Pro-Tested: The Eyeliners Makeup Artists Actually Swear by for Perfect Wings

• Transfer-proof and smudge-proof
• Comes with guide and makeup correcting pen

When asked about the best product for achieving precise, effortless liner application, Donni highlights, “Definitely Half Magic’s Wing Hack Set. We created this to help everyone get the perfect liner every time, and it’s one of our top-selling products.”

Tip: Paddle

Formula: Liquid

Color: Black

An Ulta reviewer says: “This has cut my eyeliner time in half. The wing magician tool makes it so much easier to achieve a straight wing, and the eyeliner’s sharp end helps a lot in getting the look I want. The flick eraser is such a help when you make a mistake or want to correct something.”

• 12-hour wear
• Waterproof and smudge-proof
• Opaque coverage

• Some customers note smudging with watery eyes

I adore the dark brown shade of this intensely pigmented liner. True to its name, it boasts a fine precision nib that allows you to apply it right at the lash line, while its silky formula glides effortlessly without tugging or dragging.

Tip: Flexi-Art tip

Formula: Liquid

Colors: Xtreme BLK Coffee, Xtreme Black

A Sephora reviewer says: “Best liquid eyeliner I’ve ever used. Super easy to apply and lasts forever. Glides on amazingly. This is my first review I’ve ever done because I wanted to rave about this eyeliner after trying 20 different liquid liners over the years. This one is by far the best!”

• Easy to grip
• Soft, flexible tip
• Waterproof and long-wearing

• Some customers say it can dry out

If you’re searching for a liquid liner that delivers a sharp, precise line in a single swipe, Lancôme’s Idôle Liner is one to have on your radar. The ultra-fine 0.1mm tip and ergonomic, easy-to-grip packaging make it a no-brainer for eyeliner newbies.

Tip: Felt

Formula: Liquid

Colors: Glossy Black, Syrup Brown

A Sephora reviewer says: “I’m honestly obsessed with this eyeliner. It glides on like butter—no tugging, no skipping—and the pigment is super bold. I wore it all day (even through some tears) and it didn’t smudge or fade at all. The tip makes it easy to get a sharp wing or a soft, smoky look. Definitely my new go-to.”

• Waterproof, long-lasting formula
• Suitable for contact lens wearers

On the days I want to take my look from desk to dinner, I reach for Tarte’s dependable eyeliner stick. Its slim, slanted tip glides on effortlessly for a sharp, defined line, yet blends with ease when I’m after a softer, smoky evening look.

Tip: Angled stick

Formula: Soft wax

Colors: Black, Brown

• Smudge-proof and long-wearing
• Richly pigmented

I keep coming back to Ilia’s Clean Line Liquid Liner for two reasons: its intensely black pigment, perfect for disguising any lash glue, and its unbeatable staying power. I’ve worn it from morning to evening without the slightest smudge.

Tip: Felt

Formula: Liquid

Color: Midnight Express

An Ilia reviewer says: “The staying power of this eyeliner is amazing! I can wear it for 10 hours, including a nap and a workout, and it still looks good.”

• Waterproof and long-wearing
• Comfortable grip

• Some customers report that it dries out quickly

The brown Point Made liner from One/Size is my go-to medium brown for a subtle, natural look. The black shade is just as richly pigmented, and the long felt-tip is ideal for a sharp wing. Plus, the signature bright red packaging makes it practically impossible to lose in the chaos of my makeup bag.

Tip: Felt

Formula: Liquid

Colors: Bodacious Black, Bossy Blue, Busty Brown

A Sephora reviewer says: “Absolutely one of my favorite eyeliners. So smooth and dark. It stays on all day until it’s time to wash it off. Gym approved as well.”

• Waterproof and smudge-proof
• Long-wearing

Can’t decide between thin or thick lines? This paintbrush-like pen from Danessa Myricks gives you both options. A gentle touch creates a fine, precise stroke for natural looks or cat-eyes, while a little added pressure delivers bold, dramatic definition.

Tip: Brush

Formula: Liquid

Color: Black

A Sephora reviewer says: “This is the best eyeliner I have ever used. It’s literally a little paintbrush, and it’s the only liner I have used that doesn’t run hours after application.”

Lancôme’s Artliner makes achieving a crisp, clean look almost too easy. The tip is flexible enough to glide smoothly across the skin, yet firm enough to create the smoothest line possible.

Tip: Felt

Formula: Liquid

Colors: Noir, Chocolat

A Sephora reviewer says: “Holy grail product! I have sensitive eyes, so it was hard to find a liquid eyeliner that is precise, lasts long, and doesn’t irritate my eyes. This is my favorite!”

• Lightweight feel
• Precise calligraphy-inspired tip

• Some customers report smearing

For an ultra-thin stroke, look no further than Haus Labs’ Clear Cut Liquid Liner. Inspired by Japanese calligraphy brushes, it glides on with rich pigment and flawless ink flow, making every swipe feel effortless.

Tip: Brush

Formula: Liquid

Color: Black Onyx

A Haus Labs reviewer says: “Very lightweight, unlike other liquid eyeliners. Dries fast and goes on smooth.”

• Wide color selection
• Smudge-proof and long-wearing

For the artist at heart, this liner from Make Beauty comes in 13 (yes, really!) bold shades, so you can draw crisp graphic looks in any color you love.

Tip: Felt

Formula: Liquid

Colors: 13 options

A Make Beauty reviewer says: “It’s very easy to use, even though I’m bad at lining my eyes. It doesn’t skid over my lids and smudge. It also lasted a long time without fading, even through a sweaty workout. I love that there are so many colors; I would definitely grab more!”

• Smudge-proof and long-wearing
• Duo-tip design

A true two-in-one wonder, Tarte’s Double Take Eyeliner duo is one I’ll gladly repurchase. It has a creamy, blendable pencil for smoky looks on one end and a precise liquid liner for sharp lines on the other.

Tips: Pencil, soft-flex tip

Formula: Liquid. gel

Colors: Brown, Black

An Amazon reviewer says: “Just when I was about to give up on eyeliner forever, I found Tarte! At 61 years old, I have struggled for a long time to find a liner that stays put. This goes on smoothly and does not end up underneath my eyes like so many others that claim to be long-wearing or waterproof. I highly recommend this eyeliner for anyone who, like me, dislikes having to wipe off smudged eyeliner and reapply throughout the day.”

• Boldly pigmented
• Soft, flexible tip

• Some customers note that it runs out too quickly

If you ask me, this liner is one of those beauty buys that’s absolutely worth the splurge. There’s a reason it has a devoted following—its rich, bold color refuses to budge, and it lasts from morning to night without bleeding or transferring.

Tip: Felt

Formula: Liquid

Colors: 9 options

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I’ve tried every liquid liner under the sun, and Diorshow is the one I will forever return to. Sure, there are others that do the job and are fine in a pinch, but for that perfect, thin, dark black line that isn’t going to smudge or rub off, this is it. And somehow it lasts forever, even with daily or almost daily use. I’ve had other favorites throughout my nearly 30 years of wearing an upper lid cat eye, but I’ve never been so pleased as with this formula, pen, and brush point.”

Donni Davy is the head makeup artist for Euphoria, and co-founder of Half Magic Beauty.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, commerce writer Laura Tarafa consulted professional makeup artist Donni Davy, who shared her expert tips for achieving precise eyeliner looks.