It takes more than a wrist flick to master a simple black winged liner. So you can imagine how much more concentration and patience are required if you venture into the world of colored liners. Indeed, you’ve scrolled past and bookmarked a few inspiration photos in the hopes of one day creating little clouds on your lids or sharp lines extending up to your brows a la Euphoria‘s glittery cast or resident TikTok graphic liner expert Cut Creaser (@cutcreaser).
If you’re bored of black cat-eyes, Vanessa Funes (@cutcreaser) advises upgrading to colorful water-activated liners. “Water-activated liners are my number 1 go-to product for colorful liners. Compared to liquid liners, the [palette] shades range from white to duo-chromes to metallics to black. They’re extremely versatile and easy to mix and use once you get the hang of it,” she says.
Up for the challenge? Ahead are the 16 best expert-approved colored liners for dreamy eyes and even dreamier IG pics.
The versatility of this eye pigment allows you to create intricate line art on your eyes or eye-catching lids awash with its vibrant colors, which run the gamut from fluorescent yellow and orange to a bevy of blue shades.
One swipe of Suva Beauty’s cult-favorite deposits an insane amount of coverage and pigment. As the name suggests, you’ll need to add a drop of water to activate the formula, which is smudge-proof and long-lasting.
Vanessa Funes, aka “Cutcreaser,” TikTik’s colored eyeliner and cut-crease expert, is a major fan of the Split Liner because of how easy and versatile mixing the colors is. “Each one has a different color combination that can be used individually, together, or mixed. Some are matte, some have a sheen, and some are even duo-chrome. I reach for these constantly,” she adds.
One thing KVD products guarantee is coverage. The Super Pomade is a multipurpose gem that can be used as a brow product, eyeshadow pot, or colored liner. Its full coverage formula comes on creamy and dries down comfortably so your eyes don’t feel weighed down throughout the day.
We have YouTube beauty gurus to thank for the popularization of NYX’s white liners. This liquid version is a wonder for beginners making their first foray into the world of graphic liners or experts looking to add a long-lasting formula to their collection.
As one Amazon reviewer puts it: “Many makeup products boast of being waterproof or having longevity. They are chumps compared to this stuff. You can apply makeup remover, take a shower etc chances are this stuff will still survive. You know how in movies the woman wakes up in bed with perfect makeup? That is this. I have worn it two days in a row even though I showered. All my other makeup was gone. Except for this tough as nails eyeliner.”
Revlon makes dabbling into chrome makeup less intimidating with this one-swipe liquid eyeliner. The user-friendly design keeps the pigment in the liner’s cap, so you can build up to your desired intensity.
“Perfect for traveling, this palette has six matte shades—from white to brown to black—and can be used for simple or dramatic looks,” Funes says. Because it’s water-activated, you can use as little water to keep the color vibrant or add water for a sheer finish.
Sure, the Urban Decay Glide-On Pencil arrives in an array of shades and finishes. But the best part is the nourishing ingredients. Your eyes are coated with jojoba oil, vitamin E, and cottonseed oil to help prevent any tugging and keep them soothed and moisturized for hours.
Juvia’s Place entered the colored eyeliner game with a collection of richly-pigmented pastel and neon shades that represent colors you’d find in a vibrant floral garden. Wear alone or combine with Juvia’s Place’s cult-favorite eyeshadow palettes.
If you can’t decide between a matte or shimmer look, Charlotte Tilbury designed a dual-ended pencil for the indecisive. The creamy formula glides on like a dream, thanks to a blend of emollients, and lasts all day long.
BY NERISHA PENROSE