10 Best Liquid Eyeliners For Beginners – 2024, Approved By A Makeup Artist
Begin your eye makeup experiments with easy-to-use and long-lasting makeup essentials.
Savanah NormanProfessional Makeup Artist
Savanah Norman is a full time professional makeup artist with six years of experience in the field. She originally started college studying fashion design but took a leap of faith to start accepting clients when she knew makeup was her pass... more
priyam guptaMA (English)
Experience: 3 yearsThe day Priyam learned that having strong opinions about everyday products can be a full-fledged writing career was the greatest day of her life. Partially driven by a passion for everything timeless,... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
Image: Shutterstock
In a world that’s been masked up for the better part of 2 years, the eyes have taken center stage in the glamor department. So it’s no surprise that the eye make-up industry has upped its game and everybody wants to be in on the trend. Whether it’s a cat eye, a bold, thick statement, or a thin hint of definition, different forms of eyeliner make your eyes pop with attitude, class, and style. And if this is your first time in the eye game, it’s totally understandable if you feel a little out of depth.
But worry not, because for every beginner, there is always a ready tool to make things easier. We’re talking about the best liquid eyeliners for beginners that can help you discover and create a look that represents your personality best. Now, you can enter the world of eye make-up without jittery nerves and sweaty palms. These liquid eyeliners are here to assist you in every way you need. Read on to find out our picks of the best liquid eyeliners for beginners out there.
In This Article
The Top 10 Liquid Eyeliners To Add To Your Starter Kit
1. Best Overall:Maybelline Hyper Easy Brush Tip Liner
Since time immemorial, Maybelline New York has been synonymous with quality and performance. So you can rest assured that when this celebrity-endorsed brand releases a liquid eyeliner, it’s going to be good, to say the least. Say goodbye to any skips, slips, gaps, or struggles, when trying this baby out on your eyelids. This is the best liquid eyeliner for different eye shapes. It has a revolutionary flex-tip brush, coupled with a hexagonal brush grip, which provides stability and definition. The solid pigmentation just glides onto your eyelids effortlessly and lasts upto 24 hours, without a smudge or fade!
Pros
- Easy grip
- Long-lasting
- Flexible tip
- Good for precision
- Adjusts to the shape of your eye
Cons
- May require more than one stroke for solid color pigmentation
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 48,684 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best Waterproof:D.S.M. Liquid Eyeliner
Are you terrified of smudging your eyeliner all around your eyes? Well, your troubles have come to an end with DSM’s liquid eyeliner for beginners, which is designed specifically for avoiding smudging. With its waterproof formula, this flake-free, and smudge-proof liquid eyeliner will steal your heart with it’s auto-controlled ink pen point design. It simply glides over your eyelids smoothly like a pen, without leaving an unwanted trail or excessive leakage. An added bonus is that this liquid eyeliner formula is gentle, so you can wear it even with your contact lenses, without risking any allergies or irritation! What’s more, the eyeliner has received rave reviews from its users online who attest that it provides exceptional results.
Pros
- No smudging
- User-friendly
- No feathering
- Water-proof
- Long-wearing formula
- Soft felt tip provides flexibility
Cons
- May require a lot of product per usage
3. Best Long-Lasting:KINGMAS Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
If you’re a lady who’s on-the-go, whether it’s for work or pleasure, you won’t have time to keep reapplying makeup every few hours. You need a statement-making look that lasts through the day or night, so that you’re free to take on the world. KINGMAS’ waterproof eyeliner pencil is the great liquid eyeliner, which does exactly that. It’s fluid formula is smooth, easy to apply, and gives you defined lines for days! While the black pigment is solid and bold, you can remove it just as easily with eye makeup remover, without leaving a trail. This is definitely a must-have for your travel bag!
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Smudge-proof
- Smooth formula
- Waterproof and oil-proof
Cons
- May dry out in a short period of time
4. Best Quick-Drying:COVERGIRL Get In Line Liquid Liner
If you’re looking for precision, definition, stability, efficiency, and style, look no further. Covergirl Cosmetics, a celebrity-endorsed brand, is known to make the make-up world easy to navigate, with quick, simple, deliciously dazzling liquid eyeliners for beginners. These are not tested on animals and can be used guilt-free. The contoured grip handle and the 0.1mm feather brush help you make your super thin lines with absolute finesse. While it’s quick to dry, it lasts very long, so you can bat your eyelids for hours without any sign of exhaustion! If you’re hopping between parties or presentations and want to change things up a bit, you can easily remove your matte liquid liner with soap and water and reapply with a different design!
Pros
- Feather-line tip
- Suitable for fine lines
- Quick-dry
- Waterproof formula
- Easily removable
Cons
- May require more than a few strokes for a thick line
5. Best For Combination Skin:Sharlovy Eyeliner Stamp
Looking for that perfect winged eyeliner tip but just can’t get it to look uniform and identical on both sides? We hear you. The Sharlovy Eyeliner Stamp is what you’ve been waiting for. Get your readymade wings stamped on both sides with this waterproof liner. Just place the stamp on the corner of your eye and watch those wings fly! This super-opaque, pigmented, glossy liquid eyeliner for dry skin is smooth to apply and does not fade in a hurry! You can wear it for over a day, without worrying about a smudge! Want to get your cat eye on for the evening? You’re just a stamp away.
Pros
- Readymade wings
- Easy to apply
- 36-hour sebum resistance
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Waterproof liquid eyeliner
Cons
- May have a strong chemical smell
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Quick Tip6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Vantica Stamp Pencil Eyeliner Pen
This one’s a double delight for ladies looking for definition and those perfect wings at the end. Vantica’s Stamp Pencil is the ideal liquid eyeliner for those who are still getting used to getting those perfect, identical tails. While one end of the pencil has the stamp, which you can place at the side of your eye at the angle of your choice, the other is a liquid eyeliner, which can help you create a defined line from the beginning of your eyelid to the wing itself! The stamp has a 10mm wing size, which is enough to give your eyes that flirtatious edge. What we love about this liquid eyeliner pen for beginners is that it’s suitable for all types of skin, so you can use this without worrying about allergies or irritation. Also, various reviewers of the product suggest that it is long-lasting. Get ready for a truly eye-opening effect!
Pros
- Easy-to-apply cat eyes
- 10mm wing size
- 2-in-1 stamp and eyeliner
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- No transfer
- No flaking
- Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes
Cons
- May not produce uniform results on both sides
7. Best For Beginners:Great Deal Black Eyeliner Pencil
This red and black magic wand provides excellent coverage, a solid pigment, and long-lasting wear, all in one! Great Deal’s black eyeliner pencil delivers on durability, precision, color clarity, and blendability. And it also as efficiently does away with leaks, smudges, fading, dullness, and mess! You can style your eyes with a myriad of designs, whether it’s a heavy, bold, and thick line or a dainty and delicate thin line.
Pros
- Quick and precise coverage
- Easy to blend
- No mess
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Sharp pencil tip ideal for beginners
- Can create versatile looks
Cons
- May dry out prematurely
8. Best Smudge-Proof:QIC Professional Make Up Liquid Eyeliner
When you don’t have the time to sit in front of the mirror for hours, hoping against hope that the next try will be the winner, you can put a pin in your eyeliner efforts, and still achieve the look you want. Exrossi’s QIC pen is the best liquid eyeliner for beginners who need results quick and easy. One end of the pen serves as a wing stamp, which you can neatly apply at both ends of your eyes. The other end has a fine tip that can draw up a line, with the thickness to your liking, that gives your eye makeup a stylish finish! This waterproof liner is long-wearing, and sebum resistant, which is great for late night partying, so that you don’t have to worry about smudging and having those racoon eyes!
Pros
- Double-sided pen
- Buildable intensity
- No tugging
- Easy cat eye look
- Creates effortless lines
- Mess-free application process
- Waterproof and sweatproof
- Ideal for late nights
Cons
- May not last very long without a touch-up
- May require more than one coat for a solid black color
9. Best Matte Finish:QIC Liquid Duo Eyeliner
Looking for some feline inspiration? Semilyn’s QIC Liquid Duo Eyeliner comes with some extra catty surprises. Not only do you avail of the 2-in-1 eyeliner brush and cat eye stamp stick, but you also get to use cat shaped stencils! With the help of these curvy stencils, you can draw sleek lines in a matter of seconds. So if you’re at work and need a quick design before you head out for that important conference, prop up your stencils in the angle of your choice, and just glide away on your eyelids with this matte liquid liner! Top it off at the end with the stamp and you’ve got some cat eyes that just won’t quit!
Pros
- Light coverage
- Beginner-friendly
- Ideal for office wear
- No skipping
- Easy-to-use stamp and liner
- Saves a lot of time
- Portable and lightweight
- Matte finish
Cons
- Cat stencils may not be as effective
10. Best Glossy Finish:Docolor Waterproof Wing Stamp Eyeliner
If you want that glossy look that catches light and makes your face shine a little extra, opt for this eyeliner. Docolor’s waterproof wing stamp eyeliner gives you a good solid wing shape to start with, and then build your lining practice from. The stamp saves you time in creating a wing, while the liner connects the wing to the rest of your eyelid with ease. With a little bit of eye primer for oily or combination skin, what you get is a long-lasting, waterproof, smudge-proof, and well-defined eye shape. It’s compact size makes it ideal for travel, as well, so you can stay shiny and classy, wherever you are!
Pros
- Glossy finish
- Gel eyeliner
- High-precision
- Suitable for normal skin type
- Contains wing stamp and liner
- Consistent wing shape
- Easy removal
- Ergonomic design
- Hours of wear
Cons
- Pen tip may dry out quickly
Now that you’ve had a gander at our pick of the 10 best liquid eyeliners for beginners out there, have a look at our buying guide before you make your final purchase!
How to Choose the Best One For You
- Choose your look
Every makeup look requires a specific kind of tool. So when buying a liquid eyeliner, you need to think about what you’re using it for. What do you like? The bold, thick look? The fine, thin, subtle look? Perfect cat eyes or the Amy Winehouse wings? There are many ways to dress up your eyes, so once you’ve figured out what kind of style suits you best, it will be easier for you to pick the right eyeliner.
- Choose your specifications
When buying a liner, you need to look at specifics. Ask yourself some questions before making a purchase. What kind of brush does the liquid eyeliner have? Is the liquid highly pigmented or on the lighter side? Is the eyeliner easy to grip and use? Does it have special features like a 2-in-1 stamp and liner option? Is it available in more than one color? How durable is the liquid eyeliner? Will it last all day? Is it waterproof and smudge-proof? Are the ingredients non-irritating and suitable for your skin? When you have found one that meets most or all of your criteria, you know it’s the one for you!
- Choose your budget
Many liquid eyeliners for beginners are available in various budgets. While quality may be directly proportional to price in some cases, it isn’t necessarily the case for all liquid eyeliners. So decide how much you want to spend on your eye makeup in a month or year, and depending on your usage, you can zero in on a liquid eyeliner that suits your needs best and is also pocket-friendly.
Now that you know how to pick the right eyeliner, here are some easy steps to follow as liquid eyeliner tips for beginners to achieve the perfect winged liner look on your eyes.
How to Use It Effectively
First things first, if you are using an eyeliner for the first time, perform a patch test to be extra safe. For it, apply a small amount of the eyeliner behind your ear and wait for 24 hours. If the patch test area remains irritation-free, go ahead with the following steps:
- Prep your lids
Wash your lids and make sure your skin is clean and hydrated. Next, evenly apply some eye primer and let it dry to avoid oily lids.
- Get comfortable
Get into a position that’s comfortable for you. This requires time and patience, so you’ll have to be still for a long time till you get the lines right. Practice in the air how your hands will move when applying the liquid eyeliner before moving to your upper lash line.
- Join the dots
You can spot out your line by making small dashes or dots, whatever you feel most confident with. Once you’ve made a dotted line, you can use your liquid eyeliner to draw a second line following the dots from the outer corner.
- The final flick
Once you’ve got a smooth line, don’t forget to give it a flick at the end. This flick can be a tiny tail, a muted end to the line over your lid, or a cat eye wing. Whatever you prefer, keep your hand steady and go for it! Savanah Norman, a professional makeup artists, suggests, “If you are nervous to get a perfect wing the first try, start by mapping out the liner with a black eyeshadow then trace over it with the liquid liner.”
Infographic: 8 Liquid Eyeliner Hacks For Beginners
Stepping into the world of liquid eyeliner for the first time may get a little tricky. But fear not, as mastering this beauty staple is simpler than it seems. Whether you’re aiming for subtle definition or bold wings, the few hacks in the infographic below will help you achieve the desired look in no time. Check it out.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Liquid eyeliner is a staple in your makeup arsenal as it goes well with every look you create. However, finding the one that ticks off all the boxes and is suitable for beginners might be difficult. Especially if you are a beginner, you need the sharpest, cleanest, and long-lasting liquid eyeliner that will be precise and easy to apply. The reviewed options in the curated list consist of long-lasting eyeliners that offer an easy grip, and have a waterproof and smudge-proof formula. The Maybelline Hyper Easy Brush Tip Liner offers intense pigmentation and an innovative brush tip design for easy application, while the COVERGIRL Get In Line Liquid Liner features a classic felt-tip pen for precise application and a smudge-resistant formula for more definition. Try the Sharlovy Eyeliner Stamp if you are looking for an organic formula. So, consider your look, specifications, and budget while choosing the best liquid eyeliners for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liquid eyeliner better for beginners?
Definitely! Liquid eyeliner for beginners is a great way to start practicing your eye makeup style. It’s easier to use and adjust in case you make mistakes.
Is liquid eyeliner easy to apply?
Yes, liquid eyeliner is easy to apply, with its fluid, smooth pigmented formula that glides onto your eyelids.
How can I clean up a mistake?
An easy way to clean up an eyeliner mistake is using a Q-tip by applying it in the affected area and cleaning up the mistake. A good way to avoid mistakes is by using stencils or stamps, which help you create a defined look.
Will liquid eyeliner burn my eye?
While it is safe to use on your eyelids and skin, it is not a good idea to let liquid eyeliner get into your eyes, as it may irritate or damage your eyes. If you have sensitive skin or any eye allergies, it is advisable that you consult a doctor before purchasing any eyeliner makeup.
Do you put liquid eyeliner on before or after eyeshadow?
Apply liquid eyeliner after putting on eyeshadow to create sharp, dramatic lines. Finish with a few coats of mascara to complement your eye makeup.
Should you wear brown or black liquid eyeliner?
Opt for brown eyeliner for a natural, professional look. Brown eyeliner imparts a soft dimension to your eyes while making them appear bright, bold, and intense. On the other hand, black eyeliner is the ideal choice for a sharp and sleek look.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Priyam Gupta, is a makeup enthusiast and loves to review different products for her readers. After sifting through numerous customer reviews and feedback on trusted online forums and brand websites, she curated this list of the best liquid eyeliners for beginners. The shortlisted products are ideal for different eye shapes and make your eyes pop with attitude, class, and style.
