How To Choose The Right Liquid Eyeliner

Getting your cat-eye flick on point is not so much about technique as it is about which product you use. The brush tip and formula matter, especially in these five scenarios.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Getting your cat-eye flick on point is not so much about technique as it is about which product you use. The brush tip and formula matter, especially in these five scenarios.

If you’re an eyelining noob

What to use: A non-waterproof eyeliner with a pen-like tip for better control, and in brown so that mistakes are less obvious, says makeup artist Sha Shamsi.

3ina The Matte Pen Eyeliner, $23. 
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3ina The 2 in 1 Pen Eyeliner, $23.

If you tear easily or have sensitive eyes
What to use: a formula that dries to a solid film. Makeup artist Larry Yeo says: “Avoid those with ‘super black pigment’ – they can irritate sensitive eyes.” 
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L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Black Lacquer, $20.90.

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M.A.C Liquidlast Liner, $38. It will not budge even if you go swimming while wearing it.
 
If you have oily lids
What to use: smudge-proof, always. “Use a gel liner first, then go over it with a liquid eyeliner to make it last even longer,” says Sha.
 
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Mamonde Long-lasting Liquid Eyeliner, $17.

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Dior Diorshow On Stage Liner, $50. This works best if you don’t have hooded lids.

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Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner – Micro Tip, $32, from Sephora.
 
If you have flaky lids
What to use: Apply eye cream first, then use an eyeliner with a softer tip, says Yeo. Draw short strokes, which are more precise than one long stroke, says Sha. Avoid eye makeup if the flakiness is caused by an allergic reaction or eczema.
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Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner, $30.
If you have mature, crepey lids

What to use: First, use a gel or pencil eyeliner, which glides more easily over uneven skin. Then, use a liquid eyeliner to define, says Yeo. Apply minimal pressure and go slowly for better control over the line, says Sha.

TEXT KAYCE TEO

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Kate Tokyo Quick Lock Liquid Liner WP, $17.