Dries down fast and grips oily lids for a razor-sharp, long-lasting wing without midday transfer.
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I drew a sharp wing at 8 a.m., and by lunch it had migrated into a blurry stamp on my upper crease. After one too many days of scrubbing off raccoon smudges in a bathroom mirror, I switched to a drugstore liquid liner that dries down fast and actually grips my oily lids. Now my line stays crisp through errands and meetings without constant touch-ups.
In-depth Reviews
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
- Sharp, opaque line with minimal skipping
- Dries down quickly and resists transfer
- Easy to build from subtle to dramatic
- Too much pressure can release extra ink at once
- Needs a steady cap to avoid drying out over time
Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
- Excellent wear time for the price
- Resists smudging along the outer corner
- Good for thin lines and quick wings
- Can feel a bit dry if you try to drag it in one long stroke
- May need a second pass for the deepest black
Maybelline Hyper Easy Brush Tip Liquid Liner (Waterproof)
- Controlled application that is easier to keep even
- Crisp line that looks smooth up close
- Wears well without frequent touch-ups
- If you layer too fast, it can lift underneath
- Not the most dramatic black in one swipe
e.l.f. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen
- Very transfer-resistant once set
- Great for lining close to the lashes
- Quick dry down
- Less flexible for dramatic wings
- Can skip if the lid is not prepped and smooth
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
- Crisp, long-wear winged look with minimal fuss
- Holds up well at the outer corners
- Sets down firmly for less smearing
- The pen feel can be less forgiving if you press too hard
- Not ideal if you prefer a super soft, smoky edge
Buying Guide
Pro Tip: The Oily-Lid Prep That Makes Any Drugstore Liner Last Longer
Step 1: De-grease the canvas. If you use moisturizer or SPF near your eyes, take five seconds to blot your lids with a tissue before makeup. Even a great waterproof liner struggles when it is sitting on a slick layer. This one tiny step is often the difference between a wing that stays sharp and one that turns foggy at the edges.
Step 2: Prime, then lightly set. A thin layer of eyeshadow primer helps, but for very oily skin it works best when you also tap a sheer veil of translucent powder or nude shadow on top. You are not trying to look powdery, you are just taking away the tack so the liquid liner can dry down cleanly. If your liner tends to skip, use less powder and focus it only in the crease area where transferring happens most.
Step 3: Apply in “stitches,” not one long stroke. Instead of dragging the pen across the whole lash line, place short connected strokes, then go back and connect them. This keeps the layer thinner, helps it dry faster, and usually looks cleaner on textured lids. For the wing, sketch the outline first, let it set, then fill it in. If you need to clean up, use a tiny angled brush with a bit of concealer rather than adding more liner on top, since layering can make oily lids break the line apart later.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final Verdict: If you want the most reliable all-day wear on oily lids with the sharpest, most controllable line, NYX Epic Ink Liner is my top pick because it stays crisp while still being easy to apply. For the smallest budget with surprisingly strong hold, Wet n Wild Breakup Proof is the one I keep recommending.
See also
If you want your eye makeup to wear even longer, pair your liner with one of the best drugstore setting sprays for oily skin, and try tightlining 101 for definition that is less likely to transfer.
- Soft eyeliners that stay put without smudging
- Tubing mascaras for smudge-free long days
- Eye makeup picks for very sensitive eyes
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
How do I stop liquid eyeliner from transferring on oily lids?
Start by making sure your eye area is truly dry. If you apply eye cream up to the lash line, blot your lids with a tissue, then give it a minute to settle before makeup. Next, use a small amount of eyeshadow primer from lash line to crease, then lightly set it with a whisper of translucent powder or a nude shadow so the liner has a less tacky surface to cling to.
When you apply liner, keep it thin and let it fully dry before you look up or blink hard. If you have a crease that stamps product, try doing a thinner line in the inner two thirds and building the wing only on the outer corner. Thin layers tend to resist cracking and transferring better than one heavy swipe.
Is a brush tip or felt tip better for oily skin?
For oily lids, both can work, but they fail in different ways. Brush tips usually give the most ink payoff and flexibility, which is great for wings, but very inky formulas can pool if you press too hard. Felt tips are often a little drier and more controlled, which can help reduce slipping, but some felt tips skip over textured skin or get “crunchy” if you layer over them.
If you struggle with smearing, a slightly drier, faster-drying pen can be easier to manage. If you struggle with skipping and want one smooth pass, a brush tip is often the answer, just apply with a lighter hand and build in small strokes.
Why does my liquid liner crack or flake by the end of the day?
Cracking usually comes from one of three things: applying too thick of a layer, layering multiple wet coats too quickly, or putting liquid liner over a greasy base. Keep your line as thin as you can, especially on the part of the lid that moves most. If you need more depth, let the first layer dry fully, then add a second very thin pass.
Also, be careful with creamy shadow sticks or balms underneath. They can make liner look great at first, then cause it to break apart as oils come through. If you love a cream base, set it with powder shadow before you line.
Can I set liquid eyeliner with powder, and will it help oily skin?
Yes, and it can make a noticeable difference on oily lids, especially if your liner is “almost there” but fades at the edges. Use a small angled brush to press a matching powder eyeshadow directly on top of the liner, focusing on the wing and outer corner where oil tends to break things down first. This creates a soft seal without making the line look thick.
The key is to press, not swipe. Swiping can lift semi-dry liner. Pressing sets it while keeping your edge sharp.
What is the gentlest way to remove waterproof drugstore liquid eyeliner?
Waterproof liner is wonderful for wear time, but it can tempt you to rub, which is exactly what the eye area does not need. Soak a cotton pad with a bi-phase remover or cleansing balm, hold it against the lash line for about 15 to 20 seconds, then gently wipe downward and outward. For any leftover bits near the lashes, use a damp cotton swab and small, controlled motions.
If you tightline, take an extra moment to dissolve product between lashes instead of scrubbing. A slower removal usually means less redness, fewer broken lashes, and a better chance your next liner application goes on smoothly.
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