You don't have to travel long distances or search high and low for the best drugstore liquid eyeliner. We're not talking about the Ark of the Covenant here (Google it, kids). No, a fantastic liquid eyeliner is hanging from a peg in your favorite pharmacy (aka drugstore) or department store right around the corner, or waiting to be placed in the cart of your favorite retail websites from the comfort of your own home.

Related: The 10 Best Liquid Eyeliners of 2019

Plenty of the well-known beauty brands make liquid eyeliners that wear long, don't smudge, and dry quickly (just like the expensive designer brands!), and several are on our list of Best Drugstore Liquid Eyeliners (unlike the expensive designer brands!). You'll find trusted names like Revlon, COVERGIRL, Maybelline New York, L'Oreal Paris, and Neutrogena, to name a few (or five), and none of the 10 on our list will break the bank, unlike some of the high-end names out there. All you'll find on this list are 10 of the best liquid eyeliners around, all readily available and affordable. Read on to find the one that's perfect for you!

Show off your curves! Well, your Curvitude, anyway. As in, Maybelline New York Curvitude Liquid Liner. What makes Curvitude liner different than others? Glad you asked!

This liquid liner features a unique angled, ultra-fine flex tip. OK, so what does that do? Glad you asked again! The ultra-fine flex tip effortlessly hugs the curve of your eye to go above and behind the lash line. Not only that, but the Curvitude liner also draws in between your lashes to create a gorgeously refined look that is designed to stay on all day long.

While it's not quite as dark and pigmented as some other liquid liners (and may require a couple extra applications), Maybelline New York designed Curvitude to go on easily, even for beginners.

As this is a list of the best drugstore liquid eyeliners, Maybelline New York Curvitude Liner is obviously easy to track down and purchase for a very reasonable price. And while it's not the darkest or strongest liner you'll find, it's easy to use thanks to its angled flex tip and worthy of a spot on our list.

Key Features
  • Angled, ultra-fine flex tip
  • Long-lasting finish
  • Hugs curve of eye during application
Specifications
  • Waterproof: No
  • Wear Time: Long-Lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.027 fl oz
Pros
  • Designed to last through the day
  • Angled, ultra-fine tip reaches around lashes
  • Flex tip draws in between lashes
Cons
  • Can require multiple applications for darker color
  • Not waterproof

How many eyeliners do you know of that are formulated with natural honey and coconut? Probably none...until now. Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner contains both natural ingredients, creating a hypoallergenic formula that is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Adding natural ingredients to the mix doesn't sacrifice any quality, however. Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner is designed to wear all day long, and that's exactly what it does. This eyeliner goes on easily, dries quickly, and is water-resistant and smudge-proof to stand up to everything the day throws at you, including sweat and precipitation.

One of our best drugstore liquid eyeliners, Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner features an easy-to-use applicator that resists fraying and creates an even line in just one stroke, so you're not spending an inordinate time in front of the mirror. No one needs that, especially in the morning.

Neutrogena has been a trusted skin-care expert for years, and their Precision Liquid Eyeliner is just further proof. Best of all, it's easy to find and even easier on your wallet while still providing fabulous performance.

Key Features
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Smudge- and water-resistant
  • Formulated with natural honey and coconut
  • Quick-drying
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Water-Resistant
  • Wear Time: Long-Lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.013 fl oz
Pros
  • Dries quickly
  • Water-resistant and smudge-proof
  • Hypoallergenic formula for sensitive skin
  • Easy-to-use applicator
Cons
  • Not as effective on oily eyelids

With the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Liquid Eyeliner, you're in complete control. One of our best (and favorite) drugstore liquid eyeliners, this product offers a precision tip so you can decide how thick or thin you want to apply your lines.

The ultra-precise, flexible tip creates fluid strokes for a beautifully defined finish. Whether you want to apply fine lines or thick lines, you control it by how much pressure you apply.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Liquid Eyeliner uses intense pigmentation to provide incredible color, no matter what type of look you're going for. And because this matte-finish liquid eyeliner is water-resistant and smudge-proof, it will last throughout the day and into the night without rubbing or fading. And isn't that what everyone wants in an eyeliner?

And when you buy products from NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, you know you're supporting a company that is recognized by PETA as cruelty-free and does not use animal testing when developing and producing their products.

Readily available and extremely budget-friendly, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Liquid Eyeliner is a smart choice for creating whatever look you want at a fraction of the cost of high-end, luxury brands.

Key Features
  • Precision brush tip
  • Long-lasting, smudge-proof formula
  • Matte finish
  • Cruelty-free
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Water-Resistant
  • Wear Time: Long-Lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.06 fl oz
Pros
  • Water-resistant and smudge-proof
  • Intense pigment
  • Matte finish
Cons
  • Eyeliner may bleed some during application

If you're all about precision in a eyeliner, look to L'Oreal Paris and its Voluminous Liner Noir, one of our best drugstore liquid eyeliners, from a brand name that's been a leader in the beauty biz for many, many years.

Lines are simple to draw thanks to the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Liner Noir eyeliner's ultra-fine tip; and when considering an eyeliner, that's a huge benefit. The more precision and control you have, the easier it is to create the look you want. And the 0.1 mm tip provides you with that precision.

So, we know L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Liner Noir offers precise control. But did you know that it also goes on smoothly and dries quickly? Easy application + not having to wait for the liner to dry = much happier mornings for you.

While this liner isn't waterproof and may lack the staying power of some other eyeliners out there, L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Liner Noir is still a high-quality choice at a great value, which makes it one of our best drugstore liquid eyeliners on the market.

Key Features
  • Ultra-fine 0.01MM tip
  • Quick-drying
  • Smudge-proof formula
Specifications
  • Waterproof: No
  • Wear Time: Long-Lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.014 fl oz
Pros
  • Dries quickly
  • Goes on dark
  • Ultra-fine tip allows for precise lines
Cons
  • Is not waterproof or water-resistant
  • Not as smudge-proof as it could be

If you're looking for an impressive liquid eyeliner that'll keep up with your lifestyle — at a very budget-friendly price — Get in Line! COVERGIRL's Get in Line Active Eyeliner, that is.

If you're a gym-goer or a runner or someone's who's constantly on the move, COVERGIRL Get In Line Active Eyeliner is the one you want. That's because it's waterproof, sweat-proof, and designed to stay on for 24 hours. In other words, it can take your level of activity.

Despite its durability and intense color, COVERGIRL Get In Line Active Eyeliner is easy to apply thanks to its contour-grip handle and fine tip, which make it effortless to create precise lines, a winged look, or whatever style you prefer. And it's just as easy to remove at the end of the day with only soap and water.

You know COVERGIRL is a tried-and-true brand (and is now officially certified cruelty-free!) and you know you need a liquid eyeliner that will withstand your active daily grind. So why not go with COVERGIRL Get In Line Active Eyeliner, one of our best drugstore liquid eyeliners.

Key Features
  • Sweat- and waterproof formula
  • Up to 24-hour wear
  • Brush tip applicator
  • Lightweight feel
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Wear Time: Up to 24 hours
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.08 fl oz
Pros
  • Formulated to last 24 hours
  • Removes easily with just soap and water
  • Waterproof
  • Contour-grip handle and fine tip for precise lines
Cons
  • Long brush handle takes getting used to
  • Tends to run when still wet

When you need a reliable liquid eyeliner — one you know won't dry out, that will go on smoothly, and will easily create the look you want — the Wet n Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner is one you can count on.

Thanks to high-definition pigmentation, Wet n Wild Megaliner provides the bold burst of intense color you're looking for to create your favorite looks. And even though the color is dark and strong, Wet n Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner dries quickly so you can move on with your day.

You also want to be able to stand behind a product you use, something you're proud to tell your friends about. And you can do that with Wet n Wild Megaliner because it's a cruelty-free and vegan-friendly brand.

While Wet n Wild's brand name may not have the cachet as Revlon, COVERGIRL, L'Oreal Paris, and Maybelline, among others, it certainly belongs in the conversation because it produces several high-quality beauty products. And that includes the Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner, which earned its spot on our list of best drugstore liquid eyeliners.

Key Features
  • High-definition pigment
  • Quick drying
  • Flexible brush
  • Cruelty-free
Specifications
  • Waterproof: No
  • Wear Time: Long-Lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.12 fl oz
Pros
  • High-definition pigment for intense color
  • Quick-drying formula
  • Cruelty-free
  • Goes on easily
Cons
  • Not waterproof
  • Applicator brush not flexible

If you had to create a checklist of all the traits you want in a liquid eyeliner, would it include...rich pigment? Easy application? Quick drying? Long-lasting? Smudge-proof? Cruelty-free? If you nodded yes to all of these features, then you should pick up e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Liquid Eyeliner.

Let's go back to the beginning. You want a liquid eyeliner to have strong pigmentation so you can create an intense cat-eye, a winged look, or a smoky eye — and you want to be able to draw precise lines effortlessly. Then, once it's been applied, you also want it to dry quickly so it doesn't rub.

Now you're at work or out with friends — you'll want this eyeliner to stay in place all day and night while resisting smudges along the way. And finally, you want to feel good about the product you're buying, so you'll have peace of mind knowing the e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Liquid Eyeliner is PETA-certified as cruelty-free and vegan.

So, yeah...e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Liquid Eyeliner has everything you want in a liquid eyeliner, which is why it finds a spot on our list of best drugstore liquid eyeliners.

Key Features
  • Long-lasting wear
  • Smudge-proof formula
  • Tapered brush
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
Specifications
  • Waterproof: No
  • Wear Time: Long-Lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.13 fl oz
Pros
  • Dries quickly
  • Smudge-proof formula
  • Designed for long-lasting wear
  • Rich pigmentation
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
  • Not waterproof
  • Can start flaking if left on too long

Well, this is different. And it looks kind of fun, too! There's nothing common about the Milani Eye Tech Perfection Liquid Eyeliner...and that's a good thing!

Let's start with the obvious — the high-tech ergonomic felt tip tool. You won't see this design on many (or any) other liquid eyeliners. The tip offers incredible precision for lines of any thickness, and the tool is designed for comfortable application, though the different shape may take a few tries to get used to. But once you do, the results are well worth it.

Once applied, Milani Eye Tech Perfection Liquid Eyeliner delivers an intense, deep color that won't fade or smudge throughout the day. In fact, it's also water-resistant to stand up to sweat and rain while keeping you looking amazing.

As a brand, Milani is all about real people, not models. Their goal is to keep real people looking great with products that are cruelty-free, vegan, and easily available and affordable. In short, it's the total package, and so is their Eye Tech Perfection Liquid Eyeliner, one of our top drugstore liquid eyeliners.

Key Features
  • Long-lasting wear
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Water-resistant, smudge-proof formula
  • High-tech, ergonomic felt tip tool
  • Non-feathering
Specifications
  • Waterproof: Water-Resistant
  • Wear Time: Long-Lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.01 fl oz
Pros
  • Won't feather
  • Ergonomic felt tip tool is easy to use
  • Water-resistant, smudge-proof formula for long-lasting wear
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
  • Shape of applicator takes getting used to

Zooey Deschanel. Rita Ora. Kate Moss. Solange Knowles. What do these four celebrities have in common? They've all proudly represented the UK beauty brand Rimmel London. And part of the reason why is because Rimmel makes fine products — their Exaggerate Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner Pen is no exception.

While the Rimmel name isn't quite as recognizable as some of the others out there, it's still easy enough to find their products in local stores and online. And if you're looking for a liquid eyeliner, it's a good idea to seek out Rimmel's Exaggerate Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner Pen for quite a few reasons.

First off, this eyeliner provides bold pigmentation that will stay put for a good part of your day. And though it's not water-resistant, it does fend off smudging quite well, leaving behind only a beautiful matte finish whether you're going for a winged look or a cat-eye.

Combine those features with a price that's very easy on the wallet, and you can see why Rimmel London's Exaggerate Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner Pen makes our list of best drugstore liquid eyeliners.

Key Features
  • Strong, dark pigmentation
  • Long-lasting wear
  • Matte finish
  • Smudge-proof formula
Specifications
  • Wear Time: Long-Lasting
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.08 fl oz
Pros
  • Smudge-proof
  • Designed to wear for most of the day
  • Oil-free formula
  • Strong pigmentation
Cons
  • Not waterproof or water-resistant
  • Tip is a bit blunt, making it harder to draw precise lines

OK, here's the skinny — Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner is the one for you if you're all about precision application. Oh, and not breaking the bank. Its main attraction (aside from its extremely budget-friendly price tag) is an ultra-fine tip that delivers precise lines yet intense color in just one stroke — talk about efficient!

When you're spending precious time in front of the mirror every morning carefully applying eyeliner, the last thing you want is for it to rub off or smudge a few hours into your day. Fortunately, Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner offers plenty of staying power (it's in the name, after all) so you don't have to deal with any touch-ups during the course of your busy day. Big win.

Whether you're going for a cat-eye look or one that's winged, you'll love how easily and effectively Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner's brush applies the liner for a gorgeous look every time.

With Revlon cosmetics, you know you're getting a quality product from a trusted name, and their ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner is no exception. Considering how good it looks and how little it costs, you really can't go wrong.

Key Features
  • Mistake-proof control
  • All-day wear
  • Ultra-fine 0.1mm skinny tip
  • Smudge-free formula
Specifications
  • Waterproof: No
  • Wear Time: All-Day
  • Product Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 0.08 fl oz
Pros
  • Ultra-fine tip for precision lines
  • Rich, intense color in one stroke
  • Ophthalmologist-tested to be safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • Smudge-proof formula for all-day wear
Cons
  • Not waterproof or water-resistant

All those liquid eyeliners on the shelves and online... Which one should you buy? Great question, and that's what we're here to help you answer. We're taking a look at what we think are the 10 best drugstore liquid eyeliners (ones you can easily find at your local pharmacy or brick-and-mortar store, as well as online).

So, what do you want in a liquid eyeliner? Probably precise control so you can create your favorite looks, whether that's winged, cat eye, natural, smoky, or shimmery. Bold color, so your look truly stands out. Long-lasting wear, so your fabulous look stays in place throughout the day. Smudge resistance, so you don't have to worry about rubs or runs. Water-resistant or waterproof eyeliner is also a plus since it'll stand up to rain and sweat — no runs while you're running! From a personal perspective, you also may want to stick with brands that are certified cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. We'll cover all of those features in our list so you know exactly what you're getting.

As this is a list of best drugstore liquid eyeliners, you'll find familiar brand names like Revlon, COVERGIRL, L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline New York, and Neutrogena. You'll also see products from brands that may not be household names (NYX, e.l.f., Milani, Wet n Wild, and Rimmel London), but make liquid eyeliners that rival (or even surpass) the names you know.

Like most beauty products, what you experience may not be the same as what others experience. Our reviews are a great place to start, though — even if everyone's skin and style are a bit different. A liquid eyeliner that looks gorgeous on someone with drier skin may not have the same impact on someone with an oily complexion. Various products may itch or burn some people, but they may be perfectly comfortable for you to wear. Unfortunately, finding the perfect product sometimes requires a little bit of trial and error until you finally get the right one, which then becomes your long-term go-to.

Many of these products also appear very similar on the surface; after all, what company wouldn't advertise that their eyeliner is smudge-proof and long-lasting and the best ever? Sometimes it's one or two small features that can tip the scales toward one product, and hopefully the information we provide helps you make an educated decision based on your preferences and how they match with each eyeliner's features as well as pros and cons.

With all that in mind, we wish you luck on your crusade to find the best drugstore liquid eyeliner!

FAQ

What is the point of eyeliner?

Eyeliner was created to make your lashes look fuller, but it has since developed into a much more creative beauty tool. Today, beauty queens use eyeliner to enhance the shape of their eyes and to draw attention to certain aspects of their eyes. Whether you’re looking to make your eyes pop or to highlight your natural beauty, applying eyeliner can make that happen. There’s an eyeliner approach that works for every eye shape. And applying eyeliner gives you a naturally bold look without overdoing it. Plus, exploring styles like winged eyeliner gives you a creative outlet that enhances your natural beauty.

Where do you apply liquid eyeliner?

Everyone has different eyeliner strategies that work for them, so start by exploring your comfort zone. A good place to begin might be the external corner of your eye. Give yourself a bit of a wing by applying small brush strokes. Once you’re ready to begin exploring the next zone, you can apply liquid eyeliner to all around your eyelash line. The most common application spots for liquid eyeliner are the corners and the lash line. Additionally, there’s room for exploration around both your inner and outer lash line. By exploring the inner line, you might find a more discreet approach to eyeliner. And the outer lash gives you a bolder look.

How can I make my eyes look bigger?

The best approach to making your eyes look bigger is to explore your highlights. By adding a light tone to your brow bone and the internal edges of your eyes, you’ll bring more attention to the natural hues of your eyes. You can also use eyelash lifters like mascara or artificial lashes. Artificial lashes give your eyes a broader look, framing your eyes in a complementary way. But make sure to find the right lash shape or you could have the opposite effect, and shrink the apparent size of your eyes. Approaches that work the best include highlights around your eye region and boldening of your eyes.

How are you supposed to apply eyeliner?

Regardless of the type of eyeliner you are using, it’s best to start the application from the inner corners of your eyes and work your way outward. Depending on your desired look, there are many creative ways to apply eyeliner. You can apply eyeliner on your inner or outer lash line. Or you can apply it on both, for an extremely bold look. But it’s also important to note that eyeliner will come off of your lower eyelid much faster than your upper eyelid because we blink so often. Mastering eyeliner application takes time and effort, but it’s worth the effort.

Is eyeliner harmful to your eyes?

Any time you choose to use pointed objects near your eyes, there’s a risk that you could hurt your eyes. But makeup application can be harmful in other ways as well. We usually don’t think about makeup tools as dirty tools since we use them in such intimate places. But eyeliner (like other applicators) can collect bacteria or fungi over the course of time. This is particularly concerning for people who like to apply eyeliner to the inner lid. If you’re concerned about the potential hazards associated with eyeliner application, consider swapping out your liner somewhat frequently so your tools won’t have the chance to build up creepy crawlies.

What kind of eyeliner is the easiest type to apply?

For beginner beauty enthusiasts, pencil eyeliner is the easiest type of eyeliner to apply. Pencil eyeliner is much less messy than its liquid counterparts. It can easily be adjusted or removed (while liquid eyeliner can be tough to cleanly remove from your eyes). And on top of the easy adjustments, pencil eyeliner is less likely to smudge while you’re applying it. The distribution of pencil eyeliner tends to be much simpler than that of liquid eyeliner. And you can control the width of your eyeliner tips so it’s easier to control the eyeliner outcome. Whether you’re a new makeup enthusiast or an old one, it’s much easier to control pencil eyeliner than its counterparts.

Resources—Makeup.comMarie Claire, Beautified Design

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