Creating a cat eye can be tricky. You have to draw the line on straight, get the flick at the right angle, and then you have to repeat it on the other eye and try to get it the same. Mastering the technique is key, but so is your eyeliner. You always need the right tools for the right job, and that definitely applies to your eye makeup. Even if you have super shaky hands, the right eyeliner can make it easier to create a flawless cat-eye or whatever shape you’re going for.
Here are the best eyeliners to create a cat-eye, according to our readers:
1. Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash-Boosting Felt Tip Liner And Serum In Ultra Black
Our writer Sara tells everyone they should trade their liner for this long-wearing drugstore one, and now she’s telling you:
“I use Physician’s Formula Eye Booster in Extra Black. I literally tell everyone I know that they should make the switch—I’ve tried at least 6 different liquid liners (including Lancome’s Artliner, which I loved, but I couldn’t justify the price tag), and this one is by far my favorite. It’s got a thin, pointed brush so you can you really fine detail work, the color is perfectly saturated, and it doesn’t smudge or melt or fade or anything else! Best of all, it’s $10 at most drugstores. It’s da tits.”
The marker tip gives you a clean line while the serum improves the appearance of your lashes. No falsies are necessary.
2. Tattoo Liner In Trooper ($19, Kat Von D)
Looking for a liner with a very skinny brush for precise work? Reader trinashere has discovered a great one:
“Kat von D’s Tattoo Liner in Trooper. It has a super skinny brush tip that’s easy to use to get the look you want. Plus, the formula is water and rub proof and stays on forever.”
The formula is also crack- fade-, melt- and run-resistant, so it is practical as long-lasting as a tattoo. You don’t have to worry about makeup meltdowns with this one.
3. Essential Expert Liquid Liner In Midnight ($2, e.l.f.)
Commenter lindseyjake is a fan of liquid liners for cat eyes, and she has a suggestion that costs less than $5:
“Liquid liner, always. I’ve tried a few from the pen-brush style to the ‘nail polish brush style and by far my favorite…. ELF liquid liner. I know, I know… it’s only $2, but it works!!! The light brush (not a foam tip) is the best part; it allows for a different pressure to make a thin or thick line.”
You cannot beat e.l.f. for great products and cheap prices. If you’re looking to try something other than black, the liner comes in brown, gray, navy, and two sparkly finishes.
4. Limitless Liquid Liner Pencil In Jet Black
This was my pick. The precise tip is perfect for creating a clean, graphic cat eye or whatever funky shape you want to try. It is waterproof, and you can wear it from morning to night without having to touch it up.
5. Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Liner In Blackest Black
If you don’t want to splurge on an eyeliner, there are plenty of affordable options. Moliss recommends this budget-friendly liquid liner:
It has a flexible felt tip that will give you a smooth line that will last for up to 8 hours.
6. Autograph Liner In Puro Amor ($16, Kat Von D)
Two of Kat Von D‘s liners were selected as your favorites. Commenter brittneyplz explains that this is the best liner if you can’t stand that odd shiny look you can get from a lot of liners:
“Kat Von D’s Autograph Eyeliner in Puro Amor! The brush is thin and easy to handle, so it’s not hard to get a perfect line. Haven’t had any issues with smudging, either. Plus, the color is matte, so it doesn’t have that weird shiny look that a lot of liquid liners have, and it’s only $16.”
The liquid liner has a slim brush that you can draw the skinniest line with. Plus, how cool is that packaging?
7. Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner In Indigo ($20, Stila)
One clear favorite was this Stila liner. It glides on smoothly and dries quickly, so you don’t have to worry about smudging it. Our own Julie stated:
“Actually really like Smashbox too, but Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner is the ALL-TIME CHAMP.”
Of course, it comes in black, but it is also available in 13 other shades, including fuchsia, deep green, and this blue that would make brown eyes pop.
8. Ink For Eyes Waterproof Precision Eye Pen
Commenter Maddie was one of the fans of the Stila liner, but she had a few other great picks, including this waterproof liquid liner:
“I’m a liquid liner kinda girl, too. And I have always and will forever rep for my Stila stay all day waterproof liquid eyeliner. I also have an Urban Decay Ink for Eyes waterproof precision eye pen that I love.”
It has a rich pigment, and the felt tip pen is easy to use.
9. They’re Real! Push-Up Liner ($12, Benefit)
Attention everyone with shaky hands. Reader Allison Mick says this gel liner is easy to apply even if you cannot keep your hand still:
“That new Benefit They’re Real Push-up Liner is my new favorite. The rubber applicator tip is really versatile for fine and thick lines, even if you have shaky hands like me. It’s pricey but *definitely* worth it.”
If you want a less expensive version, it comes in this mini size.
10. 24/7 Glide-On Pencil In Smog ($20, Urban Decay)
If you’re not a fan of liquid liners, here is a pencil option for you. This was brittneyplz‘s other pick:
“Oh, and I’m also a fan of Urban Decay’s 24/7 glide on pencils!”
The pencils come in 38(!) different colors. Even if you’re dedicated to liquid liner, you have to at least look at the color options.
11. Exaggerate Felt Tip Liner ($5.99, Rimmel)
If you’re heading to the drugstore, Maddie also suggested you try this felt tip liner:
If you prefer drugstore, I always used Rimmel Exaggerate liquid eyeliner before I started playing around with high-end products. Haven’t used it in a while, but I used to think it was really good.”
It has a very intense black color (read: no wishy-washy faded black), and it costs under $10.
(Photo: Olga Ekaterincheva/Shutterstock)
