The Best Drugstore Liquid Liners to Keep Your Cat Eye on Fleek

POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio
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A simple cat eye can pull together your entire look, giving you a fierce, bold presence. But you definitely need the right tools to achieve this staple makeup trick, or else you'll end up with tragic faded splotches or streaky panda eyes. Beauty gurus gravitate toward liquid liners for constructing the perfect cat eye and crafting sharp, precise lines. But these liners don't have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of drugstore brands with high-quality applicators and long-wearing, budge-proof formulas for beauty junkies on a budget. Read on to learn about 10 liquid liners that won't leave you broke.

e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner
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e.l.f. Expert Liquid Liner

e.l.f.'s Expert Liquid Liner requires a little patience to achieve the perfect wings. The perk of this product lies in its long-lasting and highly pigmented formula. Bonus: e.l.f. products are extremely budget-friendly, and this liner is no exception at just $2.

e.l.f. Studio Expert Liner ($2)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner
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Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner

It's no mystery why beauty lovers rave about this product. Maybelline's Master Precise liquid eyeliner rivals higher-end products thanks to its highly pigmented formula and an ultra-fine, long tip for easy navigation. If you're a liquid eyeliner newbie, and you're not ready to spend a ton to try out the style, this is a great dupe.

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner ($8)

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum
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Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum

This high-tech eyeliner not only provides instant definition for thin, precise lines, but the formula's special serum also makes your eyelashes look fuller. Apply the liner at the base of your lashes for a thicker look.

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum ($12)

L'Oréal Infallible Super Slim Eyeliner
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L'Oréal Infallible Super Slim Eyeliner

This L'Oréal pen boasts an extra-fine tip that allows you to make lines as small as 0.4mm without tugging or dragging. This makes it perfect for creating thin lines in the inner corners of the eyes. The liquid liner also lasts 12 hours after initial application so your makeup won't fade throughout the day.

L'Oréal Infallible The Super Slim Eyeliner ($9)

Almay Liquid Liner
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Almay Liquid Liner

Almay's liner has a hypoallergenic formula — not usually found in drugstore picks — which is great if you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes. It is also waterproof and lasts up to 16 hours without causing eye irritation.

Almay Liquid Eyeliner ($7)

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner
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Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner

As the product name suggests, this option is highly pigmented and stubbornly stays on your lids. Removing it does take a bit of extra effort beyond soap and water, so use coconut oil on a clean cloth to wipe away excess residue.

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner ($6)

NYC High Definition Liquid Eyeliner
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NYC High Definition Liquid Eyeliner

When you have fewer than 10 minutes to put on your makeup, reach for NYC's High Definition Liquid Eyeliner. The pressure of the thin, felt-tip applicator is very similar to that of a writing marker, making it especially easy to apply.

NYC High Definition Liquid Eyeliner ($4)

NYX Matte Liquid Liner
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NYX Matte Liquid Liner

NYX Matte liquid liner is a fantastic tool for achieving a softened but exact line. The formula glides on smoothly and dries with a beautiful matte finish, making it ideal if you're going for a retro classic look. Unlike a gel liner which requires consistent cleaning of the brush, it can be twisted back into the dipping pot for minimal clean up.

NYX Matte Liquid Liner ($7)

Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner
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Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner

Put this in your cart if you want to create a long-lasting dramatic look without spending too much money. The formula is saturated and quick-drying, which means there is less time for smudging mishaps to occur.

Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner ($3)

Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eyeliner
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Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eyeliner

This liner is no joke with an easy-to-use tip and stubborn formula. It's waterproof as well as feather-proof, which means you won't get streaky lines over time. Just like the Maybelline Master Precise liner, it stacks up against luxe brands that cost much more.

Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eyeliner ($9)