If we were forced to pare down our makeup bags to just the essentials, many of us would choose liquid liner as one of the first to go. It's not because we don't love how it looks — a sharp cat eye can really make a lewk — but the application can be tricky for, well, most people.
But it doesn't have to be that way. It's not necessarily that we're getting better at doing our liner; brands are just finally creating options that are easier to use. In pursuit of the perfect pen that's both easy to apply and tough enough to stay on all day, we tried $120 worth of liquid eyeliner to crown this year's winners of the Beauty Innovator Awards.
Ahead, see the three eyeliners we're stocking up on into 2020 — and two runner-up formulas that make liner more of a must-have and less of an easy throwaway.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. Check out the rest of the 2019 Beauty Innovator Award winners.
Benefit Roller Liner
Our editors couldn't get enough of this matte liquid liner this year — it glides on so smoothly, so there's never any skipping or tugging as you draw. Plus, it's a waterproof formula, so you can make it through a long night or workout class without getting raccoon eyes.
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Liner Liquid Eyeliner, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Sephora Collection Brush Tip Liquid Liner
You don't need to worry about retracing over your lines with this ultra-black, virtually fade-proof pigment. The flexible tip also provides easy control whether you're drawing sharp lines or a dramatic cat eye. (Yes, we just used "cat eye" and "easy" in the same sentence.)
Sephora Collection Hot Line Brush Tip Liquid Liner, $, available at Sephora
Physicians Formula Eye Booster Waterproof Ultra-Fine Eyeliner
Not only does this waterproof liner deliver a pigmented, fast-drying line, but it also has a lash-conditioning serum in the formula to strengthen lashes — all for under $12.
Physician's Formula Physicians Formula Eye Booster Waterproof Ultra-Fine L, $, available at Ulta Beauty
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eyeliner
Cat eyes are a commitment: Unless you're a pro, you're going to need some time and patience to get it just right (on both eyes, to boot). To make the whole process a little easier, L'Oréal came to the rescue with a waterproof liner that comes with a cat-eye stencil for fool-proof application.
L'Oreal Paris Flash Cat Eyeliner, $, available at Target
M·A·C Cosmetics Dual Dare All-Day Waterproof Liner
Why have just one liner when you can have two in one? With this hybrid, you get a matte, liquid felt-tip brush on one end and a mechanical kajal pencil on the other. You have the choice to create sharp or smoked-out lines — or even a combination of both.
MAC Dual Dare All Day Waterproof Liner, $, available at Ulta Beauty
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