not be waterproof.
Does a cake eyeliner work as a mascara?
Yes, cake eyeliners can also be used as mascara. Avoid using cake eyeliner on your eyelashes, if you have watery or sensitive eyes.
Can you use a cake liner on your waterline?
Yes. You can use a cake liner on your waterline. However, it is recommended to opt for a hypoallergenic and soft formula to avoid irritating your eyes if the product gets in.
How do you activate eyeliner?
• Shake your eyeliner gently.
• Dip the tip of your liner in hot water. Give it a few shakes, and try running the liner on your hand. Slowly the streaky lines will turn into solid black strokes. For improved results, pour some glycerin into the hot water and dip the liner in the mixture.
• Pour some eye drops into the liner and spread it all over. Slowly the liner will soften.
Can you add water to liquid eyeliner?
Yes. Warm water can be added to liquid eyeliners to boost their lasting power and thin out the consistency. However, adding excessive water can turn the formula into a runny consistency. Therefore, it is recommended to add a few drops of eye drops instead of water unless you are sure about the amount to be added.
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