Good cruelty free drugstore makeup can be a pretty steep demand, but my recent happy find turned out to be the best cruelty free drugstore eyeliner: Milani Eye Tech Perfection Liquid eyeliner. This eyeliner’s ergonomic grip design that has been sported by several other brands including Sephora is no coincidence; this packaging design comes from one German company that makes a great deal of the same eye and lip products you already use or recognize easily by a wide variety of brands from NYX to MAC.

Retails: $8, self purchased at CVS

Still you pick up an item at the drugstore and you think “Hmmmmm this is only $8…is it worth it to try or is it going to be a waste?” Well, I feel bold when I have a $5 Beauty Rewards coupon from CVS and the product in question is only $8 retail to begin with. At that point, if I hate the thing I can use it to cover nicks on a black shoe in a pinch, who cares?

What is this product’s claim to fame? “Smooth sailing all the way…”

I bought it, used it, LOVED it. From Milani’s website:

The technical term for the unusual shape of this liner is “ergonomic.” But we have other ways of describing it. (”Feels great.” “Fits like a glove.” “Changes your life.”) If you’ve ever struggled with liquid before – ever had it skip or smear – you’ll be amazed at how much more control you have in this super smartly designed felt-tip tool. Not to mention the non-feathering, water-resistant formula. Smooth sailing, all the way. Available in the Richest, Deepest Black.

I say YES to all of these things and this really is the best cruelty free drugstore eyeliner around! Even as a pro liquid liner can sometimes be slightly less than cooperative when you have a client with twitchy eye, or if you’re still sleepy starting a wedding before dawn. One of the best things about this bomb ass super inexpensive cruelty free drugstore eyeliner is that the application is very smooth and very black on the first pass. Layering over a liquid application too many times to darken the color will make it flaky and when using black it’s because you want a bold, sharp, and dark as night line, so why mess with a product that can only deliver when coaxed?

Bunk or Buy: BUY!!!! There is nothing I don’t like about this applicator and formula. Milani really hit it out of the park with this water resistant, smooth, precise black eyeliner and I highly suggest you pick one up.