A flick of liquid eyeliner is one of the oldest beauty tricks in the book for enhancing and defining the eyes, but getting it right is another matter altogether. The line is wonky, the flicks aren’t symmetrical, the ink has smudged onto your eye socket – you get the gist, a lot can go wrong (we know, we've been there). But fear not: with the right tools (and a little patience), it's possible to master the skill, we promise. And you don’t have to break the bank to do so because there are so many brilliant liquid formulations out there for under £15.
First things first, decide what look you’re going for. If it’s a lived-in, smudged halo effect then a kohl pencil is the way to go (click here for our round-up of the best pencil eyeliners). If you’re after that razor-sharp feline flick, it’s a smooth liquid liner that you’ll want to invest in – and for that, you’re in the right place. Taking the Autumn/Winter ’20 runway by storm, eyes were lined and defined to no-end. From stamped-on liquid liner at Richard Quinn to extended wings at Dior and Rag and Bone, feline flicks are going nowhere fast. Which is good news for our new face-mask accessory that means a power lip is somewhat trickier to maintain.
To nail application, the general rule of thumb is to look straight into a mirror with your eyes open and draw the line going outwards from the inner corner. ‘You want the line to look like the last long lash on your upper lash line, so aim to follow that angle,’ advises pro make-up artist, Lynsey Alexander. And if it goes wrong? ‘Use a cotton bud, dipped in eye make-up remover to clean up the line and smooth the edge of both flicks.’
Of course, not every liquid eyeliner is created equal, but we’ve rounded up the best 8 budget liquid eyeliners that get top marks for usability and staying power. You can thank us later…
Best Cheap Liquid Eyeliners 2020
1 of 8Barry M Eye Define Liquid Eyeliner, £4.79
This bargainous eyeliner gets rave reviews for both staying power and precision. And with a water-proof formula, it's a total no-brainer at £4.79.
2 of 8L'Oréal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Eyeliner, £8.99
Available in 8 shades, this L'Oreal liner boasts a pigmented packed formula that glides on to deliver a powder, matte finish. Feeling brave? Try the cobalt blue for a pop of colour.
3 of 8NYX Professional Matte Liquid Liner, £7
With it's ultra skinny brush, you can use this liquid liner to either tight-line (add subtle definition close to the lash line) or sweep it out for a graphic winged effect.
4 of 8Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, £5.99
Felt-tip eyeliners are ideal for precision. Simple draw along your lash line and drag out to the outer corner to create a flick. This one is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
5 of 8Morphe Liquid Liner, £12
A little more expensive but still affordable, this brilliant eyeliner is so easy to use with it's inky, pigmented formula that dries semi-matte and will stay put throughout the day.
6 of 8Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner, £7.99
The almond-shaped nib on this eyeliner makes drawing on a wing totally foolproof. Run it along the lash-line from the inner corner to the outer corner, before turning the pen to draw on the flick. Easy!
7 of 8e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner Jet Black, £3
Stamped-on, feline flicks can be yours for just £3. This purse-friendly, smudge-proof liner is rich in colour for a statement eye.
8 of 8Revolution Pro Supreme Black Flick Liner, £4
The fine, flexible nib glides on for the most seamless cat eye ever. Vegan and cruelty-free, this eyeliner really does rival its luxury counterparts.
READ MORE: How To Apply The Ultimate Smoky Eye According To Charlotte Tilbury
READ MORE: The Best Felt Tip Eyeliners That Are Perfect for Professionals And Beginners Alike