The 9 Best Products for Graphic Eyeliner Looks
Graphic eyeliner is the ultimate way to transform your makeup from everyday chic to bold and artistic. Whether you’re sketching out razor-sharp wings, layering neon hues, or experimenting with abstract shapes, the right tools can make or break your look. As someone who has spent hours perfecting the perfect flick, only to realize my liner smudged within an hour, I know firsthand how crucial it is to use high-quality products.
The graphic eyeliner trend isn’t just for makeup artists and Instagram influencers—it’s for anyone who wants to get a little creative with their beauty routine. But not all liners are created equal. Some dry too quickly, some don’t have enough pigment, and some simply don’t last. So, to save you from eyeliner-induced frustration, I tested out a range of products and spoke to professional makeup artists to find the best ones. Below are nine absolute game-changers for achieving flawless graphic liner looks.
1. KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner
If you’re after precision, longevity, and a formula that doesn’t budge, KVD Beauty’s Tattoo Liner is a holy grail pick. The ultra-fine brush tip allows for intricate detailing, whether you’re creating delicate swirls or a dramatic double-wing effect. Plus, it’s waterproof—meaning your hard work won’t go to waste halfway through the day.
Why it’s great for graphic eyeliner:
Super fine tip for precise application
Long-lasting, waterproof formula
Rich black pigment that doesn’t fade
2. NYX Epic Wear Liquid Liner
Affordable, insanely pigmented, and available in a rainbow of colors—what more could you want? The NYX Epic Wear Liquid Liner is perfect for those who love bold, high-impact designs. Whether you’re crafting a floating crease in electric blue or outlining your wing with a contrasting white, this liner delivers.
Why it’s great for graphic eyeliner:
Comes in multiple vibrant shades
Waterproof and smudge-proof formula
Stays put for up to 24 hours
3. SUVA Beauty Hydra FX Liners
Graphic liner enthusiasts, rejoice! SUVA Beauty’s Hydra FX Liners are water-activated paints that deliver an opaque, matte finish. These neon and pastel beauties pop like nothing else and are perfect for avant-garde or editorial-style eyeliner looks. Unlike traditional liners, they require a wet brush for application, giving you total control over opacity and thickness.
Why it’s great for graphic eyeliner:
Intense, buildable pigmentation
Wide range of neon and pastel colors
Smudge-proof once dry
4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
For those who prefer pencil liners but still want the ability to create bold graphic designs, Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are a game-changer. They’re incredibly creamy and blendable, which makes them great for softer graphic looks or smoky accents. The shade range is vast, including vibrant blues, deep purples, and metallics.
Why it’s great for graphic eyeliner:
Creamy yet long-wearing formula
Can be smudged for artistic effects or left crisp
Wide color variety for endless creativity
5. Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel
When it comes to rich pigment and buttery application, the Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel is a top-tier choice. This pot liner is beloved by professional makeup artists for its intense color payoff and smooth, glide-on formula. Whether you’re going for classic black or an unexpected bright hue, this gel liner makes it easy to create sharp, defined lines.
Why it’s great for graphic eyeliner:
Ultra-pigmented and smooth application
Smudge-proof and waterproof formula
Works well with brushes for ultimate control
6. Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Flyliner is a game-changer for those who want rich, inky-black pigment in a super-smooth formula. The flexible felt-tip applicator makes it easy to create everything from thin, delicate lines to bold, dramatic shapes.
Why I love it:
Ultra-rich black color that doesn’t fade
Water-resistant formula that stays put all day
Smooth, flexible felt-tip for controlled application
7. ColourPop BFF Liquid Liner
ColourPop’s BFF Liquid Liner is a dream for anyone who loves experimenting with color. Available in an array of vibrant shades—like hot pink, sky blue, and bright yellow—this liner makes it easy to create eye-catching designs on a budget.
Why I love it:
Comes in multiple fun colors for creative looks
Fine felt-tip applicator for precision
Affordable without compromising quality
8. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a classic that has stood the test of time. It’s an ideal choice for those who need a liner that won’t smudge, transfer, or fade—no matter what the day throws at you.
Why I love it:
Super precise felt-tip for sharp, clean lines
Waterproof formula that truly lasts all day
Available in multiple shades, including brown and white
9. Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix 24-Hour Cream Color
Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Colorfix is a true powerhouse product. This highly pigmented cream formula can be used as an eyeliner, eyeshadow, or even a face paint. It’s perfect for creating bold, avant-garde designs with an artistic touch.
Why I love it:
Highly pigmented and available in a wide range of colors
Can be used in multiple ways (liner, shadow, lip art, etc.)
Waterproof and incredibly long-lasting
How to Achieve the Perfect Graphic Eyeliner Look
Now that you have the right products, here are some tips to ensure your graphic eyeliner looks are on point:
Start with a clean base: Oily lids can cause smudging, so prep with an eyeshadow primer or a light dusting of translucent powder.
Sketch lightly first: If you’re trying a new design, use a neutral eyeliner or a fine-tip brush to outline your shape before committing to a bold color.
Use the right brushes: For gel and water-activated liners, invest in ultra-thin brushes to get those sharp edges.
Layer strategically: If using multiple colors, wait for each layer to dry before adding the next to avoid smudging.
Seal the look: If you’re worried about longevity, a setting spray can help lock everything in place for hours.
What is graphic eyeliner?
Graphic eyeliner is a bold and artistic approach to eye makeup that goes beyond the traditional winged liner. It involves creating unique shapes, lines, and patterns around the eyes using various eyeliner formulas. This technique can range from minimalist floating lines to elaborate, avant-garde designs.
What type of eyeliner is best for graphic liner looks?
The best eyeliner depends on the look you want to achieve:
Liquid liners (e.g., KVD Tattoo Liner, NYX Epic Wear) are best for sharp, precise lines.
Gel liners (e.g., Inglot AMC Gel Liner) are great for matte, intense looks and smudge-proof designs.
Pencil liners (e.g., Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On) work well for softer, blended effects.
Water-activated liners (e.g., Suva Beauty Hydra FX) are ideal for bright, colorful, and neon designs.
How can I create symmetrical eyeliner looks?
Symmetry is one of the trickiest parts of graphic eyeliner. Try these tips:
Sketch with a light pencil first before going in with liquid or gel.
Use dots or small dashes as guidelines to map out the shape before connecting the lines.
Rest your elbow on a stable surface to minimize shaky hands.
Use a makeup remover pen or micellar water on a cotton swab to clean up mistakes.
How do I remove stubborn eyeliner without irritating my skin?
- Use an oil-based makeup remover to break down waterproof formulas.
Apply micellar water with a cotton pad for gentler removal.
Avoid harsh scrubbing; instead, press and hold the remover on your eyes before wiping.
Can I use eyeshadow to create a graphic eyeliner look?
Yes! A damp angled brush and a pigmented eyeshadow can work as an alternative to traditional liners. This method is great for softer, blended graphic liner looks.