I need black eyeliner like most people need oxygen. Melodramatic? Maybe. True? Entirely. I’ve had my bouts with pencil, I used to be a loyalist to the Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner (and still sometimes use), but I’ve developed a trust in liquid liner. 

I’ve tried the array of brands that Sephora carries. Some proved decent but many caved to the normal complaints with liquid liner: it crumbles by the end of the day, it’s too severe-looking, it’s difficult to apply (because if you screw up, you’re screwed), etc. 

I read about Tarte’s MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner (silly name, yes) and had a good feeling about it being the one. It glides on smoother than any other liquid liner I’ve ever experienced and it doesn’t clump up your lashes in the process. It claims to “enhance” lashes, and though I haven’t seem any progress, I’m just supremely happy that the liner does not get in the way of my lashes. The applicator makes this liner a champ: it does not drag or skip. It glides on smooth. Easy, like we all wish life could be. Like all of Tarte’s do-good products, this liner is made without parabens and synthetic dyes. 

Glorious takeaways:

• Lasts all day
• Liner doesn’t conflict with your lashes
• Flexible applicator (thin tip makes a fine line, but you can also make it medium or thick just by pressing down)
• Smooth as butter (cliche, but yes, just yes)

You don’t know til you try. And trust me, you want to try. I’m really fond of cliches today, if you couldn’t tell. If you’re a slave to liquid liner like I am, this is an investment you’ll want to make.

$22 at Sephora