Post updated for 2025
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of drugstore liquid eyeliners. A sharp cat eye used to be my non-negotiable, can’t skip makeup step, and I needed the best tool for it on a budget. So one could say I’m a bit picky, but I think that just makes me the best person for the job of judging the best drugstore liquid eyeliners.
I recently asked my audiences on Instagram and YouTube what they thought the best drugstore liquid liners were, and these were the top four answers. I tested them side by side and ranked them based on application, finish, performance on my oily lids, and a waterproof test.
Watch the video above for the in-depth wear tests, or keep scrolling for the final rankings.
#4: wet n wild Breakup Proof Skinny Eyeliner
Buy on Walmart, Ulta Beauty
Don’t be fooled: just because the wet n wild Breakup Proof Skinny Liquid Eyeliner ranked last, there’s still a lot I love about it. This has a super skinny brush tip that can create the sharpest wings ever– but it can take a little getting used to because the thin lines can show hand shakes more than a thicker brush. Plus, the price is right at just around $6 in 2025.
You can see how skinny of a wing I can create with this, which has been my preferred liner look as of late. However, it ranks based on personal preferences and performance. I don’t really like shiny black liners, as I feel like they aren’t as flattering on those of us with texture or fine lines around our lids.
There was a little bit of breakdown after 10 hours of wear on my oily lids in a sort of cracking appearance, but it’s certainly not the worst I’ve seen. Especially with my eyes open, the wear isn’t very obvious. However, this is seemingly not as waterproof as the original Breakup Proof liner with the thicker brush. In the waterproof test shown in the video, it comes off pretty easily with warm water.
#3: Maybelline Tattoo Studio Ink Pen Eyeliner
Buy on Ulta Beauty, Amazon
If you like a really inky looking liquid liner, this one’s for you. The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Ink Pen Eyeliner applies in a super dark matte black that looks super rich. The brush tip is very tapered toward the tip, so you can create both skinny details or thicker swipes.
You can see above– especially in the photos on the right– how the liner slightly expanded and feathered. It’s not super noticeable when you’re not up close, but something to be aware of if you have oily lids. I had a little bit of crumbling right up against my outer corner, as well, but no smearing or fading.
Also, I felt like this pen dried out the quickest for me. It was already the least wet feeling out of the bunch, and now I have to consistently shake it and press it into my hand to get product out… and I only just opened it two weeks ago! This also faded significantly when wiped at wet, though didn’t come off completely.
#2: NYX Epic Ink Liquid Eyeliner
Buy on Ulta Beauty, Amazon
The NYX Epic Ink liner was my go-to for years. There was a point in time I had at least 3 backups so that I’d never catch myself without it. Out of these four liners, it glides on the easiest with a good amount of product flow that gives you no-skip lines. The brush is pointed enough so you can get a sharp wing, but with the flexibility for more dramatic cat eyes, too.
The performance of this liquid liner is solid. Hardly any change from morning to night, even though you can see my oily lids weren’t messing around! No fading, no smearing, no cracking or crumbling.
There are only a few downsides to this liner: it’s not as rich of a black shade as the others, and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend layering it otherwise you could get a crumbly effect. During the waterproof test, it faded a lot when rubbed wet but still did better than #3 and 4.
#1: Physicians Formula Eye Booster Ultra Fine Liquid Liner
Buy at Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Walmart
When it comes to what I love most in a liquid liner, the Physicians Formula Eye Booster Ultra Fine Liquid Liner is my golidlocks. Because I’ve been preferring a skinner wing lately, this super slim brush is the perfect size without being so thin that I have to worry about wobbles. The product flow is consistent and glides easily over my lids.
This formula holds up extremely well on my oily lids, while at the same time being texture-friendly. It didn’t crack or crumble at all around my eyelid texture and stayed comfortable, never dry or tight. The formula also contains a lash-boosting complex and works as a conditioning and strengthening serum.
This was also the most waterproof liner in the bunch. In warm water, it only showed slight fading when rubbed at– miles ahead of the other three, and just edging out NYX for first place.
Final Thoughts
While everyone has different boxes to check when it comes to finding their makeup holy grails, the Physicians Formula liner has definitely become my go-to for my current makeup preferences and priorities.
What’s your favorite drugstore liquid eyeliner?
– Miranda
