Cat eyeliner is one of the most fun parts of my makeup routine. No matter what kind of look I’m doing, I’m always adding a bold wing to add flair to an average Tuesday morning. I’ve been doing it since high school and can confidently say I’m a pro–but sometimes I still trip up! It can take some time to get the hang of perfecting a cat eye, especially if you’re using a flimsy liner brush. It’s all about finding the right products, and, of course, practice makes perfect. Keep reading for the 18 best eyeliners to give you that fierce cat eye every time.
Liquid Eyeliners
This is my current holy grail product. The Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Liner is a dupe for the KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner (next up on this list) and is easily one of my best-ever drugstore finds. The brush is nice and flexible without skipping, and the intense black color lasts all day long.
If you’re looking to be a little bougie on your next makeup run, try the KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner, an award-winning liner with ultra-staying power. Make sure to store it flat and shake it before using. You can use the brown shade, Mad Max Brown, for the cutest faux freckles on your face.
Lancôme, you never disappoint. One of the more expensive choices on this list, the Idole Ultra-Precise Liquid Eyeliner, is luxury in a tiny tube. It has up to 24 hours of waterproof wear and has ergonomic packaging, so you always maintain a good grip on it and are in full control.
I have a complicated relationship with the e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner. The color payoff is insane, but the brush can be difficult to control, meaning more accidents are prone to happen. I recommend this one for those who have a bit of experience with drawing on wings.
Drug store deals, we love you! The Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner has a precise brush and comes with a detachable wing stencil to give you a flawless wing every single time. It’s an excellent option for those looking to save some money.
PYT Beauty is a relatively new brand in the makeup space, but don’t make the mistake of overlooking them! The Wingman Liquid Liner, along with having an adorable name, leaves an opaque satin finish and an immense feeling of satisfaction. If you’re looking for something else from the brand to try, I recommend the Beauty Baby Got Base Face Primer.
The Beauty Bakerie Lollipop Liners Liquid Eyeliner is as effective as it is whimsical. The jet-black formula is smudge-proof and waterproof, and it comes in packaging that looks like a pink lollipop. What’s not to love?
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Stila’s popular Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner will do the job and do it well. It comes in lesser-seen shades like charcoal, dark green and stark white for that extra burst of creativity you’ve been craving. It’s safe for sensitive eyes and folks who wear contact lenses.
FENTY’s Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner guarantees you won’t need to retrace your steps. The hyper-saturated formula leaves a gorgeous satin finish–if Rihanna is the brains behind something, of course, it’s going to be good! The container is in a triangle shape for easy grip and application.
The Glamnetic Black Liquid Magnetic Eyeliner is a multi-tasker if I’ve ever seen one. It’s safe for sensitive eyes and folks who wear contact lenses. You can apply Glamnetic lashes to the liner once it’s dry for a two-in-one makeup product that Ulta reviewers rave about.
Pencils, Pomades & Glitter Eyeliners
Have you ever seen a more aesthetically-pleasing pot of liner? The KVD Beauty Super Pomade is a three-in-one superhero: you can use it as eyeliner, shadow, or brow pigment. The smooth, creamy formula provides instant color for your boldest look yet. It comes in a variety of bright shades you won’t find just anywhere.
This is for all you glitter lovers out there. The Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner combines super-fine sparkles with a clear base that quickly dries down after application. Unlike watery formulas, the liner is suspended in a gel, meaning it won’t separate in the bottle–no shaking necessary.
Of course, I had to include the cult favorite 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil from Urban Decay. It comes in 37 stunning shades, from a vibrant cobalt blue to a sparkly neon green to a pearly red-eggplant combo. The moisturizing formula is made with vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil.
Gel Eyeliners
Treslúce Beauty is singer Becky G’s makeup brand. The Treslúce Beauty Intenso Gel Liner is inspired by vivid Mexican pottery and party decor in all shades of the rainbow. The liners come in a range of matte and shimmer finishes. They can also be used as lip liners, on the cheeks or on the brows.
Ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested MAC’s Pro Longwear Fluidline checks all of the boxes for a gel pot eyeliner. This is a must for those who prefer to use their own tried and true brush (mine is the e.l.f. Game Up Angled Brush) rather than a pencil or felt tip.
Another solid gel pot selection, the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is sweat, smudge and humidity-resistant, ready for wherever the day takes you. The high pigmentation lets you experiment with lines from subtle to bold and everything in between.
