Budget Beauty: Seven liquid liners under P600
by Diane Salazar, contributor
Applying liquid eyeliner can make a huge difference to your look. Compared to pencil liners, the wet formula makes it easier to create crisp lines with a more intense pigmentation. With a good liquid eyeliner and decent application skills, you can even fake your way to lusher-looking lashes without mascara!
It takes lots of practice to perfect the right shape and line thickness for your eye shape, so more affordable options are ideal. Being on a budget doesn't mean you have to scrimp on quality though, as you don't want to end up with a product that stings, smears or simply makes putting on liner even more difficult. We list eight liners we love that won't budge or break the bank!
(Click the links for the reviews we have so far)
BCL Brow Lash Ex Water Strong Slim Liquid Liner (P500, select department stores)
Conveniently packaged in a twist-up pencil, this eyeliner gives smooth and extremely pigmented lines. It also has an ultra-slim tip, which you can easily manipulate to vary the thickness of your lines. If you're prone to tearing up, this has a highly resistant formula that stays put after application. Liz swears it can last almost the whole day!
Etude House Proof 10 Gelquid Liner (P498, Etude House)
Is it gel or is it liquid? This weird hybrid formula works great though, as it doesn’t smudge regardless of heat and sweat. It feels a bit creamy (gelquid-y?) upon application but dries pretty quickly, so you don't have to worry much about stopping yourself from blinking after putting it on.
Left to right: Prestige Line & Style Ink Pen, Maybelline HyperSharp Liner, Holika Holika Magic Pole Eyeliner, BCL Brow Lash Ex, Tony Moly Perfect Eyes Long Kinny Gel Pen Liner, Etude House Proof 10 Gelquid Liner
Prestige Line & Style Ink Pen Extreme Long Lasting (P595, Beauty Bar)
This pen features the usual felt tip but only the base stays stiff. The rest is bendy enough to easily follow the curves of the eye. The ink is quite pigmented, and can withstand an entire day of humid weather without smudging.
Tony Moly Perfect Eyes Long Kinny Gel Pen Liner (P498, Tony Moly)
For monolids and hooded eyes that can't take thick lines, the extra-fine point of this liner is perfect for applying just enough eyeliner without covering too much of your lids. You can also change the angle you hold the pen to make it create bolder lines. The slim tip makes lining a bit easier, so you may want to try this out too if you're a beginner.
Maybelline HyperSharp Line Black (P378, department stores)
Want an easy intense eye look? It promises ultra-sharp and precise lines with the help of its 0.05mm fine tip. The color payoff is great, and it gives a super rich, shiny line that lasts a good amount of time.
Left: Holika Holika Magic Pole Eyeliner, Right: Masx Factor Masterpiece Liner
Holika Holika Magic Pole Eyeliner (~P500, select SM Department Stores)
The odd-shaped ball tip may be puzzling but it actually works well as an applicator. This is perfect for those who are just learning how to apply liquid liner; it's designed to be dotted into the base of the lashes and then connected with small lines. That way you don't have to do one big sweep until you're ready!
Max Factor Masterpiece High Precision Liquid Liner (P450, department stores)
The paddle-shaped tip is another oddity that may take some getting used to, but it's great for creating both fine and graphic liner styles. The black formula glides on smoothly, dries quickly, and can be used even by those with sensitive eyes!
Have you mastered your eyeliner game? Do you prefer pencil, gel or liquid formulas? What's your current fave eyeliner?