13 Liquid Eyeliners For Monolids That Makeup Artists Love
These favorites from Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, and more are artist approved.
One size doesn't always fit all when it comes to makeup in general, but especially not for those of us with monolids.
As the owner of a pair of non-creasing eyelids, I used to think that wearing liquid eyeliner wasn't meant for me. I kept a bottle of makeup remover at arm's length, because most of the top-rated liquid liner formulas either felt too heavy on my eyelids or awkwardly separated once I opened my eyes. It turns out, finding an eyeliner formula that doesn't tug on the skin or feel thick is key for monolids, according to makeup artist and founder of beauty brand Emilie Heathe, Emily H. Rudman. "I like to dot the placement of the liner with your eyes open," the artist tells BAZAAR.com, "then you can connect the dots and fill the liner to the lash line."
Another common issue for people with monolids? Since our eyelids fold under themselves, it's easy to literally feel the placement of liner on your eye if it's too thick. Even the best liquid liners can lead to smudging and smearing, which is why finding a formula that's long-lasting, smudge proof, and easy to use is another nonnegotiable for our lid shape. To take your cat-eye and more to the next level, read on for our list of the best makeup artist-approved liquid eyeliners for monolids.
Pros: Smudge- and waterproof
This waterproof liner dries to a matte finish and has a marker-like tip that makes for smooth, precise lines.
Pros: Water-based
This tapered pen eyeliner offers 12-hour wear and has a fine-tip applicator that makes drawing the perfect wing easy.
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Pros: Matte formula
The formula and style of liner are really what matters for those with monolids. "Stay away from watery formulas and think about how much liquid does the applicator dispense because you don't want a heavy amount," celebrity makeup artist and RÓEN Beauty creative director Kate Synnott says.
Charlotte Tilbury's Feline Flick is a great option for those looking to create thicker, bolder lines. "The applicator only releases a little liquid, but you can put more pressure on it to get more to come out," she adds.
Pros: Dual-ended
This dual-ended, smudge-proof liner from Stila is among Synnott's go-tos for clients with single lids. "This is my personal favorite liner to use on monolids, because it's very thin and does not smudge after it's applied," Synnott explains. "The liner is so fine that it doesn't take up the entirety of the lid, making the eyes look bigger."
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Pros: Long-lasting
If you're looking for a hint of color, celebrity makeup artist Dillon Peña reaches for this liner from Dior. "It has an amazing tip for application that makes for easy, sharp wings, and an even more amazing color selection," he says.
Pros: Long-wearing
Whether you're halfway to being a professional artist or a total newbie, using this top-rated liquid liner is seamless. It's precision brush-like tip makes it simple to effortlessly line monolids.
Pros: Dual-ended
Here’s a liquid liner from Tom Ford that has a calligraphy tip on one end and a brush tip on the other for seamless standout eye looks.
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Pros: Quick-drying
"Some brands have liners with more watery formulas, which may be beneficial for some lid shapes, but not monolids," Synnott says. This liner from Benefit Cosmetics has a consistent formula that glides over the eye instead of dragging.
Pros: Vegan
More than 500 Sephora customers agree: This fine-tip liquid liner from Freck Beauty is a must-have for any beauty routine. "This liquid liner has a great brush and wears amazingly well—never smudges or flakes," celebrity makeup artist Molly R. Stern says.
Pros: Vegan
To ensure a smooth line on monolids, a liquid liner with a fine applicator is key. Not only is this liner from KVD Beauty super pigmented, but it features the perfect needle-tip applicator. "They don’t call it a tattoo for nothing," Stern says.
Pros: Lasts for up to 48 hours
Whether you prefer bold strokes or just a hint of color, Synnott recommends this liner from r.e.m. beauty for its pigmented color payoff and long-lasting waterproof formula.
Pros: Dual-ended
"I also love using this vegan gel liner on clients, because it has a mix of liquid and gel formulas that are super fine and sharp, making it easier to create a flick," Synnott notes of this versatile option from Tarte Cosmetics.
Pros: Vegan
Since this matte eye paint doubles as a liner and shadow, its formula works well across your lash line and smudged over your lids. "Allowing ample dry time is key here as well so that the product does not separate once you open your eyes fully," Rudman advises.
Pros: Water-resistant
As a bonus pick for monolids, professionals recommend this top-rated gel liner pick from ILIA. "This soft-tip gel liner is my favorite in the clean category; it glides onto the lids and stays all day," Peña says.
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.