8 Best Recommended Cake Eyeliners For 2022
Create dramatic and sassy looks with these cake eyeliners that are intensely pigmented.
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Shalini Roy has a Master's degree in English literature from Pondicherry University. She is an ambivert whose expressions have found their way in writing. She channels her passion for all things fashi... more
Cake eyeliners are ideal for getting sassy and dramatic looks. 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 finish without any imperfections. Though these eyeliners are smudge-proof, 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 eyeliner is enriched with natural plant extracts and hypoallergenic ingredients so as to not irritate your eyes in any way. It 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 eyeliner by Graftobian Cosmetics is super long-lasting and intensely pigmented. It gives you a flawless finish in just a single stroke. The formula goes on smoothly and dries quickly into a matte finish. Lanolin oil in the formula moisturizes your skin, while beeswax seals in hydration. The handy and compact design of the eyeliner makes it ideal for travel and on-the-go application.
Pros
- Easy application
- Easy removal
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
- Clump-free
- Smudge-free
- Quick-drying
- Doesn’t fade
Cons
- Might cause irritation
3. Best Lightweight:Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner – Black Ebony
The Laura Mercier cake eyeliner defines your eyes in one smooth stroke. The formula smoothly glides across your eyelids to deliver a precise application. Its lightweight and non-irritating formula 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 on the merits and demerits of the product.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t fade
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Easy to remove
- Smudge-free
- Doesn’t flake
- Fast drying
Cons
- Medium coverage
4. Best Transfer-Resistant:ONMAY UV Reactive Neon Cake Eyeliner – Multicolor
This stunning cake eyeliner comes in a set of seven different colors – red, purple, green, yellow, blue, orange, and pink. They are ideal for festivals, costume parties, late-night outs, or if you simply want to experiment with your makeup. The long-lasting formulae of these eyeliners are transfer-resistant and smudge-proof. These eyeliners can be used as eyeshadows and face paint as well.
Pros
- Transfer-resistant
- Smudge-free
- Doesn’t fade
- Easy to use
- Easy removal
- Value for money
- Bright colors
- Smooth application
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
5. Best Blending:Jolie Impeccable Me Cake Eyeliner – Black-Brown
This transfer-resistant and smudge-proof cake eyeliner by Jolie Cosmetics stays on your eyelids all day long. The formula glides seamlessly onto your lash line to give you a well-defined look. Its dark brown shade looks stunning on light to medium-dark skin tones.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Great blend
- Smooth application
- Smudge-proof
- Doesn’t flake
- Easy to remove
- Great pigmentation
Cons
- Thick consistency
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! 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 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 Ophthalmologist-Tested:Clinique Water-Resistant Eyeliner – Muted Brown
Keep smearing, smudging, and creasing at bay with this professional cake eyeliner by Clinique. The formula delivers a long-lasting and bold color payoff. You can adjust the intensity of the color with water depending on the look that you want to create. It comes with a thin brush to allow precise and accurate application.
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Smear-free
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
- Fast drying
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Glides easily
Cons
- The brush is too thin.
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 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 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.
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. 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 brush or thin liner 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.
Step 4: Next, take the wet flat angled brush or thin liner 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 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.
Highly-pigmented cake eyeliners are easy to apply and smudge-proof. 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. 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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