Finding the perfect eyeliner can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Walk down any beauty aisle and you’ll face hundreds of options—liquid, gel, pencil, waterproof, budge-proof, smudge-proof. The choices are endless, but which one actually delivers?
After testing dozens of liners across price points, from drugstore finds to luxury splurges, one product keeps rising to the top: the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. With nearly 70,000 five-star ratings and a price tag that won’t break the bank, this felt tip liner has become the secret weapon for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike.
But here’s what makes it special—this isn’t just another black pen for basic cat eyes. NYX designed their epic lineup as tools for bold experimentation, encouraging users to create graphic designs that go far beyond the lash line.
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Understanding Eyeliner Types: Finding Your Perfect Match
Before diving into specific products, let’s break down the three main types of eyeliners and what makes each unique.
Liquid Liner: Precision Meets Drama
Liquid liner delivers the sharpest, most precise application of any eyeliner type. The formula typically comes in a pen or bottle with either a brush tip or felt tip applicator. Liquid liners excel at creating clean lines, dramatic wings, and graphic shapes that demand attention.
The NYX Epic Ink uses a felt tip that provides excellent control for beginners while still offering the precision professionals need for intricate designs.
Gel Liner: Blendable and Forgiving
Gel pencils offer the perfect middle ground between precision and blendability. They glide on smoothly and give you a few seconds to smudge or blend before setting. This makes them ideal for smoky eyes or when you want a softer, more lived-in look.
Pencil Liner: Classic and Versatile
Traditional pencil liners remain popular for good reason. They’re perfect for tightlining (lining the waterline), creating subtle definition, and building up intensity gradually. Many can be sharpened to maintain a fine point for precise application.
The key difference lies in application technique and final look. Liquid liners like the Epic Ink create bold, graphic lines that stay put all day. Gel pencils work best for blended, smoky effects. Classic pencils excel at natural enhancement and tightlining.
What Makes an Eyeliner Epic?
Not all eyeliners are created equal. After testing products through long workdays, sweaty gym sessions, and everything in between, several key factors separate the winners from the disappointments.
Pigment Intensity
The best eyeliners deliver rich, opaque color in a single stroke. You shouldn’t need to go over the same line multiple times to achieve full coverage. The NYX Epic Ink excels here—its jet-black formula provides intense pigmentation that shows up beautifully against all skin tones.
Ease of Application
A great eyeliner should feel like an extension of your hand. The applicator needs to glide smoothly without tugging or skipping, and the formula should flow consistently from start to finish. Felt tip applicators, like the one on the Epic Ink, offer excellent control for both beginners and experienced users.
Staying Power
Waterproof and smudge-proof claims mean nothing if your liner fades by lunchtime. The best formulas resist water, sweat, and accidental rubbing while maintaining their intensity throughout the day.
Comfort
Your eyeliner shouldn’t feel heavy, tight, or irritating on your lids. Quality formulas dry down to a comfortable finish that doesn’t flake or crack throughout wear.
Top Eyeliners Worth Trying
Best Overall: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Rare Beauty’s Perfect Strokes liner features an innovative brush tip with approximately 800 bristles, creating incredibly smooth application without gaps or streaks. The ergonomic tube fits comfortably in your hand, making precise application effortless.
The vegan, paraben-free formula delivers rich, matte pigmentation that lasts all day without flaking. While the $19 price point puts it in the mid-range category, the quality justifies the investment for those who prioritize precision and clean beauty.
Best for Wings: Benefit Roller Liner
If you struggle with creating even wings, Benefit’s Roller Liner might be your solution. The long, fine tip and comfortable grip make drawing symmetrical wings surprisingly simple. The matte formula stays put with minimal flaking, even through long days.
The main drawback is the $24 price tag, which puts it firmly in premium territory. However, for those who live for dramatic winged liner, the investment often pays off in time saved and frustration avoided.
Best Budget Pick: NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Is the NYX Epic Ink Liner Good?
Yes—and here’s why it’s become a cult favorite among beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists alike.
The NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner delivers bold, intense pigmentation that rivals products costing twice as much. The felt tip provides excellent control, making it accessible for beginners while still offering the precision needed for advanced techniques.
What sets this liner apart is its versatility. While many people stick to basic cat eyes, NYX actually encourages users to think bigger. The Epic Ink formula is designed for graphic artistry—think festival-ready designs, bold geometric shapes, and creative face art that goes far beyond traditional eyeliner application.
The waterproof formula truly lives up to its claims, resisting water, sweat, and humidity for hours. While some users report slight fading toward the end of a very long day, the performance easily matches products in higher price ranges.
At around $10, it offers exceptional value. With nearly 70,000 five-star reviews, it’s clear that both professionals and everyday users appreciate what this liner brings to the table.
Other Standout Options
L’Oréal Infallible Flash Cat Eye combines smooth application with a clever wing stencil guide. While the stencil takes practice to master, the liner itself glides on beautifully and offers impressive staying power.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Liner delivers deep, glossy pigmentation with an ultrafine brush that allows for incredibly detailed work. The premium formula justifies its higher price point for those who demand perfection.
ILIA Clean Line Liquid Liner offers a cleaner approach to beauty without sacrificing performance. The carbon-black-free formula provides rich pigmentation with a semi-matte finish that appeals to conscious consumers.
Mastering Eyeliner Application
Even the best product won’t perform if your application technique needs work. Here are professional tips that make the difference between amateur and expert results.
Prime Your Lids
Always start with clean, primed eyelids. A thin layer of eyeshadow primer or concealer followed by translucent powder creates the perfect base for long-lasting liner application. This step prevents smudging and helps your liner stay crisp all day.
Start with Guidelines
For winged liner, begin by mapping out your shape with a pencil or matte eyeshadow before committing to liquid liner. This gives you a roadmap to follow and makes corrections easier.
Choose Your Starting Point
Beginners should start at the inner corner and work outward, maintaining contact between the applicator and your lash line. More experienced users might prefer starting at the outer corner and working inward for better wing control.
Embrace Color and Creativity
Gen Z has embraced graphic liner as a form of self-expression, moving far beyond basic black lines. Experiment with colored formulas, geometric shapes, and artistic designs. The NYX Epic Wear Liner Sticks come in 33 shades, including vibrant metallics perfect for festival looks or creative everyday styles.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re new to liquid liner, practice on the back of your hand first. Get comfortable with the applicator’s pressure sensitivity and flow rate before working on your eyes.
Beyond Basic: The Art of Graphic Liner
The NYX Epic Ink isn’t just designed for traditional application—it’s built for creativity. The brand actively encourages users to experiment with face and body art, turning a simple eyeliner into a versatile artistic tool.
The Epic Wear Liner Sticks take this concept even further. With up to 36 hours of fade-proof, waterproof wear, they’re perfect for multi-day festivals or special events where your look needs to last. The sharpenable tips (yes, you can sharpen them with any standard pencil sharpener) maintain precision for detailed graphic work.
This versatility aligns perfectly with Gen Z values—one affordable product that serves multiple creative purposes, all while maintaining ethical standards with cruelty-free formulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NYX Epic Ink Liner good for beginners?
Absolutely. The felt tip provides excellent control without being too firm or too flexible. The formula flows consistently, reducing the likelihood of streaks or patches that can frustrate newcomers to liquid liner.
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink waterproof liquid eyeliner—what should you know?
This liner features a precision felt tip, matte black finish, and truly waterproof formula. It performs comparably to high-end liners while maintaining an accessible price point. The 15g size provides excellent value, typically lasting months with regular use.
Can you sharpen the NYX Epic Wear eyeliner?
Yes! The Epic Wear Liner Sticks are traditional pencil liners with sharpenable tips. NYX recommends using their double pencil sharpener for best results, though any quality sharpener will work. These pencils deliver up to 36 hours of waterproof, fade-proof color.
Which eyeliner type is easiest for beginners?
Gel pencils offer the most forgiving application for newcomers. They glide on smoothly and give you time to blend or adjust before setting. However, liquid liners like the NYX Epic Ink aren’t much harder to master with a little practice.
How do I prevent my eyeliner from smudging?
Always use an eye primer or concealer base, followed by a light dusting of translucent powder. Waterproof formulas like the Epic Ink also resist smudging throughout the day. For extra security, set your liner with a matching eyeshadow.
Your Next Steps to Liner Perfection
The best eyeliner depends on your priorities—price, precision, staying power, or ethical considerations. However, the NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner consistently delivers across all these categories.
At 50% off our regular price, you can experience professional-quality results for just $10, complete with free shipping. Whether you’re perfecting classic cat eyes or exploring bold graphic designs, this liner provides the tools you need to express your creativity.
The beauty industry offers countless options, but sometimes the best choice is also the most accessible. Mix budget-friendly favorites like the NYX Epic Ink with your higher-end products, and discover how affordable doesn’t have to mean compromise.
Ready to elevate your liner game? Your perfect winged eye—or your next creative masterpiece—is just one click away.
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