Post updated in 2025
Over the years, I have tried a a lot drugstore liquid eyeliners. A sharp cat eye had been my go-to, can’t skip makeup step, and I needed the best tool for it on a budget. So one could say I am a minority to choosebut I think that makes me the best person to do judicial work the best eyeliners at the drugstore.
I recently asked my audience on Instagram and YouTube what they thought were the best drugstore liners, and these were the top four responses. I tested them side by side and ranked them based on usage, finish, performance on my oily lids, and waterproof testing.
Watch the video above for in-depth dress rehearsals, or keep scrolling for the final rankings.
#4: wet n wild Split Proof Skinny Eyeliner
Shop at Walmart, Ulta Beauty
Don’t be fooled: just because the Liquid Breakup Proof Skinny Liquid Eyeliner is listed last, there’s still a lot I like about it. This has a very dense brush tip that can create very sharp wings—but it can take some getting used to because thin lines can show handshakes more than a thick brush. Also, the price is right around $6 in 2025.
You can see how little wing I can do with this, which has been my favorite line look for a long time. However, it scales based on your personal preferences and performance. I really don’t like it shiny dark lines, as I feel they flatter us with texture or fine lines around our lids.
There was a little flaking after 10 hours of wear on my oily lids in the form of a cracked look, but it’s certainly not the worst I’ve seen. Especially with my eyes open, the wear is not very noticeable. However, this doesn’t seem to be as waterproof as the original Breakout Proof Line with a thicker brush. In the waterproof test shown in the video, it comes out easily with warm water.
#3: Maybelline Tattoo Studio Ink Pen Eyeliner
Shop at Ulta Beauty, Amazon
If you like a liquid liner that looks really inky, this is for you. Maybelline Tattoo Studio Ink Pen Eyeliner works in a very dark black that looks very rich. The tip of the brush is very sharp towards the tip, so you can create both small details or large swipes.
You can see above– especially in the pictures on the right– how the line has expanded and feathered. It’s not very noticeable when you’re not up close, but it’s something to be aware of if you have oily lids. I’ve had a little breakout right in my outer corner, too, but no smearing or fading.
Also, I felt like this pen dries up quickly on me. It was already a bit of a wetting sensation in the crowd, and now I have to continuously shake it and squeeze it in my hand to get the product out… and I just opened it two weeks ago! This also faded a lot with a wet wipe, although it didn’t come off completely.
#2: NYX Epic Ink Liquid Eyeliner
Shop at Ulta Beauty, Amazon
NYX Epic Ink liner has been my go-to for years. There was a point in time when I had at least 3 backups so I would never be without them. In these four lines, it melts easily with a good amount of product flow that gives you lines of no overflow. The brush is pointed enough to get a sharp wing, but with the flexibility of an amazing cat eye, too.
The performance of this liquid liner is strong. No change from morning to night, although you can see my oily lids weren’t wasted! No fading, no smearing, no cracking or fading.
There are only a few downsides to this line: it’s not as rich in dark shade as the others, and I wouldn’t recommend layering it otherwise you might get a sad result. During the waterproof test, it faded a lot when wet but it performed better than #3 and 4.
#1: Doctors Formula Eye Booster Ultra Fine Liquid Liner
Shop at Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Walmart
When it comes to my favorite liquid liner, Physicians Formula Eye Booster Ultra Fine Liquid Liner is my locks. Because I’ve been favoring a skinner wing lately, this super small brush is the perfect size without being so thin that I have to worry about flexing. The flow of the product is consistent and glides easily over my lids.
This formula holds up really well on my oily lids, while at the same time conforming to the texture. It didn’t crack or crumble around my eyelid and it stayed comfortable, never dry or tight. The formula also contains a skin-boosting complex and works as a conditioning and strengthening serum.
This was also very waterproof liner in the crowd. In warm water, it showed only a slight fade when scrubbed a few miles ahead of the other three, too just knocked NYX out of first place.
Final thoughts
While everyone has different boxes to check when it comes to finding makeup holy grails, Physicians Formula liner has become my go-to for my makeup preferences and priorities.
What’s the drugstore liquid eyeliner?
– Miranda