One of the world’s most famous women was known for her signature eyeliner: Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. Her black kohl-rimmed eyes were part of her iconic beauty and it is a look that endures today, albeit in slightly more subtle styles. More recent history saw the liquid liner looks from classic Hollywood, as seen on Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, all the rage in the 1950s. And of course, the sultry cat-eye flick at the corner of the lid was uber-popular during the swinging sixties. Liquid eyeliner had a major resurgence in the 1990s and 2000s in the supermodel era, so suffice to say at this point it’s a definite make-up bag essential. When it comes to liquid liners, however, it’s important to do your research to know exactly which ones are worth investing in.
DiorShow Pro Liner
With its bevel tip, this DiorShow Pro Liner gives you an added edge in creating eyeliner looks because you can angle the tip for a thick, thin or somewhere in between line of color. It is a gel formula that is waterproof so it will last all day (and night), but we love how easy it glides on, offering the precision of a pencil but the defined, buildable formula of a liquid.
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Yves Saint Laurent Couture Liquid Eyeliner
The brains behind YSL beauty have created a formula that not only glides onto lids with a perfect thin line every time, but it also has a “triple lash growth complex” to fortify and strengthen eyelashes. The tiny brush allows you to build out the liner, which dries to a pristine matte finish.
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Lancome Grandiose Liner
If you want a high-tech eyeliner look no further than Lancome’s Grandiose with its 35-degree bendable wand to allow you ultimate flexibility. The wand can get ultra-close to your lash line, and it also pivots, so you can easily move it across the lid. And did we mention the bottle is also gorgeous? It comes in eight shades and is smudge-proof.
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Urban Decay Razor Sharp Liquid Eyeliner
They aren’t kidding with the name, the applicator brush tip is ultra-fine, giving you precision for a thin line, while a slight turn of the wrist gives you the ability to thicken, swerve or curve the formula to suit every mood and style. The range offers 20 colors and finishes – metallic to matte – to up your game for nighttime glamour.
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L’Oreal Paris Matte Signature Precise Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner
This is definitely the most affordable in this category but we loved it for its easy to use applicator. The tip is thin for precision, but the wand has a thick “controlled grip zone” for newbies that will steady even the most nervous hand. Press it lightly for a thin line, press a bit harder for thicker lines. It’s also waterproof with a matte finish.
