15 Best Waterproof Eyeliners - Smudge Proof Eyeliners 2024

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1

Easiest to Blend

Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner

1

Easiest to Blend

Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner

Pros

• Comes in shimmer, jewel, and matte finishes
• Infused with skincare ingredients

Cons

• Some said the pencil is too soft

This satin kajal liner just made it easier to master a quick smoky effect. Simply blend out with the attached smudge-tool after lining your eyes.

Customer review: “This is the best eyeliner I’ve purchased. It stays in place, does not transfer and the color is perfect. I ordered burgundy and liked it so much I ordered another in brown.” —Karen M

2

Best Longwear

Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner

2

Best Longwear

Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner

Pros

• Comes in matte and shimmer finishes
• Ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes

Cons

• Better for a thicker line than a fine tip

These pencils come in both matte and shimmer finishes, in every color from basic black to bright teal. And most importantly, they’re also waterproof and smudge-proof for up to 24 hours.

Customer review: “This pencil is great! Applies easy, stays put and no fade. The caveat: always use an eye primer for easy application and smudge-proof wear. That’s the secret for any eye makeup addict.”

3

Best Texture

Kulfi Underlined Kajal Waterproof Eyeliner

3

Best Texture

Kulfi Underlined Kajal Waterproof Eyeliner

Pros

• Super smooth application
• Highly pigmented

Cons

• Some reviewers had issues with breaking

This super smooth liner effortlessly glides on, leaving behind the perfect line of bold pigment.

Customer review: “These Kulfi Long Wear Eye liners are worth the hype. They don’t budge! I have the color rain check, a beautiful blue. It’s very pigmented and applies so smoothly—no tugging! They set so well and stayed put all day long! Makes me wanna try more colors!”

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4

Best for Waterline

Jillian Dempsey Khôl Eyeliner

4

Best for Waterline

Jillian Dempsey Khôl Eyeliner

Pros

• One of the rare brands to offer a bright white liner
• Built-in smudge brush

Cons

• Some had issues with color bleeding

This pigment-rich clean formula works just as well for your waterline as it does splashed across your lids, doubling as an eye shadow.

Customer review: “This is the best eyeliner I have ever bought. Glides on smoothly and the blender on the other end is soft but effective at softening the look.” —Hollie

5

Best Precision Liner

Ilia Clean Line Liquid Liner

5

Best Precision Liner

Ilia Clean Line Liquid Liner

Pros

• Felt tip allows for easy control

Cons

• Color isn’t as pigmented

Clean ingredients aside, this liner would earn a place in the Liquid Liner Hall of Fame based on its precise application and stay-put formula alone.

Customer review: “I’m more of a classic pencil gal so I was hesitant to try this. But I’m glad I did! Stays put and takes little time to apply.” —Kimberly

6

Works for Face and Body

Danessa Myricks Beauty Waterproof Cushion Color

6

Works for Face and Body

Danessa Myricks Beauty Waterproof Cushion Color

Pros

• Great bright color options

Cons

• Pot and brush packaging may have a learning curve

Danessa Myricks Beauty is all about makeup artist flexibility—and this eye color doesn’t disappoint. Use it as a waterproof eyeliner one day, then blend it out before it sets to try the shade as an eye shadow the next.

Customer review: “I have found my new perfect eyeliner. Goes on easily and washed off thoroughly. And the contents in the jar don’t dry out very quickly.” —Harriet L

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7

Best Oil-Free Liner

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

7

Best Oil-Free Liner

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Pros

• Great price
• Highly pigmented

Cons

• Some customer-fave shades have been discontinued

This little pot of gel liner has a tiny brush to help you apply a look that lasts up to 24 hours.

Customer review: “I’ve tried other gels from expensive, reputable companies but this one really stands out.” —Boo1954

8

Best for a Cat-Eye

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

8

Best for a Cat-Eye

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Pros

• Great for precise lining

Cons

• Takes a bit longer to dry

Like the best-selling mascara that shares its name, this intense, long-lasting liquid liner promises a, well, mind-blowing application.

Customer review: “This is one of the best marker type liquid liners. So easy to use and super pigmented. Definitely a staple in my makeup routine.” —paisleysummer

9

Best Soft Finish

Charlotte Tilbury Rock ’n’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

9

Best Soft Finish

Charlotte Tilbury Rock ’n’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

Pros

• Great color range
• Smooth application

Cons

• Some found it difficult to sharpen

If you prefer a more blended, soft line, look no further: Unlike a lot of waterproof liners that draw rigid lines, this pencil has a kohl-like finish.

Customer review: “As a woman over 50, this is the best, smoothest liner I’ve found. It glides on so easily and stays put. I bought the Marlene Midnight....it is a great alternative to basic black! Goodbye old, hard eye pencils!” —alanes

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10

Best Color Selection

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner

10

Best Color Selection

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner

Pros

• Great shade range, including brights and white
• Great price

Cons

• Some found it difficult to sharpen

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a black eyeliner that really lasts. Work quickly with this one, because once it sets, you’ll need an oily makeup remover to get it off.

Customer review: “I’ve tried numerous brands of ‘long wearing’ eyeliner even the most expensive ones, but this liner beats them all. Other liners smudge onto my contact lenses. L’Oréal stays put all day right where I apply it.” —Yammas

11

Best Pick for the Pros

Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner

11

Best Pick for the Pros

Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner

Pros

• Deeply pigmented
• As waterproof as it gets

Cons

• Some said it dried out quickly

Used backstage at many top runway shows (and by one Taylor Swift on her Eras Tour), this inky and super-black liquid liner is best wielded by a skilled liner enthusiast. It’s a little too liquid for beginners.

Customer review: “I’ve re-bought this at least five times. You will not get a blacker liner with such precision and fast-drying results. Just call off the dogs, the search is over.” —rswerdlw

12

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bang! 24-Hour Waterproof Eyeliner

12

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bang! 24-Hour Waterproof Eyeliner

Pros

• Great for smoky eyes
• Built-in smudge brush

Cons

• Some reviewers had issues with breaking

The thin pencil can be drawn in super close to your lash line or blended with the smudge tip—either way, your look is set for up to 24 hours.

Customer review: “Stays put! I love this eyeliner. A big part of my day used to be wiping under my eyes for smeared eyeliner. Not anymore! This stuff is great, it’s creamy when it goes on…you have a few seconds to adjust…and then it stays put. Definitely need real makeup remover to remove.”

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13

Fast-Drying Formula

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner

13

Fast-Drying Formula

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner

Pros

• Great for thin or thicker lines
• Dries quickly on lids

Cons

• Some said it dried out quickly

The formula is reminiscent of the Pat McGrath liner, except Rihanna’s version has an even longer and pointier felt tip. Use it to stamp the perfect wing at the outer corner of your eyes, then trace the line across your lid.

Customer review: “Love this so much. Doesn’t smudge or move especially when you sweat. It stays all day and it’s super pigmented. It’s amazing.” —Jasmine594

14

Best Budget Buy

e.l.f. Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

14

Best Budget Buy

e.l.f. Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

Pros

• Can be used for thin or thicker lines
• Great price

Cons

• Sharpie-like tip can feel stiff

There is no excuse not to have this $3 waterproof eyeliner in your makeup kit. Once you try it, you might never understand why you ever spent more than the price of a can of Coke on eyeliner.

Customer review: “The lines are quite surprising from such an inexpensive liner. I have bought brown and black and will continue to buy this pencil!” —CO

15

Best Creamy Texture

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

15

Best Creamy Texture

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Pros

• Comes in matte, shimmer, glitter, satin, and metallic shades
• Lasts up to 16 hours

Cons

• Doesn’t apply as smoothly to the waterline

The smoothest and creamiest waterproof eyeliner we’ve ever tried, in shades you didn’t even know you needed.

Customer review: “I keep repurchasing UD eyeliners. They apply smoothly and have staying power.” —CRHI

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