17 Of The Best Drugstore Liquid Eyeliners Under $10 – 2024
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Savanah Norman is a full time professional makeup artist with six years of experience in the field. She originally started college studying fashion design but took a leap of faith to start accepting clients when she knew makeup was her passion. Since 2017, she has put her whole heart into becoming a better artist and business owner.
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Experience: 2 yearsShalini Roy has a Master's degree in English literature from Pondicherry University. She is an ambivert whose expressions have found their way in writing. She channels her passion for all things fashion and makeup to write engaging content related to beauty and lifestyle and has two years of experience.
Read full bio of Shalini Roy
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Liquid eyeliners have become a fashion staple, and they can transform your look entirely in just one single swipe. Getting the precise look can be a struggle as most eyeliners have a runny consistency and hard-to-use applicators that get smudged easily. Thankfully, with an array of options out there, you can easily find the best drugstore liquid eyeliners that will not dig a hole in your pocket. Whether you are looking for the ultimate smudge-proof product or the perfect applicator for a precise, thin line, there is an eyeliner for everyone. We have listed the 17 best drugstore picks trusted by professional makeup artists in this post. Have a look!
In This Article
17 Of The Best Drugstore Eyeliners Under $10
1. Best Smudge-Proof Eyeliner:Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner
This waterproof eyeliner features an ultra-fine tip that delivers laser-sharp precision for the most defined line. This bold eyeliner is long-wearing and water- and smudge-proof, delivering precise definition in just one stroke. You may check more about this product in this video.
- Easy and precise application
- Water and smudge-proof
- Very pigmented
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- Dries up quickly
- Fades rather easily
Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner Review
This drugstore liquid eyeliner is one of the celebrity-endorsed brand Maybelline’s most popular products. If you are a beginner and have just started off with liquid eyeliners, this one’s great for a first start, and it’s really easy to use. Even when layered, it doesn’t give the awful patchy look. This one looks just like a calligraphy pen, and its small tip allows for super sharp, precise wings. One of the best drugstore liquid eyeliners! However, it is recommended to conduct a patch test before committing to this liner for consistent use.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 4,357 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. Best Mess-Free Application:Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen
This intense liquid eyeliner pen adds drama to your eyes and helps create any eyeliner look – soft or dramatic – with its tapered felt tip. The ultra-precise design of the tip makes it perfect for a mess-free application. This black-colored eyeliner stays up to 16 hours and is ideal for daily wear. Makeup artists and reviewers alike praise its exceptional results and versatility in creating stunning eye looks. Check out this video to learn more.
- Highly pigmented, intense black color
- Tapered felt-tip
- Easy and mess-free application
- Glides on smoothly
- Tends to smudge on rubbing
- Not waterproof
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen Review
This easy-to-use eyeliner by Revlon, named ‘Blackest Black,’ comes in a pen packaging. Its consistency is neither too thick nor too runny, and the felt tip makes it really easy to use. It’s great for everyday wear and will easily stay on for a good 11-12 hours. Coming to the pigmentation, we noticed that we had to go over the line a few times to intensify the black because one stroke didn’t seem enough. However, that did not ruin the look. If you have oily eyelids, you will love this eyeliner as it won’t budge at all!
3. Best Ultra-Fine Tip: Milani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner
The Milani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner allows you to create a thin, medium, or thick line just by switching up the angle you hold it. This fine-tipped eyeliner has a waterproof, smudge-proof, and long-lasting formula that glides on smoothly on your lid and stays right where you put it for 17 hours. This vegan formula is also humidity- and sweat-resistant. Ethically conscious consumers are obsessed with the product because it does not undergo any animal testing.
- Vegan
- Easy to apply
- Long-wearing
- Waterproof
- Smooth flow of product
- Dries down quickly
- Highly pigmented
- Some may not find the sponge tip easy to use
Pro TipMilani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner Review
This liquid eyeliner by Milani comes in a sleek pen-brush design. Say goodbye to back-and-forth eyeliner action and embrace this smooth gliding liner. Reviewers have praised it for being one of the most pigmented liquid liners in the drugstore market. You don’t need to worry about your eyeliner smudging or transferring for at least 17 hours as it is completely waterproof and sweat-proof.
4. Best Self-Sharpening Design:Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner
Create smokey, cat-eye, or doe-eye looks with ease with the Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner from the celebrity-endorsed brand Covergirl. It has a self-sharpening design that helps you draw perfect lines every single time. This ophthalmologist-tested eyeliner also has a soft smudger tip which allows you to blend your liner evenly. This super-precise eyeliner also offers you control and versatility. This product is not tested on animals, which makes it suitable for people seeking ethically conscious makeup options.
- Easy to apply
- Easy to remove
- Soft smudger tip
- Smooth formula
- Cruelty-free
- Not suitable for application on the waterline
- Dries out quickly
Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner Review
The precision eyeliner creates neat lines and comes with a special built-in sponge that helps you achieve the perfect smudged-smokey look. It glides smoothly without any clumps. The creamy texture of the formula makes the application very easy and spares you the tugging. This smoky eyeliner can be easily layered when you need a reapplication without making your lids appear patchy. It is also easy to remove with any basic makeup remover or cleanser.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,918 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
5. Best Rich Black Formula:L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Liner Noir Liquid Eyeliner Pen
L’oreal Paris presents Voluminous Liner Noir Liquid eyeliner pen in a rich, black formula. You can now create mesmerizing feline looks with its ultra-fine 0.1 MM felt tip for sleek and easy application. Reviews have praised the quick-drying eyeliner’s unique packaging shape that provides added control and precision.
- Extremely pigmented black
- Pen applicator for smooth and precise application
- Fine tip
- Does not rub off easily
- Glides on smoothly
- Tends to slightly smudge on hot days
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Liner Noir Liquid Eyeliner Pen Review
If you are looking for a less expensive alternative to Stila’s liquid eyeliner, this one is close enough and way cheaper. It comes in the form of a marker pen that gives you a whole lot of control over the thickness of the line. It helps you achieve the perfect wing without much effort, unlike the traditional liquid liners. The formula is very smooth, and it does not clump. What more can you want from an eyeliner?
Pro Tip6. Best Easy To Apply: NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
The NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner is your best pick if you want to achieve the perfect cat-eye liner look. This liquid-to-matte eyeliner has an ultra-thin and precise felt brush tip that is so smooth and flexible that you can line your eye with only one stroke. It is easily controllable and gives you the most dramatic eyes. Watch this video for more information about the product.
- Waterproof
- Intensely pigmented
- Smudge-proof
- Matte finish
- Vegan
- Long-lasting
None
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner Review
The super thin felt brush tip of NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner is all you need if you are a beginner who wants to ace the bold cat-eye look. Its fluid formula makes it very easy to glide on. It applies evenly without smudging or getting patchy. Though it is slightly difficult to remove, you are sure to fall in love with this long-wearing eyeliner.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 8,684 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
7. Best Quick Drying Formula:e.l.f Expert Liquid Eyeliner
With the new e.l.f Expert Eyeliner, say no more to tugging or pulling with its easy glide formula. This smudge-proof liner is rich in color, creating a long-lasting, defined look.
- Good pigmentation that’s Buildable
- Dries quickly
- Easy and precise application
- Available in five shades
- Smudge-proof and water-proof
- Less quantity
e.l.f Expert Liquid Eyeliner Review
If you like the traditional eyeliner bottle, this one’s a great product that has a thin brush for the perfect winged eyeliner. It’s a solid black that gives a translucent line in one swipe, but the intensity of the black isn’t the best. It gives you a good, satin finish. Coming to its staying power – it’s decent, and it does not flake off or break and stays put till you actually remove it with a makeup remover. Anyway, this $3 eyeliner is definitely worth every penny.
8. Best Long-Lasting Product:Rimmel Exaggerate Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner
If you are going for an extravagant, bold eye look, Rimmel London Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner is perfect for you. Its felt-tip applicator delivers its highly pigmented formula effortlessly. The tapered applicator is comfortable to hold and easy to control. Its smooth and fine texture deposits enough liner to create a perfect line in a single stroke.
- Affordable
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Long-lasting
- Smudge-proof
- Waterproof
- Dries very quickly
Rimmel Exaggerate Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner Review
This is one of the best drugstore felt-tip liquid eyeliners. It is run-proof, flake-proof, and smudge-proof. The product claims to last up to 16 hours with a classy matte finish. It is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact-lens wearers. The felt-tip delivers bold, winged eyeliner looks very precisely. To exaggerate the beauty of your eyes, this drugstore liquid eyeliner is your best pick.
9. Best Creamy Texture:Kiko Definition Waterproof Eyeliner
Kiko Definition Waterproof Eyeliner is a drugstore liquid eyeliner so creamy and buttery that you will never want to use any other eyeliner. It is formulated without parabens and is water-resistant. It glides on without tugging or pulling at the sensitive skin of the eyelids. Its thick consistency delivers a flawless finish that makes your eyes look gorgeous all day long.
- Sturdy packaging
- Long-lasting
- Smudge-proof
- Waterproof
- Difficult to remove
Kiko Definition Waterproof Eyeliner Review
This drugstore liquid eyeliner is a savior for people with oily eyelids or living in humid climate. The smudge-proof formula lasts up to 12 hours or more. The precise fine-tip applicator lines your eyelids sharply. The formula is extra black and glossy and dries in 30 seconds to give you some time to undo your mistakes. No flaking, no cracking – this super pigmented eyeliner gives you the most matte finish ever.
10. Best For Contact Lens Wearers:Almay Liquid Eyeliner
Almay’s unique inkwell design delivers fresh colors each time. It comes with a flexible tip applicator for mistake-proof control. Its water-resistant color stays on up to 16 hours.
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
- Smudge-proof
- Rich, matte color
- Dries fast
- Creates precise lines
- Dermatologist tested
- Not waterproof
- Not long-lasting
- Not suitable for oily eyelids
Almay Liquid Eyeliner Review
This eyeliner comes with an applicator that gives you more control when creating a wing or going for other creative looks. One swipe of the product gives rich color, and you can build it up to intensify it. It dries quickly and sets into a matte finish. Almay’s a winner when it comes to its staying power (on normal days) and its non-irritant formula; so, if you have sensitive eyes, you can go for this. This sure is one of our favorite drugstore picks!
11. Best Pigmented:Palladio Liquid Eyeliner
The Palladio Liquid Eyeliner comes with a felt tip applicator that glides smoothly on your lids. It is a highly pigmented, smear-proof formula that is blended with botanical extracts. This vitamin-infused liner is long-wearing. The applicator is easy to grip, allowing you to have full control while lining the lids. Additionally, this liner is paraben-free.
- Highly pigmented
- Easy-to-hold applicator
- Easy to apply
- Smear-proof
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
None
Palladio Liquid Eyeliner Review
This eyeliner comprises botanical and vitamin-enriched ingredients that do not your lids. The tip of the eyeliner is of the right width, suitable to achieve a dramatic eye look. Additionally, the applicator facilitates smooth application. The liner imparts a satin finish, so it will be perfect for nighttime makeup. However, you need to give the liner some time to dry and set otherwise it might smudge.
12. Best For Smooth Glide:Boots No7 Stay Precise Felt Tip Eyeliner
This felt tip liquid eyeliner by Boots makes for easy application, while its weightless formula lies comfortably on the eyes. The perfect sultry and dramatic frame for your eyes.
- Decent staying power
- Good packaging
- Easy to use
- Comes in different shades
- Glides on smoothly
- Poor color payoff
- Inconsistent finish
Boots No7 Stay Precise Felt Tip Eyeliner Review
This Boots eyeliner comes in very convenient packaging and is easy to use, but when we consider its color payoff and pigmentation, it’s disappointing. It needs more than one swatch to get an opaque finish. The longevity is decent, and it lasts for at least 6-7 hours without flaking off. This eyeliner isn’t super cheap – it’s in the mid-price range in drugstore brands, and there are better and less expensive drugstore options.
13. Best Vegan:Wet & Wild H20 Proof Liquid Liner
Cruelty-free, vegan, waterproof – what else does one need in an eyeliner? Wet & Wild H20 Proof Liquid Liner is a must-have in your travel makeup bag. From subtle, precise lines to bold, extravagant strokes – create your desired look using its fine applicator brush. This drugstore liquid vegan eyeliner is long-lasting and available in two classic shades.
- Smudge-proof
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Inexpensive
- Sticky formula
- Might cause eye irritation
- Tugs or pulls on eyelids
Wet & Wild H20 Proof Liquid Liner Review
The formula might feel a bit too sticky and difficult to apply. Thus, it is not the best choice for anyone with sensitive eyes. The waterproof matte finish is so appealing that you’d ask for nothing else at this price. The transfer-resistant eyeliner offers decent pigmentation, and its pen-like applicator is great for makeup newbies.
14. Best For Full Coverage:Black Radiance Fine Line Liquid Eyeliner
Black Radiance Fine Line Liquid Eyeliner makes looking fabulous, absolutely effortless. Master any line style – from thin feline-flicks to bold, thick lines just by adding a second swipe! Reviewers rave about this liner for how gently it swipes across the eyelid. This is your one-liquid liner for every kind of drama.
- Easy application
- Fine tip
- Smudge-resistant
- Dries fast
- Not waterproof
Black Radiance Fine Line Liquid Eyeliner Review
The Black Radiance Fine Line Liquid Eyeliner is available in a dark black shade that offers rich pigmentation to enhance your overall eye makeup look. It has a great formulation that dries very quickly, and its felt tip creates a precise line for a winged liner. One swipe gives a translucent black, while multiple swipes give you your desired color. Though it is not much resistant to water or sweat, but for $3, this one gives you the best of both worlds and is worth a shot.
15. Best Hypoallergenic Formula:Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum
The statement-making Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum is the dream pick for makeup enthusiasts. A liquid eyeliner with a lash-boosting formula is all you need to safeguard your lashes while adding definition to your pretty eyes. It improves the appearance of your lashes by lifting them from the roots. This high-tech dual formula is dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Reviewers love the effect it has on their eyes and overall appearance.
- Adds volume to lashes
- Smudge-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for people with sensitive eyes and contact-lens wearers
None
16. Best Hypoallergenic Formula:Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum Review
The lash booster formula of this liquid eyeliner nourishes and conditions your lashes while improving their appearance. This sleek and stylish eyeliner pen is easy to hold and control for drawing precise lines. This highly pigmented wet eyeliner is available in three shades that stay put all day long.
17. Best Flake-Proof Formula:Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner’s razor-sharp precision helps you achieve the dramatic cat-eye look effortlessly. It is formulated with natural honey and coconut that nourish your lashes. It is a smudge-resistant eyeliner that lasts all day long without flaking.
- Water-resistant
- Smudge-proof
- Flake-proof
- Hypoallergenic
- Highly pigmented
None
Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner Review
The ultra-sharp razor tip of this pen eyeliner glides smoothly on the eyelids without tugging the skin. It delivers rich color in just a single swipe. This quick-drying eyeliner lasts perfectly throughout the day. If perfecting that winged-eye look has been a task for you, pick this pen and up your eye game instantly.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 2,524 rave reviews on Amazon.
[ Also Try – Music Flower Long Wear Gel Eyeliner ]
Now that you know all about the best drugstore eyeliners available online, check out our buying guide to pick the best one according to your needs, along with some tips for applying eyeliner.
Buying Guide For Drugstore Eyeliners
How To Choose A Drugstore Eyeliner?
Choosing the right kind of eyeliner might seem intimidating, but is easy if you know what kind of look you want to create:
- Gel eyeliners are great if you love your cat-eye, winged looks. Their creamy and thick consistency works easily with a brush.
- If you want precise, sleek lines, go for a liquid eyeliner. Paired with a felt-tip applicator, it allows you control to create your desired look without getting messy.
- If you are a beginner who wants to take their smokey-eye game up a notch, a pencil liner is a perfect choice for you. Sharpening it might be a pain, but its smoothness and ability to smudge perfectly is worth the hassle.
What Tips Should Be Followed While Using Any Drugstore Eyeliner?
Applying eyeliner can get messy, but here are a few pointers to fix your wings:
- Choose the color of your expertly crafted eyeliner based on the kind of definition you want to create.
- Always rest your elbow on a flat surface while applying eyeliner.
- Use a concealer or a primer to hide any mistakes.
- A clear lip gloss also does wonders in removing smudge eyeliner.
- Outline the look you want to create with a pencil, then fill it in with the liner of your choice.
- Fix your mistakes using a cotton swab.
- Choose the right brush to apply your gel liner.
- Always sharpen your pencil eyeliner for precise application and smudging.
- Let the liquid eyeliner dry first before making any changes.
Infographic: Liquid Eyeliners Styling Tips
Drugstore liquid eyeliners are affordable and accessible options for achieving precise and stylish eye makeup looks. With fine brush tips and smooth formulas, they enable ease of application to create various eyeliner styles, from subtle definitions to bold winged looks. Check out the infographic below for liquid eyeliner hacks and enhance your eyes with precision and creativity.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
While shelling out money for an expensive eyeliner seems like a sensible way to avoid smudging and smearing, amazing formulas do exist even at the drugstore counter. All you need to do is some research! Try the Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner for a highly pigmented application, while the Milani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner comes with a fine tip that enables creating lines of varying thickness. For a flexible soft-brush tip and the perfect cat eye look, opt for the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner. You may explore our list of 17 best drugstore liquid eyeliners, all under $10, that even makeup artists swear by, and pick the one that best suits you.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shalini Roy, the author, loves all things makeup and gives you the inside scoop on the best drugstore liquid eyeliners you should have for your cosmetics arsenal. After surveying product reviews and user feedback, she compiled a comprehensive and detailed list of the top products in this list. So no matter what you are looking for, from the perfect smudge-proof formula to a thin, precise application tool, there is an eyeliner to fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you apply liquid eyeliner perfectly?
Follow these steps to apply liquid eyeliner perfectly every time:
Step 1: Shake the liquid eyeliner bottle before opening it.
Step 2: Hold the brush flat against the lid and as close to the lash line as possible.
Step 3: Start in the middle and drag to the outer corners.
Step 4: Follow your lash line and go slightly upwards. Do not tug at the eyelids.
Pro Tip: Curl your toes to prevent your hands from shaking.
How do you keep liquid eyeliner on all day?
Invest in a good waterproof liquid eyeliner with a smudge-proof formula. If you have oily skin, begin with an eye primer as your first step in eye makeup. This helps to keep liquid eyeliner on all day.
How do you stop raccoon eyes from eyeliner?
To prevent raccoon eyes, invest in a smudge-proof formula and do not reapply your product multiple times drawing one line on top of another.
Why cannot I put eyeliner on my waterline?
It is advised not to put eyeliner on the waterline as your waterline has special glands that produce oil. The eyeliner formula may come in the way of the natural oil production process.
Best Drugstore Waterproof EyelinersBest Drugstore Pencil Eyeliners For Bold, Intense EyesBest Drugstore White Eyeliners That Give You Brighter, Bolder EyesBest Waterproof Felt Tip Eyeliners For Bold Winged Eyes
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